pedro martinez
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News Archive for September 1-15, 2002
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September 15, 2002
A Look at the Pitching Numbers
Michael Wolverton, Baseball Prospectus
I heard one of the Baseball Tonight guys this weekend argue that Curt Schilling is just as dominating this year as the last serious starting pitcher MVP candidate, Pedro Martinez in 2000. Uh, no. Schilling this year has allowed runs at a (park-adjusted) rate about 57% of his league. That’s been bettered 71 times in major league history. Martinez in 2000 allowed runs at a rate about 33% of his league. That’s been bettered zero (0) times in major league history.
Pedro in the afternoon
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Need an incentive to skip work and catch the first game of Boston’s Monday day-night doubleheader with the Indians? Little made it official that ace Pedro Martinez will start the opener. Frank Castillo will pitch the nightcap. Originally, Martinez was going to pitch the night game, but that was changed when it was announced that catcher Jason Varitek — who always catches Martinez — will start serving a three-game suspension in the second game.
Yanks have the pitching to make Series again
Emery Filmer, Stamford Advocate
Why would any member of a minority ever want to play in Boston? … It was rather interesting that at the same time this was happening, David Wells got involved in an after-hours (5 a.m.?) scuffle with someone who knocked his teeth out. The Wells controversy, covered by the flock of die-hard Yankee fans who double as beat reporters, was laughed off as one of those boys-will-be-boys escapades. But in Boston, where Manny had the audacity to … run to first base the way 75 percent of all major leaguers do on routine grounders, he was lambasted. … How dare a member of a minority teeter on the brink of moral impropriety … One minor slip up and suddenly it’s as if a member of the Taliban is wearing a Sox uniform.
Pedro & Co. applaud mate for rare feat
Mike Shalin, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez took the occasion of Derek Lowe’s 20th victory yesterday to again push his staffmate for the American League Cy Young Award. “Him and (Oakland’s Barry) Zito. Both of them. I’ll give it to them both,” Martinez said after Lowe raised his record to 20-7 with a 6-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway. “If I have to go for one, it would be D-Lowe because D-Lowe is my teammate.” Lowe is also the first pitcher in baseball history to record 40 saves in a season and then win 20 later on in his career. Dennis Ecklersley and John Smoltz did it the other way around. …
“Like I predicted in spring training,” said Martinez, who added, “He’s in a different atmosphere, starting. He knows it’s a marathon, not just a hundred-meter race. … He’s done a great job maintaining himself and his focus and he’s improved each day. He’s getting better and better each day.”
The Week In Quotes, September 2-8
Derek Zumsteg, Baseball Prospectus
“If I can’t pitch on this team–the worst or second-worst team in baseball–where am I going to pitch? If I can’t start on this ballclub, I must be the worst pitcher on earth.” –Jose Lima, Tigers pitcher, after being told Andy Van Hekken would take Lima’s rotation spot …
“I’m going to tell everyone, my kids and my grandkids, that I hit my first home run off a future Hall of Famer. I just won’t tell them who it was.” –David Ross, Dodger catcher, on hitting a home run off Diamondbacks infielder Mark Grace, who pitched mop-up in a 19-1 loss
“That poor kid is going to get his first home run ball and it’s off Mark Grace. I feel sorry for him. … I didn’t have a scouting report on him. Obviously he can hit 65 mph fastballs.” –Grace
September 13, 2002
Pedro sore but good to go distance
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez was sore yesterday after making his first start in nearly two weeks Wednesday night, but the Red Sox ace expects to be able to remain in the rotation for the rest of the season. … “My hip is a little sore, but I had treatment and I’ll be OK,” he said. “The big thing is my arm is perfect.”
Pleasant surprises
Paul C. Smith, mlb.com
Grady Little would hate to have to choose between Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe for the Cy Young Award, but he likes the fact that both are very much in the running. “Thinking back to March, I am equally surprised about both of them,” Little said. “Considering Lowe was just becoming a starter and Pedro was coming off an injury, they both have been pleasant surprises.” Martinez (18-4, 2.29) and Lowe (19-7, 2.45) are first and second in the AL in ERA … Opponents are hitting only .197 and .206 off Martinez and Lowe, respectively, first and second in the league.
September 12, 2002
Stories about Pedro’s start against Tampa Bay are here.
Nixon’s life changed on 9/11 — Tragedy caused him to miss birth of his son
Ian Browne, mlb.com
The most hectic and unforgettable day of Trot Nixon’s life began with a wakeup call. The sun hadn’t even come out yet, and Nixon was sound asleep in his Tampa hotel room. Even in his sleepy state — the Red Sox had flown from New York to Tampa late the previous night — he had a pretty good idea what this 6 A.M. call was all about.
