MSM: Radio powerplay shuts out WOXO and WTBM from the Red Sox radio network

You will NOT be able to hear the Red Sox on WOXO 92.7 FM in Norway or WTBM 100.7 in Mexico this year, as Atlantic Coast Radio took advantage of their relationship with WEEI (as a simulcast partner on 95.5/95.9) to demand exclusive rights to the Red Sox on radio in Western Maine. Randy Whitehouse from the Sun Journal dug into that a bit over the weekend. Interesting note: WKTJ in Farmington (99.3) is also in the Jab's listening range as is WIGY in Madison, why did not they play the exclusivity card there, too? Keep in mind that WOXO and WTBM's signals don't reach Portland, so it's not like people in South Portland are flipping to 92.7 in lieu of 96.3. The Jab signal reaches quite a ways, might we see them do this again in coming years with other local stations or was this about cutting off a big FM signal like 92.7/100.7 (which had Red Sox baseball since 1977) off at the knees?

92.7/100.7 and 96.3 compete for the same local ad dollars in Western Maine for sports. WOXO currently has NASCAR and the Boston Bruins running on 92.7 and 100.7, while 96.3 has the Red Sox full-time and the Celtics when 95.5 and 95.9 have conflicting programming (it also has all of the local minor league teams and Maine Black Bears football and Hockey on 1310 AM, but those are all paid for by the teams through sponsorship packages on their respective radio networks). One thing is for sure: a dangerous precedent has been set for local radio with this move.

MESN at Maine Day #redsox

Check out the photo gallery of Maine Day  by Jason Gendron of Maine Sports Network

Red Sox celebrate Fenway's 100 Years

The Red Sox today provided fans with a preview of preparations for the celebration of Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary in 2012. As preparations begin, the Club invited all Red Sox fans to join the planning process by sharing their ideas, suggestions, stories and memorabilia. The announcement was made 99 years to the date of the first Major League baseball game played at Fenway Park, on April 20, 1912.

2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of America's Most Beloved Ballpark, the oldest operating Major League facility in the United States. The celebration will highlight Red Sox history over the past hundred years and will also commemorate the wide range of other sports, music, civic, philanthropic, and community events that Fenway Park has hosted during its first century.

"Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary will be an unprecedented and historic celebration," said Red Sox Principal Owner John W. Henry. "From Day One, the preservation of this ballpark has been an issue of paramount importance to our ownership group. Without a doubt, Fenway Park is renowned for its architectural and aesthetic charm. But the character of this ballpark has always been a reflection of the fans who call it home, and we encourage citizens of Red Sox Nation to share their stories and thoughts about what an appropriate celebration should entail."

"From the moment we assumed stewardship of this franchise and ballpark, our ownership group made a sacred commitment to preserve all that's good about Fenway Park," Chairman Tom Werner said. "Now that our decade-long series of major, annual Fenway improvements has concluded, it's only appropriate that we formally kick off our preparations for this historic anniversary. With a celebration built around the sentiments and ideas of our fans, we plan to honor this iconic ballpark's connection to New England and a Nation."

"Fenway Park's scope of sports and civic history is virtually unparalleled," said President/CEO Larry Lucchino. "Through jubilation and heartbreak, victories and near-misses, this jewel of a ballpark has not only endured but thrived. Now, after more than $285 million in total investment over the last decade, we stand on the eve of a momentous occasion and celebration. We are deeply grateful for the help of Mayor Thomas M. Menino and our friends in the Fenway neighborhood who have worked collaboratively over the last 10 years to preserve and protect this ballpark for generations to come. As we commemorate this living museum's past, we look forward to a celebration of America's Most Beloved Ballpark that both citizens of Red Sox Nation and baseball fans will find fitting."

As part of the first phase of preparations, the Club today unveiled four major elements of the 2012 celebration:

Official Fenway Park 2012 logo: The Fenway Park 2012 logo was officially unveiled at today's announcement. It is a look that is timeless, contemporary and with a simplified direction that takes into consideration all the various elements inherent to Fenway Park. The keystone from the original 1912 façade that sits above Gate A acts as the primary backplate, and serves as a metaphor to speak to the relationship between Fenway Park and the Red Sox. The "FENWAY PARK" font and location are taken from the façade, and other fonts in the logo are taken from various signage around the park. The "100 YEARS" is housed in a backplate inspired by the Green Monster scoreboard.
The logo was designed by Michael Mikulec, an independent creative director and graphic designer, and a lifelong Red Sox fan. Michael's career began at ESPN television, and his previous work has included developing brand identities for ABC, MTV, the CW and the NFL Network and, perhaps most notably, Michael's logo was selected as the official mark for NBC's coverage of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He recently worked with the Red Sox production team to help develop their strategy for the new HD videoboards at Fenway Park.

