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April 6, 2008

An 8th Introduction

The Red Sox will participate in their eighth lengthy pregame introduction at Fenway Park on Tuesday afternoon.

But somehow, while introductions have gotten old through their tour of Japan, the West Coast and Canada, this one will be special. The Sox will be given their rings for having won the 2007 World Series.

"Everyone will be excited," said manager Terry Francona. "It was a great accomplishment. That was last year, but (the players) should enjoy the appreciation from the fans. It (winning a title) doesn't come every day. It's hard to do. It (the ring ceremony) is something great to experience. Opening Day at Fenway is special anyway, but with a ring ceremony to boot, it's pretty special."

And while introductions have become old hat and a tad tiresome to the Sox this season, veteran Tim Wakefield wouldn't mind a few more.

"I could take six more," said Wakefield, referring to pregame introductions in October that accompany home-and-away playoff games through the World Series.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner at 11:31 AM | Permalink

Long Trip Coming to an End

After today's game the Red Sox finally will head home, putting an end to a 19-day road trip that featured games in Japan, the West Coast and Canada.

Boston will have tomorrow off and will open its home season Tuesday afternoon against the Detroit Tigers.

"This is the longest trip I've ever been on. I'm not a real clothes horse, but I ran out of clothes a long time ago," joked manager Terry Francona.

Francona said the trip has worn a bit on the players mentally and physically, causing them to become more frustrated a bit more quickly than normal in a game in which frustration -- personal and team -- has to be dealt with on an almost daily basis.

But no one in the clubhouse was using the journey as a reason for the team's 3-3 record.

"We're not going to use it as an excuse because excuses only lead you to mediocrity," said Boston reliever Bryan Corey.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner at 11:26 AM | Permalink

It's Official -- Snyder "Designated"

Manager Terry Francona made it official this morning, announcing that right-hander Kyle Snyder had been designated for assignment to make room for Josh Beckett, who comes off the disabled list to make today's start against Toronto.

Francona said the decision had nothing to do with Snyder's performance in Saturday's game, when he walked the first two batters he faced on nine pitches and was lifted after a sacrifice bunt. Francona also said he had high regard for Snyder and wishes him well whatever comes of the 10-day period in which the pitcher is in limbo -- he can be claimed off waivers or traded or, failing either of those options, could be sent to Pawtucket if Snyder agrees.

"He's one of the most respectful teammates I've seen come through here," said Francona.

It's possible Snyder could be claimed by another organization and end up back in a starting rotation, which is what he preferred, though he did embrace the long-relief role he was in with the Sox.

Boston will have to make another move with its pitching staff next week when Mike Timlin is expected to come off the DL.

-- Steven Krasner

Posted by Steven Krasner at 11:20 AM | Permalink