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Over the Monster (www.overthemonster.com) has great Boston Red Sox news, photos, videos and more
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Top 10 of '08: #1 - ALCS Game 5: Don't count out the Red Sox
TOP OF THE 8TH (Rays, 7-4): Papelbon domination BOTTOM OF THE 9TH (tied 7-7): Pedroia GO, Ortiz SO, Youkilis single to 3B, Bay IBB, Drew single to RF (Youkilis scores) There was no World Series for the Red Sox in 2008, but who knows what lies ahead in 2009.
Top 10 of '08: Where are we at and where are we going?
8. Manny hits No. 500 (Manny hits his 500th career home run) 5. Beckett, Varitek heroics (Game 6 of the ALCS, Beckett battles through injury, Varitek hits go-ahead home run late) 4. Drew's HR sinks Angels (Game 2 of the ALDS, Drew hits game-wining home run off K-Rod)
Top 10 of '08, #2: Jon Lester's no-hitter
The reason I am writing up No. 2 of the top 10 moments of the 2008 Red Sox season instead of Allen, E-Coli or SoxDevil is because, well, I was dubbed the "biggest Jon Lester fan of the group." I don't even think that's really true, but there's no question that what Lester did on May 19 is a great mome...
Smoltz leaning toward signing with Red Sox
The Sox are also trying to hash out an agreement with veteran free-agent right-hander John Smoltz, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Smoltz, 41, would likely not be able to play until late May, but the Sox normally overstaff their starting rotation to account for injuries as they d...
Rocco Baldelli to sign with Red Sox
Peter Gammons is reporting that the Red Sox are close to signing outfielder Rocco Baldelli to be the team's fourth outfielder. Baldelli will be a guest at tomorrow night's Boston Baseball Writers Dinner, where he will receive the 2008 Tony Conigliaro Award. The deal is expected to be ann...
Yesterday
The Boston bench is bad -- very bad
I like Bailey and Van Every, but the Sox need better options off the bench. Without a doubt, this is the biggest hole on the Sox's team -- yes, even more so than behind the plate. If this isn't fixed, the Sox could have a long season ahead. Poll Other than Rocco Baldelli, who should the Sox sign? Wil...
Monday, Jan 5
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with infielder Nick Green on a minor league deal and will invite...
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with infielder Nick Green on a minor league deal and will invite him to major league camp in spring training to compete for the utility infielder job. Green, 30, is righthanded hitter (.240 career), has been with four teams including Atlanta, Tampa Bay, the Ne...
Choosing between Lowrie and Lugo is a toss up
Could Julio Lugo overtake Jed Lowrie for the shortstop job in '09? The descriptions above fit Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie, respectively. We'll see one of them deep in the hole come April 6 in Fenway Park ... but which one is the real question at hand. Let's look at at the pros of each being the starter:
Q & A with Kevin Youkilis
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis took some time out of his holiday schedule to answer questions from the readers of The Bottom Line blog. Here's a peek: Youk also discussed finding his used undies on ebay, his funky batting stance and his favorite moments as a Red Sox... clikc over and read m...
Top 10 of '08, #4: ALDS Game 2 - Drew's HR sinks Angels
In Drew's two seasons as a Red Sox, the moments I remember of him always seem to be crucial home runs. His last came in game two of the ALDS against the Angels. You remember the game? Of course you do. That isn't the Sox. The Sox wanted to win this game.
Sunday, Jan 4
Greg Zaun is smarter than Mark Teixeira
I'd love (to play in Boston). My agent has had ongoing talks with Boston and I would love to see that happen. I feel one of the things I have going in my favor is being in Toronto for so long I have a deep knowledge of the AL East. I would also love the challenge of playing in Boston, where every day you g...
Friday, Jan 2
AL East: Yankees vs. Red Sox
Red Sox Yankees Advantage SP Tim Wakefield Joba Chamberlain Yankees. NG: Tim Wakefield is washed up, IMO! 1B Kevin Youkilis Mark Teixeira Yankees. Barely.
Andruw Jones??
Ok how about this, Red Sox sign Jones as a 4th outfielder to go with Bay, Jacoby, and Drew. it makes perfect sense because he needs a good team to try and revamp his career and being a 4th outfielder for a World Series competitive team would be great for us and him. Red Sox need a 4th outfielder that...
Wednesday, Dec 31
Hanley Ramirez
Take a good, long look at the Red Sox 2004 World Series roster. Every pitcher, and every single starting position player with the lone exception of Trot Nixon, did not come up through the Red Sox system. That's right. Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Johnny Damon,...
