David Ortiz/ Kevin Gregg Suspended 4 games

Well both Ortiz and Gregg were suspended 4 games for fighting and Mike Gonzalez was suspended for 3.

I'm fine with all of them to be honest, you have to keep your cool if your David Ortiz, Kevin Gregg deserved it for instigating and Mike Gonzalez blatantly tried hitting Ortiz.

I'm sure Papi will appeal and get the suspension delayed until after the Rays series in which David Price and James Shields will pitch.

Good Question

If the Red Sox had one 2 year 25 million dollar contract to give out, who would you give it to, Papelbon or Ortiz.

I'm really torn up by this because these are 2 positions I think you can get someone off the street and they can do. Ortiz obviously has had a huge resurgence this year after having some OK years the passed couple of them, and Papelbon has the numbers, but if you watch the Sox nothing really instills confidence.

I'm not really ready to say that Daniel Bard is the future closer, because I don't think he can handle it. Last year he was a disaster when it came to closing situations and Papelbon has converted 20 of 21 saves this year. If it's not broke, why fix it.

With Ortiz he is obviously older, he could bat .230 next year and no one would really be surprised, but he does have hero status here in Boston. I really do think he is a great influence on this team in the locker room. However, he is a hell of a hitter, has worked on hitting leftys and is no longer a HR or bust guy.

At the end of the day I will stick with a strong bullpen and lock up Papelbon because it's pretty much a game over once you get to the 8th when it goes Bard/ Papelbon. I hate to see Ortiz go, but I think he can be easily replaced if need be.

Ortiz Says He Wants 2 Year Deal

Well this really shouldn't shock anyone, but Ortiz came out and stated that he is looking for a 2 year deal from the Red Sox...

You know what? I’ve been in this organization for nine years. My numbers ain’t that bad, you know what I’m saying?” said Ortiz. “I don’t think I need to open any more eyes than I have already. If you haven’t seen me, you ain’t.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve got more in the tank, I’ve got more than that. I’m just going to turn 36,” Ortiz said. “What’s the worst thing that’s going to happen to me from now through the next two, three years?”

A year back I wasn't so sure what to do with Ortiz. I thought most likely the best option was to let him ride out his contract and then let him go, but he has been so good that I think he deserves a 2 year deal. He has changed his body shape, and looks a lot skinner. I think this has helped out a ton, and it can only help those terrible knees he has now that there is less weight on them. I am fine with Ortiz getting something like a 2 year $20 million dollar deal, and I hope he gets done ASAP.

MLB HR Derby

Well tonight's is the HR Derby. Here is who will be in it...

NL:
Prince Fielder, MIL
Matt Holliday, STL
Matt Kemp, LAD
Rickie Weeks, MIL

AL:
Jose Bautista, TOR
Robinson Cano, NYY
Adrian Gonzalez, BOS
David Ortiz, BOS

I think the 3 favorites have to be Bautista, Fielder, and Ortiz. I'm taking Ortiz tonight. He has the perfect swing for this kind of event and has done it before. I also think the AL is going to be way better then the NL (when aren't they), because the only one on that side that I think will make some noise is Fielder. Anyways, event starts at 8pm and should be fun with 2 Red Sox hitting.

Baby Ortiz

On Friday night, David Ortiz found himself in the middle of a beanball battle, and I'm sorry, but he was the baby of the group. All laundry aside, he charged the mound because someone told him to run to first base instead of jog casually to his dugout. Really? That reminds me of Gerald Williams in 2000, charging the mound because Pedro spat in his general direction. Is that all it takes for these overly sensitive prima donna hitters to make a move toward the pitcher?

Know what, Ortiz got thrown at. Belt high. And he threw a hissy fit. As so many hitters have thrown so many times the last decade and a half. It's become an insult if a pitcher dares try to reclaim the inside of the plate, especially against a hulking lefty.

Sorry folks, but Gregg went about things the right way. He aimed for Ortiz's fleshy middle section, missed, and then got the stare down. Then it happened again. Ortiz's temper tantrum over inside pitching is just the latest example of hitters acting like spoiled babies who think the entire plate belongs to them.

And as far as the Red Sox go, I want Ortiz leaning over the plate. He's a better hitter when he takes control over that territory. But I'm not going to defend him when he acts like a baby because someone pitched inside to him. Especially not when it's all well below the skull. And I'm not going to praise his pugilistic prowess because he threw a mighty hook/uppercut that completely missed (because he was off-balance. Mick from Rocky would have tied a rope between his ankles).

