Way too early to bury the Red Sox

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

So are you still ready to take that shovel and start putting dirt on the Red Sox?

I didn't think so.

Granted, the Sox didn't start the way Red Sox Nation had hoped they would, but they are now starting to show signs they can swing the bat.

That early-season cold spell may be the beginning of a week or a couple weeks of white-hot hitting throughout the lineup, well, maybe not David Ortiz (boy, he's really struggling, huh?).

Just an amazing comeback Friday night against Baltimore. Down 7-0 in the second, the Sox pick away to tie the game at 8-8 in the fifth and score two more in the sixth for the 10-8 final.

There's many people to thank on the team, but not starter Brad Penny, who got lit up for 8 earned runs in 3 innings -- expect more slugfest parties from the opposition with Penny on the hill. His stuff is average at best.

But how about that bullpen -- five relievers don't surrender a run and bail out the worthless Penny. That's the type of production from the 'pen that will win you many games. The big key, however, is that shaky rotation with Dice-K now on the DL. When is John Smoltz slated to come back? What does he have left in that aging arm?

But anyway, the Sox DID build on that six-run 8th inning against Oakland on Wednesday. Boy, did they need that since they had only scored 24 runs in their first 7 games before exploding in the series finale against the A's.

Why have the Sox struggled as a team? Take a look at these batting averages through Friday night and there's your answer -- Ellsbury (.220), Pedroia (.233), Ortiz (.158, but great Mango Salsa), Youkilis (.425, at least he's hot), Drew (.281), Bay (.344), Lowell (.237) and Varitek (.207).

It's way too early to bury the Sox because we all know this offense will start stinging the ball and the bullpen appears to be a real strength. Plus, it's so early, don't get too high or too low just yet. Save that for around August.

Keep the faith, it should be an exciting ride with a few bumps in the road in the AL East.

50 Years of Integration for the Red Sox

By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff


Fifty years ago today the Boston Red Sox signed their first African-American player, Elijah "Pumpsie" Green. Under former owner, Tom Yawkey, there was a racist tone to the Sox. It took twelve long years after the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Jackie Robinson, integrating Major League Baseball, to finally sign an African American player.

Yawkey has been accused of being a racist for his reluctance to employ African American players with the Red Sox, including passing on signing Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson. It was not until 1959, that the Red Sox became the last Major League team to field an African American player. This was almost three years after Robinson's retirement in 1956. Even after integrating, racism was believed to play a role in moves made by the Red Sox; notably the trade of star outfielder Reggie Smith. During that period, the Red Sox went from being a perennial contender to failing to finish within 10 games of first place for 17 years (1950–1966).

Unlike the Red Sox the Celtics took the opposite approach by being the first team in professional basketball to integrate. Charles "Chuck" Cooper was drafted in April of 1950 by the Celtics. The Celtics were mediocre until drafting another African American, Bill Russell, in 1956. Russell led the Celtics to championships in 1957 and 1959, before Pumpsie Green even played an inning with the Sox. I believe this was the main reason why the Celtics dominated basketball and the Red Sox stayed in the basement in the MLB through most of the 50's and 60's.

With the new ownership, diversity has been the trademark for their success with the inclusion of a mutli-cultural roster. In today's game, the Yawkey philosophy of segregation is no longer present nor tolerated. Although Yawkey Way pays tribute to the former owner; the current Red Sox Ownership paid tribute to Pumpsie Green at tonight's game by honoring his legacy with the ceremonial first pitch.

ESPN Drafts Analysts: Who you got?

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The mad blogger has returned for a record 5th time today.  It's a show night at Agganis, so I am still at work.   In our ramp up to draft day, I want to touch on a very important topic.  Which ESPN draft analyst do you like better:  Todd McShay or Mel Kiper?  To be perfectly honest, I grew up with McShay and played baseball with or against him all my life, so he's my guy.  He's also pretty darn good at his job.  It also looks to me that ESPN is showcasing McShay more each year in an attempt to force out Mel Kiper.  Kiper has been the NFL draft guru for years, and still has the same hair when he started, but has come off as an arrogant jerk lately when dueling with McShay.  I used to love Kiper, but just can't really stand him anymore.  I still read his articles and pore over his mock drafts, but come one dude, get a haircut.  I can't be the only one sick of seeing that fro.