Official Fenway Park 2012 website: The official Fenway Park 2012 website (www.fenwaypark100.com), designed in conjunction with Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM), features information and images on Fenway Park's history, including the ballpark's architecture and changes over time, information about current and former Club owners, managers and players, and video clips about special features that make Fenway Park unique. The site, which is the first of its kind for a Major League ballpark in terms of depth and breadth of information, already includes more than 450 unique pages, 90,000+ words of text, over 160 photos and 36 videos, and it will continue to expand over the next two years to include more historical and current content generated by the Club and our fans.

Fenway Park 100th Anniversary Brick Program and Seat Sale: The Boston Red Sox today announced a special opportunity for fans to literally put their mark on the historic ballpark. Fans will have the chance to have a brick with a personalized message placed in the Fenway Park concourse area inside Gate B and Gate C. Bricks will be available in two sizes - 4"x8" and 8"x8" - and each purchase will also include a replica brick and display case. The bricks will be sold for $250 and $475, respectively, plus applicable taxes and fees. The sale of the bricks begins on Thursday, April 28, 2011, and more information is available online at www.fenwaypark100.com.

The team also announced the final opportunity for fans to bring home a pair of authentic seats from Fenway Park. Since 2002, the Red Sox have made annual offseason improvements to Fenway Park. One major component of the 2010-2011 offseason improvements was the replacement of the seats in the lower Right Field seating bowl. From these seats, fans have watched the 2004 and 2007 World Series games and witnessed other historic events such as Dave Roberts' 2004 legendary steal of second base, Carlton Fisk wave the ball fair in 1975, several no-hitters, as well as the 2010 NHL Winter Classic, Frozen Fenway College Hockey Doubleheader, Football at Fenway, and many memorable concerts. Seats are from the Right Field Box, Loge Box, Field Box and Dugout Box locations, and are red plastic with either blue or red metal frames. Quantities are limited. More information can be found online at www.redsox.com/seats and by calling 617-226-6800.

Open invitation to fans to join in the Fenway 2012 celebration planning: The Red Sox are  encouraging fans to get involved in the anniversary preparation by submitting celebration ideas, sharing personal memories and stories, as well as their memorabilia of historic value. Fans can provide their input and ideas on the 2012 website (www.fenwaypark100.com), by sending an e-mail to fenwaypark100@redsox.com or sending a letter to Fenway 100, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215.

Throughout the 2011 season, the Club will continue preparations for the anniversary celebration, which will include a variety of baseball and other events in 2012, as well as the production of various collectible items to commemorate Fenway Park's rich history. The anniversary celebrations are expected to highlight a range of historical objects and images, multimedia presentations, and exhibits at Fenway Park and other locations. Along with fans and the general public, the Club's owners, corporate sponsors, neighborhood organizations, government and civic leaders, current and former players, and Major League Baseball staff are expected to participate in the planning.

Additional information about Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary celebration plans will be released over the course of this year, along with recognition of additional dates that have historical significance.

-BOSTON RED SOX-

Red Sox Statement on the passing of Lou Gorman

The Boston Red Sox mourn the loss of Executive Consultant and former General Manager James “Lou” Gorman, who passed away earlier this morning. Lou, who courageously battled against a variety of health issues in the last year, died of congestive heart failure at the age of 82. The team extends its deepest sympathies to Lou’s beloved wife Mary Lou and extended family, as well as his legions of friends in baseball and beyond whose lives Lou touched.

“Lou Gorman was a legendary figure in the game of baseball,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John W. Henry. “Over the course of a career that spanned five decades, Lou helped to build winning teams across the sport, including the 1986 American League Champion Red Sox. Lou also served his country with honor and distinction, spending more than eight years of active service in the United States Navy. Above all else, Lou Gorman was a profoundly decent man who always had a kind word and an optimist’s perspective. His warm spirit and fundamental goodness will be greatly missed.”

“Lou Gorman truly was a good man and a friend to all,” Chairman Tom Werner said. “A proud son of Rhode Island, he returned to his native New England in the mid-1980s and chartered the Red Sox baseball operations department. Lou promptly led the club to the AL Pennant and the 1986 World Series. But for those who had the good fortune to meet him, Lou will be remembered as much for his disposition and character as his baseball acumen. The Boston Red Sox and the rest of baseball will not be the same without Lou, but we are all better for having known him.”

“Lou Gorman was first and foremost a gentleman: kind, warm, decent, and positive. He treated everyone with dignity and saw each person he encountered as a potential friend,” said President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “I will deeply miss sitting and watching Red Sox home games with Lou, learning from his wisdom and character. They just don’t make them like Lou Gorman. That is not a cliché; it is a historical fact.

“Lou Gorman was a giant in our industry,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein. “During half a century in the game, Lou impacted and helped so many people in countless ways. We’ll dearly miss this good, humble man who leaves an unmistakable legacy on the Red Sox and Major League Baseball.”

