2009 Baseball Hot Stove Season Kicks Off

Is Coco on the trading block?

During the final two months of the season, Coco Crisp might have elevated his trade value to an all-time high. One of Cubs GM Jim Hendry's off-season priorities is to find more lefthanded hitting. According to the Chicago Tribune: "[Lefthanded] hitters and switch-hitters who could be available include free agents Bobby Abreu and Mark Teixeira along with Brian Roberts and Coco Crisp, who may be on the trading block again."

Kotsay could be moving on

The Globe's Adam Kilgore writes that it seems likely that outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay will end up elsewhere. He will be a free agent for the first time, and he has indicated his desire to occupy an everyday role, something unlikely to happen with the Red Sox. Kotsay was acquired by Boston from Atlanta in late August.

Peavy is available if Sox are interested

From the Globe's Nick Cafardo's Sunday notes: "The Braves appeared to be the best fit, but GM Frank Wren is backing off Kevin Towers's demands. The Astros, Cardinals, and Brewers (perhaps the best fit) will be out there. The Sox are waiting to see whether Peavy would erase them from his no-trade list, though he's not a huge priority. Peavy was in the Padres' system when Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino were team executives, so there's a history. The Sox would be able to satisfy San Diego's demands for low-priced players, especially a shortstop (Jed Lowrie), a center fielder (Jacoby Ellsbury or Coco Crisp), and a pitching prospect (Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, Justin Masterson). From the Chicago Tribune: "The Cubs are on the list of teams for which Jake Peavy will waive his no-trade clause. This doesn't look like a fit, but don't be surprised if Jim Hendry tries to put together a package that would include a swap of first basemen, Derrek Lee and Adrian Gonzalez, who is supposedly untouchable." According to the Boston Herald, the Padres have already let it be known they'll be looking for two top young pitchers and a front-line position player - preferably someone who can step in fairly soon and roam Petco Park’s large center field - in exchange for Peavy. Peavy, 27, is 86-62 with a 3.25 career ERA. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2007 and has twice led the NL in ERA and strikeouts.

Teixeira could be a big target for Sox

The Globe's Tony Massarotti writes that according to a team source, the Red Sox already have had some internal discussion about free-agent-to-be Mark Teixeira, the most desirable hitter available on the open market and a player for which the bidding will be fierce. All signs point to a spirited run at Teixeira, a switch-hitting, slugging first baseman with the excellent defensive skills, exceptional baseball acumen, and discretionary plate discipline that Sox officials so covet. The 28-year-old Teixeira is a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate who has averaged 35 home runs and 118 RBIs the past five seasons. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner at first base who finished this year with more walks (97) than strikeouts (93), making him a perfect fit for the Sox in every way.

Tazawa free to pursue career in MLB; Sox interested?

Junichi Tazawa, a 22-year-old Japanese pitcher whose fastball reaches the mid-to-high 90s and who also throws a forkball and slider, was passed over by Japan's 12 professional teams in Thursday's amateur draft. He had told Japanese teams not to draft him so he could pursue a career playing in the United States. He has drawn interest from several major league teams, including the Red Sox, who scouted Tazawa when he pitched in his team to the national corporate league championship in Japan this season. Put this one in the "highly speculative" category for now.

Boras pitching Varitek to Tigers?

Is agent Scott Boras planning a game of musical chairs with his clients, one that might result in Varitek ending up as a Detroit Tiger? FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal thinks it's a possibility, writing: "Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff." . . . The Globe's Adam Kilgore writes that the Red Sox and Varitek have not initiated contract discussions, which is not unusual this soon after the season, according to Boras. Boras did not offer any specific figures Varitek is aiming for, but he outlined an argument - - based on leadership and defense -- as to why Varitek is still an elite catcher. When Varitek signed his four-year contract at the end of 2004, the fourth year was a sticking point. Boras seemed to indicate that Varitek, who will turn 37 in April, will want another multiyear deal this offseason.

Phillies End 25 Years of Frustration

Ryan Howard hoists the Commissioner's Trophy after the Phillies 4-3 victory Wednesday night. Howard struggled against lefties during the World Series, but he exploded for two home runs and five RBI in his club's 10-2 Game 4 win.

With the score tied, two out in the seventh and Jason Bartlett on second, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz paired up for the biggest defensive play of Game 5. Utley gloved Akinori Iwamura's groundball, realized he didn't have a play at first and threw home to Ruiz, who dove to tag Bartlett.

