Curt Schilling: Baseball's Biggest Hypocrite

Curt Schilling: Baseball's Biggest Hypocrite

Many people remember Curt Schilling for his gutsy performance in the 2004 American League Championship and World Series - where he underwent a first-ever medical procedure done by team doctor William Morgan, in which a tendon in the ankle is sutured to the bone to prevent it from slipping back and forth and causing extreme pain.

There is no doubt that over those few weeks that October, Schilling blessed us with some of the finest and gutsiest sports moments in Boston history. He made it very clear that he came to Boston with a purpose - to help bring them their first World Series championship in 86 years, and he did just that.

Schilling even played a role on the 2007 World Series team, earning the win in the second game after allowing a lone run on four hits over 5.2 innings.

It didn't take long after his second World Series victory with Boston before he found himself in the midst of some controversy, however.

Schilling signed a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox for the 2008 season valued at $8 million, but after being diagnosed with a shoulder injury in February he would never threw another major league pitch.

That contract and subsequent injury caused a serious conflict between the front office and Schilling, so much so that Schilling claims he has zero relationship with the Red Sox to this day.

Although his playing career was over, Schilling was far from ready to fade into obscurity. It's no secret Curt loves any amount of attention he can get and will do whatever to keep his name in the news.

In an interview with Boston radio station WEEI in Sepember of 2008, Schilling called out former teammate, Manny Ramirez,  stating that his "level of disrespect to teammates and people was unfathomable."

Schilling is no stranger to disrespecting teammates himself, having been called out by several members of his squad for his behavior during the 1993 World Series when he was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Whenever Phillies' closer Mitch Williams was pitching, the CBS cameras would pan to Curt Schilling sitting in the dugout with his face buried in a towel. Schilling claimed he was nervous in the high pressure games, but many believe he was just trying to get more face time on the television.

(Photo Source: PhillySportsHistory.com)

Looking at the way he has acted throughout his career and beyond, it is hard to disagree.

In July 2010, Schilling was approved for a $75 million guaranteed loan from the state of Rhode Island to create his video game company, 38 studios. Thinking that the Schilling name that was so famous in New England would catapult his business to Microsoft-like success, he set up shop and built his headquarters near the Capitol on Empire Street in Providence.

Less than two years later in May 2012, he had defaulted on the loan and couldn't even afford to pay his employees. It is even rumored that former employees are now stuck with second mortgages because 38 studios had failed to sell their homes as part of the relocation process.

The NY Times reported that the Rhode Island Governor, Lincoln Chafee, called the state's investment in 38 Stuios, "the worst investment that's ever been made, I think, in the history of Rhode Island."

Schilling cites ongoing litigation as to why he has never been able to make light of the details surrounding the case. What is known, however, is that Schilling (who is openly against government-funded programs) had no problem taking government money if it meant benefiting himself. He immediately turned around and blamed the State of Rhode Island for the failure of the company and then basically forced Rhode Island taxpayers to bail him out.

Funny story, just a couple months before defaulting on his loan and leaving the State of Rhode Island with the mess to clean up, he was quoted as saying:

"There can be no question our country is in the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I also think there can be no question that it falls on us, the individuals, to find a way out of our own personal crisis."

Hypocrisy at it's best.

In November of 2014, Schilling and baseball writer Keith Law got into a famous debate over evolution. While Schilling argued for creationism and Keith Law argued in defense of evolution, things never turned heated and it appeared as nothing more than a friendly debate.

However, it is widely speculated that Schilling complained to ESPN which caused Law's Twitter account to be suspended.

This is a great example of Curt having no problem with the first amendment, as long as it works in his favor - but as soon as you disagree, he will run to your employer or school in an attempt to get your terminated or expelled.

Now keep in mind, freedom of speech does not protect anyone from repercussions. The people that sent out the disgusting tweets about Schilling's daughter deserved what they got.

But in Keith Law's situation, he was taking part in a fundamental debate and not once did he take it to a personal or offensive level. He simply said something that ruffled Schilling's feathers, and Curt made Law paid the price.

Less than a year later Schilling would get his own lesson in how freedom of speech does not protect you from repercussions, especially from your employer.

It is no doubt that extremist groups such as ISIS have caused a great deal of fear and discomfort in this country. But to compare a religious group (the label 'extremist' means absolutely nothing, every religion has them - even Christianity) to Nazis is absolutely absurd.

What Schilling neglects to mention is that Nazi Germany put a cap on the amount of members it accepted, presumably because there were only so many blue-eyed, blonde-haired males. He also fails to note that Hitler received almost 44% of the vote in the 1933 German federal election, which would seemingly point towards German support of the Nazi party being much higher than 7%.

ESPN did not take too kindly to the tweet and Schilling was immediately suspended from his duty covering the Little League World Series. On September 3rd they announced he would not appear on game broadcasts for the rest of the season.

It didn't take long for Schilling to tuck his head between his legs, typical behavior for him when there could be financial repercussions involved. It is highly unlikely that Schilling truly realized the impact of the tweet and was simply trying to minimize the damage and not lose his job. 

The amount of irony in that tweet is also amazing. Schilling stated in January of 2016 that he would never change his outspoken conservative ways to get into the Hall of Fame, yet when it comes to money he will say whatever needs to be said.

Schilling joined Kirk Minihane from Boston's WEEI for the "Enough About Me" podcast this past week, which is where he made the announcement that he has zero relationship with the Red Sox at this time and even mentioned that "they said things in [a] meeting that made me realize that they never gave a shit about me."

