Victor Martinez has been amazing since the Red Sox got him on August 1, 2009. When he first got the news that he was traded to Boston, he had mixed feelings because he was loyal to the Indians for seven straight years and he was planning to retire there. On the other hand, he was excited to be on a team that had a chance to play in October. In fact, if we get to October, it may be because of him. Victor is hitting .329 with five bombs and 16 RBI’S with the Red Sox. On defense, Victor has been very flexible, playing first base and catcher, and allowing some of the other Red Sox players to rest and heal. He has not only been great to have on the field he has been great in the dugout. He has an enthusiastic attitude, and he and David Ortiz have become good friends. It has been great to have Victor on our team and he likes it here too.
Although I am mad at Michael Vick because he abused dogs, I also think that he deserves a second chance. He was very apologetic and he regretted what he did. For example, Vick said, “The first day I walked into prison and they slammed that door, I knew the magnitude of the decisions that I made and the poor judgment and what I, you know, allowed to happen to the animals.” Now that he served his time in prison people should forgive him or at least allow him to redeem himself.
When you see Michael Vick on the field he is fun to watch. He is electric. He is a very good player. For example, in 2006 Vick had 20 touchdowns and he ran 2,474 yards, both were records in his NFL career. Now that he is on a football team, I hope he focuses on football and the fans will allow him to do that. More important, let’s all hope that Michael finds a way to redeem himself as a good person.
I am disappointed that David Ortiz may have taken a performance-enhancing substance. According to the latest leak, Big Papi’s name is reportedly on the list of players who were tested (supposedly anonymously) in 2003 and whose results came back positive. Even if the leak can be trusted, there is much that we do not know, including whether the substance was even banned from Major League Baseball at the time. I and many other Red Sox fans would have less respect for Ortiz if suspicions are confirmed that he used a banned substance. I think David has to start getting information and start talking to the media about what actually happened. With regard to the 2003 list, I agree with Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen who recently said: “Get that stupid list out.” I can’t believe all these names are coming out from a list that should have been destroyed. Let’s just get it over with and stop this Chinese water torture!
I am thrilled that the Red Sox got Victor Martinez, the switch-hitting catcher-first baseman from the Cleveland Indians, in exchange for Justin Masterson, the right-handed pitcher from the Boston Red Sox, and two other minor league prospects. In 2009, Victor has 15 long balls and 67 runs batted. Justin has a 4.50 ERA and has a 3-3 record in 2009. Victor is coming to a much better team in the Sox. The Sox have a 59-42 record. The Indians have a 42-60 record. I think with that move the Sox will go deep in the post-season. In any case, I think Boston will benefit more from the trade than the Tribe.
I think Albert Pujoles or Ryan Howard will win home run derby. Albert has 32 home runs so far this season and is on track for 64. Howard has 22 long balls and is on track for 44. The way this season is going, I think Pujoles will win the home run derby. Even though last season Albert got 37 long balls, and Howard got 48. it looks like a close competition I am rooting for Albert Pujoles.
It would be great if the Red Sox could get the All-Star pitcher Roy Halladay. This year roy has a 2.79 ERA and a record of 10-2. Over his lifetime, he’s pitched 43 complete major league games. The Toronto Blue Jays‘ GM said they’d listen to offers for Halladay. The Jays are in the same division as Boston, and Toronto would be letting him go to a division rival, but that really doesn’t matter because the Sox have so many good prospects to exchange for Halladay. I don’t think Roy would use his veto power because he wants to play in October, and there is a sellout almost every game at Fenway. The Yankees can’t get him because all the money they have already spent in the off season. There is a good chance that the Sox could get Halladay at the trading deadline.
To hear Curt Schilling’s perspective on Halladay and the Sox, click on the link below.
Kevin Youkilis, and Mark Teixira are two very similar players. Youk is hitting .314, with 14 home runs and 47 RBI’s. Teixira is hitting .278, with 20 dingers and 60 RBI’s. In April, Kevin missed 13 games with an oblique injury. Even though Youk missed 13 games, I think that Mark deserves to play in the all-star game more than Youkilis. The numbers prove it. Youk is still a great player and should definitely make the all star game, but not as a starter.
Almost everything Terry Francona does is right, like sticking with David Ortiz even when he had the worst batting average in the American League.”It’s been hard on him,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “He’s handling it better. He knows we need him. We’ve gotten a lot of pats on the back the last six years because of him, so the best thing I can do is be patient with him.” Sports radio was picking on Papi like crazy; they didn’t give him a chance. They were saying he took steroids, and then stopped, and that he was to old. On May 20th Papi broke his slump with his first home run in 149 at bats. In the last 30 games Ortiz is hitting .269, has gone yard 7 times, and has driven in 17 runs. As Terry Francona well knows the Red Sox will be different in the club house and on the field.
Red Sox fans are excited that Jed Lowrie is coming back, but maybe they are too excited. Nick Green has been great. In 2009 he has 25 RBI’s and 4 home runs already. One of those dingers happened yesterday, a big walk-off bomb against the Braves. Green is hitting .293. In 2008 Lowrie went yard onily 2 times, and drove in 46 runs, batting .258 for the season. Jed is stronger on defense with 2 errors in 689 innings in 2008. Nick Green has 9 errors in 352 innings. Although Lowrie is healthy, I wouldn’t rush to put him in the lineup.
I am disappointed that David Ortiz may have taken a performance-enhancing substance. According to the latest leak, Big Papi’s name is reportedly on the list of players who were tested (supposedly anonymously) in 2003 and whose results came back positive. Even if the leak can be trusted, there is much that we do not know, including whether the substance was even banned from Major League Baseball at the time. I and many other Red Sox fans would have less respect for Ortiz if suspicions are confirmed that he used a banned substance. I think David has to start getting information and start talking to the media about what actually happened. With regard to the 2003 list, I agree with Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen who recently said: “Get that stupid list out.” I can’t believe all these names are coming out from a list that should have been destroyed. Let’s just get it over with and stop this Chinese water torture!
Kevin Youkilis, and Mark Teixira are two very similar players. Youk is hitting .314, with 14 home runs and 47 RBI’s. Teixira is hitting .278, with 20 dingers and 60 RBI’s. In April, Kevin missed 13 games with an oblique injury. Even though Youk missed 13 games, I think that Mark deserves to play in the all-star game more than Youkilis. The numbers prove it. Youk is still a great player and should definitely make the all star game, but not as a starter.
Almost everything Terry Francona does is right, like sticking with David Ortiz even when he had the worst batting average in the American League.”It’s been hard on him,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “He’s handling it better. He knows we need him. We’ve gotten a lot of pats on the back the last six years because of him, so the best thing I can do is be patient with him.” Sports radio was picking on Papi like crazy; they didn’t give him a chance. They were saying he took steroids, and then stopped, and that he was to old. On May 20th Papi broke his slump with his first home run in 149 at bats. In the last 30 games Ortiz is hitting .269, has gone yard 7 times, and has driven in 17 runs. As Terry Francona well knows the Red Sox will be different in the club house and on the field.
Red Sox fans are excited that Jed Lowrie is coming back, but maybe they are too excited. Nick Green has been great. In 2009 he has 25 RBI’s and 4 home runs already. One of those dingers happened yesterday, a big walk-off bomb against the Braves. Green is hitting .293. In 2008 Lowrie went yard onily 2 times, and drove in 46 runs, batting .258 for the season. Jed is stronger on defense with 2 errors in 689 innings in 2008. Nick Green has 9 errors in 352 innings. Although Lowrie is healthy, I wouldn’t rush to put him in the lineup.