Little not winning points for his kid-glove approach
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Grady Little, no mortal lock to return next year as manager of the Boston Red Sox, had a perfect opportunity to establish more stringent disciplinary standards for the 2003 season during Monday night’s game at Tropicana Field. But Little passively took the equivalent of a third strike, electing not to discipline star slugger Manny Ramirez for committing an unpardonable baseball sin in the third inning.
September 11, 2002
Reversed Psychology — Little now says he erred, sending wrong message
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
With his team’s season and his professional reputation on the line, Red Sox manager Grady Little made a snap judgment Monday night about Manny Ramirez’s lack of effort that by yesterday he dearly regretted. … ”We can’t undo what happened,” Little said, ”but after lying awake all night and thinking about it all day, I made a mistake by not taking him out of the game right there. That’s been eating me alive all day. In the minor leagues, I would have. … I spent a lot of time talking to Manny about it. I told him I made a mistake and I wasn’t going to make that mistake again, and hopefully he won’t either.” …
Pedro Martinez was among several players who were willing to drop the issue, citing Ramirez’s swift apology. ”There’s no need to be making a big deal about it,” Martinez said. ”That’s not the reason we’re struggling and that single incident doesn’t mean much, especially when he recognized his mistake right away. He was just frustrated and said, ‘I’m sorry, guys, and I’m sorry, coaches, for showing you up and embarrassing the team.’ All of us have to respect that.”
Making A Better Impression
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
“He’ll be fine,” Pedro Martinez said. “You guys stop writing about it, he’ll be fine. I’m gonna read the paper tomorrow to see what guys wrote about it.”
September 10, 2002
Pedro ready to pitch
Paul C. Smith, mlb.com
Pedro Martinez threw 28 pitches off the bullpen mound before Monday night’s game and reported no problems with his left hip afterward. “He’s fine,” said Grady Little. “He’ll start Wednesday night … Pedro said he keeps feeling better and better. It will be about 10 or 11 days since he last pitched, so we’ll monitor his workload.” … Before the game on Monday, Martinez said he thinks he has a shot at what would be his fourth Cy Young Award. “I think I should be in there,” Martinez said. “It could be between me and (Derek Lowe). I wouldn’t mind being up there with (Lowe). I just don’t know if my numbers are good enough.” … Martinez also said that if he had a vote for AL MVP, he would strongly consider casting it for his fellow Domincan, Miguel Tejada.
Pedro in rotation for duration
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez cleared the final hurdle to return to the starting rotation tomorrow, and Red Sox manager Grady Little said he will remain there until the end of the season, regardless of the team’s fate. … “If he’s able to pitch, why would you shut him down?” Little asked. “We’ve monitored him to this point to get him to pitch the whole season, so why would you shut him down? Outside of his hip injury, he would have made it without missing anything, but his arm is fine.”
Pedro cleared to start tomorrow
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez … threw easily yesterday. He threw 18 pitches from the windup, 8 from the stretch, and then finished with two fastballs from the windup. … Martinez should be able to make four more starts this year, counting tomorrow’s, which will bring him up to around 210 innings. In 1999, when he went 23-4, Martinez threw 213.1 innings. He worked 217 innings in 2000. His career high is 241.1 innings, in 1997, for Montreal.
Martinez Ready To Pitch — Little Dispels Talk Of Shoulder Injury
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
Red Sox manager Grady Little said Pedro Martinez will definitely start Wednesday, squashing reports that a sore right shoulder was the reason he hasn’t pitched since Aug. 28. … “He’s going to rest all winter and get ready for another season next year,” Little said. … [Martinez] said he was ready to return and make a run at his fourth Cy Young Award. … “I should be in there and get some votes – me and Big Bird,” Martinez said, using his nickname for teammate Derek Lowe. “It would be good if they could give two, one for me and one for Big Bird.”
Though upset, Little stands by his Manny
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
It was the kind of moment that can define a manager for his team. … How would Grady Little react to the sight of his $20 million-a-year superstar not taking even a step toward first base on his tapper to the mound, instead making a U-turn and returning to the dugout?
Manny atones after latest gaffe
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
Manny Ramirez made a blatant blunder in the third inning last night, embarrassing himself and his teammates by not running out a ground ball. He redeemed himself, at least partially, by immediately apologizing to his teammates once he got back to the dugout. … “That’s a good possibility,” manager Grady Little said of the idea of immediately benching Ramirez for the transgression. “It was a thought, but I also thought about the importance of the game. After he went around and apologized, I kept him in there.”
Decisions, decisions, decisions
John Tomase, Eagle Tribune
With thoughts turning to next year, now’s a good time to examine the 2003 Red Sox roster. Boston has nine free agents and five arbitration eligible players. With the team’s payroll expected to dip below $100 million, the Sox have some paring to do. … The new owners are determined to remain well below the league’s $117 million luxury tax threshold, which includes all money paid to players on the 40-man roster, not just the 25-man roster. Of the 14 players with their futures in limbo, only Alan Embree is guaranteed an offer to return.