Brad Lidge was lights-out in the postseason for the Phillies. In all, the Philadelphia closer pitched 9.1 innings, gave up one earned run, and struck out 13. He was seven-for-seven in save opportunities, including the World Series-clinching save in Game 5.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Lidge (C) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 to win Major League Baseball's World Series in Philadelphia October 29, 2008

Manager - Charlie Manuel holds World Championship Trophy

October 30, 2008
Philadelphia Phillies end 25 years of hurt to win the World Series
Philadelphia Phillies win series 4-1

The city of Philadelphia erupted in celebration on Wednesday night, as its beloved Phillies won baseball’s World Series and secured the city’s first professional sporting triumph in 25 years.
The Phillies took Game Five of the best-of-seven series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays, outscoring the visitors 4-3, to win the series 4-1.

No Philadelphia team has won a national title since 1983, when the basketball 76ers won the NBA finals. It was the longest sporting drought for any of America’s biggest cities – 100 seasons of futility between Philadelphia’s four major professional franchises. When the relief finally came the fans still had to wait just a little longer – until the end of what the weather ensured was the longest game in World Series history.

The decisive game started on Monday night but was suspended after driving rain made the field unplayable, with the teams tied 2-2 after five-and-a-half innings. Plans to reconvene on Tuesday evening were shelved when rain again threatened to turn the field into a quagmire.

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On Wednesday, the Phillies jumped out to an early lead when play resumed in the bottom of the sixth inning but the Rays hit back in the seventh inning with a solo home run by Rocco Baldelli
In the bottom of the seventh, the Phillies drove in what turned out to be the winning run when catcher Pedro Feliz singled and Eric Bruntlett scampered home.

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia’s star pitcher, was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series. He won the first game and, though he did not pitch on Wednesday, his tight performance in the rain on Monday was crucial to the Phillies’ success. Overall, he finished with four wins and no losses in the postseason.

Another key contribution came from Brad Lidge, the Phillies’ famed closing pitcher, who finished off the Rays’ line-up in the ninth inning, and completed a remarkable season of perfection – 48 saves in 48 attempts.

Tampa Bay had been the surprise team of the 2008 season. They finished 2007 with the worst record in baseball, but this year, led by a posse of young and largely unheard of hitters and pitchers, they ended with the best record in the regular season and breezed their way through to the World Series as champions of the American League. But in the final match-up they proved no match for the more familiar luminaries of the National League's Philadelphia.

It was the Phillies' first World Series title since 1980 and only their second in their 125-year history.

"I think when we're all old and retired and we come back, we'll get a standing ovation," Hamels said. "Just like they did for the guys who won the 1980 Series."

"It's been a long ride, I'll say that much, but we did it," Rollins, one of Hamels's team-mates, said.

"I'm very proud of our guys," Joe Maddon, the Rays manager, said. "[It was] really a truly remarkable job. We made a powerful statement. It's just the beginning."

MLB Fiasco! Game 5 Maddness!!!!!

Balfour v Madson as Game 5 resumes in Philadelphia

The Bud Selig Era in MLB continues its downward spiral!





A TIE in the All Star Game! Steroids! Now for the first time in history a Suspended Game in the World Series! It is all about greed in MLB! Money makes the baseball roll for MLB HQ and its Dictator Selig.





I am sick at heart that Philly and Tampa Fans were put thru the agony of watching Game 5 begin and drudge along until it was halted in the 6th inning a 2-2 tie. I am sick at heart that young people - who are the future of baseball - can NOT SEE a World Series Game, because the games begin and end soooo late!





It is time for a change. It is time for MLB and its Franchise Holders to dump[ a numb nutted Selig, who looks like he is propped up in his chair to speak.





A young and energetic person - who LOVES BASEBALL needs to be appointed Commissioner. Money IS Important - but it should not rule all!





Wake up before it is too late! Wake up before the fans wise up and begin to drift away in larger numbers than they have in the past 20 years. Baseball is not America's Pastime because the idiots that run the game refuse to identify with the fans. Fans want to see clean baseball and solid competition. The "Dream Teams" that made the 2008 World Series and their fans deserved more respect than they were afforded a couple of nights ago. Making both teams and the Philly Fans sit thru a monsoon for MONEY was a blemish that will never be erased for the face of baseball.





Be gone Bud Selig - move on!

Celtics Celebrate Banner 17!

Banner No. 17

Banner No. 17 heads for the rafters.

Following pregame introductions before each contest during the 2007-08 season, the Celtics would gather in a circle near the free-throw line in front of their bench and bounce in unison to psych themselves up for that night's game.

So it might have been a bit odd for the Celtics to find themselves forming that same circle in front of the opposing bench before Tuesday night's season-opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden.

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Video: An emotional night

A new tradition? No, an old one.

After raising Banner No. 17 to the rafters -- a symbol of last year's NBA championship -- the Celtics formed that familiar circle beneath the banner and danced one last time in celebration as U2's "Beautiful Day" -- the same anthem of the 2001 Patriots championship team -- blared through the arena.

