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.

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.