September 9, 2002
Not throwing in the towel — Martinez to start on Wednesday
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Reviving his chances of winning 20 games and the Cy Young Award, Pedro Martinez is expected to return to the mound Wednesday, putting him in position for at least four more starts this season. … Martinez leads the league in ERA (2.22), strikeouts (221), opponents’ batting average (.194) and winning percentage (.810), among other categories. But he likely would drop out of the Cy Young competition against Derek Lowe and Oakland’s Barry Zito if he were forced to cut short his season. … Martinez painlessly threw 55 pitches in the bullpen Saturday, and Sox manager Grady Little indicated the ace will try to carry a regular workload Wednesday.
No rush for Pedro: Sox pencil him in for Wednesday start
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
After contemplating returning Pedro Martinez to the starting rotation tomorrow, the Red Sox have all but settled on sending him back to the mound Wednesday at Tropicana Field. … it’s unlikely he’ll even approach 100 [pitches] after two weeks off. “In game competition, with the added strain, we won’t let him overdo it,” Little said.
September 8, 2002
Martinez looks probable for a midweek start
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Two hours before gametime, Pedro Martinez went out to the bullpen to test his ailing groin-hip. Fifty-five pitches later, he was quite pleased with the results. “It was fine,” said Martinez. “I should be OK for Tuesday, Wednesday … anytime.”
Martinez aims for Tuesday
Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe
His arm held up just fine. His hip felt A-OK. The way things look, Pedro Martinez will rejoin the rotation Tuesday night in Tampa. … The season may be on life support, but the Olde Towne Team has its three-time Cy Young Award winner ready to rev it up against the dreaded Devil Rays. … Martinez has been troubled with left hip woes for the past 7-10 days, and yesterday’s workout was meant to find out how the weight-bearing joint would respond under gamelike conditions.
Pedro’s not ready yet: Ace still sore after workout
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez’ next start has been pushed back for the fourth time in less than a week after the Red Sox decided yesterday that it wouldn’t be wise to send him back to the mound tomorrow night at Tropicana Field. … Yesterday’s 54-pitch workout showed that the injury is improving, but Martinez is still not able to plant and turn properly on his front leg.
Pull plug on Pedro? Maybe
Karen Guregian, Boston Herald
Should the Red Sox shut down Pedro Martinez for the rest of the season? Or shouldn’t they? … Although Pedro’s shoulder has been fine all year, it’s possible he could cause a problem if he alters his delivery or mechanics attempting to compensate for the pain in his leg. The point being, if the pain is not fully gone, why bother? Why jeopardize the state of his shoulder, especially if the Sox have no realistic shot at a playoff berth? … “I want to pitch again,” Martinez answered firmly. “It’s still a little sore. I know they (Sox management) are worried I might do something to my shoulder, which is also a concern of mine, but I still think I’ll be able to pitch.”
Pedro in limbo
Art Davidson, MetroWest Daily News
It isn’t known yet when Pedro Martinez will pitch again. But Martinez said that his season isn’t over yet. Martinez threw more than 50 pitches in a 13-minute session in the bullpen before last night’s game. He’s missed two straight starts because of soreness in his left hip. … Martinez said he would throw one more time on the side before pitching in a game again.
Martinez to pitch soon
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Pedro Martinez, who hasn’t pitched since Aug. 28 because of a strained left hip, has been penciled back into the Boston rotation. Barring no setbacks, the ace right-hander will pitch Wednesday night at Tampa Bay.
September 7, 2002
Pedro throws off mound — Boston ace could be back by next week
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Pedro Martinez took a significant step forward in his recovery from a strained left hip when he threw off the bullpen mound on Saturday afternoon at Fenway Park. … He threw 55 pitches … Little will wait until Sunday morning to see how Martinez’s hip responds to the side session before targeting an exact date for his next start. … Martinez was approached by reporters as he walked from the dugout tunnel to the clubhouse. When asked how he felt after the side session, Martinez replied with one word: “Good.”
Martinez’ return to rotation may be Monday
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Under the watchful eye of Dr. Bill Morgan, Pedro Martinez did some light jopgging in the outfield yesterday, but it’s unlikely that he will be ready to start before mid-week as the team travels to St. Petersburg for a four-game series with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. “I feel a lot better,” Martinez said following the light workout. (The hip-groin area) feels much better.” … A club source indicated it was more likely that Martinez would pitch Wednesday or Thursday, rather than Monday or Tuesday.
Not tossing it in
Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe
The pain in Pedro Martinez’s left hip persists, but the three-time Cy Young Award winner will throw in the bullpen today in hopes of taking one giant step toward getting back into the Red Sox rotation. … “It’s all about finding out if his leg can rotate around, moving his leg without pain,” Little said. “The arm’s not a factor. He’s been able to throw long toss out in the outfield every day.” …
Shortstop Rick Burleson, a gritty component of Boston’s power-laden squads of the late ’70s, was named to the Red Sox Hall of Fame. “I’m very honored and excited,” said the Rooster, now managing the Billings (Mont.) Mustangs, Cincinnati’s affiliate in the Pioneer (Rookie) League. “It’s the next best thing that could happen to me – my career didn’t last long enough for me to be in the big, big Hall of Fame.” Burleson played for the Sox from 1974-80, prior to being traded to the Angels, where his career fell apart because of arm woes.
