pedro martinez
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News Archive for August 1-15, 2001
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August 15, 2001
Pedro set for simulated game Thursday
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Pedro Martinez will take another step toward a return to the Red Sox rotation when he throws a simulated game Thursday at Fenway Park. “Just be healthy, that’s all I want from it,” Martinez said Tuesday. “I want to go from day-to-day. How I do or pitch during these sessions is overrated.” …
Jimy Williams said both pitchers will shoot for five 15-pitch innings during the simulated game. … “Bring in the Bambino for Thursday,” Martinez said, repeating his line from earlier in the season. “Put him up there and I’ll tell you one thing, I’ll drill him in the ass.”
Martinez to toss simulated game
Ron Chimelis, Springfield Union-News
What may be tomorrow’s most glamorous pitching matchup in baseball won’t count in the standings. Pedro Martinez and Bret Saberhagen will take turns pitching in a simulated game at Fenway Park, and it may go a long way in determining when Martinez returns to the Boston Red Sox rotation. …
The simulated game will last approximately five innings. Each pitcher will alternate by throwing sets of about 15 pitches each — a general average per inning. They’ll alternate in an effort to create a pace similar to game conditions. Dana Levangie, the Red Sox bullpen catcher out of American International College, will catch.
Balls and strikes will be called, and Red Sox hitters will bat against each pitcher. There will be no fielders, but batted balls will be judged as hits or outs, allowing the pitchers a chance to work from the stretch at times.
Pedro gears up to pitch simulated game
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
The next stop on Pedro Martinez’s Comeback Tour will take place tomorrow afternoon, in an empty stadium, against some hitters to be determined. Martinez will throw a simulated game, hoping to get through five innings, or approximately 75 pitches. …
Yesterday, for the first time, Martinez hinted that he would be amenable to a rehab assignment. Martinez would prefer pitching for Pawtucket or Trenton sometime early next week rather than traveling to Anaheim for the start of his team’s 10-game road trip. …
Martinez will be opposed by another rehabbing veteran pitcher tomorrow as Bret Saberhagen gets his own work in. “Petey’s going down,” predicted a joking Saberhagen, making sure Martinez could hear him.
Rehab stint likely for Pedro
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
After throwing a simulated game tomorrow, Pedro Martinez’ next step may very well be a rehab assignment in the minor leagues with an eye toward rejoining the Red Sox by the end of this month. Martinez and Bret Saberhagen will each be expected to throw five innings, or 70-75 pitches, against Red Sox batters in a simulated game before tomorrow’s game, a significant tuneup for each pitcher, each battling shoulder injuries.
If Martinez passes his test tomorrow, he said he would probably need one more 70-75 pitch test. … Martinez said that the club is in charge of his rehab schedule – sort of. “If I feel something’s wrong, it’s going to be up to me. I don’t care what Jimy says, I don’t care what Dan says, I don’t care what Joe says, I’m doing what’s good for me – am I being selfish?”
Only a simulation
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
As expected, Pedro Martinez will pitch a simulated game tomorrow at Fenway. He will be joined in the endeavor by Bret Saberhagen, with each going five simulated innings and throwing about 75 pitches. …Martinez gave mixed signals about whether he will return next week. ”If I don’t feel comfortable, I’ll probably go and do my rehab,” he said. ”If not, I will just go straight into a game. But I have to take it day by day. I won’t know until my next test.”
Marvin Miller
David Davis, salon.com
“The owners have almost concealed the fact that Major League Baseball is enjoying its healthiest, most prosperous times,” says Miller, his voice rising. “This is baseball’s golden age. The league has more clubs, more new ballparks, more admission-paying fans and more revenues from sales, licensing and luxury suites. The value of baseball’s 30 franchises is at the highest ever.” Says Miller about the owners’ crying poor: “The word is ‘chutzpah.'”
August 14, 2001
After more throws, Martinez remains right on target
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
The Pedro Express is gathering steam. Surging ever closer to his first game action since June 26, Pedro Martinez yesterday practiced off a mound for the last time before he throws batting practice or a simulated game, most likely Thursday. After that, barring any setbacks, Red Sox fans can begin counting the time until Martinez returns from the disabled list in days rather than weeks.
Pedro throws again
Jeff Horrigan and Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez continued on his steady progression toward returning to the starting rotation before the end of the month by throwing for 10 minutes in the bullpen. It was his fourth bullpen session in eight days and it left him in line to pitch batting practice under simulated game conditions Thursday. … An animated Martinez predicted Sunday that he would “be back in the house soon.”
