Summer Baseball Tour 2011 - Yankee Stadium

LOS ANGELES ANGELS AT NEW YORK YANKEES

AUGUST 10th, 2011

YANKEES 9 - ANGELS 3

The New York Yankees play under the brightest lights with the highest expectations in the biggest city in the United States. Every season the expectation isn’t to merely contend for a playoff berth – but to win the World Series. From the first day of spring training the mindset within the organization is that the Yankees will be the last team standing in October. The franchise and their fans have reason to think that way – their 27 World Series titles are by far the most in Major League history. How do the Yankees consistently uphold these overreaching expectations? By outspending the competition. The Yankees extravagant payroll is often a point of heated discussion between baseball fans about the justice of the current payroll system. For example, the Yankees starting infield of Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez have a larger combined salary number than the total payroll of 12 Major League teams. However, the fact is that the Yankees are well in their right to spend as much as they would like and still be in compliance with the current MLB team payroll legislature. 

RF Nick Swisher, 1B Mark Teixeira, CF Curtis Granderson, and LF Brett Gardner

As usual, the Yankees are in contention to achieve their lofty goal of October success.The lineup is explosive, the bullpen, led by Mariano Rivera, is deep and experienced, and CC Sabathia is an elite ace at the top of the rotation. Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira are tied for second in the AL in home runs with 35, Robinson Cano leads the team with a .303 average, Brett Gardner has contributed a team high 36 steals and we have yet to mention Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, and Alex Rodriguez.

The Angels are pushing the Rangers for American League West title, thanks in large part to their superb starting rotation, led by Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana. Weaver leads the AL in ERA (2.10) and is third in WHIP (0.97), Haren has a sub 3 ERA (2.98) and is ranked in the top five for  WHIP (0.98, 4th) and wins (13, 4th) while Santana's 3.17 ERA and 1.17 WHIP are excellent for a third starter. Offensively the Angels have struggled. The Halos rank 9th in the AL in total bases, 10th in home runs, and 11th in runs scored and OPS.

Yankees SP Ivan Nova

The pitching matchup on Wednesday night was Garret Richards (Major League Debut) versus Ivan Nova (10-4, 3.81). Richards couldn’t pick a tougher lineup to be making his Major League debut against or a more intimidating venue. Coming into the 2011 season, Richards was ranked as the seventh best prospect in the Angels system by Baseball America. Nova has pitched well for the Yankees this season and his strong performances should cement his spot in the postseason rotation.

View of Yankee Stadium from left field

Yankee Stadium, 2009

Yankee Stadium is located in New York within the borough of the Bronx. The new Yankee Stadium has the unenviable and seemingly impossible task of replacing the historic “House That Ruth Built”. The recognizable white frieze outlines the stadium roof of the upper deck. The concourses are large and resemble all the other modern ballparks. The Yankees made an serious effort to modernize the stadium, installing a top notch video board above the club in centerfield. Monument Park, a great homage to past Yankee greats, was relocated from the old stadium to below the club in centerfield in the new stadium. Having never visited the old Yankee Stadium, I can't make any direct comparisons between the two stadiums, but I can assume that the old stadium was very akin to Fenway and Wrigley, blessed with a strong personality and a great history while the new stadium provides a more comfortable setting to watch a ball game.

Location of Seat

View from Section 414 at Yankee Stadium

Section 414 - Row 1 - Seat 14

These seats were in the first row of the upper deck. Even though we were far away from the action, the view of the field is good and keeping your head in the game is easy. I prefer seats down the first base side or behind the plate. The Yankees used glass as their protective barriers, making it easier to see the field.