Having dealt with Schilling on social media a few times in the past, I decided to share the article from WEEI.com and tagged Curt in it wondering if I could get one of his signature ridiculous responses.

Curt did not disappoint.

Unfortunately, I was never able to answer his question as to why I tagged him - simply to get a response out of him. Immediately after calling me a 'spineless coward', Schilling blocked my Facebook account to prevent me from responding.

I find a tremendous amount of humor in his response, however.

Firstly, by mentioning that it wasn't a failed company until he invested his $50 million either suggests he has the worst financial adviser in history or that he is the specific reason the company failed.

Secondly, he attacks me for not using facts (I specifically mention that I wasn't accusing Schilling of lying about his injury and that I simply believed some suspicion was fair) and calls me a 'spineless coward' before immediately blocking my account thus preventing a response.

Don't get me wrong, Curt is under no obligation to listen to my opinion or offer me a chance to reply - but you would think as an adult that he would at least allow a person a chance to respond before resulting to name calling and character assassination. Who's the spineless coward, really?

Like I said, I have 'debated' on social media with Curt before. I use the word debate loosely, because it's always a lot of the same - he resorts to name calling or making assumptions, I take time to write a well-thought-out response, which is immediately deleted by him before anyone has a chance to see that maybe he isn't the smartest man on earth.

Despite the fact I rarely, if ever, agree with Curt on his political/religious beliefs - I used to have a great deal of respect for him simply because he wasn't afraid to speak his mind regardless of what anyone else think.

It's obvious that isn't the case - he doesn't care what other people have to say until they actually say it. He uses his position as a 'celebrity' to taunt and berate those who dare disagree with him, until they attempt to defend themselves - then it's all name calling and temper tantrums. I simply can not respect that.

Not that he cares, I am some clown he has never met.

Another thing is evident in all this, there is no bigger hypocrite than Curt Schilling.

He would never disrespect a teammate unless it meant getting more air-time on the television. He is anti-government spending unless him and his interests are benefiting from it. He will attack a religious group for being 'extremists' without ever acknowledging the extreme behavior of members of his own religion and he will beat free speech to death until you try to politely debate him.

I am still waiting for my employer to come to me and tell me that Mr. Schilling has called and demanded my termination because I refuse to believe in virgin births, talking snakes and an all-loving creator who will send you straight to the brimstone of Hell if you wear a t-shirt made of blended fabrics. 

I would love for Curt to be able to read this and respond in a calm, mature manner. Just because you have differences of opinion with someone, doesn't mean you cant learn something from them or even teach something to them. 

But who am I kidding, chances are if Curt reads this he is just going to attack my character and tattle to my boss. Before he calls me a spineless coward, I will be in Boston on April 11th and 12th if he would like to have a discussion from outside the comfort of his computer screen.

Benintendi Launches First Pro Homer





(Photo Source: ArkansasOnline.com)

via Boston Baseball Magazine 

Last month, the Red Sox drafted 20-year-old sophomore outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the University of Arkansas with the seventh overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Boston signed him last week for just over $3.5 million.


Benintendi began his professional career last week with the Single-A Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League. He promptly collected two hits in each of his first games, including a home run against the Tri-City Valley Cats on Saturday, the Fourth of July. He has collected four hits in eight at-bats (.500 batting average) with the single home run and two runs batted in through his first three games with Lowell.

Although he has shown he possesses plenty of raw power, at only 5-10 and 170 pounds he considers himself more of a doubles hitter.


“Going into my sophomore year, I knew what to expect. So I prepared accordingly. I don’t think I’m a power guy, even though the numbers may say I am. I’m more of a gap-to-gap guy. I just go up there and try and hit the ball hard and, fortunately, enough balls go over the fence,” Benintendi told The Lowell Sun last week.


Benintendi was named the SEC Player of the Year, Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year and received the 2015 Golden Spikes Award. The lefty hit .376/.488/.717 with a Divison I-leading 20 home runs, 58 runs batted in and 24 stolen bases in only 65 games for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native hopes to join a long list of former Golden Spikes Award winners who have gone on to have successful MLB careers including Alex Gordon (2005), Tim Lincecum (2006), David Price (2007), Buster Posey (2008), Stephan Strausburg (2009), Bryce Harper (2010) and Kris Bryant (2013).

This is the second time in three seasons that Boston has had the seventh overall selection, their earliest picks in the draft since 1993, when they drafted Trot Nixon with the seventh pick. The Red Sox are hoping to get more production out of Benintendi than their 2013 seventh overall draft choice, lefthander Trey Ball, who has so far failed to live up to expectations. Ball has gone 11-17 with a 4.24 ERA, allowing 191 hits and 78 walks in 186.2 innings over three seasons.

— Forrest Mulheron

Greenville Stacked with Infield Depth

(Photo Source: Boston Globe)

via Boston Baseball Magazine

Much of the talk coming into the 2015 season revolved around the surplus of outfield depth the Red Sox were carrying on their roster.

What was not mentioned as frequently was the tremendous amount of infield talent Boston possesses in its minor league ranks, specifically at Single-A, especially after signing international free-agent Yoan Moncada to a $31.5 million deal back in early March.

Moncada is currently Boston’s highest-rated prospect, ranked seventh in all of baseball by MLB.com. The young second baseman spent the beginning of the season in extended spring training. Since being assigned to Greenville on May 18, he has hit just .229/.311/.321 with only seven extra-base hits. However, it should come as no surprise to anyone that such a young man would need a little extra time to fully transition.