Pedro moves closer with another session
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
While most of the Red Sox players and coaches took advantage of the day off Monday to recuperate from their grueling five-game road trip, Pedro Martinez was back at Fenway Park for one more side session. It marked the fourth time in the past eight days that the Red Sox ace threw from a mound.
Pedro moves another step closer to return
Associated Press
Pedro Martinez experienced no problems during a normal 10-minute throwing session off a mound yesterday. With the Boston Red Sox having the day off, the session was closed to the media, but a team spokesman said it was problem-free as Martinez took another step toward returning to the starting rotation from the disabled list. … Martinez threw all his pitches yesterday but concentrated on curveballs. His next step is a possible live batting practice session or simulated game at midweek.
Hatteberg’s poor defense costing the Sox dearly
Paul Izzo, Springfield Union-News
Are the Boston Red Sox paying a terrible price for having failed to acquire a talented major league catcher when starter Jason Varitek went down with a serious elbow injury? The evidence suggests that the answer is yes. … I am sure Scott Hatteberg is a good guy – but his defensive statistics are a disgrace, and there is a serious question whether he should continue to see serious playing time behind the plate.
Be fair before you criticize
Bill James, espn.com
Baseball organizations make thousands of decisions every year: A-level decisions, like “Who will be our manager?” and “Should we make a commitment to sign Johnny Damon?”; B-level decisions like “Who are we going to use as a leadoff man?” and “Who is going to be our first-round draft pick?”; and on down to Z-level decisions like “Should we use a pinch-runner here or a sacrifice bunt?” and “Is it time to move Tubby Poholsky up to Double-A?”
It seems to me that if you begin reviewing all of those decisions by a standard of “Is this the way I would have done this?” then you launch into a process that is, by its nature, neither fair, nor logical, nor constructive. Why? Because it is impossible, by doing that, to form a comprehensive picture of what the organization has done. You cannot hold 7,000 decisions in your mind while you think them through, so what you inevitably begin to do is pick and choose those which serve to advance your prejudice.
Outside the Box
Sean Forman, baseballprimer.com
This is a tremendous article by Bill James. I would argue that he strongly repudiates much of what sabermetrics has become. It has become a means to point out how stupid major league management is rather than to study and thoughtfully comment on what is happening. Are we more qualified than Allard Baird to run a major league franchise. In some very specialized ways we might be, but we don’t understand all the significant issues that they have to deal with on an everyday business. Just as stating players will improve or not improve based on age, grossly overstates the very real issues at work on a player-by-player basis. If we scrutinized our past comments as closely as we scrutinized other’s actions, we might gain some humility that is lacking in many forums.
[Plus lots of reader responses.]
August 13, 2001
Pedro feeling stronger every day
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
By mid-week, Martinez may be ready to take the next step in his rehab from right rotator cuff inflammation: throwing off a mound during live batting practice. One day after his third side session Saturday, Martinez reported feeling strong and told everyone — teammates, coaches, medical staff and media — that he is feeling no pain in his right shoulder. Martinez said he’s getting closer to returning with every passing day. …
Kerrigan has scheduled Martinez for one more side session Monday at Fenway Park. “Tomorrow is a normal side [session], like he would [throw] in between games,” said Kerrigan, who indicated the decision on a possible mid-week batting practice stint for Martinez would come after Monday’s session. “Tomorrow will be a routine session, and he will have his three pitches.”
Armed for a return
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
The news regarding the other ailing starting pitchers was only positive. Martinez said that his right shoulder reacted well to throwing curveballs for the first time in six weeks on Saturday and predicted that he would “be back in the house soon.” Martinez is scheduled to throw in the bullpen today at Fenway Park and could throw batting practice under simulated game conditions on Thursday.
Martinez feels fine
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Martinez said his shoulder felt fine 24 hours after his third rehab workout in the bullpen, a 60-pitch session in which he threw his first curveballs. He is due for another session at Fenway today to refine the command of his breaking stuff. Barring a setback, he is expected to throw batting practice before Thursday’s game against the Mariners.
Below The Belt
Paul Doyle, Hartford Courant
For a window into the world of Manny Ramirez, peer at the pants: oversized and bordering on baggy, resting on the tops of his cleats with seemingly no elastic at the bottom and not a hint of his socks showing. What does the choice of pants say about Ramirez? “Just comfortable, man,” he says. “That’s all. No big deal.”
