Author: Scott Frizzell

On This Day In Red Sox History: June 8, 1950

On This Day In Red Sox History: June 8, 1950

Posted by | Jun 8, 2018 | ,

On June 8, 1950, the Red Sox played host to the St. Louis Browns at Fenway Park. The Red Sox had crushed the Browns the previous day by a score of 20-4. That game proved to be only the appetizer to the upcoming entrée. The Red Sox, whose offense clicked at historic levels that season, were ready to set a few records on that Thursday afternoon. The 1950 Red Sox This was one of several Red Sox clubs from that era victimized by there being no playoffs. Two teams played for the World Series in those days, there were...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: John Valentin’s Cycle

On This Day In Red Sox History: John Valentin’s Cycle

Posted by | Jun 6, 2018 | ,

June 6, 1996, the Boston Red Sox played host to the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park. The Red Sox had gotten off to a terrible start, starting the season 2-12. At least they had a winning record in May, but they were still just 22-34 on the season. The White Sox, on the other hand, were looking like a playoff team at 36-20. The White Sox had already taken the first two games of the series as Boston tried to avoid the sweep. Red Sox Squander Opportunities The two teams took the field for a 7:05 start time...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: John Valentin Sets Record

On This Day In Red Sox History: John Valentin Sets Record

Posted by | Jun 2, 2018 | ,

On June 2, 1995, the Seattle Mariners came to Boston for a 7:09 start at Fenway Park. The Red Sox, with their new manager and new team were off to a 20-11 start after three straight disappointing seasons. The Red Sox sent their ace, Roger Clemens to the mound. Clemens was making his first start of the season after spending over a month on the disabled list. He was opposed by Seattle right-hander Chris Bosio, who had thrown a no-hitter against the Red Sox in 1993. Valentin Starts With a Bang Clemens looked in fine form to begin his season, striking...

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Red Sox Old-Timers Game

Red Sox Old-Timers Game

Posted by | May 18, 2018 |

Finally! The Red Sox are hosting their first old-timers game in 25 years on Sunday, May 27th. The game will be played in the morning before the Red Sox match-up with the Atlanta Braves that afternoon. I have never understood why the Red Sox don’t have these games once a year, or at least more frequently than they do. What Red Sox fan wouldn’t love to see some of the guys they used to cheer for don the uniform again? Let’s hope NESN broadcasts this game. The Managers Two Red Sox legends will manage the clubs for the old-timers...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: Ted Williams Day

On This Day In Red Sox History: Ted Williams Day

Posted by | Apr 30, 2018 | ,

April 30, 1952 was proclaimed “Ted Williams Day.” Williams had been recalled to active military duty and this was to be his final game before reporting to Willow Grove Naval Reserve Base. The Red Sox held an on field celebration for Teddy Ballgame and gave him a car as a gift. Tigers vs Red Sox The 2-8 Tigers visited Fenway Park to face the 9-2 Red Sox on “Ted Williams Day.” The Red Sox sent their ace to the mound, Mel Parnell, who had won 61 games over the previous three seasons. He was opposed by Virgil Trucks of...

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On This Day in Red Sox History: Baseball Is Back!

On This Day in Red Sox History: Baseball Is Back!

Posted by | Apr 26, 2018 | ,

On April 26, 1995, baseball returned to Boston. The strike was finally over and there was to be baseball again at Fenway Park. The prior season had been cut short due to the strike in August. In addition, the new season was getting a late start, causing a very long winter for baseball fans. On this day however, baseball was back and the Red Sox were playing host to the Twins to begin a new season. A New Team The Red Sox brought a new look team with them following the strike. The Butch Hobson era was mercifully over,...

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Exclusive Interview with Former Bruin Byron Dafoe

Exclusive Interview with Former Bruin Byron Dafoe

Posted by | Apr 16, 2018 | ,

I drove down to Boston the other day to meet former Boston Bruins goalie Byron Dafoe for an interview. Dafoe was kind enough to take a little time out of his trip to meet with me, and I’d again like to thank him for doing so. Dafoe has kept in touch with the area since leaving and feels a strong connection to the city and its sports teams. He was at the Bruins opening game of the playoffs last Thursday with his son and got to watch the game from the alumni box for the first time. His son,...

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On This Day in Red Sox History: Scott Cooper Goes Cycling

On This Day in Red Sox History: Scott Cooper Goes Cycling

Posted by | Apr 12, 2018 | ,

On April 12, 1994, the Red Sox and Royals played the second game of a three game series at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. The Red Sox had won the previous game 8-5 to improve to 5-2 on the season. This game, they would match up 38 year old Danny Darwin with the Royals ace, Kevin Appier. No one would have expected the onslaught that was about to occur. Red Sox Jump All Over Appier Kevin Appier was coming off a season which saw him place third in the American League Cy Young vote. His record had been 18-8 and...