Ortiz fights about as well as he fields. The Orioles actually pitched him inside. Something the Yankees have never had the stones to do. And I'm not going to criticize another team for following the basic fundamental principles of pitching. I also think Ortiz charging the mound for something as trivial as Gregg's gestures is beyond childish. Ortiz threw a temper tantrum, we here in Boston are praising him for it, but I think he acted like a spoiled baby.

-The Commodore

Ortiz In HR Derby

Ortiz in in the Homerun Derby again this year after winning it last year. He also serve as the captain of the American League team , which entitles him to pick the other three players in the Derby. Usually I don't like when players from the Sox are in it, but I don't think it affects Ortiz much, so whatever.

As for who he should pick, there are a bunch of Yankees that are near the top of HRs, but I hope he snubs all of them and goes with Miguel Cabrera, Jose Bautista, and Carlos Quentin. All those guys can crush HRs and are having good years from themselves.

Sounds Like Gonzalez Will Play Some OF

DP talked about it earlier, but it seem to becoming a reality that Adrian Gonzalez will play some OF while on this 9 game NL road trip. I have been back and forth about this. I do think it's a risk. Obviously it's a risk from a standpoint that he is the slowest guy on the team and now we are going to have him running after pop ups and line drives. Yet, I think the bigger risk is getting him hurt. That would be the worst and make Francona look like a complete moron.

I still think it's worth it. Gonzalez and Ortiz are on such a tear that you don't want either out of the lineup. Pittsburgh and Philly both have pretty small right fields, so I think you'll see Gonzalez play a game in RF in each park. Then I also thing you'll see him sit a game or two on this trip. That way each guy can stay on somewhat regular playing time. I'll be in Pittsburgh for all three games, so hopefully I will get to see him play out there, because I want to see both these guys in the lineup.

Hey Red Sox, Time To Extend Ortiz

I have been the one for awhile that has been saying, "let's just wait with Ortiz. Let him ride out his contract and move on". I was wrong, this guy is still as good as ever, and I don't think it's a fluke.

It seems if you put the talent around him, he is good. Well We have Gonzo forever now, so let's resign Ortiz. I would love to see him sign a 2 year deal. I don't really care about the money (2 years $25 million?). Right now, he is hitting lefties, righties, it just doesn't matter. Ortiz is hitting .317/.388/.609 with 17 homers, and it's time for the Sox to get a deal done.

Red Sox 8, Yankees 3

If you stayed up late, really late, you saw the Sox beat the Yankees. Many people might have endured the 3+ hour rain delay, and watched Sabathia cruise through the Sox lineup. It wasn't until the 7th that the Sox got to Sabathia. He was working a 2-hitter going into that frame, and he left on the hook for the loss.

Ortiz was once again the centerpiece of the offense. He had a pair of hits in that 7th inning, including a 2 run double.

If I were a Yankee fan, I'd be pretty pissed. Not only have the Yankees failed to beat the Red Sox on the field, they're not pitching inside. Sabathia had the stones to hit Ortiz. But Ortiz got the last laugh. Ortiz has played 161 games against the Yankees and had NEVER been hit by a pitch.

I wish the Sox could play the Yankees every game.

A three game set in Toronto begins tonight. Clay Buchholz faces Jo-Jo Reyes.

-The Commodore

Red Sox 9 Angels 5

Red Sox wore Weaver down, something no team had been able to do all season. I was at the game last night, and one of the best at bats I have ever seen was Dustin Pedroia fouling off 9 pitches in a 13 pitch at bat. At the end of the at bat Pedroia had put the Sox in the lead with a 2 run single. It's hard to explain how awesome it was, but you could just see Weaver lose all the gas he had left in the arm, and at that point you just knew the Red Sox had it.

Buchholz pitched OK, not great he went 6 innings allowing only 2 runs, but also let up 8 hits and only had 2 Ks. He seemed like he was still having problems keeping the ball down, and never really looked all that confident. Still, it was a quality start and I'll take it since I really didn't give the Red Sox much of a chance to win this game.

Boston put the game away in the 7th inning scoring 6 runs. Two of them coming off an Ortiz HR, which is good because he has lacked his power stroke lately. Boston is getting on a little bit of a roll now. They have beaten two of the ALs top pitchers in the last 2 days (Weaver, Hernandez), and are just two games away from .500. I know that's odd to say, but with how bad they had been playing you have to look at the positives.