August 12, 2001
He’s at comfort level — Martinez isn’t thrown by curves
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
There was no miracle. Not even the incomparable Pedro Martinez could throw a curveball for the first time in nearly seven weeks with expert precision. But as free-flying as some of his breaking balls were yesterday in a pregame bullpen session at Camden Yards, the most significant factor was the condition of his multimillion-dollar shoulder. …
“When you come off an injury like that, you’re kind of scared of feeling a little pain on some pitches or some soreness in your shoulder,” he said. “So far, I haven’t, so I feel comfortable.” The bullpen session, witnessed by a few reporters and more than 50 spectators who arrived early for the game, was Martinez’s third in his rehab program. He threw three sets of 20 pitches, including 32 fastballs, 16 changeups, and 12 curveballs, to pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.
Pedro continues progress
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Perhaps it was only a coincidence, but as soon as Pedro Martinez stepped on the bullpen mound at Camden Yards yesterday morning, the sun made its first appearance since the Red Sox arrived two days earlier. … Martinez is next scheduled to throw in the Fenway Park bullpen Monday, when the team is off. If all continues to go well, he will then throw batting practice under simulated game conditions on Wednesday or Thursday. … he could be activated from the disabled list at some point during the club’s next road trip.
Pedro: Free And Easy
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
They could have sold tickets, or at least charged a few extra bucks, to watch Pedro Martinez throw in the bullpen Saturday at Camden Yards. … Martinez needs to work on the command of his curve. “My breaking ball, it’s the first time, so you expect it to be erratic. The fastball and everything was OK.”
It would be good fortune to get ace back
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Back home, where rational discourse at a time like this tends to be as scarce as an air conditioner on sale, it will be disparaged as an excuse. .. But it happens to be true. “We need Pedro back,” Dante Bichette said yesterday. “Any team would be hurt if it was missing such a big part of the team. … We need him. Guys are tired. He’s going to be fresh. He’ll be a jolt to our club in a positive way. I think he’ll be back within 10 days. I’ve got to be positive. I’m too old to be any other way.”
Ailing Pedro getting closer to pitching in
Phil O’Neill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Pedro Martinez threw 60 pitches, including about 12 curveballs, in the bullpen before yesterday’s game, taking his biggest step yet to returning to the Red Sox rotation. … Asked if the weekend series in Texas, two weeks away and in the heat, would be an opportune time for him to return, Martinez said he would simply follow the team’s direction. … Kerrigan: “He should be ready to pitch batting practice or throw a simulated game by midweek.” Martinez had combed out his “Pedro Iverson” corn rows yesterday, but said he will return to that hairstyle.
Martinez throws, feels no pain
David Ginsburg, Associated Press
“I felt good,” he said. “The strength is there, everything is there, it’s just a matter of working it. I threw breaking balls for the first time, so I would expect to be erratic. But the fastball and everything was OK. There’s no pain yet. I’m OK, but I’ll wait till tomorrow and see how I feel. There will probably be a little soreness. It’s better this time, because I threw more breaking stuff and I felt good, so that’s a good sign. When you come off an injury like that you’re kind of scared of feeling a little pain or soreness in your shoulder, and so far I haven’t.”
August 11, 2001
Martinez patiently rehabs
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez will continue his rehabilitation today at Camden Yards. The Boston Red Sox’ ace right-hander will throw curveballs for the first time off the mound … Today’s session will be broken up into three 15-pitch sections, with Martinez resting for a few minutes between them, simulating regular-game activity.
Martinez: “If I have a setback, it will be over until next year. I don’t mean soreness. I mean pain. I have to see how my shoulder bounces back, how it reacts. I’m not going to rush it. I’m going to make sure I’m okay before I intend to get into a game.”
Martinez said Game 3 of the 1999 ALCS foced him to consider his baseball mortality. “Against Cleveland [in the ALDS], I pulled a tendon. I knew it. The doctor said I shouldn’t pitch, but being in the playoffs, I had to. The Cleveland game was not as bad as against New York. I was in terrible pain. I thought I’d need surgery at the end of the year. It was a painful winter. If I feel pain like that again, I’ll be gone.”
Pedro: Campaign hinges on pain
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
After 6 weeks on the disabled list due to a shoulder problem, Pedro Martinez appears to be making steady progress toward a comeback to the Red Sox’ starting rotation before the end of the month. …
Martinez remains adamant about not making any rehab appearances in the minors, but he clarified his thinking on such a decision. “I made myself a promise when I left the minor leagues (in 1993), after I struggled so much to make it to the big leagues with the Dodgers, that I would never return to the minor leagues. I was always pushing myself because I was doubted too many times. I said I’d never come back. If I go back now it’s because I have no choice and I don’t feel comfortable enough to pitch in the big leagues. Even then it would be one short outing.”