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On This Day in Red Sox History: Big Mo’s Grand Slam

On This Day in Red Sox History: Big Mo’s Grand Slam

Posted by | Apr 10, 2018 | ,

April 10, 1998, arguably the most memorable Red Sox home opener ever. The Mariners came to town, with both teams off to a 3-5 start to the season. The two teams had already played a three game set in Seattle, with the Mariners taking two out of three. The Red Sox looked to get back at them in the friendly confines of Fenway Park. Pitcher’s Duel Early The Mariners sent their ace to the mound, The Big Unit, Randy Johnson. Johnson was coming off a 20 win season during which he struck out 291 batters and posted a 2.28...

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On This Day in Red Sox History: April 8, 1969

On This Day in Red Sox History: April 8, 1969

Posted by | Apr 8, 2018 | ,

On April 8, 1969, the Red Sox opened their season down at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium. With the new season returned a beloved face to the Red Sox lineup, as Tony Conigliaro began his comeback from the beaning in August of 1967. With his return to a lineup already including Carl Yastrzemski, Reggie Smith, Rico Petrocelli and George Scott, there was plenty of optimism for the Sox. Opening Matchup The Red Sox would send Jim Lonborg to the mound for the opener. They hoped for a return to his 1967 form where Lonborg won the Cy Young Award. His 1968...

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On This Day in Red Sox History: April 6, 1973

On This Day in Red Sox History: April 6, 1973

Posted by | Apr 6, 2018 | , ,

April 6, 1973, brought Opening Day to Boston. The Red Sox started their season at Fenway Park against the hated New York Yankees. The Red Sox were coming off a frustrating end to the previous season, finishing a half game behind the Detroit Tigers for the American League East. The Tigers were allowed to play one more game than the Sox, giving them the opportunity to win an extra game. Both teams lost 70 games, but the Tigers got to play in the postseason. The Yankees had finished in fourth for the second consecutive season, and their powerhouse days...

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Boston Sports Extra’s MLB Award Predictions

Boston Sports Extra’s MLB Award Predictions

Posted by | Mar 22, 2018 | ,

With the Major League Baseball season almost upon us (finally), our baseball writers have collaborated to make our picks for the coming season. In this article we detail who will win the major awards for 2018; Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year for both leagues. We will follow this one up with a part two article covering our picks for the division winners and the postseason. American League Most Valuable Player Scott Frizzell – Mike Trout is my pick for this year’s MVP winner because he is awfully hard to pick against. Trout is the...

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Top Designated Hitters Long-Term

Top Designated Hitters Long-Term

Posted by | Mar 11, 2018 | ,

The designated hitter “position” is old, with most of the players over 30. Two of the three best current designated hitters are over 35. So with their even further advanced age, it’s hard to keep them in the top three for the long-term. These guys will all play some in the field this year, but by and large, they will be at DH. With only half the league using the position, I will do the top five at the position with honorable mentions at the end. 1. J.D. Martinez J.D. Martinez is an elite hitter, and still just 30...

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The Top Right Fielders Long-Term

The Top Right Fielders Long-Term

Posted by | Mar 2, 2018 | ,

Right field is a very top heavy position. Not knowing yet how the Yankees will utilize their two sluggers, they both get included in right field as that’s where they have played previously. There is also a good chance they both play right field this season, rotating between there and DH. After a group of four superstars, the position has a steep drop-off. Who helps round out the top 10 for the best right fielders to have for the long haul? 1. Bryce Harper Harper may not have been a consistent superstar to this point, but he is still...

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The Top Center Fielders Long-Term

The Top Center Fielders Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 25, 2018 | , ,

Center field is the easiest position to answer who the best is, as it is home to the best player in the game. It’s Mike Trout and everyone else. Who are those everybody else? Some are household names; some are new guys on the scene on their way to becoming household names. Factoring in age in determining the best players to have for the long-term, some perennially included players have dropped to the bottom or even off my list entirely. It does not mean I don’t think they are one of the best right now. 1. Mike Trout Mike...

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The Top Left Fielders Long-Term

The Top Left Fielders Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 22, 2018 | ,

Lists have been created this offseason determining the top ten players at each position for right now. I have been writing my own series on top tens; except instead of doing them for just the here and now, mine factor in age and determine who the best players are to own for the long haul. These lists obviously differ from others, as someone in their mid-30’s isn’t nearly as valuable in the long run. So, when I put a young guy ahead of someone in their 30’s, I’m not necessarily saying I think he is going to be better this year....