Now don't get me wrong, they both do a very good job.  I know there's long hours reviewing tape, but the majority of their work is done on the phone or interviewing GM's, coaches and scouts in person.  That's the secret behind the job.  They're fantastic at taking information that was given to them and reporting on it as it's their own opinion.  Granted, both of their football IQ's are about 100 times higher than mine, but it's not like they're qualified to run football operations at an NFL team.  There's a reason why these guys do what they do, and it's certainly not looks for Kiper. I am not trying to rip these guys for being very good at their jobs, but want to be realistic as to what their responsible for.

In conclusion, Todd McShay has far surpassed Mel Kiper's usefulness to ESPN.  He's the young gun who has the drive and ambition to smack Kiper in the mouth.  My prediction is that Kiper's on the NFL network in 3 years.  There's only room for one draft guru at ESPN.

Bye Bye BU! On to the NHL

By Jim Ingram 

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Just days after celebrating their 5th National title, the Boston University Terriers are now forced to start thinking about the 2009-2010 campaign.  Matt Gilroy, the Hobey Baker Award winner, has reportedly signed a two year deal with the New York Rangers that is worth $3.5 million.  He was a senior so this comes as no surprise.  He is not eligible to play in the playoffs, so Rangers fans will need to wait until next year to see just how good he'll be in the NHL. I have had the privilege to watch him play for all four years and have no doubt he will make a successful transition.  He's a very strong offensive defenseman, due in part to being a forward before joining BU, and is just as strong defensively.  For some reason I've always liked right handed defenseman so I will certainly keep track of him as his career progresses.  

The other news of the day concerns Colin Wilson.  The sophomore sensation has decided to leave BU and sign with the Nashville Predators.  Wilson, who was drafted 7th overall last year by the Predators, had a fantastic two year stretch with the club and leaves with zero regrets.  No one expected Wilson to return for his junior season, so this also isn't a surprise.  It is a huge loss though.  His contract is a 3 year deal at the entry level rookie contract.  Wilson should be a solid NHL players thanks in part to his combination of size and speed.  He has great hands and a long reach that allows him to work past defenders.  

Just when I thought the College Hockey season was done, something else pops up!

I hate the San Francisco Giants!

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I'm sure you already know this, but I am a die hard Dodgers fan.  Yes, I know that is an oxymoron. The one thing in baseball that makes me happiest is to see the Dodgers take down the hated San Francisco Giants.  That is exactly what they did this week as they easily swept the 3 game series in Los Angeles.  The scores were 11-1, 5-4 and 7-2 in favor of the Dodger blue.  

The first two games were highlighted by stellar starts from Chad Billingsly and Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has certainly looked the part of a young phenom so far this season.  The young lefty pitched 7 innings, letting up only 1 earned run on 1 hit (a solo home run by Benji Molina) while striking out a career high 13 batters and walking only 1.  Definitely a dominating performance, but one that should be tempered by the lineup he was facing. The previous day, Billingsly "pitched" in with a 7 inning, 1 run performance with 11 strikeouts.  

The Dodgers did luck out by not having to face Tim Lincecum, even though he's struggling, but did rough up Randy Johson and Barry Zito.  Do you think Zito will even earn a dollar of that big contract?  The Giants have now lost 6 in a row to start the season witha 2-7 record.  Ha!  Yes, I know it's early, but I was the one who picked the Giants as a surprise National League team.  I have no problem being wrong or looking like a petty fan.  My hatred for the Giants rival any Red Sox or Yankees fans.  I have grown up with that East Coast fanaticisim.  Well, I wanted to revel in the early season struggles of the Giants for a little while and take this open forum for all the see.

Have a great weekend!