Martinez getting antsy — Red Sox ace sees promising signs
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
A promising sign for Red Sox fans: Pedro Martinez yesterday labored through another of his boot-camp workouts wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo, “Chin Music.” A gift from another fallen teammate, Bret Saberhagen, Martinez’s garment reflected the progress he has made in his fight back from one of the two most painful injuries of his baseball life.
Though he acknowledged before last night’s rainout at Camden Yards that one more bout of serious pain would promptly end his season, Martinez expressed his most spirited belief yet he will return after a lengthy layoff caused by inflammation in his right shoulder.
Pedro throws third session, waits next step
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez successfully completed his third and final scheduled side session prior to Saturday’s game with the Orioles at Camden Yards. Now, Martinez will consult with Boston’s medical staff and coaches to determine his next step in his rehab program.
“Pedro had three up-and-downs with 20 pitches each,” said Red Sox Pitching Coach Joe Kerrigan, who caught Martinez during the session. “He needs some more curveball work — needs to polish his curveball a bit. Change-up and fastball were good. Fastball was coming out of his hand good. He’s going to do some more work on his curve on the side Monday and a possible BP/simulated game in the middle of the week.”
Martinez not taking any chances
Garry Brown, Springfield Union-News
Pedro Martinez issued fair warning yesterday concerning his comeback from inflammation in his shoulder. “If I have any kind of setback — if I feel any pain — then I’ll see you next year. I am not going to put my career in jeopardy. I already have done that. … Honestly, you have no idea how hard I work. Nobody knows what I do, more each time and harder stuff. You may see me throwing and running, and think that is my workout, but there is much more to it, because I want to get over this. I want to pitch for my team.”
Hair Today
Garry Brown, Springfield Union-News
Manny Ramirez has been known to show up with a new hairstyle almost every day of the week. Yesterday, it was Pedro Martinez’s turn. He sported a “corn rows” style much like the one worn by Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers. “Am I Pedro Iverson? No, I am just Pedro.”
August 10, 2001
Slay by the Bay? Looks like Sox need to focus on the AL East
Paul Izzo, Springfield Union-News
Yesterday’s Red Sox trio of shame included Darren Lewis, who ended the game 0 for 3 (surprise), bringing his on base percentage for the year to .278. If he had the required number of plate appearances (heaven forbid), Lewis would have the second worst on base percentage in the league, behind only Tony Batista (.259!). Shea Hillenbrand also was in the lineup. His .290 on base percentage would be the third worst in the league if he had only a few more at bats. And then there’s Mike Lansing (and his .304 on base percentage), this year’s Pervis Ellison, that is, a man so incredibly fortunate that he ought to get out of bed every morning and spend 15 solid minutes on his knees thanking the Almighty for his extraordinary good fortune to live in age where he can earn $7 million playing baseball at a level that would not have qualified him for $25,000 just 30 years ago.
Players, fans brave matinee scorchers
Associated Press
How hot was it at Shea Stadium? … By 2 o’clock, the team announced the temperature had reached 102. … In Philadelphia, the Phillies’ artificial turf was 148.7 degrees.
Phillies on verge of player mutiny?
Randy Miller, phillyBurbs.com
The Phillies are at war. … This war is internal, one pitting demanding manager Larry Bowa and his coaching staff vs. the players.
Before and after the Phillies’ 6-2 loss to the San Diego Padres yesterday, players in every corner of the clubhouse vented among themselves and to writers about being pushed and nagged beyond the normal call of duty. Members of the coaching staff, meanwhile, suggested that too many players don’t prepare the right way or care enough about winning. …
One player speculated that Bowa has three players on his side, 22 against him. “We can’t stand him,” said the player, who requested anonymity. “Everybody hates him.” Added another: “In time, it’s all going to come out. Trust me. Things are really going to blow.”
Working the beat is a job few can appreciate, understand
Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle
How do you write a smooth, lively, insightful newspaper story about a baseball game that ends at 10:45 when your deadline is 10:30? … It’s a special art, covering a baseball team on a daily basis. It’s a hard, lonely, dangerous job. … The beat writer lives with the team for about eight months a year, and is accorded roughly the same family-member status as the strange nephew you keep locked in the cellar.