Wait till this year: Future is now in Sox win
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
With playoff hopes fading and significant offseason changes expected, auditions for roles on the 2003 Red Sox roster began last night at Fenway Park. Acknowledging that it would take an unlikely series of events to catch either the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East or the Anaheim Angels in the wild card race, Red Sox manager Grady Little decided it was time to start checking out the inventory for next year.
Season does not add up
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Going simply by statistics, the Red Sox’ fall from grace appears mystifying. They have two of the top three starting pitchers in the American League, a team batting average with runners in scoring position (.287) that is 10 points higher than the overall average and a fielding percentage that is at the exact median for Major League Baseball. With all of those categories going in their favor, how in the world have the Sox fallen out of contention so fast?
September 6, 2002
Pedro improving
Mike Petraglia, mlb.com
The upcoming weekend will likely provide a good barometer as to when Pedro Martinez will return to the Red Sox rotation. The Sox ace, trying to recover from a sore hip and groin, threw for about 10 minutes on Thursday in right field at Fenway Park … On Saturday, he will attempt to throw off a mound for the first time since coming out of the rotation. … the earliest he could return to the mound is Monday night in St. Petersburg against Tampa Bay.
Martinez: Stop sign for next start
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
With his injury healing slower than the Red Sox had hoped, Pedro Martinez said last night he will miss his second straight start Sunday and remained uncertain when he will return to the mound. … he continued to throw gingerly, favoring his left leg. ”I feel better,” he said. ”It’s a work in progress so far. … I want to take every outing I can take,” he said. ”It’s my position to pitch regardless. That’s what they pay me for.”
Pedro scratched again
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez was scratched from his second consecutive start Sunday following last night’s 5-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park, but the Red Sox are hopeful that he can return to action as early as Monday at Tampa Bay. … Manager Grady Little said, however, that he won’t send him back to the mound until the leg is completely healed.
For Pedro, Still A Hill To Climb
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
Pedro Martinez said he was feeling “pretty good” Thursday. But not good enough to make his start Sunday. As he played catch in the outfield for about 15 minutes, Martinez was still favoring his strained left hip. … “The decision will be day to day whether he can pitch or not,” manager Grady Little said. “We’ve got to know that he can function with his body the way he needs to, to pitch. He’s got to be able to rotate his front leg, he’s got to be able to land on that front leg before he can pitch.”
Out of focus
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
After watching former Sox catcher Scott Hatteberg launch the walkoff homer that clinched Oakland’s 20th straight victory the night before, Johnny Damon said the Sox have the potential to stage a similar run – but only if everyone plays with the same focus and fire. ”We’re capable of doing something great, but we need guys to step up and understand that the season is not over,” said Damon … ”If we can get that through some of these people’s heads, we’ll be fine.”
Tale of two cities is now a tired one
Filip Bondy, New York Daily News
The Yankees have a rivalry with the Red Sox the way a whale has a rivalry with plankton. … The romance has gone out of this rivalry. There is only the dormant passion now, until the day the Red Sox finally beat the Yankees in a big game again. That day didn’t seem very close last night, as the Red Sox skulked out of town toward another offseason and another spring of self-delusion.
September 5, 2002
GM Port Kicks Up A Storm — Calls Recent Play ‘Unacceptable’
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
The Red Sox had just lost another close one to the Yankees. Yet there was Derek Lowe, the losing pitcher, walking into the dining area in the clubhouse with a plate of food and singing a golden oldie. … Red Sox general manager Mike Port had plenty to say Wednesday. And he chose his words carefully, just as he always does. … “That’s just not satisfactory,” Port said. “That is unacceptable, bottom line.” Port questioned the desire and commitment of some players. “Clubs that win games have a hunger that they want to win,” Port said. “They have a steel determination that they’re going to win. They’re going to persevere. They’re going to play nine innings. They’re going to wind up with more than the opposition. So, to put it rhetorically, did you see that with our current state? I can’t say I do. …”
Pedro wouldn’t mind sharing spotlight
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
If Roger Clemens wants to return to the Red Sox when he becomes a free agent after the season, Pedro Martinez said he would gladly acquiesce and vacate his spot at the top of the starting rotation. Clemens, who is being paid $10.3 million this season in the final year of his contract, is likely to re-up with the New York Yankees, but Martinez said he would cherish the opportunity to pitch with him in Boston. “I’m a fan,” Martinez said before the Sox’ 3-1 loss last night. “He’s probably the best pitcher ever. To have him on my team would be a great honor. I’d give him my spot if I had to.”