Free Red Sox Contest Update

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hello all, how is everyone doing?  Getting ready for the amazing weekend in sports around Boston? Celtics playoff game, Bruins playoff game, the Sox are back in town and don't forget about the Boston Marathon.  Wow!  I'll be spending most of my weekend at Agganis Arena watching the Flight of the Conchords and Kings of Leon.  Kings of Leon is one of my favorite new bands, so I am really looking forward to the concert.  Enough of my personal life, let's get to the first standings check for the free Red Sox update.  I will be announcing the specific game and opponent next week, so hopefully this will spur on more activity.  The more readers we have, the more contest we'll do. You just might see some B's or C's playoff tickets come up!  

Standings:

1. Jeff Storme: 12 new members

2. Holly Corrigan: 10 new members

3. John Celesk: 9 new members

4. Karen Ingram: 7 new members

Keep up the good work.  Don't be afraid to tell us how we're doing either!

Bruins win it with a bang

By Matt Ingram
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

After the Bruins scored 2 first period goals from Phil Kessel (13:11) and David Krejci (14:41), the game looked as if it were going to get out of hand. With a little over 3 1/2 minutes left in the period, Montreal's Christopher Higgins calmed the crowd when his shot passed the reached of a stretched out Tim Thomas (26 saves).

Boston came out in the second with the lead but with a lack of urgency. "We did stop," Aaron Ward said to the Associated Press. "That's what got us in trouble in the second period. We stopped playing our system with the effort and level of intensity. We sat and watched them play a perimeter game, run us around, and when a team does that in the playoffs, it's hard to push back." It showed with under three minutes left the B's turned the puck over in their own end Alex Kovalev ripped a one-timer over Thomas' shoulder to tie it at 2.

The Bruins got their best chance to retake the lead midway though the third when P.J. Axelsson drew a crosschecking penalty from Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges in front of Carey Price (35 saves). Bruins coach, Claude Julien, decided to shake up the powerplay line putting Captain Zdeno Chara on the point, removing rookie pointman Matt Hunwick and Kessel for Michael Ryder. Who says Julien can't coach in the playoffs. The B's put more and more pressure on Price, squeezing the penalty killers closer to the net. Seeing Montreal collapsing towards Price, Mark Savard drove to the net, passed it perfectly out to Chara who was waiting for the one-timer. Chara blasted the puck past Price and almost through the net with his slap shot.

"He's got a bomb," said Ward. "It took him until the third period to let it go. But he's an intimidating guy with that shot. He's our leader. If there's any question in years past - people were critical of him being captain, and I have no idea why - he's proven himself to be worthy of it. He's got the attention and the respect of every guy in this locker room."

In the remaining 8+ minutes Boston played great defense and Thomas made some game saving stops. In the waning seconds of the game, Kessel netted an empty net goal to wrap it up. In well known Canadian fashion Montreal Maxim Lapierre took a cheap shot at Kessel with Lucic coming to his defense. After the final buzzer, the Canadians did it again, this time with Mike Komisarek bloodying Hunwick over the right eye ensuing a bench clearing scuffle that wrapped up the night. That just shows what kind of a club Montreal really has.

On a funny note, My wife and I were sitting in the Orlando Ale House (local sports bar) watching the game when Chara scored the game winner. I stood up yelling and clapping, after a couple seconds I look around and people were staring at me like we were in a library and shouldn't make any noise. Nobody was even paying attention to any of the TVs for any of the sports that were on. Orlando has no passion for sports.

Fantasy Baseball: Chin Music

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Who are the top pitchers in fantasy baseball right now? It's easy you say? Tim Lincecum, CC Sabathia and Johan Santana, no question. Well, they were the top preseason picks, and yes, Santana is ranked the third best starter so far, but the defending NL Cy Young Award winner and CC in pinstripes haven't been elite aces ... yet.

If you drafted these guys who currently lead the fantasy starting pitching circles -- Josh Johnson (FLA), Kyle Lohse (STL), Zack Duke (PIT), Zack Greinke (KC) and Kevin Millwood (TEX) -- then kudos to you, perhaps you should be writing this.