August 9, 2001
Martinez’s comeback continues on track
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez threw 50 pitches in his second workout off the mound since being placed on the disabled list June 27 because of an inflamed right rotator cuff. The three-time Cy Young Award winner mixed in change-ups this time, according to pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. Jason Varitek, on the DL because of a fractured elbow, caught Martinez. Pawtucket pitching coach Rich Bombard monitored the session, along with physical therapist Chris Correnti.
Pedro: So far, so good
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Martinez will add curveballs into another 50-pitch session on Saturday in Baltimore. If all goes well, Martinez will likely throw batting practice next week when the Sox return to Fenway. … In a perfect scenario, Martinez could be pitching for the Red Sox for the first time since June 26 at some point during the club’s Aug. 20-30 road trip that will take it through Anaheim, Texas and Cleveland.
Pedro’s second session goes well
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
“It was my understanding that he felt good,” Jimy Williams said Wednesday after Martinez threw 50 pitches, including fastballs and change-ups, for 10 minutes to injured Boston catcher Jason Varitek, who is also on the disabled list while recovering from a fractured right elbow. …
While the team said that a formal decision on Martinez’s next step won’t be made until after his session on Saturday, pitching coach Joe Kerrigan hinted Wednesday that there’s reason to believe that Martinez, if all goes well in Baltimore, could be on the mound throwing batting practice next week when the club returns to Fenway Park.
Trot just says no to play
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
The seldom-seen, ball-in-the-beer-cup play was executed last night. Much to the relief of Trot Nixon and the Red Sox, Rule 9.01 (c) helped make sure the play did not come back to haunt them.
August 8, 2001
Run support creates illusion of Clemens’s success
Art Martone, Providence Journal [August 5]
The New York Yankees have scored 7.34 runs per nine innings in games pitched by Clemens this season, the greatest amount of offensive support given to any pitcher in baseball. The major-league average is 4.84. Clemens, therefore, receives 2.5 more runs per nine innings than the average pitcher. How much impact does that have on his won-loss record? Try six extra wins.
[Also: Art discusses the response to this article — August 6 and August 7.]
Garciaparra misses opener in Oakland with swollen wrist — Pedro progressing
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
The important three-game series against Oakland opened last night, but All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra was on the Boston bench. Garciaparra said his surgically repaired right wrist was telling him he needed the night off. Both he and manager Jimy Williams said there was no serious problem.
“It’s nothing bad. He just needs a day,” said Williams. “Like we’ve said before, we need to listen to him.” And what Garciaparra was listening to was his wrist, which is sore and a little swollen, not to be unexpected, he said.
Pedro Martinez reportedly didn’t feel any ill effects from his 50-pitch session off the bullpen mound on Monday. At least Williams said he hadn’t heard anything to that effect, so Martinez is on schedule for another session today, in which he’ll mix in changeups and curveballs. If all goes well, Martinez will join the Sox in Baltimore.
More work for Pedro
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez, who wowed pitching coach Joe Kerrigan with an impressive bullpen session on Monday, is scheduled to throw again this afternoon at Fenway. He is scheduled to mix in changeups today after throwing only fastballs on Monday. If all goes well, Martinez will join the team in Baltimore and throw fastballs, changeups and curves in the pen on Saturday.
Hatteberg hits into history: Goes from goat to hero
Michael Gee, Boston Herald
As far as we know, by clearing the bases on consecutive at-bats, Hatteberg is the first player ever to hit into a triple play and swat a grand slam in the same game. [Also The Globe and MLB.]
That’s a no-no
Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe
Sox prospects Brandon Mims and Henry Valdez, both lefthanders, combined for a no-hitter Sunday in the Gulf Coast League in a 4-0 win over the Twins’ affiliate. Mims went six innings and yielded to Valdez with the score 0-0. It was the first no-hitter for the Sox this season in the minors, following a 2000 season in which they chalked up four no-nos.
Bomber Momentum Melting in Summer Heat
Joel Sherman, New York Post
[T]he usual pessimist showed up in this column space and what he saw was the Yankees – for the second straight day – play like the 2001 Mets. That means wasting top-notch pitching with inept hitting. The Angels won 3-1 and what became evident once again, especially to a pessimist, is the Yankees simply do not have the motor to speed away from the Red Sox.
