Random Thoughts (June 5, 2007)

I made it through to the end of last night's 5-4 extra innings loss to the Oakland A's and while the outcome wasn't what the Red Sox wanted, it was still encouraging on some levels. First, J.C. Romero finally pitched like someone who wants to play a role in the 2007 bullpen. Coming on in relief of Joel Pineiro with the score tied 4-4 in the ninth inning and runners on first and third (thanks to a Pineiro walk and an error at first base by Eric Hinske), Romero walked Dan Johnson. He then went Okajima on everyone, striking out Eric Chavez on three pitches and then inducing a 5-2-3 double play off the bat of Bobby Crosby. On the day of his 31st birthday, Romero may have emerged as another late game option for Terry Francona. Also contributing to the cause were Big Papi (3-for-4, 1 HR), Wily Mo Pena (2-for-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI) and Brandon Donnelly (1.1 innings pitched, 2 K's, no runs/hits/walks)... The biggest "villians" last night for the Sox were Pineiro, who just could not seem to throw strikes, and third base coach DeMarlo Hale, who got Dustin Pedroia thrown out at home in the tenth inning by a good eight steps... How long will the free passes for Julio Lugo (.224 BA) and J.D. Drew (.224 BA, 2 HR, 17 RBI) last? Even with a record of 37-19 and a 10 game lead on second place Toronto in the AL East, the Sox can't expect to be a force in October without improved production from both of Theo's big offseason free agent acquisitions... Asante Samuel did not attend Marquise Hill's funeral services this past weekend, he is not at the Patriots mandatory mini camp (which begins today) and according to a source close to him, he is willing to sit out at least the first 10 games of the 2007 season if his contract situation is not handled to his liking. In today's Boston Herald the cornerback's agent, Alonzo Shavers, said that because no resolution has been made on a deal, Samuel will sit. The quote from Shavers in the Herald -- "Nothing more can be said. His status has not changed. There has been no movement toward a deal." -- gives the impression that this will become a major problem come training camp in July. The unnamed source said that Samuel, "...has to do what he has to do." The source, and not his agent, said that the veteran cornerback is willing to sit out the 2007 season if his demands are not met. The Pats designated Samuel as their "franchise player" after the 2006 season ended. The franchise tag pays Samuel a 1-year contract at the average of the five highest paid players at his position. For 2007, if he agrees to that deal (which he probably will not if his actions are serious), Samuel would be paid $7.79 million dollars... Apologies to my millions of readers in Anaheim and Ottawa but hopefully the Ducks can clinch their first Stanley Cup in Game 5 so the NHL season can finally end... According to ESPN.com, the NBA wants to ban Billy Donovan from coaching in their league for at least five years as a part of the pact that will free him of the 5-year/$27.5 million dollar deal he signed with the Orlando Magic on Friday so he can return to the Florida Gators. If Donovan truly wants to continue with Florida, he should not even flinch at this request. And if he does waver, even for a second, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley should inform Donovan that his services are not wanted anymore. Time for "Billy the Kid" to make a grown up decision...