The pregame festivities began with a video highlight reel of last season, featuring clips from the Celtics' postseason run. When it finished, Queen's "We are the Champions" began and Celtics legends Bob Cousy and John Havlicek walked onto the court to deliver the Larry O'Brien championship trophy.

Celtics captain Paul Pierce received the trophy and placed it on a table decked with a black cloth and the championship rings in the shape of the number "17."

Flanked by the Celtics ownership group, NBA commissioner David Stern commended the Celtics before the ring presentation opened with Celtics front office and coaching staffs receiving their new diamond- and gem-studden jewelry. Head coach Doc Rivers received his ring last to deafening applause.

Each player from the 2007-08 squad was then introduced, sans the retired PJ Brown and James Posey, the lone offseason defector (New Orleans Hornets). Sam Cassell and Scot Pollard accepted in street clothes, while the rest of the Celtics wore their warmup attire.

The Big 3 brought up the rear of the line with Pierce the last to accept as cheers of "MVP!" bouncing off all walls.

As "Beautiful Day" began, the Celtics walked over to the banner lying near the top of the arc in front of the visitor's bench. Showing the same teamwork that made the Celtics successful last year, each player seemed to want to get a hand on the rope that hoisted it to the rafters, where -- as the chorus hit -- it nestled safely between a set of retired numbers and the last championship banner from 1986.

The familiar chant of "Let's Go Celtics!" poured from the crowd.
After lineup introductions from both squads, an emotional Pierce took the mic at center court and addressed the crowd.

"Sometimes you don't know if this day will ever come," said Pierce. "Dreams do come true."

Phillies Solve Tampa Bay -- On the Brink

Philadelphia baseball fans are long-suffering. They have only one World Series victory (1980) to their credit. Tonight the Phillies led by the HR Power of Ryan Howard (2 HR's & 5RBI) and the awesome pitching of Joe Blanton - an A's castoff (who also had a HR) - took a 3-1 lead in the 2008 World Series with a 10-2 win.

Tampa has found a way to win all year long. they survived the Red Sox in the regular and post season. They came back after losing Game One of this World Series and fought hard but lost Game three.

Now they face the biggest challenge of their climb to the top of the baseball world. They are behind 3-1 in games in Philadelphia. The Phillies have not lost a past-season game at home in 2008. Their starter has not lost a play off game in 2008.

The Phillies, who led the NL in Home runs in 2008 are scorching hot and their "Bambino-like" first baseman Howard has struck two monster shots in the past two games.

All looks bleak for the Rays. They are not shining as bright as they were last Sunday when they defeated the World Champions in Game 7 at the Trop. BUT!! Their backs have been up against the wall before and they have recovered in fine fashion. Let's see what they can contrive in order to survive. Game time is 8:35PM tonight.

Power play: Howard bashing again
Phils, even Rays, knew his strong bat would return in Series
By Kevin Horan / MLB.com

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Complete World Series coverage

PHILADELPHIA -- The "MVP" chants that had been missing since late September are now flowing freely throughout Citizens Bank Park.

These accolades had been stored up over a period of 13 games, and they are finally raining down upon Ryan Howard. The Phillies first baseman smacked two homers on Sunday night to lift his team to a 10-2 win against the Rays in Game 4, putting Philadelphia one victory away from its first World Series title since 1980.

"That's the kind of stuff you dream of when you're a teenager," Howard said. "Getting to the game, obviously, you want to win, but being able to do something like that, and just to help my team win, it's a great feeling."

The Phillies relied on Howard's power and timely hitting throughout September to surge to a National League East title. The first baseman hit 11 home runs in the season's final month, complemented by a .352 batting average (31-for-88).

When the postseason started, however, the power stopped. Howard entered the World Series homerless in the playoffs, with a .258 average (8-for-31).

Rays manager Joe Maddon certainly wasn't counting Howard out. In the American League Championship Series, Maddon witnessed Red Sox slugger David Ortiz continuously struggle at the plate, only to finally break out of his slump in a big way, blasting a three-run home run in Game 5.

"I kept saying, 'I don't trust him,'" Maddon said of Ortiz. "I have not been around Ryan as often or as many times, but again, you know how good he is. Guys like that -- those big power guys -- when they hit them, it normally comes in bunches."

But it was Howard's home run in the fourth that got the barrage started.

"He's a carrier," manager Charlie Manuel said. "And a carrier is somebody that can take your team and get the big hits and knock in runs, and he can put you on your back and he can carry you. And that's one of my favorite statements."