One game, but oh what a game
Rob Neyer, espn.com
September 8, 1968. That was the day a clubhouse attendant by the name of Kit Krieger lived out a lifelong dream by pitching for the Vancouver Mounties.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution — Athens Banner-Herald — mlb — espn
Atlanta’s Greg Maddux has not walked a batter in his last 70.1 innings. He set a new National League record last night against Houston. The major league record is 84.1 innings, set by Bill Fischer of the 1962 Kansas City A’s.
August 7, 2001
Martinez inches closer — A few steps up the mound mean a lot
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe
It all began at 3 o’clock, give or take a few seconds, when Pedro Martinez, standing in front of the visiting bullpen, began to play catch with Rolando Arrojo. …
After playing six minutes of long toss with the man whose own pitching exploits Martinez would do well to equal when he does return to action, Martinez moved into the Red Sox bullpen, where, with pitching coach Joe Kerrigan behind the mask, he walked onto the mound that is closest to coach John Cumberland’s tomato plants and started making pitches at precisely 3:07 on the scoreboard clock.
Martinez throws off the mound
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com
Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez threw off the mound Monday at Fenway Park for the first time since since June 26. Under the watchful eyes of Red Sox pitching coach Joe Kerrigan and physical therapist Chris Correnti, Martinez threw all fastballs for seven minutes in the Red Sox bullpen, with left-handed batter Troy O’Leary standing in at the plate.
Pedro throws from mound
Carolyn Thornton, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez emerged from the bullpen yesterday afternoon and gave a big thumbs up.
The Red Sox ace had just completed his first rehab session on the mound since going on the disabled list June 27 with tendinitis in his right shoulder, and by all accounts, the workout went well.
“He felt really happy about himself,” said Sox pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. “He feels strong. He spent the last six weeks really building up his body, and he feels strong; he feels good about himself. … He worked on both sides of the plate, and he really threw the ball well. He was strong from pitch to pitch, the ball came out of his arm in a good slot, and he had real good crisp movement on the ball.”
Pedro’s 1st test goes very well
Michael Gee, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez went back to the one place on earth he belongs most yesterday afternoon. He stood on a pitcher’s mound. The Red Sox’ incomparable starter, winner of the last two Cy Young Awards, threw in the Boston bullpen for about 15 minutes several hours before his teammates went out and slapped a 10-7 beating on the Texas Rangers. …
Martinez left the ‘pen beaming and flashed a thumbs-up sign to onlookers before heading into the trainer’s room for a prolonged series of exercises. … By Kerrigan’s estimate, Martinez was throwing at 75 to 80 percent of his maximum effort.
Pedro Pitches
Garry Brown, Springfield Union-News
“Pedro threw all fastballs, and he had a tight spin on the ball with a little hop. It was a productive session in all aspects,” pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said. “Petey will throw again here Wednesday (at Fenway Park), and we’ll have him work in some changeups. If that goes well, he’ll join us in Baltimore and throw again Saturday.”
August 4, 2001
The ultimate gamer
David Halberstam, espn.com Page 2
Any tour of Boston is incomplete without viewing the artistry of Pedro Martinez. Pedro, naturally, is Pedro Martinez, and he is, to my mind, not merely the best pitcher in baseball today, but something rarer still — a genuine artist.
I say artist, because of the level of craftsmanship involved, the assortment of pitches, the variety of speeds, the perfection of location. Pedro Martinez is not only ahead of the hitters, he is ahead of the fans, the announcers, and most likely his own catcher.
August 3, 2001
Saberhagen: Sox players get along despite ‘not most functional family’
Art Martone, Providence Journal Sports Editor
Bret Saberhagen provided a glimpse into the Red Sox’ clubhouse during a radio interview with national sports talk-show host Jim Rome yesterday, saying the Sox are “not the most functional family, that’s for damn sure,” and that a lot of the players have lost respect for manager Jimy Williams.
He said the position players “don’t get 24 hours’ notice (as to whether or not they’ll be in the lineup). They show up at the ballpark to figure out whether they’re going to be in the lineup or not. Jimy, I think, draws straws every morning when he gets to the ballpark, and that’s how he comes up with the lineup.”
Rome: “Have you ever been around a team where a team had such little regard for the manager? It’s open. It’s almost brazen.”
Saberhagen. “I really haven’t. And that’s only come down in the last year and a half. Because I think if you ask the majority of the guys, they respected Jimy for a long time. And I don’t know what happened; I haven’t been around to really get into that. “I like Jimy as a person. He’s treated me well. I don’t agree with everything he does, but for that matter I don’t agree with a lot of things a lot of people do. I don’t know what’s happened. Like I said, I’ve been gone. I’ve been (on rehab) in Fort Myers (Fla.), seems like for the last century. But I have heard things here and there that, you know, he’s kind of lost a lot of control in some respects with a lot of the guys.”