Pedro hasn’t ruled out Sunday start
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez , who was deemed unlikely to make his next scheduled start Sunday because of a strained left groin/hip, offered a different take on the matter yesterday. “I haven’t ruled out Sunday,” said Martinez. “It all depends on how I feel day by day.” Martinez then went out and played catch and long toss for 20 minutes in the outfield during batting practice prior to last night’s game against the Yankees. He clearly felt fine after the workout because after throwing, he stayed in the outfield, shagging fly balls.
Waiting game
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Grady Little said that Frank Castillo will pitch Sunday if Pedro Martinez can’t go, but the Sox ace still hadn’t ruled out taking his turn. Martinez said he planned to play long toss yesterday, and if he is able to get up on a mound today, he would go. Little said he could delay a decision until Saturday, but both he and Martinez stressed they wouldn’t be taking any chances.
Pedro plays catch
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Pedro Martinez played catch Wednesday for the first time since a strained left hip forced him to the sidelines following his last start on Aug. 28. … If Martinez’s injury — which extends to the groin area during his delivery — progresses enough, he will take the ball Sunday at Fenway against the Blue Jays. “I already did the bike yesterday. It got tight a little bit and I expected it to,” said Martinez. “I should be better today. I’ve been taking medication. If I feel fine tomorrow, I’ll throw off a mound within the next day or so.”
What’s Next For Pedro? May Throw Off Mound Today
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
The Red Sox could know today if Pedro Martinez will make his next start Sunday at Fenway Park. Martinez tested his sore left hip and groin by throwing on flat ground Wednesday for about 15 minutes. He may throw off a mound today. “I already missed one start,” Martinez said. “There’s no way I can go eight or nine days without doing at least a little side work.”
Red Sox have no time to waste — Boston must go on prolonged run to take Wild Card
Ian Browne, mlb.com
It wasn’t long ago the Red Sox figured they’d get stiff necks in September from all the scoreboard watching they would be doing. But circumstances have changed fast in the last week. After losing to the Yankees 3-1 Wednesday night, the Red Sox trailed the Angels by 6½ games in the Wild Card hunt with 25 games remaining. Every game the Red Sox play the rest of the season is against a sub.-500 team. … It has become this simple: The Red Sox have to play scintillating baseball for the duration. They have no choice but to perform their best Oakland A’s imitation …
September 4, 2002
Yeah, athletes make big money; OK, so what?
Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News
Let’s get one thing straight right from the top. This column is being written for the money. I’d love to tell you it’s being done for the simple joy of typing, the feel of the fingers on a-s-d-f and j-k-l-; as they flick around the keyboard at lightning speed. But that would be something of a lie. I’m doing it because I get paid for it.
Next Martinez start in doubt
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
Pedro Martinez, who did not pitch last night because of the strained muscle in his left hip, will not be moved up to open the Toronto series tomorrow, and his next scheduled turn, Sunday at home against the Blue Jays, also is in jeopardy. Martinez played some catch Monday, manager Grady Little said, but was still ”really sore” in his hip. Little said he could be ready ”hopefully, by his next start, but that’s not a guarantee right now.” … A more likely scenario than pitching Sunday would be for Martinez to pitch later in the week, either against the Devil Rays in Tampa or when the team returns home to play Baltimore Sept. 13. …
Martinez, who arrived after the start of batting practice, had a private meeting with New York Post reporter George King before the game. King, citing a source, recently wrote that Martinez was on the shelf not because of his hip but because of his shoulder. Martinez denied that and called King, who left him off his MVP ballot in 1999, a ”coward.” The meeting was a civil exchange, King said.
Hancock may start
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez missed his first start of the season last night due to a hip/groin strain and the Red Sox are bracing for the possibility that he might have to miss his next one too. Martinez experienced soreness in the left hip/groin area when he played catch on Monday, leading manager Grady Little to prepare for another skipped turn on Sunday vs. Toronto at Fenway Park. … rookie Josh Hancock may get the nod on Sunday. …
Martinez finally had a chance to meet with New York Post reporter George King, who cost him the 1999 American League MVP award by refusing to include him anywhere on his ballot. King claimed that he had a personal philosophy that pitchers shouldn’t be included on MVP ballots, but when his ballot from the previous season was pulled, Yankees pitcher David Wells was listed No. 2. King also angered Martinez by reporting on Monday and yesterday that the pitcher’s real injury was a sore shoulder rather than the hip/groin. Sox media relations director Kevin Shea arranged to have the two meet in the visitors clubhouse during batting practice prior to last night’s game to discuss the matters. Shea said the chat was “civil,” but King refused to discuss it.