Top 10 of '08, #5: Beckett, Varitek heroics
OTM's Game 6 recap | B-R.com box score When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein describes Beckett's five-inning performance in Game 6 as "borderline heroic" it is with good reason. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. There will be a game seven played between the Red Sox and Rays.
Tuesday, Dec 30
Top 10 of '08: Bay in Boston; A Star? Is Born?, 8/1/08
However, despite our two heroes efforts in the first several innings, the Sox were tied 1-1 with the A's after Okajima coughed up the tying home run in the 8th. The game progressed to the 12th, in which Mike Timlin? turned in a scoreless inning. Former Sox Alan Embree got two quick outs in the 1...
Monday, Dec 29
With Penny, is Red Sox starting 5 the best?
Don't let the name fool you. Since the early 80s, I have loved the Cubbies, Red Sox & Royals. I've been to Wrigley hundreds of times, Fenway a handful, and looking forward to visiting KC for the first time this summer. Can't wait for the season to start.
Don't sign Brian Fuentes.
So in the wake of not signing Teixeira, (btw: interesting take on the Yankees and money on BTF) many overreacted and apparently decided we should spend some or all of the money earmarked for Tex somewhere, and this guy was suggested as a recipient of some of that money. No.
What the Brad Penny signing means for Boston
New Red Sox starter Brad Penny. (via dodgerfan.net) Josh Beckett, RHP Jon Lester, LHP Daisuke Matsuzka, RHP Brad Penny, RHP Tim Wakefield, RHP Penny's best season came in 2007 when he was a Dodger. He went 16-4 in 33 starts with a 3.03 earned run average. Penny has a career 106 ERA+.
Top 10 of '08, #7 - Clean-up hitter of the year
The 5'9" second baseman was argueably the best player in baseball this season, taking home the 2008 AL Most Valuable Player. He had one of the best seasons ever for a second baseman but there was one point that really catapulted him to the top: Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.
Sunday, Dec 28
Lars Anderson #8th AL Prospect
He could be Mark Teixeira—as a catcher. Just one reason the Braves wish they could undo their Teixeira trade. 7. Eric Hosmer, 1b, Royals 8. Lars Anderson, 1b, Red Sox Even if Boston signs Teixeira, it will find room for Anderson in 2010. 10. Mike Moustakas, 3b, Royals
Red Sox, Josh Bard close to agreement
This would be Bard's second stint with the Red Sox. The first one was brief. The Sox acquired Bard from the Indians as part of the trade for Coco Crisp in January 2006. He served as a backup to Jason Varitek and struggled catching Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. About a month into his tenure in Bosto...
Red Sox close to signing Brad Penny
Penny's best season was in 2007 with the Dodgers. He went 16-4 with a 3.03 ERA in 33 starts. As the article also notes, Penny as a Sox would reunite him with Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, who were teammates in Florida. Poll Should the Red Sox sign Brad Penny? Yes No
Friday, Dec 26
Could Kottaras and Brown do the job?
What do the Sox have to lose? If they don't sign Varitek and aren't willing to trade Clay Buchholz for a young catcher, I don't think the Sox are in that bad of a position. This is certainly a better scenario than having only one major league ready catcher.
Mark Teixeira too good for the Red Sox
According to Murray Chass, Mark Teixeira and his wife did not want to live in Boston, nor did Teixeira want to be a Red Sox: He didn't want to be a Red Sox, huh? It's funny how he wouldn't want to be a Red Sox, but there's a guy like Curt Schilling who just absolutely raves about his time with the Re...
Top 10 of '08, #8 - Manny hits No. 500
Manny thanks the crowd after his 500th home run. (via newengland.comcastsportsnet.com) #8 - Manny joins the 500 homer club On May 31 in a game against the Orioles, former Sox reliever Chad Bradford delivered a pitch in the seventh inning to Manny that he absolutely crushed.
Thursday, Dec 25
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas all! Or happy holidays, to some of you, but anyway, I thought that everyone could make a list of their Red Sox wished for the offseason. I wouldn't recommend putting "Tex giving a big "hell no" to the Yankees and then coming to us for 10 mil a year", but, hey, it's your wish list....
Name that Sox: Christmas edition!
HINT: Amassed a .684 winning percentage in his six seasons as a Red Sox.
Sox out of big time free agent market for good?
I don't think it's 100 percent feasible to avoid free agency all together, though. Maybe sign a utility infielder or a 5th starter, something like that every once in awhile. I think the Sox should go for it and see how they do. Perhaps they could single-handedly change the baseball landscape f...
