Author: Scott Frizzell

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 26-30

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 26-30

Posted by | Dec 7, 2018 | ,

The uniform numbers 26-30 bring two more Hall of Famers and retired numbers.  On top of that, we have a hero from the 2004 team that broke the curse.  Who are they and who joins them on this list? Number 26 – Wade Boggs Wade Boggs is a Hall of Famer and has his number 26 retired by the Red Sox. He built his Hall of Fame career with the Sox as the best hitter of the 1980’s, and is a top five third baseman of All-Time.  He led the league in batting average in five out of the...

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 21-25

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 21-25

Posted by | Dec 3, 2018 | ,

There are no Hall of Famers in the numbers 21 through 25 for the Red Sox. However, that statement can be a bit misleading. Four of the five I have selected could be Hall of Famers if not for varying reasons. Two of them are borderline cases that have received varying support, while another clearly has the numbers to be there. Number 21 – Roger Clemens “The Rocket” would clearly be a Hall of Famer based purely upon his numbers and awards. During his time with the Red Sox, Clemens became “The Rocket” and was a Hall of Fame...

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 16-20

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 16-20

Posted by | Nov 26, 2018 | ,

This grouping of numbers, 16-20, is the first group of five without a retired number and a hall of famer. However, all five are in the Red Sox Hall of Fame, so it’s not like this group lacks clout. Number 16 – Jim Lonborg Lonborg is probably thought of as being better for the Red Sox than he was. However, that’s likely because of his gruesome injury following his incredible 1967 season. Lonborg was the Cy Young Award winner in 1967, winning a league best 22 games for the surprise pennant winners. Lonborg also struck out a league best...

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 11-15

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 11-15

Posted by | Nov 17, 2018 | ,

Following up probably the easiest portion of these articles, numbers one through ten comes the third installment in this series of articles. This set of numbers, 11 through 15, won’t be quite so obvious. This grouping, however, does include one retired number and one current player. Number 11 – Frank Malzone Frank Malzone was an eight-time All-Star, spending 11 of his 12 seasons in Boston. Malzone made two All-Star Games in both 1959 and 1960, when Major League Baseball temporarily held two per season. Malzone was an excellent fielder, winning three consecutive Gold Gloves to begin his career. He also drove...

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 6-10

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 6-10

Posted by | Nov 14, 2018 | ,

Writing about the best players to don uniform numbers six through ten for the Red Sox. This is the second article in this series. If you missed the numbers one through five, check it out here. This set of numbers, six to ten, features three numbers retired by the franchise. Number 6 – Johnny Pesky Pesky was nearly a Red Sox lifer, spending parts of eight seasons with the team during his ten-year Major League career. He then did some announcing for the team, coached and hung around the team throughout his life. As recently as 2012, when Fenway Park...

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The Red Sox Should Move on from Kimbrel

The Red Sox Should Move on from Kimbrel

Posted by | Nov 13, 2018 | ,

Craig Kimbrel rejected his qualifying offer Monday, making him a free agent. Without Kimbrel, the Red Sox have no obvious candidate to fill in as the closer. However, they have a couple of in-house options and there are several viable free agent candidates who would cost much less than bringing Craig Kimbrel back. These are the reasons the Red Sox should explore those other options. The Contract Craig Kimbrel was always going to command a big contract for a relief pitcher. With news the other day that his agent, Scott Boras, claims Kimbrel to be the greatest closer ever, one...

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The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 1-5

The Greatest Red Sox Legends by Uniform Number: 1-5

Posted by | Nov 11, 2018 | ,

One of my projects for the MLB offseason this year will be a series of articles covering the greatest Red Sox to wear each uniform number. My plan is to cover five uniform numbers at a time starting here with one through five. Right off the bat, we dig into a couple retired numbers. Before I begin, I would like to mention that Brandon Phillips became the first player in franchise history to wear the number zero this September. He didn’t play much, but he did pimp out this game-winning home run against the Braves. Number 1 – Bobby Doerr...

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The 2018 Red Sox Are One of the Greatest Ever

The 2018 Red Sox Are One of the Greatest Ever

Posted by | Oct 29, 2018 | ,

The Red Sox completed their ultimate goal last night, dispatching the Dodgers in five games. It was a fitting end to a season that saw them set a franchise record for wins. So where do these Red Sox rank among some of the greatest teams in Major League history? Total Wins The Red Sox won 108 games in the regular season, setting a franchise record. The 1912 Red Sox, who also won the World Series, won 105 games in a 154 game season. The Red Sox 108 wins places them in a tie for ninth most all-time. Due to...

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Should Steven Wright Be on World Series Roster?

Should Steven Wright Be on World Series Roster?

Posted by | Oct 22, 2018 | ,

Knuckleballer Steven Wright has said he believes he is healthy enough to pitch in the World Series. Wright was initially on the ALDS roster but was removed after complaining about renewed soreness in his knee. This left Wright ineligible for the ALCS roster as he was replaced for both series by Heath Hembree. Assuming Wright’s simulated game Sunday went well, what should the Red Sox do for the World Series? The Pros Steven Wright has been a very effective pitcher for the Red Sox, both as a starter and as a reliever. Wright was an all-star back in 2016...

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What to Do with Craig Kimbrel

What to Do with Craig Kimbrel

Posted by | Oct 18, 2018 | ,

Another night; another heart attack brought on by Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, but another win. This has become commonplace in close Red Sox victories this postseason, as Kimbrel has been a disaster on the mound, but has ultimately finished out each game successfully; somehow. Kimbrel appears to be a disaster waiting to happen, so what should the Red Sox do with him moving forward? Pitch Him In Lower Leverage Situation I think Kimbrel needs to be taken out of the closer role, at least temporarily. He absolutely cannot be trusted right now. Even if the next game is...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: Clemens Ties Own Record

On This Day In Red Sox History: Clemens Ties Own Record

Posted by | Sep 18, 2018 | ,

On September 18. 1996, the Red Sox played the Tigers at old Tiger Stadium in Detroit. The matchup was the second of the series, with the Red Sox having taken the first game 4-2. Roger Clemens was on the mound for the Sox in the midst of a stellar stretch to close out the season. He faced off with young left-hander Justin Thompson. Thompson would be an all-star the following season but was still finding his footing at the big league level. Clemens’ 1996 Season Roger Clemens had been struggling for much of the 1996 season, pitching to a...

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Top Five September Call-Ups in Red Sox History

Top Five September Call-Ups in Red Sox History

Posted by | Sep 1, 2018 | ,

September first; the day rosters expand. Today the Red Sox called several players up from the minor leagues to join the club for the final month. It is yet to be seen if any of them will make a big impact, or even be used much at all. Sometimes the call-ups get a lot of playing time, and some even have a big impact on the team down the stretch. In choosing the top five September call-ups in Red Sox history, I combine how well the player did in that final month with the impact they had on the...

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An Interview with Red Sox Hall of Famer Fred Lynn

An Interview with Red Sox Hall of Famer Fred Lynn

Posted by | Aug 17, 2018 | ,

I had the great pleasure and privilege of interviewing baseball great Fred Lynn the other day. Fred Lynn is a member of the College Baseball Hall of Fame, the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame and the Ted Williams Hitters’ Hall of Fame. He is one of only two players ever to win the Most Valuable Player Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season, a memorable moment for people that like betting on the MLB. Lynn made nine All-Star Games, won four Gold Glove Awards, a batting title, an ALCS MVP and an All-Star Game MVP....

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An Interview with Red Sox Legend Rico Petrocelli

An Interview with Red Sox Legend Rico Petrocelli

Posted by | Aug 15, 2018 | ,

I had the privilege of interviewing Red Sox legend Rico Petrocelli the other day. Rico is in the Red Sox Hall of Fame and hit more home runs than any other shortstop in team history when including his work at third base. He was a member of the 1967 “Impossible Dream” team that went to the World Series, and a member of the 1975 Red Sox team that played in the series. Rico has stayed in touch with the game since his retirement and still follows the Red Sox closely today. BSE: Did you have a nice weekend down in...

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J.D. Martinez Joins Exclusive Company

J.D. Martinez Joins Exclusive Company

Posted by | Aug 12, 2018 | ,

On Friday night, J.D. Martinez singled through the hole between short and third to drive in two runs. In doing so, J.D. Martinez surpassed the 100 RBI mark on the season. With a month and a half still to play, J.D. Martinez already has 37 home runs and 104 runs batted in on the season. In surpassing both the 30 home run plateau and 100 RBI mark in his first season as a Red Sox, Martinez has accomplished what only nine before him had ever done. Jimmie Foxx Jimmie Foxx was already the most powerful right-handed bat the baseball...

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Red Sox Players to Hit for Cycle

Red Sox Players to Hit for Cycle

Posted by | Aug 11, 2018 | ,

Mookie Betts hit for the cycle on Thursday night, becoming the 21st player in Red Sox history to complete the feat. Needing a home run in the ninth, Betts fouled off a very hittable pitch and seemed to realize he had missed one. He made up for it, cracking a no doubter over the left field wall to collect his cycle. So who were the 20 players before him to get the cycle? The Early Days Buck Freeman was the first player to hit for the cycle in franchise history. Known as the Boston Americans when Freeman completed the cycle,...

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Brian Johnson Is Better Suited For Rotation

Brian Johnson Is Better Suited For Rotation

Posted by | Jul 28, 2018 | ,

Despite Drew Pomeranz struggles this season, Alex Cora said he would remain in the starting rotation. Following the acquisition of right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from Tampa Bay, this presumably leaves Brian Johnson without a spot in the rotation. If the Red Sox follow through with those plans, they will be making a serious mistake. Minor League Career Brian Johnson came through the system as a starting pitcher following a two-way career in college. He made 103 appearances during his minor league career, all starts. Not once, ever, did he pitch out of the bullpen during his professional career until this...

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Ted Williams Documentary Is a Smashing Hit

Ted Williams Documentary Is a Smashing Hit

Posted by | Jul 27, 2018 | ,

American Masters aired a documentary on PBS Monday night to chronicle the life of Ted Williams. The film didn’t introduce any revelations, but they did have new color footage of Ted Williams homering in his final at-bat. Even without bringing anything new to light, the documentary was definitely worth a watch. Scanning film on one of the best hitters of all time and hearing people talk about him will never grow boring. Playing Days Ted Williams famously hit .406 in 1941, his third season in the big leagues. The film discussed the famous story of his refusal to sit...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: Nomar’s Birthday Bash

On This Day In Red Sox History: Nomar’s Birthday Bash

Posted by | Jul 23, 2018 | ,

Tuesday, July 23, 2002, the Devil Rays and Red Sox were set to play two at Fenway Park. The day happened to be fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra’s 29th birthday. Nomar and Manny Ramirez were both coming off two home run games in a loss the previous day. The Red Sox still stood at 57-39 on the season, 27 games ahead of the Devil Rays. Red Sox Slip Out of the Gate Tim Wakefield was on the mound for the Red Sox, making his first start in three weeks. Wakefield had mostly pitched out of the pen so far on...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: July 15, 2005 (@TheFrizz87)

On This Day In Red Sox History: July 15, 2005 (@TheFrizz87)

Posted by | Jul 15, 2018 | ,

On Friday, July 15, 2005, the Red Sox and Yankees met for the second of a four game series at Fenway Park. This was the first series after the All-Star break and the Yankees had taken the first game to move within 1.5 games of the Sox for first place in the East. Through nine games, the Red Sox had gone 5-4 in their season series. Among the wins was a 17-1 victory at Yankee Stadium in late May. Taking the Field The Red Sox sent former Yankee David Wells to the mound. Wells was in his first season...

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Revisiting Potential Risers in Red Sox Farm System (@TheFrizz87)

Revisiting Potential Risers in Red Sox Farm System (@TheFrizz87)

Posted by | Jul 14, 2018 | ,

In January, I wrote an article highlighting some Red Sox minor leaguers who might be able to make a leap in prospect rankings with a good season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like any of them will crack Baseball America’s top 100 next season. In fact, with what has happened with Jay Groome and Michael Chavis this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see no Red Sox farm hands make the rankings for 2019. That doesn’t mean all is lost though, some of these guys are still performing well. The Pitchers Bryan Mata  Mata is the Red Sox lone representative in...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: The Unassisted Triple Play

On This Day In Red Sox History: The Unassisted Triple Play

Posted by | Jul 8, 2018 | ,

On July 8, 1994, the Seattle Mariners came to Fenway Park. Along with them came 18-year-old Alex Rodriguez for his Major League debut. The Mariners had talent but were 12 games under .500. The Red Sox had gotten off to a 20-7 start, but after a miserable June that saw them lose 11 straight at one point their record had fallen to 40-43. A Slow Start The game had a late start time, getting underway a little past 8:00 pm on a Friday night. The Mariners lineup featured possibly the best player in the game in Ken Griffey Jr....

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Red Sox Catchers Coming Around

Red Sox Catchers Coming Around

Posted by | Jul 1, 2018 | ,

The Red Sox catchers really struggled at the plate for the first couple months of the season. Vazquez and Leon were both hitting under .200 for much of May and there were calls to replace them. Though they might never light the world on fire at the dish, they have both proven capable of hitting enough in the past to go with their work behind the plate. Lately, the two of them have been coming around with the bat. Christian Vazquez Vazquez is the one we wanted to be the answer, with his cannon behind the plate making runners...

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A Series Preview with Angels Announcer Mark Gubicza

A Series Preview with Angels Announcer Mark Gubicza

Posted by | Jun 26, 2018 | ,

I have had the privilege of conversing some with former big league pitcher and current color commentator for the Angels Mark Gubicza over the last few months. Ahead of the upcoming three game series between the Red Sox and Angels, Gubie was kind enough to give me some of his time and answer some of my questions leading into the series. BSE: In April, the Red Sox swept the Angels, outscoring them 27-3 over three games. I think we can both agree a run differential like that isn’t happening again. What do you see as some keys to the series...

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On This Day In Red Sox History: A Father’s Day Walk-off

On This Day In Red Sox History: A Father’s Day Walk-off

Posted by | Jun 16, 2018 | ,

June 16, 1996 was Father’s Day. The Red Sox and Rangers squared off for the final game of a four game set at Fenway Park. The Red Sox had taken two of the first three, but had gotten spanked 13-3 the day before. The teams took the field that Sunday afternoon for a 1:08 start time. Taking the Field The Red Sox sent left-hander Vaughn Eshelman to the mound. Eshelman was coming off his best start of the season but still had an ERA of 7.33. He was opposed by Lynn, Massachusetts native Ken Hill. Hill was coming off...

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