They've all be great stories thus far. The million dollar question is who will be there for the long haul? Johnson's power stuff should make him a very solid starter all year, barring injury like everyone else, but Lohse and Duke, I'm not drinking that silly juice. Greinke was one of my preseason sleepers and he's currently making me look like a genius. So here's a fist-pound for you Zack-attack! 

There's something about Millwood that's made me add him in two of my leagues. Call me crazy, but I think Nolan Ryan is going to be a positive influence on Millwood, the veteran of the staff. On the other hand, he could resort to his old form, and everyone can call me a fool. I'll take that chance.

Other guys that have me jacked up are: Aaron Harang (CIN) -- last year's injuries made him look bad because he's a very consistent fantasy producer and a guy I'd love to have in at least one of my leagues (make me an offer) -- Armando Galarraga (DET) -- DO NOT TRADE HIM UNLESS SOMEONE IS GOING TO GIVE YOU A TOP 25 PLAYER -- yes, I'm extremely high on him, maybe a little too much of the man-crush -- Chris Volstad (FLA) and bounce-back lefty Eric Bedard (SEA).

On the closer front, Joakim Soria (KC) has to be currently considered one of the best stoppers in fantasy, and the Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton has been lights-out.

SIMPLY SCUFFLING

Lincecum, Brandon Webb (ARZ) -- that arm injury is scaring me more every day I don't hear an update -- Roy Oswalt (HOU), Cole Hamels (PHI) and Francisco Liriano (MIN), although he pitched well last night. I warned you to stay away from guys with arms injuries, and Hamels is on that list. Oswalt and Liriano will wake up, bank on it. 

Bobby Jenks (CHI) and Huston Street (COL) have hurt ERAs and WHIP, along with George Sherrill (BAL) -- the saves (3) are nice, but a 2.08 WHIP and 6.23 ERA? No thanks. 

Don't for one second trust first-year closer Brandon Morrow in Seattle. Have you seen his stats (7.36 ERA, 1.91 WHIP, 2 saves)?

PICK HIM UP

David Aardsma (SEA) 

He's got two saves in place of Morrow already and a glossy 0.00 ERA. If Morrow falls on his face -- he's doing a good job of that -- Double-A is your man!

Bronson Arroyo (CIN) 

He's only owned in 14 percent of Yahoo! leagues and he's 2-0 (FYI, he had 15 wins last season). His music might bite, but so does his deuce. Get him fast if he's available in your league.

Mike Hampton (HOU)

He had a great start vs. the Pirates on Wednesday (6 IP, 4 H, O R, BB, 8 K, win), and he's only owned in 2 percent of leagues. It's not a typo, 2 percent. He'll have his ups and downs, but he can still get people out and help your team. He's an absolute steal in NL only leagues (yes, I've got him).

(Photo above by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) 

(Coming Monday: Garner's Greatest Top 25)

Fantasy Baseball: Frozen Ropes

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Welcome to the first edition of Frozen Ropes.  Frozen Ropes will take a look at the hottest and coldest hitters in major league baseball, take a hard look at players current stats, and forecast what the future looks for each player.

The Good:

Unlike Chad's Chin Music article on pitching, some of the hottest bats in the bigs are names you know well.  Albert Pujols (#6), Miguel Cabrera (#3) , and Alfonso Soriano (#10) are all having great starts to their seasons.  Then there's the list of names you know, but aren't accustomed to being the most dominant offensive fantasy players in the game through the first week and half.  

Ian Kinsler and Evan Longoria, shown above, are the two most productive hitters in fantasy baseball so far.  Kinsler, help mostly in part to a 6 hit night on Wednesday, has been the most productive hitting .474, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 11 R and a whopping 1.471 OPS.  He was a MVP candidate last year before an injury cut short his season, and looks to building off his breakout season last year. The fact that he's a second basemen makes him more valuable.  We all know he's not going to keep that pace up, but should maintain a top 10 status throughout the season due to the depth in the Rangers lineup.  You should still expect him to hit .300 and drive in 25 HR, 90+RBI and 100+ runs.  Evan Longoria has been a superstar in waiting since he was drafted by Tampa Bay. His rookie campaign was nothing less than sensational, and it looks like a strong start will keep him from a sophomore slump.  Longoria is hitting .441, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R and a 1.457 OPS.  He had 27 homers and 85 RBI in only 122 games in 2008, so he should hit 30+ homers and top 100 RBI.  5 of his runs scored have come from homers, but he should still top 80 runs this season.  

