R.N.: Boston Red Sox Dynasty

[plotty]

I am gonna sticky this bad boy for some good reading. Just as long as you lose to KC it will be good.

[ror1fan]

Yeah lose to KC our else

[KC Royals Nation]

Red Sox Stymie Jays in a SkyDome Sweep
Offense clubs 41 hits and 26 runs

The Red Sox' historic offensive attack continued into the weekend, as they made Blue Jays starters David Bush, Roy Halladay, and Josh Towers extremely vulnerable.


Manny Ramirez congratulates David Ortiz after hitting a two-run home run at Sky Dome.

Everyone in the lineup except for Ramon Vazquez contributed with home runs. The traveling Red Sox fans even showed up in abundance, banging drums and singing loudly, drunkedly, and obnoxiously in the outfield stands.

A wordy Jack Dempsey sounded gleeful and optimistic about the club's immediate future. "I couldn't be happier with our offensive direction. Believe it, not having Renty is tough, and we've got some formidable opponents in the Blue Jays and Yankees in our division, but I'm confident we'll pull it through. In fact, mark it. We'll pull it through and win this thing, even without Edgar."

D.L. Update: Renteria is not expected to return to the lineup this season after tearing his left shoulder muscle in the season opener at Yankee Stadium.

Season Opener: On Monday, The Sox will return to Fenway Pahhhhk and open their 2005 season against those dreaded Yankees!

[KC Royals Nation]

BoSox slug their way through first month of season
Team 2nd in league in runs scored, 3rd in batting average

The Red Sox wrapped up the first month of the season on a four-game winning streak, and now hold the best record in the American League. They are ahead of the second place Baltimore Orioles by three games.

The offense continues to produce at near-historic levels, as they have only scored one run fewer than the sluggin' Seattle Mariners. The pitching has been outstanding, as all five starters have stayed healthy and posted a combined earned run average of 3.49.

The Red Sox have continued to demonstrate what made their 2004 offense so dynamic - brute force. "I love hitting in front of Papi," outfielder Manny Ramirez exclaimed. "We both mash the ball well, but so does everyone in our lineup. This lineup is one of the best in history." It is, Manny. It is. And General Manager Jack Dempsey promises to continue to make that 'brute force' even bruter. "Is Bruter even a word? I want me some 'O', and I'm determined to make us an even better force to be reckoned with."

Right-fielder Trot Nixon has received the majority of the playing time in right field, but remains in a lefty/righty platoon role with outfielder Jay Payton. "I love Nixon's grit and the way he handles the bat, but we've got to get Payton his playing time against right-handers, given his success against them in the past," said General Manager Jack Dempsey. "Although I wish we had Ross Gload of the Chicago White Sox....I love me some Gloadie."

Shortstop Edgar Renteria will miss the entire 2007 season with a shoulder muscle that he tore on Opening Day while sliding into second base in an unsuccessful attempt to break up a double play. "Ouch! Don't touch....it hurts!" Looks like Edgar will need plenty of time to recover, but with three years remaining on his contract, he's still the shortstop of the future. "Oh, no doubt," Jack Dempsey said. "Edgar'll be back, and he'll be back in a Red Sox uni(form). You watch." In the meantime, utility infielder Ramon Vazquez has received the bulk of the playing time at shortstop, with third baseman Bill Mueller providing emergency service and spot starts.

News & Notes: Roger Clemens has recently indicated he would enjoy pitching for the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees if the Houston Astros fall out of the pennant race by July. "There's no doubt, I would love a homecoming to either city. I want a ring, dammit, and I know I have a great chance as any in Boston or New York." When reached for a reply, Dempsey said "No comment."