“I was excited to get out of Fort Myers and play [live games],” Moncada told BaseballProspectus.com through his translator. “Since then, I’m just trying to get better and get used to everything.”

Greenville boasts not just one but two top-100 MLB prospects in their infield. There's also 18-year-old Dominican born third baseman Rafael Devers, who is currently ranked 80th. The Red Sox signed Devers as an international free-agent in 2013.

Devers has looked impressive in 62 games for the Drive this season, slashing .306/.372/.479 with five home runs, 19 doubles, 40 runs scored and 36 RBI. Devers will represent the Red Sox in the MLB All-Star Futures Game on July 12 alongside Manuel Margot.

His offensive approach has even garnered comparisons to All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano.
"In terms of the swing itself, I've heard people comp him to Robinson Cano,” Greenville manager Darren Fenster said in an interview with WEEI.com. "Just with the whip that he has from the left side and the path that he has.”

Not listed as one of MLB’s top-100 prospects, but ranked 10th in Boston’s organization by SoxProspects.com, is 19-year old Michael Chavis. Chavis was selected 26th overall by the Red Sox in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA.

Although his slash line of .207/.267/.356 leaves something to be desired, Chavis has shown some ability to drive the ball by slugging six home runs and 13 doubles in his 56 games this season, including a walk-off double in his Greenville debut.

"It [was] a great sign for a kid who, this is his first game under the lights, and to have him come up with the game on the line in the ninth, for him to have the ability to stay calm under pressure and come through with a good at-bat — he smoked a ball that was a couple of feet from being a home run," Fenster told MiLB.com back in April.

With three of Boston’s top-10 prospects just beginning to get their feet wet in the minors and many questions surrounding the Red Sox infield in the seasons moving forward, it should be exciting watching these and several other infield prospects journey through the minors for the next few seasons.
 
— Forrest Mulheron

Portland Sea Dogs Win Four-Game Series Against Rock Cats

via Yawkey Way Report

After dropping the first game of the series, the Portland Sea Dogs were able to win three straight, including a 4-2 victory on Sunday, to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats in their four-game set at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT.

Portland responded in a big way after being defeated in the series opener, scoring 13 times in a wild comeback victory on Friday night.

The Sea Dogs entered the seventh inning trialling New Britain by a score of 10-4, and received a RBI single by Oscar Tejada and a grand slam from designated hitter Tim Roberson to bring Portland within a run. The Rock Cats responded with a run of their own off Sea Dogs' reliever Kyle Martin in the bottom half of the inning to make the score 11-9, but Portland was able to rally for two more runs in the ninth to tie the score.

Roberson stepped to the plate in the 10th inning with two runners on and needing just a triple to complete the third cycle in Sea Dogs' history, and delivered with a three-base hit to center field that scored Jantzen Witte and Oscar Tejeda to give Portland the 13-11 lead.

"Just one of those nights, I saw the ball well," Roberson told Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com. "Almost speechless and never expected that, but I'm blessed and happy that we got the win, most importantly. To do it at the professional level, and at the place I'm in here and in this moment, I'll definitely remember this one for the rest of my life."

Portland wasted no time in the series' third game, scoring five times in the first inning and never looking back. They added two more in the second on a Witte home run and a sacrifice fly by Keury De La Cruz, and scored single runs in the third and fourth to win by a final score of 9-4.

Justin Haley took the mound for the Sea Dogs for Sunday's rubber game, and was able to earn his first victory of the season after tossing six innings and allowing just two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out eight.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the fifth inning, Blake Tekotte hit a two-run homer to give Portland the 3-1 lead, his first home run of the season. Carlos Asuaje added a RBI single in the seventh, to give Portland the 4-2 lead.

The Sea Dogs have an off-day Monday before returning to Hadlock Field to take on the Altoona Curve for a three-game series beginning Tuesday night at 6:00 PM.

Yoan Moncada to Make Single-A Debut on Monday

via Yawkey Way Report

Yoan Moncada, who was one of the most highly touted international free-agents ever, is set to make his minor league debut for the Single-A Greenville Drive after spending a little over a month in extended Spring Training. Moncada signed a deal with the Boston Red Sox worth $31.5 million back in February, with Boston paying 100% tax on the contract for exceeding their international spending pool limits.

Moncada, a top-10 MLB prospect, is a switch-hitter who can play a variety of positions, including second base, shortstop, third base and the outfield. He reportedly spent time working with Greenville's staff during Spring Training, which should make the transition to playing in actual games a little easier on the 19-year old.

"He's just getting comfortable with the routine of everything," Greenville manager Darren Fenster told MiLB.com in Spring Training. "I think what everyone has to do and has to keep in mind, this is just a 19-year-old kid who has some incredible tools, but still needs a lot of work just to kind of improve every day, just like every single other guy out here.

Moncada played two seasons in the Cuban Serie Nacional, where he hit .277/.388/.380 with 11 doubles, four triples and four home runs to go with 28 RBIs over 101 games. So far, his plate approach seems very much the same here in America.

"You can already see that he's a professional who uses the whole field when he's hitting," Ben Crockett, who is the Red Sox director of player development told MiLB.com. "We've seen him drive the ball really well, but when he's in the cage, it isn't just a home run derby. He hits the ball where it's pitched and, for a young guy, he has a pretty good idea of what to do when he steps into the box already."

Moncada will make his full-season debut for the Greenville Drive against the Lexington Legends at Fluor Field on Monday night at 7:05 PM, and the game will be broadcasted live via MiLB.tv.