No go without Pedro: Need ace for playoff chase
Steve Buckley, Boston Herald
Pedro Martinez says it’s his groin that’s bothering him. Red Sox manager Grady Little says it’s the hip. And then there’s New York sportswriter George King, who has trouble distinguishing body parts – ass from elbow, hip from shoulder. He’s sticking with his story that it’s Pedro’s shoulder that’s keeping him on the medic’s table. Whatever. But we can all agree on this: Whatever is ailing Martinez, the injury has the very real possibility of derailing what’s left of the Sox’ uphill fight to capture the American League wild card.
Pedro update
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Little basically conceded that there’s no chance Pedro Martinez, who was originally supposed to start Tuesday against the Yankees, will be slotted in any time before Sunday, which is his next scheduled start. And it’s no guarantee he will pitch that day against the Blue Jays. Thanks to the strained left hip — something that extends to his groin during his delivery — Martinez’s status is uncertain. “He played catch out there a little bit and he’s still really sore in his hip,” Little said. “We’re not sure when he’s going to be able to pitch. Hopefully by his next start but that’s not a guarantee right now.”
Still ailing, Martinez might miss another turn
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez missed last night’s start, and from all indications it’s not likely he’ll be able to make his next scheduled start, either, which would be Sunday at home against Toronto. … Martinez was not available to speak with the media before last night’s game. … “We’re unsure when he’ll be able to pitch,” said Little. “We’re hoping by his next (scheduled) start, but that’s not a guarantee right now. When he raises his front (left) leg, (he feels discomfort) all the way around (the hip area).”
With Pedro, No Telling What Comes Next
David Heuschkel, Hartford Courant
Red Sox manager Grady Little likes to joke with the writers who cover the team. He was all business Tuesday. “I want you to know,” Little said, “before we start today everything that will be said in this room will be serious as hell. Do we have any questions?”
On the hot seat in Sect. 43
Stan Grossfeld, Boston Globe
The bartender at Stan’s Sports Bar and Restaurant outside Yankee Stadium leans over and issues a stern warning to me. ”Do not wear a Red Sox jersey into the bleachers,” says Joe Wattlesteen. ”You are taking a chance. I’ve seen ’em rip ’em off people’s bodies and light ’em on fire. At best, you’re gonna hear the number ‘1918’ a lot.” My sister, a New York City lawyer, also said it was a bad idea. ”Why not just crawl into a cave in Afghanistan?” she said. I enter the stadium and head for the infamous right-field bleachers. … It turned out to be all bluff. … The House That Ruth Built [is] as dangerous as a Sunday flea market or a mah-jongg game in Brookline.
Gomes shouldn’t be the one to decide fate of Red Sox
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
Maybe it won’t matter in a couple of weeks … But in the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium last night, it still mattered plenty. The Red Sox had nicked the Yankee bullpen for a run in the top of the inning and were within a run at 3-2. … Yet, there on the mound for the Red Sox was Wayne Gomes. The same Wayne Gomes who was considered expendable enough to send through waivers just five weeks ago. In a game starved for pitching, Gomes sailed through unclaimed. … Available in the bullpen were Alan Embree and Bobby Howry … Grady Little’s decision backfired in a big way when Gomes served up a gopher ball to Robin Ventura, who launched it into the right-field seats, giving the Yankees a two-run lead again.
Perennial Pursuers a Good Tease
Mark Herrmann, Newsday
The Boston Red Sox would find it a lot easier to follow the race if it really were a race with the Yankees. The Yankees play in the same time zone, and often, like last night, on the same field. But reality says there is no use following the Yankees if you can’t catch them.
September 3, 2002
Martinez gets the hook, then drills NY newspaper
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Imagine Pedro Martinez’s surprise yesterday when he learned of a report in a New York paper that an injury to his shoulder – not his left hip or groin – may be the reason he will miss his first regular turn of the season today. … Martinez … all but said the report stemmed from animosity toward him by the news media in Gotham in general and the story’s author, George King of the New York Post, in particular. ”It doesn’t surprise me to be probably bumped out for the year in the New York papers,” Martinez said. ”That’s what they wish for, especially the reporters. … ‘He just hates me probably. But the next time he’s in [the clubhouse], I’m going to ask him what his problem is with me. I hope he comes in, even though I don’t think cowards will show up.”
Pedro’s Still A Sore Point
George King, New York Post
Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox insist there is nothing wrong with Martinez’ valuable right shoulder. Still, Martinez won’t be on the mound tonight … Martinez … says his problem is with a tender left groin, not his shoulder. Earlier it was believed Martinez was suffering from a hip injury. A league executive suggested to The Post on Sunday that Martinez’ health woes were related to the shoulder.
Irked Martinez: Paper Lacks the Right Stuff
Bob Herzog, Newsday
Say this about Pedro Martinez: The wondrous Red Sox righthander has a fearless, in-your-face approach on and off the mound. … “It doesn’t surprise me a bit. I’m probably out for the year in the New York papers. That’s what they wish for, especially their reporters,” Martinez said before the game. “They probably want me to blow my arm out.”