Roster transactions:
4/3 - Placed IF Edgar Renteria on 60-Day Disabled List; recalled IF Kevin Youkilis from AAA Pawtucket
4/25 - Demoted RHP Matt Mantei to AAA Pawtucket; recalled RHP Reynaldo Garcia from AAA Pawtucket

Down On The Farm:
AAA Pawtucket: 16-7 (first place in IL North)
AA Portland: 13-10 (second place in EL North)
A Wilmington: 12-10 (tied for first place in CARL North)



Record: 18-6 (.750%), 1st place in AL East
Runs Scored: 158 (2/14)
Runs Allowed: 91 (2T/14)
vs. West: 2-0
vs. East: 16-6
HR: 40 (2/14)
SB: 8 (10/14)
AVG: .310 (3/14)
ERA: 3.36 (2/14)
F%: .984 (13/14)

A.L. East Standings:
RED SOX (18-6)
Orioles (15-9)
Yankees (13-11)
Blue Jays (10-15)
Devil Rays (5-19)

Organizational Awards:

A Pitcher of the Month: Joe Booker (1.37 ERA, 17 K)
AA Pitcher of the Month: Bobby Jones (1.78 ERA, 22 K)
AAA Pitcher of the Month: Byung-Hyun Kim (3.60 ERA, 21 K)
A Batter of the Month: Matt Charlton (.293 BA, 4 HR)
AA Batter of the Month: Pete Benson (.282 BA, 2 HR)
AAA Batter of the Month: Ellis Burks (.372 BA, 6 HR)

Team statistics:

CF Johnny Damon .287/ .417/ .511 5 19 2
RF Trot Nixon .368/ .462/ .711 5 29 0
LF Manny Ramirez .253/ .387/ .563 7 14 0
DH David Ortiz .307/ .369/ .653 11 24 0
1B Kevin Millar .343/ .368/ .539 4 16 0
C Jason Varitek .313/ .432/ .493 2 5 0
3B Bill Mueller .259/ .381/ .383 1 8 1
3B Kevin Youkilis .397/ .527/ .707 3 19 0
SS Ramon Vazquez .318 .430/ .439/ 1 7 3

C Doug Mirabelli .375/ .423/ .375 0 2 0
1B Doug Mientkiewicz .400 .500/ .400/ 0 2 0
2B Mark Bellhorn .288/ .393/ .404 1 8 1
RF Jay Payton .200/ .259/ .280 0 1 1

SP Curt Schilling 30.1 3.56 9 28
SP David Wells 32.2 3.31 10 26
SP Matt Clement 35.0 3.86 17 32
SP Tim Wakefield 33.0 1.91 19 31
SP Wade Miller 18.1 4.42 5 18

RP Reynaldo Garcia 1.0 0.00 0 1
RP John Halama 8.2 2.08 2 12
RP Bronson Arroyo 13.0 4.15 6 11
RP Scott Williamson 10.1 4.36 3 7
RP Alan Embree 8.0 2.25 2 11
RP Mike Timlin 10.0 6.30 3 10
RP Keith Foulke 11.0 1.64 3 11 7 SV

League Leaders: (A.L. ranking)
AVG: Trot Nixon (6)
OBP: Trot Nixon (4)
SLG: Trot Nixon (2), David Ortiz (5)
HR: David Ortiz (1), Manny Ramirez (T-6)
RBI: Trot Nixon (1), David Ortiz (4)
H: Kevin Millar (T-5)
BB: Johnny Damon (1), Manny Ramirez (T-3)
3B: Trot Nixon (T-1)
TB: David Ortiz (3), Kevin Millar (8)
W: David Wells, Matt Clement, Tim Wakefield (T-1)
ERA: Keith Foulke (1.64)
SV: Keith Foulke (T-2)
OPP AVG: Keith Foulke (T-1)
SO: Matt Clement (4), Tim Wakefield (5)
IP: Matt Clement (5)

Organizational Rankings:
Pitching (2nd), Hitting (2nd), Defense (25th), Speed (29th)

Milestone Watch:
Manny Ramirez - 397 career home runs (3 away from 400)
Johnny Damon - 265 career stolen bases (35 away from 300)
Curt Schilling - 185 career victories (15 away from 200)

[KC Royals Nation]

Other News & Notes from April:

Papi drills 12 RBI in historic game against Orioles
David "Big Papi" Ortiz became the first Red Sox player to drive in more than 10 runs in a game. In the second game of a double-header against the Baltimore Orioles, the burly left hander drove in an amazing 12, crushing TWO grand slam home runs in the Red Sox' 19-5 victory in front of a sellout crowd at Fenway Pahhhhk.

Red Sox interested in Larkin?
The Red Sox have made at least one contract offer to Free Agent shortstop Barry Larkin, who is looking to come back and play after spending last season with the Cincinnati Reds and all offseason toiling on the Free Agent market. "I want to play in Boston, but the money needs to be right. I don't think they are giving me their best offer," Larkin stated.