In addition to his active role as Executive Consultant to the Club, Lou had been serving as Coordinator of the Red Sox Hall of Fame, one of several Halls of Fame to which he belonged. A graduate of LaSalle Academy in Providence and Stonehill College in North Easton, MA, Lou was an outstanding student/athlete who also earned a Master’s Degree in Education at Bridgewater State. Before his time with the Red Sox, he helped construct winning teams with the Orioles, Royals and Mets, in addition to launching the expansion Seattle Mariners. Lou Gorman leaves behind his loved ones and a baseball industry full of dear friends.

---RED SOX---

Turpen traded for McKenry; Wagner DFA'd

The Boston Red Sox today acquired catcher Michael McKenry from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-handed pitcher Daniel Turpen. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club designated catcher Mark Wagner for assignment.

The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

McKenry, 26, spent the 2010 season with Colorado’s Triple-A Colorado Springs club before making his Major League debut in September, appearing in six games overall with the Rockies and making one start at catcher. With Colorado Springs, he hit .265 (92-for-347) with 23 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 49 RBI in 99 games. McKenry’s 94 games behind the plate tied for the most in the Pacific Coast League and he led league backstops with 691 total chances, 624 putouts and 60 assists. He threw out 23 of 80 attempted base stealers (29 percent), fifth among PCL leaders. Selected by the Rockies in the seventh round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, McKenry owns a .265 average (465-for-1758) with 127 doubles, 66 home runs, 287 RBI, 262 runs and 229 walks in 491 career minor league games. He hit two home runs and collected four RBI in 11 Spring Training games with the Rockies this year.

Turpen, 24, was returned to the Red Sox from the Yankees on March 13 per Rule 5 draft rules. He split the 2010 season between the Boston and San Francisco organizations, combining to go 7-6 with four saves and a 4.30 ERA (33 ER/69.0 IP) in 49 relief appearances between Double-A Richmond and Double-A Portland, including a 2-1 mark with three saves and a 4.91 ERA (10 ER/18.1 IP) in 12 outings with Portland after he was traded to the Red Sox on July 31 for right-hander Ramon Ramirez. Selected by San Francisco in the eighth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Turpen is 16-12 with a 2.86 ERA (76 ER/239.0 IP) and 198 strikeouts compared to 81 walks in 156 career minor league relief appearances in the Giants and Red Sox systems.

Wagner, 26, was limited to 36 games with Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010 due to two trips to the disabled list, hitting .205 (26-for-127) with five doubles, three home runs, 16 RBI and 12 runs scored for the PawSox. Selected by Boston in the ninth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, he has a career .264 average (433-for-1640) with 41 home runs and 245 RBI in 451 minor league games in the Red Sox system.

---RED SOX---

2011 Boston Red Sox 25 Man Roster

Here is your 2011 Boston Red Sox Roster!

STARTERS - Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka

BULLPEN - Jonathan Papelbon, Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler, Dennys Reyes, Matt Albers and Tim Wakefield

INFIELD - Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia, Marco Scutaro, Kevin Youkilis and Jed Lowrie.

OUTFIELD - Mike Cameron, Carl Crawford, J.D. Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury and Darnell McDonald

CATCHERS - Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek

DH - David Ortiz

New England Sports Ventures (NESV) Officially Assumes New Corporate Name and Marks as Fenway Sports Group; FSG becomes Fenway Sports Management

Today New England Sports Ventures (NESV) announced that it has officially assumed a new corporate name, Fenway Sports Group.

Created in 2001, Fenway Sports Group is one of the largest sports, media and entertainment companies in the world. Fenway Sports Group’s portfolio of companies includes some of the most storied names and clubs in worldwide sports including: the Boston Red Sox, a Major League Baseball club; Liverpool FC, an English Premier League football club; Fenway Sports Management (formerly FSG), a sales and marketing company; 80% of New England Sports Network (NESN), a regional sports television network; and 50% of Roush Fenway Racing, a NASCAR racing team. The company also owns two of the most renowned venues in sports: Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox; and Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC. Fenway Sports Group is led by Principal Owner John Henry and Chairman Tom Werner, with additional ownership interests being held by a select number of prestigious individuals and The New York Times.

The name change occurred following the acquisition of Liverpool FC, which solidified the more global nature of the Company’s diversified holdings and set its course for more world-wide pursuits. Fenway Sports Group, which began using the name informally over the last few months to replace NESV, made the change official today and has launched its new website, www.fenwaysportsgroup.com.

A change in the parent Company name to Fenway Sports Group initiated re-branding efforts for FSG, the sales representation and sports marketing arm of the Company. Boston-based FSG will now operate as Fenway Sports Management (FSM), which preserves the connection to its former name under which it operated for the last six years, while providing a more accurate reflection of the firm’s service offerings and world-wide aspirations.