Saberhagen downplays ripping Williams
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Bret Saberhagen moved to back off his comments to radio host Jim Rome a bit yesterday, saying he didn’t mean the remarks to be critical of manager Jimy Williams. …
“I really didn’t mean anything by it,” said Saberhagen, when the topic was raised after last night’s game. “Maybe it’s getting a little blown out of proportion. The only thing guys are upset about is their playing time, and you can’t play everybody. … Maybe I used the wrong words. Since I’ve been back [last week], I haven’t seen any problems.”
One of Saberhagen’s most pointed remarks included a reference to Williams “drawing straws” to construct his lineup. Countered Williams: “I draw straws because I drink milk.”
Sabes: All Talk, No Pitch
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
Williams was asked if he was disappointed to hear the comments coming from a player who is regarded as a team leader. “You’d have to go ask him,” Williams said. “We do have freedom of speech.”
Bret jabs at Jimy
Mike Shalin, Boston Herald
Bret Saberhagen says he “really didn’t mean anything” by comments he made on a national radio show Wednesday that alleged Jimy Williams has lost the respect of his players. [Also: comments from Bichette, Lowe and Hatteberg.]
Control issues: Sabes way out of line in wild anti-Jimy rant
Steve Buckley
Two years ago, Bret Saberhagen pitched a playoff game with a 90 percent tear in his rotator cuff. Two days ago, he did a radio interview with a 90 percent tear in his common sense.
Saberhagen making radio waves
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
… Bret Saberhagen, of all people, was heard dissing the Sox manager. Or at least that’s what it sounded like. ”Jimy, I think, draws straws every morning when he gets to the ballpark and that’s how he comes up with the lineup.”
This was Wednesday on a show whose host prides himself on talking smack. Rome tends to be chummy with his guests – Arizona first baseman Mark Grace, a semiregular, is ”Gracie” and Saberhagen is ”Sabes” – and the show rates high on the shtick meter. So there’s some doubt how much of this was on the level and how much was Saberhagen, who considers Rome a friend, feeding the animals.
YOU BE THE JUDGE — Here is the link to the Saberhagen interview. The interview begins at the 31 minute mark; comments about Jimy Williams begin at the 40 minute mark.
Pedro to throw on the side Monday
Brita Meng, redsox.com
Pitcher Pedro Martinez is ready to take the next step in the rehabilitation of his right shoulder. The three-time Cy Young Award winner will throw off a mound this Monday at Fenway Park for Red Sox pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.
Kerrigan: “We are just going to throw fastballs Monday for seven to eight minutes. On Wednesday, his second [side session], we’ll go fastballs and work in the change-up. Then, on [Saturday] in Baltimore, we’ll go fastball, change and start with the curve.” …
According to Kerrigan, Martinez will not make the trip to Oakland with the team next week. Instead, the second side session — now scheduled for Wednesday — will take place at Fenway Park. The right-hander will then re-join the team in Baltimore for this third side session.
“All I have to do is throw on the side a couple of times, do live BP and then maybe a rehab,” Martinez said. “Or maybe I’ll just come out of the bullpen and get my work that way. Maybe I can just come in in relief of Oogy [Ugueth Urbina] or Guapo [Rich Garces] — who knows? But I will tell you one thing, if I do a rehab start I won’t do six innings. It will be something real short, just to get my innings in. If it helps the team, it helps the team.”
Pedro to throw off mound next
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
“I was always optimistic,” Martinez said yesterday. “I wanted to take my time but my time is coming. I’m optimistic I’ll pitch again this season.”
Pedro: No rehab in minors
Carolyn Thornton, Providence Journal
As Pedro Martinez continues to nurse his right shoulder back to health, the Red Sox’ ace pitcher said yesterday that he does not see the need for a rehab stint in the minor leagues.
“I don’t know. I don’t think I have anything to achieve by going to Triple-A or A-ball or whatever. I don’t know. I’ll think about it, but I’m just going to take it day by day and see what I can do and how I feel. Until I get there, I can’t really tell you anything. A rehab [assignment] would just be getting work done; I can get my work done here. All I have to do really is throw [batting practice] or a simulated game or maybe pitch in relief for a couple of innings. I could help [Derek Lowe].”
Ace’s workload won’t include a minor in rehab
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Eight years have passed since Pedro Martinez last pitched in the minors, for the Triple A Albuquerque Dukes in the Dodgers organization. And he is not particularly interested in returning to the bushes, even for a limited rehab start. … ”My rehab is just getting my work in. All I have to do is [build] up my throwing, practice enough in the bullpen, and probably throw BP or a simulated game. That’s going to be it.”
Boston’s Reason to Believe: Garciaparra Is Back
Jack Curry, New York Times
Nomar Garciaparra had taken 20 minutes of intense fielding practice, darting to his left or right, flipping throws to second and pumping throws across to first base, before stopping and then standing motionless at shortstop on Wednesday. Now he was waiting for one of the Red Sox to arbitrarily slap a few more grounders toward him
August 2, 2001
Martinez to throw off the mound Monday
Steven Krasner and Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez , who has been on the disabled list since June 27, will get back up on the mound Monday for a bullpen session. Pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said last night that the three-time Cy Young Award winner, who has been battling inflammation of his right rotator cuff, will have a few more long-toss sessions leading up to his work off the mound.
Then, if all goes well with Monday’s workout, he’ll throw again off the mound on Wednesday, when the Red Sox are in Oakland. “He’s making fantastic progress with his rehab program,” said Kerrigan. “He’s probably chomping at the bit.”
Red Sox Notebook
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Newcomer Ugueth Urbina said that in his native Venezuela, countryman Rich Garces is not known as ”El Guapo.” They call him ”Pote de Talco.” The literal translation: Bottle of talcum powder, which apparently is a novel way of saying Garces has no neck.
August 1, 2001
Stepping up
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Pedro Martinez and pitching coach Joe Kerrigan each confirmed that he will pitch off a bullpen mound this weekend for the first time since June 26 … Barring a setback, Martinez’s return to the mound could put him on course to resume pitching by late August.
Pedro’s progress
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez ‘s rehab continued yesterday. He did some long toss. He has been stretching his distance for the throws, and that hasn’t seemed to bother his shoulder. There’s still no word, though, as to when Martinez, who is on the DL because of inflammation of his right shoulder, will be getting back on the mound.
New ballpark plan unveiled — McCourt intent to bid on Sox still unclear
Meg Vaillancourt, Boston Globe
Stepping up his campaign to locate a new baseball stadium on land he owns on the South Boston Waterfront, developer Frank McCourt publicly previewed his plan for a new home for the Boston Red Sox yesterday.
Tuesday, July 31, 2001
With Nomar, offense gets fresh start
Sean McAdam, espn.com
All week long, his manager and teammates cautioned against unrealistic expectations. He hadn’t had the benefit of spring training, they noted. He had just four games and 16 at-bats at Triple A Pawtucket in preparation, they said. He hadn’t faced major league pitching since last September, they emphasized. [H]e would need some time. They were right. He needed exactly two at-bats.
Monday, July 30, 2001
Pedro making progress
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Martinez still is limited to long-toss, but is extending the distance from which he throws each time. Martinez has been throwing every other day as part of his regimen.
Williams said it’s conceivable that Martinez could pitch off a mound before the end of the current homestand, which runs through a week from today. “I guess there’s that possibility he could be on the mound (by then),” Williams said. “We’ll let Pedro and the trainers handle that. I don’t have a time frame at all. Basically, we have to listen to him right now.”
Pedro progressing
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Even though general manager Dan Duquette’s projection last week of a return to action for Pedro Martinez proved to be extremely optimistic (and unrealistic), manager Jimy Williams said that it’s possible that the three-time Cy Young Award winner could return to the bullpen mound soon. …
Martinez did not attend yesterday’s game for unknown reasons. A club spokesman said that he was in contact with the team, including the medical staff, before the game.
Martinez progressing
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Thirty-three days after Pedro Martinez last pitched, manager Jimy Williams said the ace could start throwing off a mound before the homestand ends next Monday. Martinez has gradually increased the distance of his long-toss sessions without discomfort. … Once Martinez starts throwing off a mound, he would need at least two to three weeks to return to game form. He has been playing long-toss nearly every other day.
Pedro makes progress
Garry Brown, Springfield Union-News
The manager’s report marked the first good news about Pitchin’ Pedro in some time. There was a false-hope report the other day when general manager Dan Duquette was quoted on television as saying that Martinez could be ready “in two weeks.” Duquette later pointed out that he really said “in a few weeks.”
If Martinez does make a rehab start by the second week of August, he could be back by the time the team leaves for a 10-game road trip Aug. 20.
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