Red Sox Getting Healthier

According to multiple reports, Boston DH David Ortiz will return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against Texas. Ortiz has been out since Aug. 14 with right heel bursitis.



Ellsbury came back last night, and you could see the difference in the offense. Now with the Red Sox getting Ortiz back this lineup can get back to normal. Sure they are still missing Youk, but that is something they can overcome. As of today the Red Sox are tied with the Yankees for first place in the AL East. That win last night over Texas was really impressive. They did it will Lackey on the hill and without Ortiz or Youk. Texas is a team that really scares me, but hopefully the Sox have found their rhythm against them.

Ellsbury Back Today

Jacoby Ellsbury, sidelined since getting hit on the back by a pitch in Kansas City, is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Rangers. Thank Christ, because this is getting kind of ridiculous. Our injury lineup is looking better then our actually starting lineup, but with Ellsbury back at least it gives them somewhat of a normal lineup.



Also, it sounds like Ortiz could be back later this week. He is supposed to take batting practice and be evaluated today. And not that anyone cares, but JD Drew started his rehab assignment and is supposed to rejoin the Red Sox Sept 1st.

Red Sox 8, Twins 6

David Ortiz's 4 hits (including a homer and double) and 3 RBI propelled the Sox to victory last night. However, the game-winning run crossed the plate after Wakefield finished his outing, thwarting yet another bid for Wakefield's 200th career win.

Wake was, however, good enough to receive a 'W.' 7 innings, 3 earned runs, 5 runs total. He hasn't been great for the Sox this year, but his service has been invaluable, considering the alternative would be some AAA pitcher. Even though his ERA is 4.92, that's still pretty good for a 45 year old.

Another unsung hero of the season - Jarrod Saltalamacchia - had a good night. He hit a solo homerun (his 11th of the year), and an RBI double in the 9th. Guys such as him and Josh Reddick have kept the lineup solid from top to bottom. There are no easy innings for opposing pitchers.

Tonight, Bedard faces Francisco Liriano, who is 7-9 with a 5.03 ERA.

-The Commodore

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.