Wednesday, August 10th 2011

 Starting lineups for Angels and Yankees

LINEUPS

LOS ANGELES

SS Erick Aybar - Andrew Romine

2B Howie Kendrick

DH Bobby Abreu

RF Torii Hunter - Russell Branyan

1B Mark Trumbo

LF Vernon Wells

3B Alberto Callaspo
CF Peter Bourjos

C Jeff Mathis
PH Maicer Izturis

Pitchers
SP Garrett Richards
RP Joel Pineiro

As the late Bob Sheppard would say in his recognizable voice for years at Yankee Stadium "Now batting, the shortstop, #2 Derek Jeter, #2"

NEW YORK

LF Brett Gardner

SS Derek Jeter

CF Curtis Granderson

1B Mark Teixeira

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

DH Eric Chavez

C Russell Martin

3B Eduardo Nunez

Pitchers
SP Ivan Nova
RP Rafael Soriano
RP Luis Ayala

Granderson leads offensive charge for Yankees against rookie pitcher.

Before having recorded his first major league out, Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards watched Curtis Granderson round the bases following a 3 run shot in the bottom of the first.

The Yankees had a 5-0 lead before a surprise Peter Bourjos solo home run in the top of the fifth put Los Angeles on the board.

Granderson struck again in the bottom of the fifth, this time a solo effort that padded the Yankees lead to 6-1.

Richards went 5 innings, giving up 6 earned runs on six hits and two walks in his Major League debut.

Ivan Nova pitched very well through six innings, giving up 3 earned on 5 hits.

2011 Home Run Derby champion Robinson Cano went deep off of Joel Pineiro in the 7th that made the game 9-3, that score would be the final.

Next stop on the Summer Baseball Tour 2011: Citizens Bank Park for Washington Nationals versus Philadelphia Phillies.

Summer Baseball Tour 2011 - Citi Field

SAN DIEGO PADRES AT NEW YORK METS

AUGUST 8th, 2011

METS 9 - PADRES 8

Two relatively bad National League teams meeting for a four game series in early August rarely results in compelling baseball but the second game of the San Diego Padres and New York Mets series proved otherwise. The Mets are faced with the rather odd situation of being the second most popular within their own city, always taking a backseat to the more historically successful Yankees. When the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants moved to California in 1957, New York was left without a National League baseball club.  In 1962, the Mets filled that void and embraced both the Dodgers and Giants fan bases by using blue (the primary color of the Dodgers) and orange (the primary color of the Giants) as their team colors.The Mets have had their share of good and bad, most notably the 1969 Amazin' Mets and the infamous 1986 World Series victory over the Red Sox while also dealing with periods of underachieving and controversy.

Over the past six season,The Mets went from being one win away from clinching the National League pennant in 2006, to being major disappointments in 2007 and 2008 when they twice suffered catastrophic September collapses and have since settled in as a national irrelevance, and are on pace for a third consecutive sub .500 season. This season, Jose Reyes leads the NL with a .336 average and his 16 triples are best in the majors. When healthy Reyes is arguably the most dynamic player in the big leagues but the injury prone shortstop succumbed to another hamstring injury the game before we saw the Mets and was placed on the 15 day DL. Overall, the Mets rotation has struggled without ace Johan Santana who has missed the entire season with a shoulder injury and the Mets offense has been mediocre.

San Diego was last season’s biggest surprise that won 90 games but missed the postseason by one game after a September collapse, had no choice but to trade face of the franchise and perennial All Star Adrian Gonzalez before his contract expired at the end of 2011 where they would lose him to the highest bidder and receive nothing in return. Gonzalez was sent to the Red Sox and in return the Padres received 1B Anthony Rizzo and SP Casey Kelly, two of Boston’s top prospects and thus began the Padres extensive rebuild. This season the Padres have produced a team OPS of .655, the worst in the National League and the 68 total home runs they have hit are the lowest total in either league. San Diego is currently in last place in the NL West.

Mets RHP Mike Pelfrey

The pitching matchup Monday night was Tim Stauffer (7-8, 2.96) versus Mike Pelfrey (6-9, 4.48). Stauffer has been a reliable starter for San Diego this season, following last season where he was used primarily as a reliever and posted a 1.85 ERA in 82.2 innings. However, when you dig deeper into the numbers it’s obvious that Petco Park, the Padres notoriously pitcher friendly home, plays a significant role in Stauffer’s overall numbers; in 75 innings at Petco he’s accumulated a 2.64 ERA, but when isolating his stat line to the 78 innings he’s pitched on the road, that number rises to 4.38. Pelfrey has been a full time start with the Mets since 2008 and he's been inconsistent. Last season was his best to date, posting a 3.53 ERA in 204 innings but he doesn't miss many bats (career 5.07 K/9) and hasn't lived up to the expectations that come with being the ninth overall pick, which he was in 2005.