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The Top Third Basemen in MLB Long-Term

The Top Third Basemen in MLB Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 18, 2018 | ,

There is a lot of talent at the hot corner. In fact, Mike Moustakas hit 38 home runs last season and isn’t even on a team as of this writing. He hit more home runs than any other third baseman last season. Yet, it’s debatable whether or not he is a top 10 third baseman moving forward. Weighing offense, defense, base running and age, these are my top 10 for the long haul. 1. Nolan Arenado Arenado has arguably been a top five player in all of baseball three years running. Arenado led the league in both home runs...

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The Top Shortstops Long-Term

The Top Shortstops Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 15, 2018 | ,

The shortstop position has become increasingly talented in recent seasons. The position is now the best, and deepest, arguably since Nomar, A-Rod, and Jeter were reigning supreme nearly two decades ago. The top five is loaded, and the position has great depth. The shortstops near the bottom of my top ten list would have threatened the top five a few years ago. Shortstops not making the list would have been safely included. With all this competition, it was hard to leave a few guys off. 1. Carlos Correa Correa is coming off a season with an OPS 65 points...

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The Top Second Basemen in Baseball Long-Term

The Top Second Basemen in Baseball Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 12, 2018 | ,

If you were to start a team from scratch, which second basemen would you target? You need to factor in not only play, but age and longevity as well. I don’t see any debate over the top spot, but beyond that point someone could go any number of directions. From two through ten there is a lot of jockeying. I did my best to put them in order balancing age and performance, but there are still a few very solid players not inside the top ten. 1. Jose Altuve The MVP stands head and shoulders above the rest of...

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The Top First Basemen in Baseball

The Top First Basemen in Baseball

Posted by | Feb 10, 2018 | ,

First base is one of the deepest positions in the league. As such, there will be plenty of talented players left off this list. Also, whereas Joey Votto is arguably the best first baseman right now, at the age of 34 he drops a few spots for the purposes of my list. I factor in age and answer the question, who would I most want to start a team with? I could easily go 15 deep in this list, but sticking with the theme, here are my top 10. 1. Paul Goldschmidt Paul Goldschmidt is about as steady as they...

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The Best Catchers in Baseball Long-Term

The Best Catchers in Baseball Long-Term

Posted by | Feb 8, 2018 | ,

Lists have been circulating for the top 10 players at each position “right now”. Personally, I like to look at things with more of a long-term view. My lists factor in age and don’t just focus on the 2018 season. I take a look at it in more of a, “who would I draft if I were starting a team from scratch”, sort of way. So someone like Yadier Molina, who is a borderline future Hall of Famer, would have a very difficult time making the list at the age of 35. I also do not factor Minor Leaguers...

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Is the Bullpen Cart Making a Comeback?

Is the Bullpen Cart Making a Comeback?

Posted by | Feb 6, 2018 | ,

As Major League Baseball searches for ways to shorten games and attract fan attention, there has been talk of bullpen carts making a return to the game. Bullpen carts were a fixture in baseball during the 1970’s, but where did they originate? Will the return of the carts to escort relievers into the game actually speed anything up? The Origins of the Bullpen Cart According to Paul Lukas of ESPN, the first use of a “bullpen cart” came in 1950. The Indians were the first team to implement this, using something known as “the little red wagon.” Teams slowly...

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The Top Relievers in Baseball

The Top Relievers in Baseball

Posted by | Feb 5, 2018 | ,

In today’s game, relief pitchers are used so often. Starters are often relied upon to only go five to six innings, then turn it over to the pen to close things out for several innings. There are more relievers in the game, and more guys who throw in the upper 90’s. Nowadays, there are so many guys who can dominate for an inning, and oftentimes there are random guys who have one outstanding season. This can make it difficult to determine who is real and who is a pretender. In this article, I factor in age when determining my...

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The Top Starting Pitchers in Baseball

The Top Starting Pitchers in Baseball

Posted by | Feb 1, 2018 | ,

There have been some top 10’s circulating lately, with MLB Network posting their top 10 for 2018 at each position. Buster Olney also did a top 10 at each position, but his lists showed an immense New York bias and Red Sox hatred from the former Yankees reporter. Seeing his lists made me want to rectify them. Now, here’s where my list is different from MLB Network’s lists; I am not doing for just this season as they have been. Personally, I care more about who I would want on my favorite team rather than who will put up...

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