Rangers 26, Red Sox 11

All the anticipation for Opening Day and then the Rangers outscore the Sox 26-11 in three games. Don't panic yet, though. The Sox can still win those magical 100 games, if that's what you care about. They'd just have to go 100-59 in the remaining 159 games. And that's certainly possible.

Had the Sox done well this weekend, I would have been my wet blanket self, and pleaded for everyone to settle down, as it's only April. Well it is only April, and so therefore I'm not too worried about what we saw in Texas.

Jon Lester is a perennial slow starter. From 2008 to 2010, he went 3-5 in April, with a 4.58 ERA. So we shouldn't worry about his struggles on Friday.

Carl Crawford is going to improve. He broke out a bit on Sunday, after going hitless in the first two games, and being demoted in the lineup.

Clay Buchholz allowed 4 runs off 4 homers. Apart from those occasional mistakes he was spot on. It's not as if he was allowing 4 or 5 hits in an inning, and being ripped apart by the Rangers' batters. He made some big mistakes, but not many, and give Texas some credit for capitalizing.

And there were some positives this weekend. Adrian Gonzalez has settled right in. 5 for 9 over the weekend with a double and 3 RBI. I feel a burst of homeruns coming from him.

And there doesn't seem to be the annual Ortiz slump in April. Two homeruns already. And when he pulled the ball, he hit it hard enough to get it through the shifted infield. That's a very good sign.

Now to the bad news. John Lackey looked awful the second time through the lineup. Everyone's hoping he improves on his 2010 performance, but none of us (my pessimistic self included) considered that he might get worse.

And the bullpen needs to be "sorted out," to put it mildly. I don't put much stock in Papelbon's struggles on Sunday, as it was a non-save situation after he'd been sitting all weekend. I don't think he even warmed up once. The other pieces to the bullpen puzzle will take some time and some headaches to fall in place.

One thing I hope you all learned this weekend is how important pitching is. The starting pitcher is literally the ONLY player who can singlehandedly lose a game for his team. They're also capable of doing the most to help his team win. Lackey lost Saturday's game, pretty much on his own. And on Sunday, Matt Harrison's 7 innings did more to help Texas win than any of their homerun hitters.

So buck up, there are 159 games left. I mean, Baltimore's in first place. It's not yet time to take things so seriously.

Red Sox at Cleveland for three, starting on Tuesday.

-The Commodore

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox (Hitting)

The Red Sox scored the 2nd most runs in baseball last year. They were 2nd in homeruns, 3rd in OBP, 2nd in slugging, 1st in OPS. In other words, they were pretty good at the plate. And they should be even better in 2011.

Adding Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez were the big stories of the off-season. Not to mention the returns of Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia, who only played in 102 and 75 games last year, respectively. These newcomers and returning producers should more than offset the loss of Beltre and Victor Martinez.

The middle of the lineup will be fierce. Gonzalez, liberated from San Diego's pitcher friendly park, should hit over .300, with an OBP close to .400, slug near .600, and approach 40 homers. Youkilis should hit nearly 30 homers, with an OBP well over .400, and slug around .570.

Putting Crawford and Pedroia ahead of them will result in abundant runs. Gonzalez could knock in 120, and Youkilis should easily surpass 100 RBI.

JD Drew's contract is up, so I think he'll actually play more than 140 games and produce. Then there's Ortiz, whose 32 homers and 102 RBIs were impressive in 2010. But he really struggled against lefties. Drew also can't hit southpaws. So against righties, the Sox will have an excellent 5-6 to keep the pressure on. Against lefties, you'll see plenty of innings ended by Drew and Ortiz.

The bottom of the lineup will be solid enough. I like Ellsbury as a 7th or 9th hitter, either keeping the middle of the orders' rallies going, or helping Crawford and Pedroia start a new one. He should hit .300, with a .350 OBP that keeps him from being a good leadoff option. Minimal power, but plenty of speed.

Scutaro had a decent year last season. But we've all sort of forgotten. So did Lowrie. Having both of them as options is a nice luxury. Both play good defense, and neither are easy outs. That's all you really want or need from the 8th spot in your lineup.

Speaking of easy outs, we come to Varitek/Saltalamacchia. They'll ground into so many double plays. That is, if they even make contact with the ball.