FSM specializes in property representation, sponsorship sales, and brand management consulting, and serves as the global sports marketing and sales arm of Fenway Sports Group. Since its inception in 2004, FSM has created successful integrated sports marketing programs for the blue chip brands it represents including: the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, NESN, Roush Fenway Racing, Major League Baseball Advanced Media, Boston College Athletics and PGA TOUR Playoff event the Deutsche Bank Championship. FSM’s current and former consulting clients include Verizon Wireless, Dunkin’ Donuts, jetBlue Airways, Solar Blue, Gulf Oil, Athletes’ Performance and the Green Bay Packers.

FSM will continue to operate with an entrepreneurial spirit, and seek opportunities to create and be involved with a select number of new projects with an eye toward those that are beneficial to the parent Company. In 2010, FSM helped bring the NHL’s storied outdoor Winter Classic to Fenway Park, where the Boston Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers. To capitalize on the excitement of the Winter Classic, FSM developed Sun Life Frozen Fenway, the first-ever outdoor college hockey doubleheader to take place at the historic Park. That summer FSM also produced Football at Fenway, an international friendly match played on the ballfield featuring legendary Scottish Premier League contender Celtic Football Club vs. Sporting, a leading club from Portugal.

--PRESS RELEASE--

Papelbon, Red Sox avoid arbitration

The Boston Red Sox today signed outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and right-handed pitcher Jonathan Papelbon to one-year, non-guaranteed contracts for the 2011 season, thus avoiding salary arbitration. Terms were not disclosed.

The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Ellsbury, 27, was limited to 18 games last season due to three stints on the disabled list with fractured ribs. The left-handed hitter went 15-for-78 (.192) with four doubles, five RBI, 10 runs and seven stolen bases in 2010 and tied the club record with four stolen bases at Yankee Stadium on August 9. Selected by Boston in the first round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, he has hit .291 (399-for-1,372) with 20 home runs and 130 RBI in 349 career Major League games over parts of four seasons with the Red Sox. He led the Majors with a club single-season record 70 stolen bases in 2009 and ranks fifth on the Red Sox all-time list with 136 swipes. The outfielder has hit .261 (18-for-69) with 11 RBI and five stolen bases in 22 playoff games in his career.

The 30-year-old Papelbon finished tied for fourth in the American League with 37 saves in 2010 and also placed tied for third among AL relief leaders with 76 strikeouts while going 5-7 with a 3.90 ERA (29 ER/67.0 IP). The Red Sox all-time saves leader with 188 in his career, he is the only pitcher ever to tally 35 or more saves in each of his first five full Major League campaigns. A four-time All-Star, his 2.22 career ERA (90 ER/365.0 IP) leads all active Major Leaguers with at least 350 innings pitched. Selected by Boston in the fourth round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Papelbon has a 19-18 record with 422 strikeouts and 105 walks in 333 career appearances (three starts) over six Major League seasons with the Red Sox from 2005-10.  The right-hander is 2-1 with seven saves and a 1.00 ERA (3 ER/27.0 IP) in 18 career postseason games.

With today’s agreements, Boston has no unsigned players eligible for salary arbitration in 2011.

- BOSTON RED SOX - 

Entire Red Sox Adrian Gonzalez Press Conference Audio

COURTESY MLB.COM

Here is the entire Adrian Gonzalez Pres Conference.

Official #redsox Press Release

The Boston Red Sox today acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Reymond Fuentes, right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and a player to be named later.

The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

A three-time National League All-Star (2008-10), Gonzalez hit .298 (176-for-591) with 33 doubles, 31 home runs, 101 RBI, 87 runs scored and 93 walks in 160 games for the Padres in 2010.  The 28-year-old ranked among NL leaders in games played (T-5th), hits (7th), home runs (T-8th), RBI (12th), total bases (T-6th, 302), walks (3rd), intentional walks (2nd, 35), on-base percentage (5th, .393), slugging (9th, .511) and OPS (7th, .904).  A left-handed hitter, Gonzalez paced the Majors with a .407 average (48-for-118) with runners in scoring position and placed fifth in the National League with a .315 clip (97-for-308) on the road and eighth in the circuit with a .337 mark (67-for-199) against left-handed pitching.  He also finished second among NL first basemen with 1,459 total chances and 1,324 putouts, third with 127 assists, 125 double plays and 159 games, and fifth with a .995 fielding percentage (eight errors) en route to being named the Padres Most Valuable Player for the third straight year and fourth time overall (2006, 2008-10).

Selected by the Florida Marlins with the first overall pick in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, Gonzalez has a .284 career average (900-for-3,167) with 186 doubles, eight triples, 168 home runs, 525 RBI, 488 runs scored and 415 walks with a .368 on-base percentage, .507 slugging and .875 OPS in 858 Major League games over parts of seven seasons with the Texas Rangers (2004-05) and Padres (2006-10).  He has knocked at least 30 home runs in each of the last four seasons, one of nine Major Leaguers to reach the mark every year since 2007, and has collected 100 RBI three times during that span.  Gonzalez was honored with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award at first base in consecutive seasons in 2008-09 and has recorded a .994 career fielding percentage in 813 games at the position (41 E/7,447 TC).  He leads all Major League first baseman since 2006 in games played (792), games started (779) and innings played (6,978.0) and is second in total chances (7,253), putouts (6,566) and assists (649).  Additionally, he hit .357 (5-for-14) with two runs and three walks in four Division Series games with the Padres in 2006.

