Sunday, May 08, 2011

Red Sox vs. Twins (May 8, 2011)

Minnesota Twins (12-19) @ Red Sox (15-18)

SP - Daisuke Matsuzaka (2-3, 4.33) vs. Carl Pavano (2-3, 5.84)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jason Varitek, C

Three Strikes:

1. With Carl Pavano on the mound today, I can't help but to think back to November 18, 1997 when the Red Sox shipped Pavano - their top pitching prospect at the time - and Tony Armas, Jr. to the Montreal Expos for Pedro Martinez.

Martinez teamed with Nomar Garciaparra to make the Red Sox into contenders in the late 1990's and set the stage for the great success that has been enjoyed at Fenway Park in the 21st Century.  Of all the great players that have come through Boston in my lifetime, Martinez was by far the most exciting to watch and when he was healthy, there was no better pitcher in the game.

2. Speaking of top prospects, the Red Sox have called up slick fielding shortstop Jose Iglesias from Pawtucket to fill the roster spot of Marco Scutaro, who was placed on the disabled list with an oblique strain.

Iglesias is expected to be the shortstop of the future and is highly regarded for his work with the glove.  This will probably be a brief stay so make sure to pay close attention and get a glimpse of what to expect for the rest of the decade.

3. Happy Mother's Day, especially to my mother and wife. 

Players across MLB will be hitting with pink bats in honor of this great holiday.

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