Tim Roberson Hits for Cycle in Wild Sea Dogs Victory

via Yawkey Way Report

Tim Roberson played the game of his career on Friday night, hitting for the cycle en route to a 13-11 comeback victory for the Portland Sea Dogs over the New Britain Rock Cats in front of 5,161 fans at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT.

“Just one of those nights, I saw the ball well,” Roberson told Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com. “Almost speechless and never expected that, but I’m blessed and happy that we got the win, most importantly. To do it at the professional level, and at the place I’m in here and in this moment, I’ll definitely remember this one for the rest of my life.”

After Carlos Asuaje reached base on throwing error in the bottom of the third, Roberson got his first hit of the game when he launched a ball to left field for a two-out double.

Portland entered the seventh inning trailing the Rock Cats by a score of 10-4 and after Oscar Tejeda delivered an RBI single, Roberson drilled the second pitch he saw from Tyler Ybarra for a grand slam home run, the first Double-A home run of his career.

“I was looking for a good pitch to hit. I kind of chased the first pitch, a curveball down, and I was just looking for something up and to put a good swing on it. And I got that and squared it up,” Roberson told Heneghan.
“It felt good because we’re down five at that point and it got us back to within one and we’re battling all night. And it felt really good to help the team out and get us within one.”

Trailing by two runs, Tejeda would reach on a lead-off walk to begin the ninth before advancing to second on a single by Roberson. Both runners were able to move up on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Luis Martinez and then scored on a two-run single by shortstop Marco Hernandez to tie the game at 11 runs a piece.

Needing just a triple to become the third player in Sea Dogs’ history to hit for the cycle, Roberson stepped to the plate in the 10th with two on and one out.

The 25-year old West Palm Beach, Florida native launched a ball to center field and as he rounded first base he could hear first base coach Joe Thurston encouraging him to “go for it.” Roberson realized Thurston was referring to a triple and sped up as he rounded second before cruising into third with a two-run go-ahead triple to give Portland the 13-11 lead.

Even though it took one extra frame to accomplish the rare feat, it was a game Roberson will soon forget.

“I got a pitch up and put a good swing on it and things happened from there,” he said. “Just blessed that I get to do this every day and be a part of this. And what happened tonight, I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. Some things have to happen [to get a triple] — I’m not the fastest guy in the world but luckily, tonight was in my favor.”

Portland Sea Dogs Fall Victim to Unearned Runs

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

via Yawkey Way Report

After a solid 4-1 series-opening victory against the Binghamton Mets at NYSEG Stadium in Binghamton, New York on Monday night, the Portland Sea Dogs were unable to overcome three unearned runs and dropped the second game by a final score of 3-1.

Mike McCarthy got the start and took the hard-luck loss for Portland, allowing no earned runs on five hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. The loss brings McCarthy’s record to 2-3 on the season and his ERA currently sits at 5.32.

Portland took their first and only lead of the game in the top of the second inning, when center fielder Blake Tekotte notched and RBI single after Keury De La Cruz singled and Luis Martinez was hit by a pitch to set up runners at second and third. Tekotte has put up a respectable season for the ‘Dogs thus far, hitting .250/.337/.342 with six extra-base hits and nine runs batted in over 24 games.

Trouble for the Sea Dogs started in the bottom of the frame, when Josh Rodriguez singled on a ball to left field before advancing to second on a throwing error by Sea Dogs’ shortstop Mike Miller. Gavin Cecchini, brother of Red Sox prospect Garin Cecchini, then singled to center field to put the Mets on the board.

Portland again found themselves in trouble in the bottom of the fifth after Met’s left fielder Jared King reached on a Mike McCarthy throwing error before advancing to second on another throwing error by Luis Martinez. After a Brandon Nimmo fly-out, Binghamton received RBI singles from both T.J. Rivera and Josh Rodriguez to push the score to 3-1, where it would stay for the remainder of the game.

William Cuevas (3-1, 3.44 ERA) will take the mound for the Sea Dogs opposite Rainy Lara (2-0, 2.91 ERA) in the third game of the series on Wednesday night at 6:35 PM. Portland returns home to take on the Colorado Rockies Double-A affiliate New Britain Rock Cats on Friday night at Hadlock Field.

Photo Credit: Kyle Leeds Photography

Mike Augliera Shines in Sea Dogs 4-1 Victory Over Binghamton Mets

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

via Yawkey Way Report

The Portland Sea Dogs won their series opener against the B-Mets at NYSEG Stadium on Monday night by a final score of 4-1, led by a strong pitching performance from Binghamton University alumni, Mike Augliera.

Augliera allowed six hits and two walks over five innings, allowing just one run and striking out three. The victory was his first on the season, bringing his record to 4-1 with a 6.65 ERA.

Mets’ starter, John Gant, retired the first two batters in the top of the first inning before allowing two two-out singles to Jantzen Witte and Oscar Tejeda. With Keury De La Cruz at the plate, Tejada was picked off first, but a throwing error by Gant allowed Witte to score the game’s first run.

Brandon Nimmo, one of the New York Mets’ top prospects, scored the lone run for the Mets on a fielder’s choice by Jayce Boyd in the third inning. Augliera was able to get Josh Rodriguez to line out, however, to end the threat.

Portland came right back in the next frame, after Reed Gragnani singled to start the inning and Luis Martinez drilled a two-run home run to make the score 3-1. After Jonathan Roof and Blake Tekotte reached and were moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt by Mike Miller, second baseman Carlos Asuaje roped an RBI single, making the score 4-1.