Anyway you stack it, this lineup is pretty sick. Mike Cameron can fill in for Drew against lefties. And the speed of Crawford and Ellsbury can help keep the whole batting order from slumping. And even if a tough lefty is on the mound, guys like Youkilis (.404 against LHP last year), can still give them problems.

The Sox scored 818 runs last year, or 5.05 per game. If they stay healthy, they'll score over 900.

You have an amazing offense, and suspect pitching. I'm reminded of the Cleveland Indians from 1995 to 1999. They'll be fun to watch. They'll win 100 regular season games. And they'll lose the World Series to a team with superior pitching. I'm thinking the Phillies. 1946 all over again.

-The Commodore

Theo Says Ortiz Is "Happy" With One Year Deal

In the weeks leading up to the Red Sox picking up Ortiz's 1 year option (for $12.5 million) Ortiz made it clear he wanted a more then a one year deal. After picking up his option Theo released this statement...

"David is a player who is very important to our ownership and to our fans," said Epstein. "And given these feelings, the fact that he’s still very productive and that there was a one-year solution built in the contract, this seemed like not only the most likely outcome but the one that balanced all the various factors in the most appropriate manner. David did express an interest in multi-year deal to us as well as publicly, and we explored that. But we couldn't find anything that made as much sense as a one-year commitment. At the end David understands this outcome, is very much OK with it and is committed to the 2011 Red Sox."

"I think in the end he realizes that we weren't the position to give him what he was looking for," said Epstein of Ortiz, who has hit 291 home runs in his eight seasons with the Red Sox. "He's happy now, we made sure of that before we reached our final decision. Both sides are moving forward and committed to the 2011 Red Sox winning as many games as we possibly can."

Do I believe Ortiz is "happy"? No, but here is what I think really happened...

Ortiz was brought in and Theo gave him two options. The Red Sox could pick up his one year deal for the vastly overpaid $12.5 million, or they would let him try free agency. We all know there is no way Ortiz would get more then a two year deal on the open market, and there is no way he would make even close to $12.5 million next year (my guess would be something like $14-16 million and that might be generous with the way DH's have been getting paid). I think Ortiz sat back looked at his options and realized this was by far the best idea for him. If be plays well again this season maybe the Sox give him a 2 year deal, but at the end of the day he is getting paid more then 5 million more then any other DH and he is under contract.

I know a lot of people think they "owe it to Ortiz", but I think the Sox are trying to learn from their mistakes with Mike Lowell, and they don't want to get in uncomfortable situation like they had to deal with this year, which is a very good possibility if the Sox gave him a 3 year deal.

Happy to have you back Papi.

The Sox Have Until Midnight To Use Ortiz's Extension (UPDATED)

Talks haven't progressed with David Ortiz and they have until midnight to use his 12 million dollar option. A lot of people seem angry with Ortiz for being unhappy for not getting an extension, but they are wrong. Ortiz is almost Jeterlike in Boston and deserves to get an extension. He's a DH and can hit, throw him a 3 year, 21 million dollar deal and if he rejects it use his option and move on. Ortiz had 32 homers, and 102 RBI's last year and in today's market, that is at least worth 12 million. And don't give me the Jim Thome can do the same thing as Ortiz shit BMack, because he can't.

Last year Ortiz was able to get back into form and be the guy we all relied on when they were winning the championships. He can still do that, and can still do that for 3 more years... why not? He's not playing the field so he doesn't hurt us that way, like Jeter eventually will the Yankees.

Maybe I'm being sentimental, but I really do want to see him retire a Red Sox player.

If we do decline his option, I want Adam Dunn, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.

***UPDATE***

According to NESN the Red Sox are going to pick up Ortiz's option. This doesn't mean they won't work out an extension, but what we do know is that David Ortiz will definitely be a Red Sox in 2011.

The Red Sox also exercised Scott Atchison option. WHile Bill Hall and Felipe Lopez were let go.

Red Sox 6 Orioles 1

Ortiz is playing like someone who wants a new contract. I still wouldn't give it to him, but there is no question in my mind that I would pick up his option for next season. Ortiz went 2-3 last night with a HR and 4 RBI as the Sox took the final game of the series against the Orioles.

John Lackey got the win to make him 13-11 on the season. He looked good, and this stat line is what we wanted to see all year (7 innings 1 run 5 hits 0 BB 4 Ks). Hopefully he can pitch well to finish the year, and bring that momentum into next spring.