Top of '08, #9: "Being" being "Being", 5/14/08
At the time, we were actually one run ahead, though we eventually lost the game. The stage is set: inning 4, @ Baltimore, Sox ahead 1-0 with Jon Lester on the mound. 1 out, 2 runners on, and Kevin Millar at the plate. He probably looked a lot like this: CC's Game Thread.
Wednesday, Dec 24
Armageddon?
Since when did being a Sox fan become like being in the movie 'Left Behind' though? Everybody needs to cheer up, and give the current Red Sox their due credit, because last I heard the Yankees haven't been able to buy a World Series for eight years. And at least look at it this way:
Theo...
Now we will skip ahead to June, Ramirez hasn't had his option picked up at this point and the Red Sox are coasting alone without David Ortiz who is out due to a rist injury. J.D. Drew has taken his place in the order at the three hole and has one of the best Junes in history, no coincidence when he goes...
The New York Times Co is trying to sell its stake in the holding company of the Boston Red Sox...
The New York Times Co is trying to sell its stake in the holding company of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the discussions. New York Times may sell Red Sox stake: report | Reuters
Just a thought...
lt;p>With the Yankees signing Mark Teixeira, there comes into large question the future of Manny Ramirez. It seemed like he would sadly go over to the rival for a lot of money, but after signing Tex, it may be safe to guess that the Yankees maybe (Finally!) running out of capit...
Opinions around the 'Net: Mark Teixeira
I'm trying to get away from Mark Teixeira, but we all know that's going to be difficult for at least a little bit. Here's some reactions from around the Interweb: Bill Burt from the Eagle-Tribune writes Teixeira got everything he wanted when he set out for a new team, but he should be prepared...
Tuesday, Dec 23
Mark Teixeira is not a Red Sox -- now let's move on
After hearing about Mark Teixeira signing with the Yankees, a little more than 180 million thoughts popped into my head. At this point, it's basically rambling, but I'm going to throw it down here in bullet form for all of you to enjoy.
Yankees sign Mark Teixeira
The signing of Teixeira will be a stunning blow to the Red Sox, who had identified the switch-hitting first baseman as their No. 1 target and can not effectively counter the Yankees' move. The agreement also raises the question of where Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, will place his other fr...
Red Sox interested in Joe Mauer for 2011
It makes sense if the Red Sox re-sign Jason Varitek to a two-year deal because then when Varitek's contract is up, Mauer is slated to become a free agent. But if the Sox have to go the next two years with a weak Varitek bat in the lineup almost every day, it might not be worth it.
Monday, Dec 22
Top of '08, #10: Rumble in the Fens, 8/12/08
Following Crisp's fly out, pinch hitter Jacoby Ellsbury walked. Drew flew out, but Dustin Pedroia crushed a double to left, scoring Tacoby. Rangers manager Ron Washington called for Ortiz to be intentionally walked, which made Youkilis' 2-out, 3-run home run all the more productive. 19-...
Top 10 of '08: Honorable Mentions
Opening Day is always fun, but when it's in Japan, it's good a whole different vibe. The Sox split the series with Oakland and I'm not quite sure if we can call the trip a success or not, but at least it was fun. The first game of the season was a 10-inning thriller thanks to Ramirez and Brandon Moss....
Saturday, Dec 20
Red Sox and Indians: What makes a jackass?
This is mostly a function of the teams' histories. The Red Sox were a dominant club through the 1910's, edging out the Indians in 1918 for Boston's fourth title in eight years. But the Indians didn't even get good until 1917, and the Red Sox ducked out after 1918 while the Indians had a nice ru...
Friday, Dec 19
Is this offseason a bust without Mark Teixeira?
amp;lt;p>While Scott Boras and <b>Mark Teixeira</b> figure out how to bleed teams for more money, the Red Sox are "apparently" out of the running for Teixeira. Notice the quotation marks. With the Red Sox devoting so much time to Teixeira, would we...
Mark Teixeira Update: Sox not out of it
Cafardo also mentions that a GM in this Teixeira talks said, "I still believe the Red Sox have the best offer on the table. I think this is a negotiating ploy." FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal still thinks Teixeira will be a Red Sox when it's all said and done: The Sox are experienced at this game.
Thursday, Dec 18
ESPN: Red Sox close to signing Mark Teixeira
The Boston Red Sox have taken strides toward completing a deal for first baseman Mark Teixeira, major league sources indicated on Thursday evening, to the point that team executives may have face-to-face negotiations with Teixeira's representative, Scott Boras, in the forthcoming...