Kyle Kraus and Kyle Martin provided scoreless relief in support of Augliera, tossing four combined shutout innings on just three hits and a single walk, while striking out three. Kyle Martin earned the save for his performance, his second of the season.

The Sea Dogs and Mets will look to continue their four-game series at NYSEG Stadium on Tuesday night, as Mike McCarthy takes the mound for Portland at 6:35 PM. Portland returns home after the four-game set to take on the New Britain Rock Cats at Hadlock Field starting Friday night at 6:00 PM.

Photo Credit: Kyle Leeds Photography

Sea Dogs' Jantzen Witte Making Transition from Third to First Look Easy

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

Read via Yawkey Way Report

Jantzen Witte has been one of the Portland Sea Dogs best hitters to this point in the season, posting a .348/.392/.500 line with seven extra-base hits, 19 runs batted in, seven runs scored and six walks in 18 games.

(Photo Source: Forrest Mulheron Photography)

He began his transition from third to first base in Spring Training last season, and so far has made the job look easy, posting a .996 fielding percentage at first base over 960 career innings.

“Last year I kind of got moved over there the last day of Spring Training, and then played the majority of my games at first,” Witte told Yawkey Way Report. “I actually felt okay with it.

“As far as ground balls and things like that, I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment, but as far as my footwork around the bag and picks and things like that, it looks so easy, but there’s a lot of stuff going on. A lot of moving parts that I think a lot of people don’t realize. That’s something that I am still working on.”

Witte was selected by the Red Sox in the 24th round of the First-Year player draft in 2013 out of Texas Christian University. He was named to the 1st-Team Academic All Big-12 Team his senior year, when he hit .293 with 15 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 34 runs batted in.

The 25-year old talked about how his college baseball career has helped ease the transition into professional baseball, although there are some major differences.

“I think anybody that played college baseball, they have so many more reps than these guys [that come out of] high school,” he said. “The earlier levels of [professional baseball], we have so much more experience in close ball games, and so many AB’s [while] facing some pretty good arms.

“I think the hardest thing to do is be consistent in pro ball, [because] you play so many games—[Double-A] is where the level is that everyone is at an even playing field.”

So far this season, the New England weather has had little effect on the Ft Worth, Texas native.

“In college we played in places like Air Force in Colorado in the snow. When we were in the
Mountain West, BYU, you know we’re up in the snow, it’s icy, so it’s something I have played in before,” he said. “It might take an extra one or two sprints to get loose, but you know, you just got to play the game regardless of what the temperature is like.”

In 181 career minor league games, Witte is hitting .293/.361/.457 with 13 home runs, 54 doubles, eight triples and 122 runs batted in while splitting time between third and first base.

Hanley Ramirez Exits Game After Spraining Shoulder

(May 3, 2015 - Source: Darren McCollester/Getty Images North America)

Read via Baseball Essential

According to the Boston Red Sox, left fielder Hanley Ramirez has been diagnosed with a shoulder sprain after colliding with the left field wall in the top of the first inning.

Clay Buchholz was able to retire the first two batters he faced, but left a first-pitch 94-MPH fastball out over the plate to Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman James Loney, which he promptly lined into the left field corner. Ramirez tracked down the ball, but was unable to hold onto it as he collided with the left field fence in foul territory. After retrieving the ball and firing it back to the infield, Ramirez dropped to one knee in obvious pain. Boston challenged the dropped ball, but the umpires upheld the call and Ramirez was charged with an error, which was later changed to a double for Loney.

Clay Buchholz would surrender two runs after nearly being out of the inning, and the Red Sox lost the series opener by a score of 5-1.

Allen Craig came into the game to replace Ramirez in left field, and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and three runners left on base.

Ramirez has had a history of health issues, and has already had a torn labrum in his left shoulder surgically repaired back in 2007, while he was a member of the Florida Marlins. He has missed significant time in three seasons, including playing in only 86 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013.

The 31-year-old Dominican native leads the Red Sox with 10 home runs on the season, and is currently hitting .283/.340/.609 with 22 runs batted in over 24 games. For his career, Ramirez is a .300/.372/.502 hitter with 201 home runs and 671 RBIs.

The injury to Ramirez is a significant blow to the Red Sox, who signed the shortstop turned left fielder to a four-year, $88 million contract this past off-season.

Forrest Mulheron is a Boston Red Sox/MLB Correspondent for Baseball Essential

Witte Goes 4 for 5, as Sea Dogs Unable to Complete Sweep of Phils

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

 Read via Yawkey Way Report

Jantzen Witte had a big day Sunday for the Portland Sea Dogs, going 4 for 5 with a home run, two doubles, three runs batted in and two runs scored, but they were unable to complete the three-game sweep of the Reading Fightin Phils, losing by a final score of 6-5.

(Photo Source: Forrest Mulheron Photography)

Luis Diaz got the start for Portland, lasting 5 2/3 innings while allowing four earned runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five. The loss is Diaz's second of the season, bringing his record to 0-2.

The Sea Dogs made things interesting heading into the ninth down 6-3, when Jantzen Witte hit a two-out, two-run double to make the score 6-5. Oscar Tejada was unable to keep the rally going, however, striking out on three pitches to end the game.

Portland opened the series on Friday with a 3-0 victory, with William Cuevas earning his third win of the season by tossing five shutout innings, allowing only three hits and a walk. Relievers Pat Light and Dyan Diaz combined for four shutout innings in support of Cuevas.