Rounding out the top 5 most productive fantasy hitter so far are the surprises.  Emil Bonifacio (#4) and Nick Swisher (#5) are proving to be pleasant surprises in their new cities.  There is no way Bonifacio is this good and my suggestion is to trade him now while he's hot.  He's hitting .436, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 12 R, 4 SB and a 1.040 OPS.  That OPS should drop under .700 before the end of the season and the batting average should be down to .270 at most.  Bonny is a free swinging hitter that strikes out too much.  Like I said in my previous article on Wednesday, the only stat he should be consistent in are stolen bases.  If he continues to play the majority of games, then he should easily top 20 steals.  

The Bad:

There are some big names that head the list of the early season strugglers.  Lance Berkman is having a terrible start to his season.  His average is .214 (ouch) and has only 1 HR's and a measly 2 RBI.   Thrown in a paltry .726 OPS and only 2 runs and it makes his season start even worse. Don't worry though, he's a great fantasy player and should right the ship soon.  Mart Teixiera, the Yankees new $180 million dollar man, is suffering through his usual early season struggles. He's only hitting .174, which is 46 points few than his weight, has 1 homer, 3 RBI, 3 R and an amazingly low .677 OPS.  That's not a whole lot of production for the money he's getting paid, but big Tex isn't a flower that's gonna wilt under the bright lights of New York.  He's a solid ball player who is struggling like he does every year.  

David Ortiz looks like he's not fully recovered from the wrist injury that sapped his power last season.  He's only hitting .176 with 0 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, and a .499 OPS.  I know what you're saying, it's not possible for Big Papi to have an OPS that low.  He has a career OBP of .385.  If you take away the numbers and just watching him play, the situation looks even worse.  He's not hitting the ball with any authority and is currently relegated to warning track power.  Personally, I think Ortiz's days of fantasy stardom are over.  The Red Sox should be very worried about his production for this season and beyond.  If you can find a Sox homer to trade him to, then do it! Should you panic about Chris Davis and Chris Iannetta?  Not really on Davis and a resounding now on Iannetta.  Davis, a preseason breakout pick by many an expert, is seriously struggling so far.  He's hitting .167 with 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R and a .609 OPS.  The offensive talent surrounding him will eventually allow him to stop pressing and return to the hitter he was late last season. Chris Iannetta, another preseason sensation due to his production in the WBC, is also struggling. Somehow he's only hitting .059, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R and a.540 OPS.  Wow, those are some awful numbers.  The good thing is those stats are only in 19 at bats this season.  He needs to relax and stop putting pressure on himself after hitting 18 homers in just 104 games.  If you can, try to pick up another catcher and ride out the storm for now.  

Under the radar:

Just in case you didn't know, the following players are off to hot starts this season and are currently ranked in the top 20.  Nelson Cruz (.278, 5, 12), Adam Jones (.389, 2, 11), Adam Lind (.372, 3, 12), Aaron Hill (.356, 3, 11) & Mike Cameron (.370, 3, 5).  Nelson Cruz and Adam Lind are both former top prospects and should elevate themselves to decent fantasy starters this season.  Adam Jones, another former top prospect, is just starting a breakout season.  He was on the verge late last season before a hand injury ended his season.  He may not hit more than 20 homers this season, but should drive in 90+, score 90+ runs and steal you 10 or more bases. Don't just laugh when you see Koske Fukudome's stats so far (.370, 2, 5).  He's had a solid start to his second season in the bigs and looks much more comfortable.  I actually drafted him in one of my leagues and have been pleasantly surprised.  He's never going to put up major production numbers, but should be a solid option in NL only leagues. 

Well, thank you all for your support.  Don't hesitate to let me know if I forgot about anyone.