Matt Mantei upset after demotion
After being demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket on April 25, Matt Mantei was none too happy. "They gave me four innings. Four #@#%@# innings, and this is the reward I get? I don't understand it. For Reynaldo Garcia? I don't get it."

Hanley Ramirez shines in Portland
Hanley Ramirez finished April with a .280 batting average, clubbing two home runs and stealing 6 bases in 24 games. "We've got to take it slow. We think extremely highly of Hanley. He's a phenomenal talent. 2006 is our projected date for him right now. Look for him in Pawtucket soon if he keeps this kind of production up," director of Player Development Mathias "Black Jack" Plotcheck said.

Games on ESPN:
4/3 @nyy (W)
4/4 @nyy (L)
4/5 @nyy (W)
4/13 vs. NYY (L)
4/26 @bal (L)

Upcoming ESPN Games:
4/10 @oak
4/21 vs. ATL
4/27 @nyy
4/28 @nyy
4/29 @nyy

(Note: ESPN Games are played - and sometimes watched - by yours truly)

Any other questions or comments? Drop me a line!

[KC Royals Nation]

Red Sox wrap up May on 14 game winning streak
Sawwwwx finish with best monthly record in club history



And so the April showers became May flowers as the Red Sox wrapped up the third month of spring with a fourteen game winning streak. The team finished the month with the best regular season record in team history to date - 42-10 - and scored the best monthly record in club history by going 24-4.

The Sox have scored the most runs in baseball (343) and have surrendered the second fewest (171). Analysts such as Peter Gammons, Tim Kurkjian, and John Kruk are already deeming this year's squad the best team ever assembled. General Manager Jack Dempsey has already added to the roster through one trade and one Free Agent acquisition, and he hopes to do more, should the situation arise. "Could we add more to this amazing squad of young men? Absolutely. Will we? It's possible. Do I answer my own questions too much? Absolutely not."

After the press conference, Dempsey rubbed the bellies of David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez in aspirations for postseason success.

News & Notes:

- Sellouts: Every home game this season is sold out. Record attendances were on hand for the Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 games against the Atlanta Braves, in the midst of defending 14 consecutive division championships, as standing room seats were completely full.

- Red Sox Nation Conference: The online message board Red Sox Nation will convene on Friday, June 3 and stampede the field before the game against the Anaheim Angels. "It's going to be a blast. Everyone will dress up like their favorite Red Sox player and run the bases before the game. It's a charity event", said Nation moderator Bill Kaliherka.

- More Interleague games: The Red Sox travel to St. Louis and Chicago to face the Cardinals (6/6-6/8) and the Cubs (6/10-6/12). Each game at Busch Stadium and Wrigley Field will be sold out. The Red Sox then travel home to face the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

- Shortstop need: The Red Sox have been gradually using Bill Mueller as their starting shortstop. Edgar Renteria remains sidelined for the rest of the season.

- Hanley Ramirez promoted to AAA Pawtucket: Finally, number one organizational prospect Hanley Ramirez has been promoted to AAA Pawtucket, and will presumably leadoff there for the rest of the season. "We want to take it slow with Hanley. With the absence of Edgar (Renteria), there's still no need to rush the kid," G.M. Jack Dempsey said.

- Youuuuuuuk: Chants of "Yooouuuuuk" have begun to circulate throughout Fenway Park as the heralded Moneyball once-prospect has emerged onto the scene in a big way, taking over the everyday third base job from Bill Mueller. Youkilis is hitting .343 and slugging .615 over 56 games, hitting 9 home runs and 39 RBI.

- Possible roster additions: As hinted above, Dempsey has made it clear that he intends to improve this team at the trade deadline, to ensure back-to-back World Series titles. Among possible names revealed by MLB Trade Rumors is pitcher Barry Zito, pitcher Roger Clemens, utilityman Chone Figgins, second baseman Alfonso Soriano, and infielder Hank Blalock. Who knows?