First baseman David Chester got the scoring started for the Sea Dogs in the top of the second inning, drilling a two-run home run to left-center field. They added another run in the top of the eighth on a sacrifice fly from catcher Luis Martinez.

Justin Haley took the mound for Portland in the middle-game of the series, but left after just 1/3 of an inning with what appeared to be a right groin injury. Simon Mercedes provided strong relief after coming in to replace Haley, allowing just one earned run on three hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings.

After leaving the bases loaded in the first two innings, Keury De La Cruz was able to drive in the first run of the ball game on a single to right field which scored Oscar Tejada. Portland added three more runs in the eighth, on RBI hits by De La Cruz and Luis Martinez to make the final score 4-1.

The Sea Dogs will head to Binghamton, NY on Monday night for the first time this season to take on the 2014 Eastern League Champion Mets, with the game one of the series scheduled for 6:35 PM.

Hanley Ramirez Has Record Setting Month for Red Sox

(April 27, 2015 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)

With Rick Porcello on the mound for the Red Sox in the rubber match against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Wednesday, Hanley Ramirez blasted his Major League-leading 10th home run over the Green Monster, losing his helmet in the process. The home run tied Ramirez with renowned Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz, for the most homers by any Boston hitter before the month of May.

(April 28, 2015 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)

“I guess you could say it’s record-setting right?” Red Sox manager John Farrell told the Boston Herald. “He’s a force in the middle of the order, [against] different types of pitchers [in] key moments. He controls the strike zone. Fun to watch.”

It's tough to say where the Red Sox would be without Ramirez, whose 10 home runs have certainly helped a pitching staff that owns a Major League-worst 5.75 ERA.

“I prepared myself good in the off-season,” Ramirez told the Herald. “All the work I put in the off-season is coming through right now. I’m feeling good right now, but the main thing is Porcello. He came out today and threw a pretty good game. And the bullpen got a rest.”

Although this is the hottest start Ramirez has ever had in his career to date, he is not satisfied until he wins his first championship ring.

“Like Pedroia says, when you’re a champ, you do whatever you want,” shared Ramirez. “I haven’t been a champ yet. So, first I want to be a champ. Then I can sit down and see what I’ve done in this game.”

The last time a Red Sox slugger started the season this hot, David Ortiz would go on to break Boston's single season home run record with his 54 long balls in 2006. Ortiz has played a big part in Ramirez's success this year, speaking at length with him before the season about getting the most out of every at-bat.

Unfortunately Ramirez will not have another chance to add to his record pace, as the Red Sox have an off-day Thursday, before continuing their home stand against the rival New York Yankees on Friday night at Fenway Park to start the month of May

Rusney Castillo Returns to PawSox from Disabled List

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Rusney Castillo returned to the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday night after being activated from the disabled list, and went 0-4 with a strikeout as the designated hitter in their 5-1 loss against the Syracuse Chiefs. He was not in the lineup for Pawtucket's 4-0 victory over the Chiefs on Thursday, which had an early start time of 12 PM.

Castillo had been sidelined since April 11 with a right shoulder injury, and John Farrell has expressed that he will need more playing time before having any chance of being called up to the majors.

"He's missed significant time," Farrell told Jimmy Toscano of CSNNE.com. "He's going to need more than three to four at-bats tonight, or six to eight total. I think we need more than that."

In four games for Pawtucket this season, Castillo is hitting .313/.353/.375 with a double and two runs batted in. He played in 10 major league games for the Red Sox last season, where he slashed a .333/.400/.528 line with two home runs, a double, three walks and six runs batted in.

With Shane Victorino on the disabled list, and Allen Craig struggling mightily at the plate, many are left to wonder how long it will be before Castillo gets the call.

Victorino was placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 25 because of nagging right hamstring injury, and has managed to do little offensively this season, hitting .143/.302/.171 with seven strikeouts in 12 games.

Craig has largely failed to live up the expectations the Red Sox had for him when they acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals along with Joe Kelly in exchange for John Lackey at least season's trade deadline. In 46 career games for the Red Sox, Craig has managed to hit only .125/.222/.172 with only four extra-base hits, including .118/.189/.118 with no extra-base hits in 17 games this season.

Although Boston's offense has looked very good at times, they have still run into patches of inconsistency and at points been unable to take advantage of some good pitching performances, which have been hard to come by these days. After Castillo gets some more playing time in Pawtucket, it should only be a matter of time before you see him roaming the outfield at Fenway Park.

Sea Dogs Swept By Binghamton Mets

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After splitting their four-game weekend series with the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder, the Sea Dogs were swept in three games by another New York affiliate, the Binghamton Mets.

(Photo Source: Forrest Mulheron Photography)

New England Patriots' hero, Malcolm Butler, attended the series opener on Monday night, throwing out the first pitch, and was available to the fans for pictures and autographs. The game, however, was suspended after two innings due to inclement weather and resumed as part of a double-header on Tuesday.

Luis Diaz got the start in the opener, allowing two earned runs on a single hit and three walks over two innings. Jonathan Aro took the mound when play resumed on Tuesday, taking the loss after allowing seven runs, six of them earned, on six hits and a walk.

The Sea Dogs scored seven runs on RBI hits by Oscar Tejada, Kevin Heller and Jantzen Witte, but that was not enough against the Mets' 11-run attack.

Mike Augliera took the loss, bringing his record to 0-4 on the season, in the second game of Tuesday's double-header, lasting only 3 1/3 innings while allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits and a base on balls. The Sea Dogs' lone run in the 7-1 loss came on a strikeout and wild pitch by Mets' pitcher Beck Wheeler, allowing Reed Gragnani to score from third.