A native of San Diego, CA, Gonzalez received the Padres Chairman’s Award in 2007 for contributions to the community.  Along with his wife, he established The Adrian and Betsy Gonzalez Foundation in 2008, focused on empowering underprivileged youth in areas of athletics, education and health.

Fuentes, 19, hit .270 (101-for-374) with 15 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 41 RBI, 59 runs and 42 stolen bases in 104 games with Single-A Greenville in 2010, playing 96 games in center field.  His 42 stolen bases ranked second in the Red Sox organization.  Selected by the Red Sox in the first round (28th overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, Fuentes has hit .276 (143-for-519) with 21 doubles, seven triples, six home runs, 55 RBI, 75 runs scored and 51 stolen bases in 144 career minor league games in the Boston system.

The 21-year-old Kelly went 3-5 with a 5.31 ERA (56 ER/95.0 IP), 81 strikeouts and 35 walks in 21 starts for Double-A Portland in 2010, his first full season as a pitcher.  Selected by Boston in the first round (30th overall) of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, he has compiled a 10-10 record and 3.69 ERA (78 ER/190.0 IP) with 155 strikeouts compared to 51 walks in 38 career minor league starts and earned Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors in 2009.

Rizzo, 21, hit a combined .260 (138-for-531) with 42 doubles, 25 home runs, 100 RBI, 92 runs and 61 walks in 136 games between Single-A Salem and Double-A Portland in 2010 en route to being named the Red Sox Minor League Offensive Co-Player of the Year.  He led all Red Sox minor leaguers in home runs and ranked second in RBI.  Selected by Boston in the sixth round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Rizzo has hit .284 (307-for-1,080) with 85 doubles, 38 home runs, 180 RBI, 170 runs and 115 walks in 282 career minor league games in the Red Sox organization.

With today’s move, the Red Sox 40-man roster is now at 38.

Boston Red Sox Release Spring Training Schedule

The Boston Red Sox today announced the 2011 Spring Training schedule, which includes 17 games at City of Palms Park.  The 36-game exhibition season includes two tilts against the Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31.  Tickets for all 2011 Spring Training games at City of Palms Park are scheduled to go on sale on Saturday, January 8.

2011 Spring Training tickets will remain at the 2010 prices.  This will mark the fifth time in six years that ticket prices for Red Sox games at City of Palms Park have remained unchanged.

Boston will open the spring season with two college exhibitions on Saturday, February 26, a 1:05pm matinee against the Boston College Eagles followed by a nightcap with the Northeastern University Huskies at 6:00pm.

The Red Sox will kick off the 2011 Grapefruit League schedule on Sunday, February 27 when the Mayor’s Cup rival Minnesota Twins host Boston at Hammond Stadium, beginning at 7:05pm.  The Red Sox will host the Twins the following day at City of Palms Park, the second of five total contests between the cross-town foes.

Boston will visit the AL East rival New York Yankees on Friday, March 4 at 7:10pm in Tampa and will host the club on Monday, March 14 at 7:05pm.  Other division matchups include four contests against the Baltimore Orioles, four versus the Tampa Bay Rays and two with Toronto.

On March 17, the New York Mets will visit City of Palms Park in a St. Patrick’s Day match-up, starting at 1:05pm.  Additionally, the Red Sox will host Atlanta, Philadelphia, Florida, Detroit and St. Louis during the month of March.

The annual Spring Training equipment truck departure will take place on Tuesday, February 8 from Fenway Park.

The Red Sox have sold out every Grapefruit League game at City of Palms Park since March 16, 2003, including 16 dates in 2010, increasing the club’s Grapefruit League sellout streak to 104 home games. The upcoming season marks Boston’s 19th at City of Palms Park, where the team has trained since moving its Spring Training operation to Fort Myers in 1993. The new facilities are currently under construction in Lee County, FL on Daniels Parkway and are scheduled to debut in 2012.

Prior to the start of the exhibition season, Red Sox will hold workouts at the organization’s Player Development Complex, which is located at 4301 Edison Avenue in Fort Myers. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to hold the first workout on Tuesday, February 15 with the first full squad workout on Saturday, February 19. All workouts are open to the public free of charge and shuttle buses are provided from City of Palms Park at $2.00 per person round trip.

The Red Sox complete 2011 Spring Training schedule is attached.