Citi Field

Citi Field, 2009

Citi Field is located in Flushing, New York within the borough of Queens near Arthur Ashe Stadium and the home of the US Open. Citi Field was built to replace the decrepit Shea Stadium, home of the Mets from 1964 to 2008. It’s another ballpark modeled in the retro classic model, the exterior consisting mainly of bricks. In terms of architecture the design is relatively bland. Citi Field has large concourses and various dining options. The Jackie Robinson rotunda, located at the home plate entrance, is a rousing tribute to bravery and courage of the man who broke baseball’s color barrier and a classy gesture by the Mets organization. Citi Field is a quality modern baseball stadium, but the lack of any pre-game atmosphere dampens the overall fan experience.

Location of Seat

View from Section 513 at Citi Field

Section 513 – Row 1 – Seat 4

These seats were in the first row of the upper deck, right behind home plate. You get a good centered view of the field and the video board is directly in your line of sight. The only downside is the big black protective railing which, depending on how you position yourself in your seat, restricts your view of the game much more than the see-through protective railings you see at many other ballparks.

The protective railing could be altered to augment the viewing experience from the upper deck

Monday, August 8th 

LINEUPS

SAN DIEGO

RF Will Venable

SS Jason Bartlett

CF Cameron Maybin

1B Jesus Guzman

2B Orlando Hudson

LF Kyle Blanks

3B Luke Forsythe

C Luis Martinez

PH Blake Tekotte

Pitchers

SP Tim Stauffer

RP Chad Qualls

RP Heath Bell

Batting third and playing third base, #5 David Wright

NEW YORK

CF Angel Pagan

2B Justin Turner

3B David Wright

1B Lucas Duda

LF Jason Bay

RF Willie Harris – Jason Pride

C Ronny Paulino

SS Ruben Tejada

PH Mike Baxter

Pitchers

SP Mike Pelfrey

RP Pedro Beato

RP Ryota Igarashi

RP Jason Isringhausen

Duda caps 9th innings rally with walkoff single off of All Star closer Heath Bell

My expectations weren’t that high for a game between two bad teams sending out mediocre pitchers in a half empty ballpark but baseball is a funny game and the Padres and Mets delivered a memorable evening of unscripted theater. The game seemed over when All Star close Heath Bell entered in the bottom of the ninth with a two run lead, but the Mets battled and Lucas Duda was the hero when he ripped a two RBI single off of Bell that handed the Mets an improbable walkoff win. Earlier in the game, Angel Pagan, Jason Bay, and David Wright all homered for New York while the Padres used the sixth and the eighth to do the majority of their damage. It wasn't elite baseball but it was an exciting game.

Next stop on the Summer Baseball Tour 2011: Yankee Stadium for Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees.

Summer Baseball Tour 2011 - Fenway Park

NEW YORK YANKEES AT BOSTON RED SOX

AUGUST 5th and 6th, 2011

YANKEES 3 – RED SOX 2

RED SOX 10 – YANKEES 4

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox share what is the most celebrated cultural rivalry in Major League Baseball.  I love rivalries, especially those that carry a significant historical meaning like Yankees-Red Sox. I feel that rivalries inspires all involved to take their game to the next level and more often than not, rivalry games have postseason implication. 

I also find the cultural impact of each team compelling. The Red Sox influence isn’t limited to Boston but extends throughout New England. Many writers have waxed poetic about the Fenway experience and the importance of Red Sox fandom being passed down from generation to generation in New England. New Englanders also have an opportunity to watch the future Red Sox as the organization fields minor league teams in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (AAA); Portland, Maine (AA); and Lowell, Massachusetts (Short Season). 