Roster moves:

- The Sox traded Pawtucket reliever Anastacio Martinez for Minnesota Twins right-hander Jesse Crain. Crain was added to the 25-man roster, and reliever Reynaldo Garcia was demoted back to Pawtucket. Crain will serve as the 7th inning setup man, while a struggling Mike Timlin will be reduced to a less pressurized role.

- IF Ricky Gutierrez released from Pawtucket (5/2), LHP Phil Seibel released from Pawtucket (5/25), 1B Darnell Burnside released from Portland (5/30)

- OF Brian Gregorio (A) signed, and IF Andrew Prince (A) signed.

Minor League Promotions: OF Dan Bell promoted to AA, IF Hanley Ramirez promoted to AAA, RHP Jacob Jones promoted to AAA, RP Carlos Rigueiro promoted to AA

Down On The Farm:
Pawtucket Red Sox: 36-17 (1st Place in IL North)
Portland Sea Dogs: 26-26 (2nd Place Tie in EL North)
Wilmington Blue Rocks: 27-24 (1st Place Tie in CarL North)

AL East Standings:
1. Boston Red Sox: 42-10
2. Baltimore Orioles: 31-21
3. New York Yankees: 26-25
4. Toronto Blue Jays: 21-31
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays: 18-35

ESPN schedule for June:
June 4 - ANA @ BOS
June 8 - BOS @ STL
June 10: BOS @ CHC
June 12: BOS @ CHC
June 25: BOS @ PHI

AAA Player of the Month: Ellis Burks (.329/.441/.546, 11 HR, 39 RBI on the year)
AA Player of the Month: Pete Benson (.294/.345/.458, 7 HR, 24 RBI on the year)
A Player of the Month: Don Uribe (.293/.334/.410, 3 HR, 19 RBI)
AAA Pitcher of the Month: Byung-Hyun Kim (3-3, 3.81 ERA, 56.2 IP)
AA Pitcher of the Month: Ramon Perez (2-4, 2.70 ERA, 63.1 IP)
A Pitcher of the Month: Joe Booker (4-4, 2.14 ERA, 54.2 IP)

[KC Royals Nation]

The amateur draft won't take place until after the season, but I'm already thinking about which type of players I should take. Given the composition of this roster, what type of players should I strive for?

Any possibilities?

Here's what I have in mind:

- Plate discipline: I'm an advocate for this. I believe it's important to have guys who work the count but are selectively aggressive. Kevin Youkilis has helped my team tremendously this season.

- Powerful arms: I think powerful arms will translate better into real Major League results, at least in this game. I love finessers (hey, I was one), but I'm thinking about going after guys who can throw 93 or above.

But I'm not doubting that the best talent should be selected every round. The draft budget this year will at least be top 5, as it has been the last several years. I'm also planning on signing a couple (YOUNG, undrafted) free agent players. But I also plan on making at least one splash in the Free Agent market.

Think BIG, folks. Our goal is to preserve a World Championship for the fine city of Boston every season. We're going to improve this team BIGTIME.

[plotty]

With BoSox's payroll you should make two/three splashes.

And I agree with the direction in the draft. You need to get some contact guys (I'd think maybe a 5-tooler) and a guy that can gas it up.

[KC Royals Nation]

Thanks, plotty. Here are a few notes straight from the G.M.

- July has now almost complete. Our record is 82-22. It's a historic season in Beantown, as every starting pitcher is truly lighting it up with amazing stats. Our hitting is on pace to score over 1,000 runs.

- It looks like Roger Clemens isn't coming to Beantown, as many reports back in May and June suggested. As much as I would love to have Roger Clemens doning the Red socks, the Astros appear determined to hang onto the 42-year old as they remain in the pennant race.

- As far as trade rumors go, I'm looking to acquire a reliever, but only on a short-term contract, and am not willing to give up much at all for him. I want to make a bigger trade splash this offseason or next mid-season for a long-term solution either in the starting rotation or in the lineup.

- Kevin Youkilis is arguably my breakthrough player of the year. I want him to remain my third baseman for the forseeable future.

- I might try to acquire another right-handed bat to complement Trot Nixon in the lineup next year, and provide a trade partner, as Nixon hits righties and the right-hander hits lefties.

- Pretty satisfied with my 7th/8th inning duo of Jesse Crain and Scott Williamson. They have generally been lights out in front of Keith Foulke, who now sports a 1.17 ERA.