Saturday, February 26 Boston College City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, February 26 Northeastern City of Palms Park 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 27 Minnesota Twins Hammond Stadium 7:05 p.m.
Monday, February 28 Minnesota Twins City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 1 Minnesota Twins Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2 Atlanta Braves City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 3 Philadelphia Phillies City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 4 New York Yankees Tampa 7:10 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 Florida Marlins (SS) City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 Baltimore Orioles (SS) Sarasota 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 6 New York Mets Port St. Lucie 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 7 Baltimore Orioles City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 8 St. Louis Cardinals Jupiter 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 Baltimore Orioles City of Palms Park 7:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 10 Tampa Bay Rays Port Charlotte 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 11 Minnesota Twins Hammond Stadium 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 Florida Marlins City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 Pittsburgh Pirates Bradenton 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 14 New York Yankees City of Palms Park 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15 Detroit Tigers Lakeland 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 16 Atlanta Braves Orlando 1:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 17 New York Mets City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 18 Detroit Tigers (SS) City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 18 Tampa Bay Rays (SS) Port Charlotte 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 Pittsburgh Pirates Bradenton 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 St. Louis Cardinals City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 21 Philadelphia Phillies Clearwater 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22 Tampa Bay Rays City of Palms Park 7:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23 Off Day
Thursday, March 24 Florida Marlins Jupiter 1:05 p.m.
Friday, March 25 Toronto Blue Jays City of Palms Park 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, March 26 Minnesota Twins City of Palms Park 7:05 p.m.
Sunday, March 27 Baltimore Orioles Sarasota 1:05 p.m.
Monday, March 28 Toronto Blue Jays Dunedin 1:05 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29 Tampa Bay Rays City of Palms Park 1:05 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30 Houston Astros Minute Maid Park 8:05 p.m.
Thursday, March 31 Houston Astros Minute Maid Park 1:35 p.m.
(SS)—Split Squad Home Games at City of Palms Park, Fort Myers, Florida

Red Sox Announce More Fenway Park Improvements

The Boston Red Sox today announced Year X Fenway Park Improvements to “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.” Three new state-of-the-art High Definition video display and scoring systems, upgrades to the Gate D concourse including new and extended concession areas, and the repair, waterproofing and seat replacements of the lower seating bowl in Right Field highlight the 2011 list.

This off-season will mark the final year of major annual improvements to the ballpark, thus completing a ten-year plan. This year’s effort fulfills a pledge made by ownership upon acquisition of the club, and reaffirmed in 2005, to improve every facet of the ballpark, while preserving and protecting the ballpark for future generations. The improvements completed at Fenway Park over the past ten years have been designed to ensure that the park will remain structurally sound, and the home of the Boston Red Sox, for the next 30-40 years.

With a 2010-2011 off-season investment estimated at $40 million, the investment for the 10 year program is estimated to total approximately $285 million, the largest investment in the history of the almost 99-year old iconic ballpark.


“This is the last year of a ten-year series of improvements to Fenway Park that has given this venerable old ballpark new life,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “With more seats and more standing room, wide open concourses, a reinforced structure, new and improved restroom facilities, and many more food and beverage options for our fans, Fenway Park remains vibrant and appealing leading up to its 100th Anniversary in 2012.”

New High Definition Video Display and Scoring Systems

Three new High Definition video display and scoring systems will be installed this off-season at Fenway Park and will represent a significant upgrade over the existing scoreboards. The Red Sox selected ANC Sports to install three new state-of-the-art Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision™ light emitting diode (LED) video screens.

The largest of the three screens, measuring approximately 38 feet high by 100 feet wide, will be the main video board in centerfield and replace the existing elements of the structure above the bleachers in centerfield, which was originally constructed prior to the 1976 season. This main scoreboard structure includes a 23 feet high by 30 feet wide video screen installed after the 1999 season, the black and white statistical display, 60 feet of LED ribbon and the static rotational sponsor signs. This screen will have the ability to provide approximately 3800 square feet of dynamic video capabilities in a variety of formats.

Driven by ANC’s patent-pending VisionSOFT™ operating system, the new main video screen above the centerfield bleachers will be able to mimic the look of the old rotational sponsor signs or dissolve into various formats such as full-screen live video, game action accompanied by real-time statistics, sponsor graphics partnered with the box scores or any combination of visuals and game information.

Two additional Diamond Vision displays will also be installed on either side of the main screen. The existing Bank of America hitters and pitchers board in left center field will turn into a 17 feet high by 100 feet wide video screen with a new illuminated Bank of America sign atop the board. A third video screen, 16 feet high by 30 feet wide, will connect the Ford and Dunkin Donuts sponsor signs above the bleachers in right field. These Diamond Vision video systems will prominently feature real-time information such as batter and pitcher stats, pitch speed and type, box scores, promotions, announcements, upcoming schedules and other messaging.

“We are excited to partner with the Red Sox to enhance the fan experience at Fenway Park through our state-of-the-art signage technology,” said Jerry Cifarelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of ANC Sports Enterprises. “ANC’s revolutionary software system combined with Mitsubishi Electric’s Diamond Vision LED displays will entertain Red Sox fans with visuals as clear as their High Definition televisions at home while providing comprehensive and informative game information.”