The Yankees play under the bright lights in the league’s biggest market. For years, before the Red Sox finally rid themselves of the alleged “Curse of the Bambino” and won a World Series, the Yankee fans routinely boasted about their historical superiority and abundance of World Championships. Like in Red Sox Nation, tradition is of the utmost importance to Yankee fans and like the Red Sox, the Yankees house minor league affiliates in nearby Scranton, Pennsylvania (AAA); Trenton, New Jersey (AA); and Staten Island, New York (Short Season). The culture of New England and New York are distinctly different but they share a common passion for baseball. 

Every time these two baseball giants throw down, the baseball world pays attention, and with good reason; this rivalry had produced many of the game’s most memorable on field moments and this season is no different. Once again, the Yankees and the Red Sox are co-favorites to win the American League pennant. Both offenses are extremely dangerous, ranking first or second in the Majors in runs, home runs, RBI, OBP, and OPS. The Yankees lineup, comprised of LF Brett Gardner (.363 OBP, 36 SB), SS Derek Jeter (.340 OBP, 17 2B), CF Curtis Granderson (.949 OPS, 33 HR), 1B Mark Teixeira (.848 OPS, 32 HR), 2B Robinson Cano (.879 OPS, 20 HR), RF Nick Swisher (.382 OBP, 22 2B) presents a serious challenge for any Major League pitcher, and with 3B Alex Rodriguez (.852 OPS, 13 HR) expected to rejoin the team following a DL stint, the Yankees are loaded. The Red Sox, one through six, are as intimidating as their New York counterparts, if not more intimidating. CF Jacoby Ellsbury (.884 OPS, 31 SB, 31 HR), 2B Dustin Pedroia (.869 OPS, 23 SB, 16 HR, 27 2B), and 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.348 AVG,.954 OPS, 18 HR, 36 2B) are being considered as candidates for AL MVP and 3B Kevin Youkilis (.381 OBP, 17 HR, 30 2B), DH David Ortiz (.954 OPS, 24 HR, 30 2B), and LF Carl Crawford (.868 OPS, 4 2B, 3 SB in August) have each appeared in multiple All Star games. 

I went to the first two games of a weekend three game set. The pitching matchup on Friday night was Bartolo Colon (8-6, 3.30) versus Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17). Colon is enjoying a career renaissance in the Bronx this season. The 2005 American League Cy Young winner hadn’t pitched since the middle of the 2009 season but he’s been a welcome surprise to the Yankees starting staff this season. Lester has established himself as one of the premier lefthanders in the American League. He’s consistently posted a sub 3.50 ERA and recorded 225 plus strikeouts twice since becoming a full time starter in 2008 and has been named an All Star twice. 

Yankees LHP CC Sabathia

The matchup on Saturday afternoon for the FOX Game of the Week was CC Sabathia (16-5, 2.55) versus John Lackey (9-8, 6.23). Like Lester, Sabathia is one of the most dominant left handed pitchers in the Major Leagues. Since joining the Yankees as a free agent in 2009, Sabathia has won 56 games, contributed a 3.03 ERA and was the unquestioned ace for the 2009 World Series Champions. Lackey’s subpar season has been a major point of discussion in Boston. Signed to a five year, 82.5 million dollar deal at the beginning of the 2010 season, Lackey has not performed to expectations and his possible inclusion in the post season rotation has many Red Sox fans anxious. 

The Green Monster

Fenway Park, 1912

Fenway Park is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood in downtown Boston. In terms of baseball history, Fenway and Wrigley are on a different level. Built in 1912, Fenway is the oldest remaining Major League stadium and is remarkably unique. From the Green Monster, to Pesky’s pole, to the centerfield Triangle, to the limited seating in the upper deck, Fenway is a true relic of the game. However, Fenway hasn’t completely disregarded the 21st century and the advent of new technology. The HD video monitors, Fenway’s newest addition, are outstanding, displaying all of the latest statistics and replaying videos with fantastic quality (the challenge is finding seats that enable you to see it).