Attn: Red Sox Fans, we need your support!
We are a New England based company that is being harrassed by a California company for using the word Monster in our business name. And before we really get started...this crazy company also went after the Red Sox for use of the word "Monster" in the Green Monster wall. (which has been around a h...
Monday, Dec 15
Red Sox offer 8 yrs/200mil for Teixeira
Take this with a grain of salt definetly. MLB Trade Rumors is reporting it. Some guy heard Dan Patrick say this on his radio show. http://fromthedugout.freedomblogging.com/2008/12/15/report-red-sox-offer-teixeira-200-million/7632/
Sunday, Dec 14
Opinion: Cafardo notes: Smoltz, Kelly
Casey KellyLots of talk by scouts and agents who watched him play at Sarasota (Fla.) High. Said one former major league player turned agent, "This kid is a phenomenal athlete. He can make it as a shortstop and he could make it as a pitcher. What I would do is have him play the infield for three years...
Varitek: Yay or Nay?
With all the excitement over the Yankees' moves, and over Teixeira speculation, we're moving away from what may be the most critical position for the Red Sox long-term - catcher. The Red Sox have a serious decision to make, and it starts with whether or not they want Jason Varitek.
Saturday, Dec 13
The Red Sox's 25-man roster: What does it look like now?
SECOND BASE Dustin Pedroia MVP! MVP! MVP! THIRD BASE Mike Lowell He's still here. STARTING PITCHERS Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, Clay Buchholz Buchholz is the likely 5th man if the Sox don't make a move this winter.
Tuesday, Oct 21
Over The Monster in review
Ok, now I'm being serious (except that Boston heartthrob part -- that's true). With the off-season coming up and after a raucous season of baseball, how did we at Over The Monster do for you, the readers? We are always looking to improve the best Red Sox blog, but we can only do it with reader in...
Friday, Oct 10
ALCS Preview: Red Sox and Rays -- to the death
The Boston Red Sox versus the best team in the American League East, the Tampa Bay Rays. There is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best ALCS match-ups I've seen in recent history. Something about this rivalry just makes it stand out.
Friday, Oct 3
Opinion: Drew's HR beats K-Rod, Angels, 7-5
K-Rod after JD Drew's home run in the ninth inning. (via d.yimg.com) 7-5, Red Sox. But more importantly it's 2-0 Red Sox in the series. The Sox are heading back to Boston to try and put the final touches on the ALDS. That isn't the Sox. The Sox wanted to win this game. I hope the Angels are ready for it.
Tuesday, Sep 30
5 questions with Halos Heaven's Rev Halofan
In anticipation of Wednesday's American League Divisional Series opener, Rev Halofan from Halos Heaven and I traded five questions about the ballclubs. Here are Rev's answers to my five tantilizing, earth-shattering questions: 1. The Red Sox know about John Lackey and Ervin Santana, b...
Wednesday, Sep 17
GT: Red Sox @ Rays
09/17/08 7:10 PM EDT Boston Red SoxTampa Bay RaysJacoby Ellsbury - LFAkinori Iwamura - 2BDustin Pedroia - 2BJason Bartlett - SSDavid Ortiz - DHCarlos Pena - 1BKevin Youkilis - 3BEvan Longoria - 3BMark Kotsay - RFWilly Aybar - DHJed Lowrie - SSDioner Navarro - CSean Casey - 1BJustin Ruggi...
Tuesday, Mar 4
Opinion: Putting on my Tuesday night Sox.
Despite seeing things his way, to some degree, I really don't like airing all this out to the press. I don't feel like it's the best way for Paps to get what he wants: the Sox generally like to keep all these kinds of talks private/confidential. I'm not sure Theo is the kind of guy to see Paps talki...
Thursday, Dec 27
Opinion: Sox Scoop: Santana update, Lowrie ready for next season as a Sox
The most surprising aspect of those talks to some baseball people is that the Mets remain in the mix. It may be because the Twins would like to move Santana to the National League if possible. But while the Mets have made a four-for-one offer built around center fielder Carlos Gomez, indicati...
Thursday, Dec 20
You're not tired of Santana rumors yet, are you?
The Red Sox remain the favorite to acquire Johan Santana from the Twins, insiders say. Boston remains firm, though, as initially reported by the Pioneer Press, in offering just Jon Lester, Coco Crisp, Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson. The Red Sox are adamantly opposed to substituting Jaco...