Portland dropped the third and final game of the series by a score of 8-3 on Wednesday night, with Sea Dogs' starter Mike McCarthy taking the loss to bring his record to 2-2. McCarthy allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks over four complete innings.

Portland took their only lead of the game in the bottom of the first inning on a run scoring wild-pitch by Mets' starter Rainy Lara, allowing Mike Miller to score. First baseman Jantzen Witte followed that up with an RBI ground out to give the Sea Dogs a 2-1 lead going into the second. Portland's catcher, Luis Martinez, added an RBI double which drove in Keury De La Cruz in the fourth, but that was all the offense the Sea Dogs could muster.

The Sea Dogs will have an off-day Thursday, before resuming play in Reading, PA against the Fightin' Phils on Friday night at 7:05 PM.

Robby Scott Looking Impressive So Far for Sea Dogs

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Robby Scott continued his hot start to the season against the Trenton Thunder on Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field; tossing two innings of relief and allowing just a single unearned on one hit, while striking out two.

Scott has not allowed a run in four of his five appearances this season, including four shutout innings against the New Britain Rock Cats last Tuesday, only the second start of his professional career.

So far this season Scott is 0-0, with a 2.70 ERA and nine strikeouts in 10 innings.

The 25-year old Miami, FL native is coming off a strong 2014 campaign in which he owned a 8-2 record to go with a 1.96 ERA and 51 strikeouts.

Those numbers were good for a trip to the 2014 Mid-Season All-Star Game for the Eastern League. Scott was also voted to the Arizona Fall League's Rising Star team in October.

"Between being in the All-Star game last year in the Eastern League and then having the opportunity to play in the All-Star game in the Fall League was awesome, two opportunities, two accolades that I will remember when my playing career is over," Scott told Yawkey Way Report.

"It’s one of those things where you get to reward yourself for something for your efforts, for the work you put in throughout your time. It’s not the last time I want to be on an All-Star team, and hopefully can be on an All-Star team at [every] level."

Despite a shortened off-season because of the Arizona Fall League, Scott felt no ill effects during Spring Training this year.

"I [actually] felt better, just because I didn't have that extended period of time off. My arm felt a lot better getting ready to go for Spring Training because I didn't have that extra month and a half off, so I felt actually a lot better the first time I started throwing," Scott said.

Robby Scott also realizes that with his recent string of success, his promotion could be just a phone call away.

"That’s what it’s all about, seeing guys have that opportunity. You got to be able to put yourself in the best possible position to succeed and be ready for that opportunity when your name is called, and hopefully that opportunity comes," he said.

"A year ago now Mookie Betts was in this locker room. Now seeing him doing what he’s been doing [for the Red Sox] it’s been awesome. It’s exciting for us and exciting for the entire organization."

Sea Dogs Manage Four-Game Split With Trenton Thunder

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After two straight wins, the Portland Sea Dogs dropped the series finale to the Trenton Thunder by the score of 8-2 on Sunday, giving them a split in the four-game series at Hadlock Field.

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Justin Haley was handed his third loss on the young season, as he failed to get through the fifth inning after allowing six earned runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and four walks, bringing his ERA on the season to 9.42.

Keury De La Cruz, who was playing in his first contest in over a week after suffering a leg injury, provided the lone offense for the Sea Dogs. After back-to-back singles by Jantzen Witte and Oscar Tejada, De La Cruz drove them both in with a fly ball double to left field.

One bright spot in the series came on Friday, when the Sea Dogs were able to hand the New York Yankees number one prospect, Luis Severino, the worst loss of his Double-A career, after tagging him with six runs, three of them earned, on eight hits and three walks over five innings.

They were able to chase Severino in the bottom of the sixth inning, after he committed a throwing error on a Jonathan Roof bunt with two men on which allowed a runner to score, then gave up an RBI single to Sea Dogs' right fielder Kevin Heller. The Sea Dogs added an RBI single by second basemen Carlos Asuaje in the inning, followed by a two-run double off the bat of left fielder Oscar Tejada.

Portland added three more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and won by a final score of 10-2.

The Sea Dogs will host last year's Eastern League champions, the Binghamton Mets, for a three-game series at Hadlock Field beginning at 6:00 PM on Monday night. The New England Patriots Super Bowl hero, Malcolm Butler, will be in attendance, throwing out the first pitch, as well as signing autographs and taking pictures.

Mookie Betts Provides Walk-Off Heroics for Red Sox

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Mookie Betts put together another impressive game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Monday night, including the walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to drive in Xander Bogaerts for the winning run.

Joe Kelly took the mound for the Red Sox and struggled out of the gate, allowing three runs to score in the bottom of the first inning. He allowed single runs to score in the third and fourth innings, and left the game after six complete allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out a career-high 10 batters. Alexi Ogando and Koji Uehara provided three scoreless innings of relief in support of Kelly.

Betts led off the game for the Red Sox with a tough at-bat against Toronto's starter, Aaron Sanchez, drawing a walk on seven pitches, before being caught trying to steal second by Blue Jays' catcher Russell Martin. After David Ortiz doubled with one out in the inning to set up men on second and third, Pablo Sandoval drove them both in to bring Boston within one run. Sandoval added a solo home run, his second long-ball of the year, in the fourth.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Betts line a double to left field before scoring on a RBI single by Dustin Pedroia. The 22-year old center fielder again found himself on base after singling in the eighth, and after a passed ball allowed Betts and Pedroia to advance to second and third, Hanley Ramirez hit a line drive into left field and Betts scored on the sacrifice fly to tie the game at five runs a piece.

After Brock Holt struck out on five pitches to lead off the ninth inning, Xander Bogaerts and Ryan Hanigan were able to hit back-to-back singles to set the stage for Betts' heroics. After taking a first pitch slider for a ball, Betts laced a 96-MPH fastball past the shortstop, who was playing near the infield grass, to drive in Bogaerts and complete the 6-5 victory for the Red Sox.

Matt Barnes Recalled, Makes First Appearance in '15 for Sox

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The Boston Red Sox placed Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury on Saturday, then recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes from Triple-A Pawtucket to join the Major League club in Baltimore for their series against the Orioles at Camden Yards.

After being told on Saturday afternoon that he had been promoted, Barnes drove from Scranton, PA to Baltimore, MD and arrived approximately two hours before the start of the game.

He was called on to make his 2015 debut by replacing Justin Masterson in the bottom of the eighth, and responded by firing two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out one.

Barnes was actually in line for his first big league win after Xander Bogaerts hit the first pitch he saw from Brad Brach for the go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th inning, making the score 4-3, but had his hopes quickly dashed as Boston's closer Koji Uehara blew the save opportunity by giving up a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the frame, his first blown save of the season.

"It was a crazy day," Barnes told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "It's not how I envisioned [the day] when I woke up this morning, but I'm happy to be here … trying to do what I can to help the ball club win."

Many thought the 24-year old native New Englander would make the Opening Day roster as a reliever after throwing in the high-90s for most of Spring Training, but he was sent down to Triple-A during the last round of roster cuts and subsequently reverted back to a starting role.

Barnes made two starts for the PawSox before being recalled on Saturday, posting a 0-0 record with a 5.63 ERA. He made five appearances for the Major League ball club last season, allowing four runs on eleven hits, over nine complete innings.

Sea Dogs Split Doubleheader With Rock Cats

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After weather postponed the series opener on Monday night, the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs managed a split with the New Britain Rock Cats, at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT.

Justin Haley took the mound for the Dogs in the first game of the twin bill, surrendering four earned runs on four hits and three walks, while striking out three over 3 1/3 innings. The loss is the second of the season for Haley whose ERA now stands at 8.38.

Ryan Carpenter started opposite Haley for the Rock Cats, and held the Sea Dogs to just two hits over seven innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits and a single walk.

The score remained tied at zero until the bottom of the fourth, when Juan Ciriaco hit a fly ball single to center field to drive in the first two runs of the game. Rockies top position prospect David Dahl then reached on an error which scored a run, before Tyler Massey drove in Ciriaco with a single to left field.

The Sea Dogs were able to end the rally there, but unable to generate any offense and lost by a final score of 4-0.

Portland's offense wasted no time getting started in the second game, scoring four times in the first on a pair of two-run doubles by Reed Gragnani and Blake Tekotte. They added another run on a Jantzen Witte sacrifice fly in the second and three more on RBI hits by Witte and Oscar Tejada in the fourth.

Robby Scott got the start for the Sea Dogs in the nightcap, tossing four shutout innings and allowing only three hits and no walks, while striking out four. Boston's 22nd prospect, according to SoxProspects.com, Simon Mercedes, completed the final three innings for the 8-1 victory, his first ever in Double-A. Mercedes allowed just one run on one hit, while walking two and striking out five, including his final batter of the game.

Justin Haley Looking to Build on 2014 Campaign With Sea Dogs

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23-year old Justin Haley looked impressive in his six starts with the Portland Sea Dogs last season, going 3-2 with a 1.19 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings pitched. He earned a win in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs against the Binghamton Mets, firing six scoreless innings while allowing only five hits and a walk, striking out eight.

Although his time in Portland last season was brief, he was able to learn a few things from Red Sox top pitching prospects, Brian Johnson and Eduardo Rodriguez, that he's looking to apply this season.

"Being able to watch guys go out and throw, go out and compete, keep their composure, I think that’s going to be the greatest thing I learned from some of the veteran guys." he told Yawkey Way Report. "Just keeping your composure under pressure and being able to shrug off a bad outing, or maybe a bad inning, and go out there and dominate the next one."

Although Portland was unable to advance out of the first round of the Eastern League playoffs last season, after winning a franchise-best 88 games and graduating 14 players to Triple-A Pawtucket, Haley attributed some of last year's success to the Red Sox organization's emphasis on player development and creating a winning atmosphere.

"Every guy in the clubhouse wants to win; win a championship every year and it boils down to winning every game, we go out there every night trying to win," he said.

"It inspires me. We have a great organization. One that uses guys and really develops guys, I think is a big part of it. Being able to see yourself at that next level really helps, seeing guys be successful at that level, it helps you be able to focus and know that you can make it that far."

Although inspired by the thought of pitching at the next level, Haley has not let that idea distract him from staying focused on the job at hand.

"Those thoughts don’t help me pitch. I am in the game of throwing strikes, that’s what I do, that’s what I stick to, and that’s what’s going to make me successful. Anything else is just noise."

Currently ranked the 35th top prospect by SoxProspects.com, Haley has struggled in his first two starts for Portland this season. The Sacramento, CA native owns a 0-1 record with a 7.11 ERA while allowing a .333 opponent batting average. The Sea Dogs hope he can build on what he learned from Johnson and Rodriguez last season, shrugging off his less-than-stellar start and getting back to being the effective pitcher he has been in the past.