Before the game, the atmosphere around Fenway is electric. Lansdowne Street and Yawkey Way are overflowing with baseball jerseys, baseball caps, sports bars, and vendors; it’s truly a unique setting and certainly worth taking in if you’re a baseball fan. That said I went into Fenway with very high (and slightly unrealistic) expectations for the fans. I had expected a more soccer like atmosphere so I was disappointed when many of the fans were not invested in the game.

Location of Seat

View From Infield Grandstand 13 at Fenway Park

Infield Grandstand 13 – Row 17 – Seat 9

These seats were in the last row of the grandstand and in most modern stadiums would be great seats but certainly not at Fenway.  Red Sox ownership decided to add seats to the ballpark to capitalize on the demand of Fenway but many of these seats are horribly obstructed.  I can’t even begin to properly describe how irritating it was dealing with the self-interested knuckleheads who placed themselves directly in your line of sight, as well the foundation pole that obstructed a portion of the mound. To top it off, the main video replay board is also hidden. If you ever visit Fenway and aren’t sitting in the best seats right behind home plate, do yourself a favor and sit in the upper deck.

View from Right Field Roof Box 23 at Fenway

Right Field Roof Box 23 – Row 2 – Seat 6

Easily the best seats we sat in during our four games at Fenway. Perched above the right field line, these seats were good because of the lack of visual obstruction (a huge bonus at Fenway) and the relative isolation from other fans while not feeling completely secluded from the fan atmosphere. I recommend sitting in one of the many Right Field Roof Boxes at Fenway. 

Friday, August 5th 

LINEUPS 

Batting cleanup and playing second base, #24 Robinson Cano

NEW YORK

SS Derek Jeter

CF Curtis Granderson

1B Mark Teixeira

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

LF Andruw Jones – Brett Gardner

C Russell Martin

DH Jorge Posada

3B Eduardo Nunez

The GOAT, Mariano Rivera.

Pitchers
SP Bartolo Colon
RP Boone Logan
RP Cory Wade
RP Rafael Soriano
RP Dave Robertson
RP Mariano Rivera
              

BOSTON

CF Jacoby Ellsbury

2B Dustin Pedroia

1B Adrian Gonzalez

3B Kevin Youkilis

DH David Ortiz

LF Carl Crawford

RF Josh Reddick

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

SS Marco Scutaro

Pitchers
SP Jon Lester

RP Matt Albers
LP Randy Williams
RP Alfredo Aceves

Three run sixth enough to push Yankees past Red Sox in series opener

Jon Lester had kept the Yankees lineup in check during the game’s first five innings but a few mistakes in the sixth inning were enough to give the Yankees the lead for good. David Ortiz had homered in the fourth to extend Boston’s lead to 2-0 but 3 RBI hits by Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, and Nick Swisher made the game 3-2 and forced Lester out of the game. Yankees starter Bartolo Colon lasted only 4 and 2/3rds but the Yankees bullpen shut the door, including a two strikeout save by the greatest of all time, Mariano Rivera.

Checklist
None

Saturday, August 6th

LINEUPS

NEW YORK

LF Brett Gardner

SS Derek Jeter

CF Curtis Granderson

1B Mark Teixeira

2B Robinson Cano
3B Eric Chavez

DH Jorge Posada

C Francisco Cervelli

Pitchers
LHP CC Sabathia
RHP Luis Ayala
RHP Hector Noesi

Batting second and playing second base, #15 Dustin Pedroia

BOSTON

CF Jacoby Ellsbury

2B Dustin Pedroia

1B Adrian Gonzalez

3B Kevin Youkilis

DH David Ortiz

RF Mike Aviles – Josh Reddick

LF Carl Crawford

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

SS Marco Scutaro

Red Sox rough up Sabathia, re-establish AL east stalemate

CC Sabathia’s struggles against the Red Sox continued Saturday afternoon. The Yankees ace gave up 7 runs on 9 hits and 1 walk in 6 innings. Jacoby Ellsbury led the charge for Boston, driving in six runs including a 3 run home run in the fourth. John Lackey went six innings and allowed three runs. Carl Crawford also had a memorable day, going 4 for 4 with a double and a stolen base.