For Howard, hearing that kind of praise and listening to the "MVP" chants is nice, but one thing, more than anything, kept him going during his 13-game homerless drought in the postseason.
"We were winning," the first baseman said. "When you get to the playoffs, it's not about individual goals or individual stats and stuff like that. It's a team effort. And the automatic thing is, you're trying to win a championship."

This Day In Baseball History......

Orlando Hernandez (8-0, 1.90) loses his first postseason game as the Mets defeat the Yankees 4-2 with a tie-breaking, eighth inning double by Benny Agbayani.

Jackie Robinson dies of heart disease at his home in Stamford, Conn. The 53-year old Hall of Famer broke the color line playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

Tampa Ties the Knot!

Jason Bartlett drops a squeeze bunt in the fourth to score Cliff Floyd and give the Rays a 4-0 lead. The pitchers made it stand up, holding the Phillies to 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Shining Moment for Rays
They get even with Phillies in Game 2
By Amalie Benjamin
Globe Staff / October 24, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Though B.J. Upton expected Joe Maddon to call for a safety squeeze with the not-so-fleet Cliff Floyd on third base in the fourth inning, the designated hitter wasn't so sure.

"That's all Joe," Floyd said. "When I got the sign, I was actually looking in the dugout, then I was looking at [third base coach Tom] Foley like, are you serious? But these legs still can move a little bit. The type of situation this is, I'm going to make myself move.

"Speed kills, baby."

Jason Bartlett executed the squeeze to get Floyd home with the fourth run for the Rays on their way to a 4-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series before 40,843 at Tropicana Field.

It was another grind-it-out run for the Rays, belying their postseason power surge. The Rays scored their first two runs on ground outs, their third on an RBI single, and their fourth on the bunt.

So the Rays got the runs home. The Phillies did not.

When the numbers are as stark as they were after last night's game, it's difficult to understand how the Phillies won Game 1, though the pitching of Cole Hamels overcame most of Philadelphia's shortcomings.

The Phillies went 1 for 15 with runners in scoring position last night, and are 1 for 28 in the Series.

"Of course, we could not drive our runs in tonight," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said, who added it was one of Philadelphia's "sloppiest" games of the season. "I'm concerned about us hitting with guys on base, because it looks like at times we might be trying a little too hard. But we can fix that."

The Rays used a slightly abbreviated performance from James Shields (5 2/3 innings), coupled with another dazzler from David Price (2 1/3 innings to close it out), and a bounce-back game from Upton to head to Philadelphia tied at 1-1.

One night after an awful evening in which he grounded into two double plays (one with the bases loaded), struck out, and popped out in foul ground, the Rays center fielder played more like the Upton of the American League Championship Series. He began the game with a single, and scored on Evan Longoria's ground out. In the second inning, he singled to drive in Dioner Navarro to make it 3-0.

Just as they had against the Red Sox, the Rays had lost Game 1. After the ALCS opener, David Ortiz had said the Rays' faces looked different from how they looked in the regular season, implying Tampa Bay had been awed by its place in the postseason.

And, just as they had done in the ALCS, the Rays won Game 2. As the Phillies had done the night before, the Rays scored two runs in the first inning, coming on consecutive ground outs by thumpers Carlos Peña and Longoria. Each scored a run, putting the Rays up immediately behind Shields, who was attempting to extricate himself from the snickers at his "Big Game James" moniker.

"There's going to be tough situations that you have to fight through," Floyd said. "We've been in that situation before. It wasn't the norm. We lost the first game of the ALCS, so guys kind of know how to handle those situations. They didn't come in feeling all tense."

Even though he had faltered in Game 6 of the ALCS, when he had a chance to close out the series against the Sox, Shields didn't falter a second time, calling his changeup exceptional. While his teammates were providing the offense, Shields kept the Phillies off the board.

Philadelphia had its chances, though. In the second, the Phillies had two men on with none out and proceeded to deliver a pop foul to third base, a strikeout, and a line out to center. In the fourth, they had two on and one out. But designated hitter Greg Dobbs struck out swinging on a cutter and Pedro Feliz grounded out. And then there was the fifth, in which a line out to right by Chase Utley with two men on became a double play when Jayson Werth was caught off first.

In a surprising move, Rays manager Joe Maddon pulled his starter with two on and two outs in the sixth inning in favor of Dan Wheeler. After getting the first two outs of the inning, Shields allowed singles to Shane Victorino and Dobbs, leaving runners on first and third for Wheeler with a four-run lead. He quelled the threat by inducing Feliz to ground to third for a force.
And then he left the final seven outs to Price, who allowed two runs, including a solo, pinch-hit homer to Eric Bruntlett, but he found his way out. So did the Rays, evening up the series, and getting back to what they do best.

"That's what we're about, the little things," Upton said. "Small ball. We've been doing it all year. No reason to stop now."

Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com.