Groin, not hip, sidelines Pedro
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
Disclosing that he is hobbled by a left groin strain rather than a sore hip, Pedro Martinez was officially scratched from today’s scheduled start against the New York Yankees. The injury may require extended rest. … “It was bothering me to walk the day after I pitched (against Anaheim), and it was bothering me the whole game (against New York), especially with the way I land, so I decided to get myself checked,” Martinez said. “I land really hard on my (left) leg, and it takes a little bit out of me.”
Martinez out with groin pull
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal
Pedro Martinez will not start in this series, and there’s no telling when he’ll be able to start again, especially after he described his injury as a problem with his groin. Previously, the Red Sox had called Martinez’s injury a strained muscle in his left hip. The word “groin” was brought up by Martinez prior to yesterday’s game with the Yankees.
Garciaparra on a thousand island by himself
Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe
He got there faster than Ted Williams, faster than Carl Yastrzemski, faster than Bobby Doerr, Carlton Fisk, and Wade Boggs. … Nomar Garciaparra yesterday got his 1,000th career hit in his 746th big league ballgame – faster than any other player in Sox history (Boggs did it in 747). It was an RBI single, part of a three-hit day in a laborious, rain-delayed, 8-4 holiday victory over the first-place Yankees.
September 2, 2002
Red Sox make their presence felt
Tom Singer, mlb.com
When we were last here, the fate of the Red Sox seemed sealed and the fate of the baseball season was up in the air. Five short days later, the season is a sure thing, and the Red Sox are a maybe. Just another example why, when you write someone off in baseball, do it in pencil.
Red Sox ready to take on Yankees
Ian Browne, mlb.com
[T]he most important development as the Sox embark on the Bronx is that leadoff man Johnny Damon has rediscovered the same stroke that catapulted his team to a 40-17 start. … The stats prove the point that when Damon laps the bases, the Red Sox win games. Sunday’s effort made the team 25-2 when Damon scores two runs or more. … “I told the team on Friday that it’s time to go and I’m going to help carry us to the playoffs,” Damon said. “I’m ready to pick up that responsibility that’s been left off for the past couple of months and I’m ready go to. I’d like to get back to the playoffs. I had a great time there [with Oakland] last year.”
Pedro won’t start Tuesday
Ian Browne, mlb.com
Thanks to a strained left hip, Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez won’t be able to take his scheduled start Tuesday night against the Yankees. It would have been Martinez’s fifth start against New York this season. … “It’s bothering me a little to land on the left leg,” said Martinez, who is 17-4 and leads the Major Leagues with a 2.22 ERA. “I think I did it against Anaheim the previous start before the Yankees, and I continued to pitch like that and it bothered me more after the game against the Yankees. It was [bothering me] the whole game. The more you pitch on it, the more you feel it, especially the way I land, I land really hard on that leg.” …
Red Sox manager Grady Little wasn’t sure when Martinez would be able to pitch again, but he’s hoping it will be some time before Sunday, which is his regular day. The earliest it would be is Thursday at Fenway against the Blue Jays. … However, Little and Martinez are certain about one thing. There’s no validity to a speculative story in Monday’s New York Post that it was actually Martinez’s right shoulder that was bothering him. “There’s no truth to that whatsoever,” Little said. “I wonder where they get some of that stuff sometimes.” Martinez chalked it up to New York bias. “I’m probably bumped out for the year in the New York papers, that’s what they wish for,” Martinez said. …
The Red Sox made their second September callup in as many days, recalling catcher Kevin Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Martinez May Have Shoulder Problems
George King, New York Post
Not everybody believes Pedro Martinez’ hip is the reason he may not start tomorrow night against the Yankees. “[Boston] is saying it’s his hip, but it could be his shoulder,” an AL source told The Post yesterday. Officially, the Red Sox are saying Martinez is suffering from a left hip strain. … With the Red Sox having virtually no chance of catching the Yankees in the AL East, where they are 7½ games out and their wild-card hopes quickly sliding away, Boston may not want to take a chance with Martinez no matter what his ailment is.
Sox run in place: Team in need of streak to stay in playoff race
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
And so on and on it goes, the ebb and flow of the 2002 Red Sox, back and forth, up and down, in and out. Only four short weeks remain in this baseball season, yet the Sox still stand in the same place as the tide washes over their feet and their toes melt into the sand. Will this team ever make a move? Or will they just continue to stand there and sink? “Given our capabilities, we seem to have a problem being consistently good,” interim general manager Mike Port said …
Big games in September
Matt Szefc, espn.com
Boston at N.Y. Yankees Sept. 2-4
The Red Sox are presently on the outside looking in at the postseason, but in four weeks don’t be surprised to see them as the AL wild-card representative. Thanks to a soft schedule — after this three-game set against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium the Sox play their final 25 games against teams under .500 — the Sox have no excuse but to qualify for postseason play. …
Tampa Bay at Boston Sept. 27-29
Don’t rub your eyes thinking it must be a misprint to see the Devil Rays listed in this rundown of key games to watch. That’s right, Tampa Bay hasn’t played a meaningful series in a long time, if ever. But they could play spoilers and keep the Red Sox out of the postseason during the final weekend of the regular season. Hey you never know, right?