Daniel Bard hits triple digits in the eighth inning

Checklist

Pitcher reaches triple digits – Daniel Bard (100 mph)

Next stop on the Summer Baseball Tour 2011: Citi Field for New York Mets versus San Diego Padres.

Matt Hasselbeck and the passing of my youth

Thanks for the memories Matt

In September I will begin my first year of post-secondary schooling, a stark and sudden realization that I’m not a kid anymore. Moving away from home, taking on new challenges and responsibilities, continuing to criticize society, all while attempting to make a name for myself in this crazy world we live in. 

It was in 2003, when I was ten, that I began taking an interest in the NFL, which coincided with Matt Hasselbeck’s appointment as the unquestioned starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks. My new found enthusiasm came at an opportune time. The Seahawks were about to roll off the best half-decade in franchise history. The legendary Super Bowl winning coach Mike Holmgren was at the helm, star running back Shaun Alexander was in the backfield, future Hall of Fame left tackle Walter Jones paved the way for Alexander and provided protection for Hasselbeck under center. They didn’t win a Super Bowl, but from 2003 to 2007 the Seahawks were a part of the NFL elite, winning four consecutive NFC West titles. From the infamous “We want the ball and we’re going to score” playoff OT loss to Green Bay to the equally infamous Tony Romo fumbled field goal snap in a 21-20 playoff win, to the 2005 NFC Championship and the franchise’s only Super Bowl appearance, the Seahawks of my youth were entertaining and successful. But as the old proverb states, all good things must come to an end. Alexander was released following the 2007 season; Jones suffered a knee injury late in the 2008 season and never recovered enough to return to football; Holmgren retired following that season, after the Seahawks went 4-12; only Hasselbeck remained from the offensive core of those great Seahawk teams. It was never the same without the rest of the gang but Hasselbeck persevered through three losing seasons, finally winning another division title in 2010, albeit with a losing record, and in what would be Hasselbeck’s last home game as a Seahawk, he led them to a historic upset over the defending champion Saints in the NFC wild card round. 

Listening to the third period and the post-game of the Canucks on CKNW on my pocket size radio when I was supposed to be in sleeping; having season tickets for the Vancouver Grizzlies at six years old and then forever lamenting the loss of the team that was taken away from me much too soon; watching the MLB postseason and as a Red Sox fan, experiencing the heartbreak of 2003 and the joy of 2004; watching my first Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup and NBA Finals; following the Seahawks of my youth every Sunday during football season; It’s these memories that I will always carry with me and look back on fondly.

Hasselbeck’s departure is just another reminder that I'm now grown up. The Seahawks are currently in the process of building a new identity, having made a serious splash in free agency with the Sidney Rice and Zach Miller signings. It's a reality of professional sports; players come and go but memories last forever. Thanks Matt, for always playing hard and helping a young kid love the game of football. We'll both always have the Seahawks in our hearts, no matter where life takes us.

Summer Baseball Tour 2011 #6 and #7

CLEVELAND INDIANS AT BOSTON RED SOX

AUGUST 3rd & 4th, 2011

RED SOX 4 – INDIANS 3

INDIANS 7 - RED SOX 3

Fenway Park

MATCHUP

City: Boston, Massachusetts
Metropolitan Population: 4.5 million

Known For:  Universities, Professional Sports
Nickname: Beantown

GAME RECAP

The Red Sox celebrate Jacoby Ellsbury's walkoff home run

August 3rd

Ellsbury walkoff HR leads Red Sox past Indians

For the second consecutive night a walkoff hit courtesy of Jacoby Ellsbury gave the Red Sox a win against Cleveland. Ellsbury was 0/4 before stepping in against Indians reliever Joe Smith with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and launching a solo home run to deep center that made the score 4-3. Tim Wakefield, who was searching for his 200th career win went 6 2/3rds and was taken out with the game tied, leaving him with a no-decision. The Red Sox one through six hitters all contributed at least one hit and closer Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect ninth to be credited with the win.