All three signage positions will feature the Diamond Vision X8 Outdoor Video Screen. This state-of-the-art display features vibrant images through Mitsubishi Electric’s dynamic pixel processing which creates 8mm lines of resolution.

Other sports facilities where ANC Sports has installed Mitsubishi Electric High Definition video display systems include AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA; Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX; Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.; Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD; Turner Field in Atlanta, GA; U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, IL and Yankee Stadium in New York, NY.

Other Improvements Planned for 2011

Additional work being planned for this off-season includes the concrete repair, waterproofing, and seat replacements of the Right Field lower seating bowl originally constructed in 1933-34. This will mark the completion of the repair and waterproofing of the entire lower seating bowl, a project started with the Bleachers in 2007 and continued with the original 1912 bowl in 2008 and the 1933-34 Left Field seating bowl in 2009.

Existing Dugout, Field Box and Loge Box seats will be replaced by new seats with cup holders on a new concrete base. Dugout and Field Box seats will also be padded. As in previous years, Grandstand seats in Right Field will be refurbished and fitted with self-rising mechanisms that enable the seat to retract automatically once a patron stands up. This will allow for more room in the seating rows and improved mobility for fans entering or exiting the rows.

Other projects underway include new and expanded concession and merchandise stands in the Gate D area and a repaired and upgraded ground level concourse stretching from Gate D to Gate C that will include utility upgrades, new concrete concourse flooring and life safety improvements.

All off-season improvements were designed by D’Agostino Izzo & Quirk of Somerville, MA, and overseen by Ipswich Associates of Boston, MA, who will serve as the Program Manager. The concrete repair work will be completed by NER Construction of Wilmington, MA. The General Contractor for the off-season projects will be Walsh Brothers of Boston, MA.

Fenway Park Improvements 2002-2011:

Fenway Park has undergone a series of annual improvements since the New England Sports Ventures (NESV) purchased the team in 2002. The group assembled by John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino was the only candidate vying for ownership of the ballclub that proposed to save and improve Fenway Park, America’s oldest and smallest ballpark. The team has since focused on a series of improvements, with goals of increasing capacity by at least 10%; improving fan amenities such as concessions, restrooms and entry points; ADA accessibility and circulation including elevators and stairs; and, also improving the ballpark exterior with new year-round restaurants, wider sidewalks, street trees and lighting.

Most notable among these improvements are:

2002: New Dugout Seats; Yawkey Way Concourse.
2003: Green Monster Seats; Big Concourse; Expanded Dugout Seats; New Green Monster Manual Scoreboard.
2004: Right Field Roof Deck; Third Base Concourse.
2005: First Base Deck; ‘Game On’ Restaurant; New Playing Field
2006: EMC Club; State Street Pavilion Level; Renovated Private Suites; Distributed Sound System
2007: Steiner Third Base Deck; Renovated Private Suites
2008: Expansion of Seating on State Street Pavilion Level, Coca-Cola Corner; Concrete Repair and Waterproofing of Bleachers and new seats; ‘The Bleacher Bar’.
2009: Right Field Roof Box Expansion; Concrete Repair and Waterproofing of the original 1912 Seating Bowl and new seats; Repairs to the Jeano Building, including the replacement of its roof and restoration of the windows and doors; New Front Row Seats.
2010: Concrete Repair and Waterproofing of the 1933-34 left Field Lower Seating Bowl; New Home Plate Deck, Concession Stands and Restrooms.

--Courtesy Red Sox Communications--

Boston has a Baseball Team?

Boston is finally headed into some of it's more exciting sports seasons. Football is well underway, and even the Patriots' mentally challenged defense can't ruin that for me. The Bruins are overseas for the last leg of the pre-season/start of the regular season. The Celtics have started practices, and despite my dislike for basketball, I think I'll tune in this season.

Oh, and then there's that baseball team. The one whose season is over. The Red Sox, was it? Huh. I forgot all about those sad sons of bitches.

I haven't watched much baseball this season. Maybe that makes me a fair weather fan, but baseball is slow enough without your team sucking. And everyone you love being injured. And your supposed "Ace" only winning SIX GAMES. SCREW YOU JOSH BECKETT.

In all seriousness, it wasn't that bad. No, really. Considering that half the team broke a vital limb and the Red Sox essentially became the Paw Sox this season, it could have been way worse. EXCEPT FOR YOU, BECKETT. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU.

#RedSox to Honor Mike Lowell

Via Press Release-
The Boston Red Sox have designated October 2, 2010 as “Thanks, Mike Night” at Fenway Park to honor infielder Mike Lowell as he retires from baseball after a remarkable 13-year career (1998 – New York Yankees, 1999-2005 – Florida Marlins, 2006-2010 – Boston Red Sox). The four-time All-Star will be honored during pre-game ceremonies, which will include a special tribute to Lowell’s time in a Red Sox uniform. The three-time World Series champion played a key role in the Red Sox’ 2007 World Series win and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player that year.

