Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ There's a first time for everything.

For most of the Red Sox players and personnel, reaching the postseason has become a perennial celebration. But, every year there's a group of Red Sox players - both young and old - who have never smoked a celebratory cigar, or had champagne dumped on them within the historic clubhouse here at Fenway Park.

Players like Justin Masterson, Jed Lowrie, Chris Carter, David Pauley, Jeff Bailey, George Kottaras and Chris Smith all enjoyed the celebration and are hoping to be a part of lot more.

Each player made some kind of contribution in 2008, especially Masterson and Lowrie as the Red Sox battle injuries all season.

Masterson, a right-handed pitcher, was a part of the rotation early this season before he was moved to the bullpen. Lowrie has been an every day player since Julio Lugo went down with a torn quadriceps on July 12, and the rookie has been a major contributor.

"What made this year special was all the little bumps in the road that came up during the year didn't slow us down," said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. "We had a really good team, but a lot went wrong, so the depth of the organization was really revealed. These guys wanted it."

The veteran Red Sox players this season, and in the recent past, have made sure to make the rookies feel a part of the team. With the impact all young players have made over the last couple of seasons, it's become a close family.

That was evident once again Tuesday night.

"It's a little overwhelming right now," said Lowrie. "Now we just have to finish out the season and get ready for the postseason. Celebrating with the guys and appreciating all the hard work everybody as put in this year, but it's not over and we have to continue to keep pushing.

"I got the opportunity to help out the club, and I'm especially happy that I was able to contribute to where we are right now."

Masterson could barely speak after the celebration because he lost his voice screaming and yelling.

"It's exciting to have a chance to get into the playoffs and hopefully win a World Series," said Masterson. "I'm just hanging. It's awesome. I'm just happy to be here. Injuries is what got me here in the beginning, but I'm excited to be here and hopefully I can have an impact moving forward."

He was surrounded by veteran pitchers Mike Timlin, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett in the clubhouse immediately following the game. After the celebration began to calm down to a roar, the young guys gathered in the corner of the clubhouse to have their own little party.

"We're guys who have never been in this experience," said Masterson. "What's nice is we have a lot of guys here who have been here before, so that makes it even more fun. We have a great veteran presence."

A year ago at this time Carter, who came over in the deal for Wily Mo Pena, was sitting in the clubhouse at McCoy Stadium, thinking he would be a September callup. But it didn't happen and he was devastated, especially as the Red Sox went on to win the World Series.

Carter had an impressive season with the PawSox this summer and because of his dedication and success, he received a few callups during the year, and again when the rosters expanded. Tuesday night he was right in the middle of the party.

"This is absolutely incredible," he said. "The team chemistry is great. You hear a lot of things about major league teams where guys are individuals - not this team. This team is one unit and we're all friends. They know how to play together and it's special to be a part of.

"No matter what happens, if I'm here or I'm watching at home, I feel like I'm a part of it because these guys let me be a part of it. They accepted me and I would do anything for this team and this organization. They have made me feel that good. It's definitely an organization I'm very proud to be a part of."

Bailey, 29, has been a career minor-leaguer. He made his major-league debut with the Red Sox in 2007, but was not part of last season's magic. He was Tuesday night.

"I've been hardly on any playoff teams in the minor leagues," admitted Bailey. "This is really sweet."

Pauley, is another pitcher who had an outstanding season for the PawSox and was promoted to Boston to make a spot start earlier in the season and is now a part of the bullpen.

"It's a great time, man," he said. "It's fun to be part of a group of guys like this that has as much fun as they do. To be in a situation like this, and to get into the playoffs with these guys is beyond what you could ever think. These guys love the game and love to be out there every day."

Last but not least is reliever Chris Smith. A one-time pitching prospect with the Red Sox who's development was derailed due to numerous injuries, made five trips to the big leagues this season, including his major-league debut. He's been enjoying every moment of it, especially Tuesday night.

"I'm drinking beers and smoking cigars," yelled Smith. "It's unbelievable. We had this at Double-A (Portland) and it was intense, but not these intense. This is for real now. You hear about it all the time and I wanted to be a part of it. This is intense and I don't know how to explain it. It's like walking out to the mound for your first time. It's crazy."

Before Epstein left the clubhouse Tuesday night, he made sure to say something to every player. He also made sure to find those players who came through in emergency situations and helped the Red Sox clinch a playoff berth.

"It's a proud day for the organization," Epstein.

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