Checklist: 

Walkoff Hit - Jacoby Ellsbury

August 4th

Bedard earns no-decision in Red Sox debut, Indians bats come to life and score 7.

Erik Bedard went 5 innings and recorded 5 strikeouts in his first start with the Red Sox since being acquired from Seattle at the trade deadline. Justin Masterson pitched six innings with 9 strikeouts and left the game with a 5-3 lead. Indians up and coming catcher Carlos Santana mashed a home run off of Franklin Morales, veteran DH Travis Hafner contributed two doubles and SS Asdrubal Cabrera reached base 3 times and scored 3 runs.

Checklist:

None

GAME SETUP AND CROWD: 

Wednesday and Thursday night

Overcast (WED)/Sunny (THU)

103% capacity, 38,172 (WED)/104%, 38,477 (THU)

Grade: 9 stars

The "Go Red Sox" sign at Gate B

HOME TEAM: 

The Red Sox are original members of the American League and one of baseball’s most historic clubs. Franchise icons include Jim Rice, Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, Carl Yastrzemski, and Ted Williams. The Red Sox have won 7 World Series titles, in 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, and 2007. The Red Sox have a profound presence throughout New England, giving the Sox a large and faithful local fan base. The Red Sox also field minor league teams in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Portland, Maine; and Lowell, Massachusetts, making the Red Sox really feel like New England's team. Since Terry Francona took over as manager in 2004, the Red Sox have established themselves as one of baseball’s elite; having won two World Series and having made five postseason appearances during his tenure, leaving the Red Sox tortured past far in the rear view. This season the Red Sox are in line for yet another postseason berth, in spite of their abysmal 2-10 start. The Sox offense is thoroughly intimidating. From the leadoff spot to the six hole, a group that comprises CF Jacoby Ellsbury, 2B Dustin Pedroia, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Kevin Youkilis, DH David Ortiz, and LF Carl Crawford, the Red Sox are as deep and dominant as any offense in the Majors. Josh Beckett and Jon Lester are a legitimate one two punch at the top of the rotation and relievers Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon are shutting teams down in the eighth and ninth innings. Despite questions about the back end of the rotation, the Red Sox, along with the Yankees, are the class of the American League. As of August 3rd, the Red Sox are 67-41 and lead the AL East by one game.

OPPONENT:

The Cleveland Indians are also original members of the American League. The Indians lead the all-time head to head 1021-958 while Boston holds a 52-42 head to head advantage since 2000. This season the Indians have surprised many this season by contending in the AL Central, led by a young pitching staff and a deep bullpen led by All Star close Chris Perez. Even with injuries to veterans Grady Sizemore and Sin-Soo Choo, the Indians have seen production from their young bat like Carlos Santana, Matt LaPorta, Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall and have enjoyed a breakout season from SS Asdrubal Cabrera.  As of August 3rd, the Indians are 54-53 and are three games back of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

GRADE: 7 stars

STADIUM:

The main video board at Fenway Park

Fenway Park is located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood in downtown Boston. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are far and away, the most historic ballparks in the world. Built in 1912, Fenway is the oldest remaining Major League stadium and is remarkably unique. From the Green Monster, to Pesky’s pole, to the centerfield Triangle, to the limited seating in the upper deck, Fenway is a true relic of the game. However, Fenway hasn’t completely disregarded the 21st century and the advent of new technology. The HD video monitors, Fenway’s newest addition, are outstanding, displaying all of the latest statistics and replaying videos with fantastic quality. Before the game, the atmosphere around Fenway is electric. Lansdowne Street and Yawkey Way are overflowing with baseball jerseys, baseball caps, sports bars, and vendors; it’s truly a sight to behold and certainly a worth taking in if you’re a baseball fan. That said, I went into Fenway with very high (and slightly unrealistic) expectations for the fans. I expected a more soccer like atmosphere so I was disappointed when many of the fans main objective at the game was not watching the game.