I can't believe Millwood is 3-16. I mean I would give him somewhat of a bye since he is playing for one of the worst teams in baseball, but 3-16 is just unacceptable no matter who you play for (his 5.29 ERA proves that).

Anyways, with the win the Sox are still 6 1/2 games behind the Rays for the Wild Card spot.

Red Sox To Pickup Ortiz's Option

"David Ortiz hasn’t heard from the Red Sox about an extension, but the team is prepared to pick up the slugger’s 2011 option, a source told Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com. Ortiz has said all year that he wants to return to Boston and would like an extension; so far, the Red Sox have not given Big Papi any indication that they’re going to offer a multi-year deal.

The Red Sox can bring the 34-year-old back for $12.5MM by exercising his 2011 option (MLBTradeRumors)."

Thank you Red Sox. This is exactly what I wanted them to do, because I don't trust Ortiz past next season, and this way he is motivated to keep it up. There is no reason to give him an extension, this way they get him for another year and if he is terrible there are no strings. If he is good, then maybe they can give him a deal, and even if he does get pissed there is no upside for him tanking it and even if he walks at the end of the 2011 season I'm fine with that.

Great move.

Red Sox 12 Rays 5

The Red Sox injected some youth into their lineup, and for at least 1 night it paid off. Lars Anderson, Nava, Yamaico Navarro, Kalish all started and this is something you will be seeing a lot of the rest of the season.

Lester had a very solid night going 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 10 Ks. Kalish hit a grand slam, Ortiz had a two-run shot and the Sox for once put some runs on the board. Lars Anderson was 0-4 with 2 Ks, there was a time when he was a top prospect, but over the past two years you have to wonder what his value is. Anyways, he will be interesting to watch for the rest of the season.

With the win Boston is now 9 games back of the Yankees and 6 1/2 games behind the Rays for the Wild Card.

Red Sox 6, Angels 3

I hate the term "must-win," especially if it's used for a baseball team in July. However, last night was as close to a must-win scenarios as you can get this time of year. The Rays won, the Yankees won, and the Sox were fresh off a 2-2 split in Seattle.

The Sox won't be acquiring any big name players at the deadline, but they did add All-Star catcher Victor Martinez last night. And he immediately contributed, hitting an RBI single in the 2nd.

But the two big stories were Clay Buchholz and the collective performance by the Sox' 3-4-5 hitters. Buchholz navigated his way around danger - including a 0 out, bases loaded situation in the 2nd - and went 7 solid innings. During that bases loaded jam, his body language got all flustered, by he bore down and did his job. He's come a long way in the confidence department. He couldn't do that last year. His outing was almost spoiled by a wretched Scott Atchison appearance.

I think the Sox should invest in either one good middle-reliever, or two decent middle-relievers at the deadline. Okajima, Delcarmen, Atchison, and Ramirez are all dreadful. They've leaned on Bard all season, and I hate seeing them forced to use Papelbon to get more than 3 outs.

Back to the positives from last night, the 3-4-5 hitters (Youkilis-Ortiz-Beltre) were stupendous, combining to go 7 for 12, scoring 5 runs, knocking in 3. Ortiz hit a pair of homers, Beltre a triple.

The Sox will strive to make it 6-0 against the Angels tonight, as Lackey faces 9-2 Jared Weaver.

-The Commodore

Do We Give Papi An Extension?

Yes it's only "halfway" through the season and I could be caught up in the moment after the HR Derby but I think it's a no brainer that we sign Ortiz after the season. He's batting .263 with 18 HRs and 57 rbis, which is pretty good, and if it weren't for him this year we most likely would be already out of the playoffs. Now the next question is for how much and how many years. He's 34 right now, so how long do you think he can keep this up. He would probably want a 4 year deal, which I wouldn't even entertain if I was Theo. I think a proper deal would be a 3 year, 21 mil deal for David. I mean he is a DH so it's not like we have to worry about his defense.

But know what's scary, I felt I wrote the same thing about Mike Lowell. We all know how that turned out.

Ortiz Wins Homerun Derby

David Ortiz became the first Red Sox player to win the Homerun Derby. He did so convincingly, belting a total of 32 homeruns over 3 rounds. He seemed to revel in the spotlight. It was sort of a re-introduction for him to the rest of the baseball world. Just two and a half months ago, he had a .143 average with only 1 homerun to his credit.

Hopefully this event didn't mess with his swing. And hopefully he has a few more homeruns left in him.

-The Commodore

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