September 1, 2002
Martinez has only hip strain — He needs rest, may miss a turn
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe
Breathe easier, Red Sox fans. The franchise remains intact. An MRI on Pedro Martinez’s sore left hip revealed no structural damage and his injury was diagnosed as no more than a strain that will require some rest. How much rest is the question. Team physician Bill Morgan advised the Sox ace to avoid physical activity over the weekend. … Though Martinez will not have thrown in practice since his last start Wednesday, Little said the ace should not be at a disadvantage if he starts Tuesday.
Pedro takes detour: May miss Yankees series due to hip
Jeff Horrigan, Boston Herald
For more than a month, Red Sox manager Grady Little banked on having Pedro Martinez lined up to defeat the New York Yankees in each of the final two series of the regular season … A magnetic resonance imaging on the hip disclosed two minor muscle strains in the hip and he was ordered by team physician Dr. Bill Morgan to refrain from physical activity for a couple of days.
Hip muscle strain makes Pedro iffy
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal
An MRI performed Friday on pitcher Pedro Martinez revealed nothing more than a strained muscle in the left hip, but Martinez still isn’t assured of making his scheduled start Tuesday against Roger Clemens and the New York Yankees. … Team physician Bill Morgan advised Martinez to rest for the weekend, with no physical acitivty. He will join the Red Sox tonight in New York, then be re-examined tomorrow.
Madeleine Joy, ‘oldest Red Sox fan,’ dead at 102
Associated Press
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (AP) — Madeleine Joy, honored at the Boston Red Sox 100th anniversary celebration in 1999 as one of the team’s oldest fans, died Friday. She was 102.
Joy threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park on Sept. 27, 1999, at age 99. She swung her arm in windmill fashion three times before releasing the ball, which fell a few feet short of catcher Scott Hatteberg. “My problem was I threw a knuckleball,” Joy said at the time.
Former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky asked Joy, “Is it all right if I call you my girlfriend?”, while a fan asked for her autograph. “I hope I don’t drop dead from all this excitement,” Joy said.
Joy grew up in the early 1900s rooting for the Red Sox and arguing with her brother, who was a Yankees fan. She did not approve of the Red Sox 1919 sale of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. “I was very disappointed when Babe went to the Yankees,” Joy told the Eagle-Tribune of Lawrence in a 1998 interview. “I was a few years younger than he was. I adored him. A lot of girls did. He was such a good player in every part of the game. And he was pretty good looking, too.”
Joy, who remembered the Red Sox World Series titles of the teens, continued to question Red Sox management for the rest of her life. She chided former general manager Dan Duquette for letting Roger Clemens and Mo Vaughn leave the team. “I don’t think Dan Duquette is doing that good of a job,” Joy said.
Joy used to nap during the day when the team played on the West Coast so she could stay up late to watch the game. At a 1995 doubleheader at Fenway Park, Joy made her grandson sit through the second game, even though he wanted to leave.
Hot Garciaparra cranks out a few
Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe
“Everything is a joke,” he said before last night’s game at Jacobs Field. … “[W]aiting four freaking hours in the freaking locker room before we found out. It didn’t have to go until the final hour, and then you hear the commissioner was taking a nap. … Garciaparra delivered mock praise of the new agreement, which is designed to put a drag on salaries and spread baseball’s wealth more evenly among the 30 franchises. “I think this is great. Now ticket prices are gonna go down and concession prices will go down. Hot dogs are gonna be cheaper. It’ll be great. There’ll be more signs from the fans thanking us for lower ticket prices. There won’t be rising salaries anymore. … “Fans don’t get firsthand information. The saddest thing is that the fans were not informed. It was only about us being greedy, wanting more. And all we did was give back, give back, give back. … “
Garciaparra: Players unfairly judged
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
“If you look at it, the biggest thing is: Aren’t we supposed to be greedy?” Garciaparra said at Jacobs Field …”Greedy means you’re asking for stuff. I don’t think we asked for anything the whole time (during negotiations), except that the minimum salary be raised (from $200,000 to $300,000). All we did is give up stuff.
In the end, Burkett’s start was difference
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald
[E]ven in post-labor, the patience in the Sox’ clubhouse appears to be eroding. “To come back like that and lose it on a ball where Johnny has to cover more ground than he needs to – that’s not Johnny’s ball,” said a blunt and agitated Jason Varitek, the Sox catcher. “Johnny’s gotta cover for Manny (Ramirez). Plain and simple. He just overran the ball. Johnny was just hustling.” The apparent implication: Ramirez was not. Make of it what you will.
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