GRADE: 9 stars

LOCATION OF SEAT:

View from Infield Grandstand 20 at Fenway Park

Infield Grandstand 20 – Row 18 – Seat 3

We sat in the last row of the lower bowl behind home plate. It was nice to have a central and grounded view of the field but the one major downside to Fenway Park are the numerous obstructed seats. Unfortunately for me, a foundation pole directly blocked my view of second base and the upper level seating directly above me blocked the main replay board.

GRADE: 5 stars

View from Outfield Grandstand 6 at Fenway Park

 

Outfield Grandstand 6 – Row 1 – Seat 21

We sat in the middle of the right field grandstand on a slight angle towards the diamond. Unfortunately we were directly on the aisle and the non-stop traffic up and down the aisle was irritating but we we're able to see the two main video boards.

GRADE: 5 stars

QUALITY OF STARTING PITCHING:

Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield

Carlos Carrasco (8-9, 4.67 ERA) vs. Tim Wakefield (6-4, 5.06 ERA)

Carrasco was the centerpiece of trade that sent Cliff Lee from Cleveland to Philadelphia in 2009. He’s shown flashes of the potential that at one point had him ranked as a top prospect but has been unable to maintain any success for a sustained period of time.

Wakefield remains one of the most unique pitchers in the big leagues, relying on his trademark knuckleball to make nearly every one of his outs. He’s been with the Red Sox since 1995, making him the longest tenured Boston player by far. 

GRADE: 5 ½ stars

Justin Masterson (8-7, 2.56 ERA) vs. Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.45 ERA)

Masterson, who was traded by the Red Sox at the trade deadline in 2009 for Victor Martinez, has pitched extremely well this season in Cleveland. He’s put together a solid strikeout to walk ratio and a career low WHIP of 1.17. For Cleveland to continue pushing Detroit in the AL Central, Masterson and recently acquired starter Ubaldo Jimenez will need to pitch effectively down the stretch.

Bedard was acquired from Seattle at the deadline to provide starting pitching depth for the postseason, as Clay Buchholz’s availability is unclear at the moment. He’s not the elite pitcher the Mariners thought they had received when they traded 5 players, including top prospect Adam Jones, to the Orioles and he has had serious injury trouble, missing the entire 2010 season with a shoulder injury but he’s been an above average arm, recording a combined 3.35 ERA from 2008 to now, when healthy.

GRADE: 6 ½ stars

Red Sox legend David Ortiz

LINEUPS:

Cleveland:

C Carlos Santana (#1, 2009-2010)

1B Matt Laporta (#2, 2009)

2B Jason Kipnis (#3, 2010)

SS Asbrubal Cabrera (’11 All Star)

3B Lonnie Chisenhall (#1, 2011)

LF Austin Kearns

CF Ezequiel Carrera

RF Kosuke Fukudome (’08 All Star)

DH Travis Hafner

RP Tony Sipp

RP Vinnie Pestano

RP Joe Smith

CP Chris Perez (’11 All Star)

Boston:

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

1B Adrian Gonzalez (’08, ’09, ’10, ’11 All Star)

2B Dustin Pedroia (’08, ’09, ’10 All Star)

SS Marco Scutaro

3B Kevin Youkilis (’08, ’09, ’11 All Star)

LF Carl Crawford (’04, ’07, ’09, ’10 All Star)

CF Jacoby Ellsbury (’11 All Star)

RF Josh Reddick

DH David Ortiz (’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’10, ’11 All Star)

RP Franklin Morales

RP Dan Wheeler

RP Randy Williams

RP Alfredo Aceves

RP Andrew Miller

CP Jonathan Papelbon (’06, ’07, ’08, ’09 All Star)

GRADE: 8 stars

All prospect rankings are from Baseball America’s organizational rank.

FOOD:

Fenway Park concession stand

Fenway offers all of the classic ballpark foods. On Wednesday night I had a great Italian Sausage, fast becoming one of my ballpark favorites and on Thursday night I had a delicious Philly Cheese steak.

Next stop on the Summer Baseball Tour 2011: Back at Fenway Park, Friday night, for one of the best rivalries in sports, New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox.