Random Thoughts (July 2, 2007)

Congratulations to the five members of the Red Sox selected to play in the All-Star Game next Tuesday in San Francisco. David Ortiz (4th All-Star Game) was voted in as the starter at first base. Josh Beckett (1st) and Jonathan Papelbon (2nd) were named as pitchers. Mike Lowell (4th) and Manny Ramirez (11th) were also named as reserves. Kevin Youkilis (.329 BA, 9 HR, 44 RBI), Dustin Pedroia (.323/3/23) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (9-5, 3.80 ERA, 110 K's) were both omitted in spite of excellent starts to the season. Also, Hideki Okajima is one of five American League players vying for a spot on the team via the "Final Vote." He is on the ballot along with fellow pitchers Jeremy Bonderman of the Tigers, Kelvim Escobar of the Angels, Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays and Pat Neshek of the Twins. Voting is held on the internet (vote at http://www.redsox.com/) and Okajima should have an advantage with Red Sox Nation and the Nation of Japan in his corner... The Bruins traded for Minnesota Wild goalie Manny Fernandez over the weekend. The B's sent winger Petr Kalus and a 2009 4th round pick to the Wild. Fernandez is coming off an injury plagued season. He played in just 44 games (posting a 22-16-1 record and a goals-against average of 2.55). For his career the 32-year-old has a record of 125-113-24 and a 2.47 GAA. He should be the B's number one netminder come this winter but both Tim Thomas and Hannu Toivonen -- one of which will probably be traded -- will give him a battle for the top spot... The Celtics have a very good foundation with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Al Jefferson. Those three can score and opponents will actually have to game plan how to stop three players more than capable of scoring 20+ points per night. Still, they need a veteran point guard and a veteran post player who specializes in defense and rebounding... If you haven't done so already, you have to watch Comedy Central's new cartoon, Lil' Bush. The network is running a mini-marathon of the first three shows Wednesday for the Fourth of July... After having to place Joel Pineiro on the disabled list with a sprained ankle and with Coco Crisp nursing a sore thumb, the Red Sox called-up Jacoby Ellsbury from Pawtucket. A first round pick in 2006 from Oregon State, Ellsbury is a dynamic player who can hit for average, has exceptional speed and plays great defense. This may just be a test run but bet on Ellsbury being a star in Boston in the near future...