Fans of Red Sox Nation can participate by attending the game or by posting their well wishes for Lowell at this website- http://www.redsox.com/thanksmike

A great thing for this organization to do after a season where Lowell was almost gone.

#RedSox Claim Matt Fox, No Word on Scott Wolf, Neve Campbell

From the Red Sox via press release:

The Boston Red Sox today claimed right-handed pitcher Matt Fox off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. To make room for Fox on the 40-man roster, the club transferred outfielder Mike Cameron to the 60-day disabled list. The Red Sox active Major League roster is now at 34 players.

The announcement was made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Fox, 27, made his Major League debut with a start for the Twins on Friday, allowing two runs in a 5.2-inning no-decision against the Rangers. The right-hander also appeared in 35 games (21 starts) for Minnesota’s Triple-A Rochester affiliate in 2010 and went 6-9 while pacing Red Wings starters with a 3.95 ERA (54 ER/123.0 IP) and recording a team-high 104 strikeouts. A supplemental first round selection by Minnesota in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Fox has accumulated a 35-28 record with three saves and a 3.71 ERA (223 ER/541.0 IP) in 145 games (80 starts) over six minor league seasons in the Twins farm system.

Cameron, 37, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 2 (retroactive to July 31) with a lower abdominal strain. He hit .259 (42-for-162) with 11 doubles, four home runs, 15 RBI, 24 runs scored and 14 walks in 48 games with the Red Sox this season. He also missed 34 games from April 19 to May 24 on the 15-day disabled list with a lower abdominal strain.

---End Red Sox Press Release---

Insert Lacey Chabert, Scott Wolf, and Jennifer Love Hewitt jokes in the comments section.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name:Johnny Damon, the #RedSox, Cheers, and 90210

When word broke yesterday afternoon about the Red Sox putting a waiver claim on Johnny Damon (conveniently after 3 PM as I filled in on the PM Jab, so thanks Theo!), the phone lines on sports radio stations throughout New England were lit up with folks wanting to talk Damon. While many complained about him leaving for the Yankees and comparing him to Benedict Arnold (even though the Sox's actions at the time showed they didn't really want him back), many were excited about the possibility of him joining the team and bringing back some of that 2004 pedigree back to Fenway.

This morning talking about Johnny D was still all the rage, even though John Lackey pitched the Sox to victory the night before. TV and Radio ratings for the team are down this year, and while many point to the injuries and the "bridge year" comments from Theo Epstein, more point to the fact this team doesn't have a Pedro, or a Manny, or even a Millar. It's a team made up of folks you have and haven't heard of, people you don't want to get attached to because they probably won't be back next year (looking at you Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez). It's guys like Josh Beckett and JD Drew, players you hate having to root for because of their prickly personas and fragile egos. Guys like Darnell McDonald and Eric Patterson remind long-time Sox fans of the likes of Dwayne Hosey and Jeff Frye in that they sometimes flash brilliance, but you know this will probably be the only year they play for this team. Bill Hall will kick a ball all over in the infield in the top of an inning, yet put one in the parking garage in the bottom of the inning, similar to the way a dog pisses on your carpet but later brings you your slippers. There's that feeling of dread when Manny Delcarmen or Scott Atchison or Hideki Okajima or even Jonathan Papelbon walk out of that bullpen door, which brings the ghosts of Rick Aguilera, Bob Stanley, and Calvin Schiraldi back in the nation's heads. Ryan Kalish and Daniel Nava are the Ellis Burks and Mike Greenwell of 2010, young guys not quite ready for the main stage but doing their damnedest to make a ton in tips. It's a far cry from 2004, and even 2007.

Damon, however, provides a new link that the PED-tainted Ortiz, an aging Jason Varitek, and an irrelevant Tim Wakefield can't bring: a new, fresh connection to the idiots from 2004, the team that did the impossible, the team that slayed the Mighty Yankees in the most impossible of circumstances. The team that turned the Red Sox organization from sympathetic figure to annual favorite, that put Red Sox fans in the same boat as Yankees fans in the eyes of the rest of MLB. It's Shelley Long returning to Cheers for a last call, or Luke Perry coming back to Beverly Hills, 90210. An old favorite who left on sour circumstances, and can now make new memories for a team desperately trying to stay off the back page as the Patriots and the NFL start to become the flavor of the month. He's saying all the right things about staying in Detroit, but for a guy who once likened himself to a rock star, in a year when Chris Cornell can reunite with Soundgarden, I wonder if the call of the crowd yelling for an encore would be too much, that the thought of a final tour with Red Sox Nation could be the fitting end to a career, or even a great way to make amends with the misguided fans who once loved him, but can't forgive him for moving to the Bronx (even after giving Pedro a standing O on opening night after he left for the Mets in much the same manner)? In the end, Cheers didn't beat MASH for most-watched series finale ever even with Long's help, and Perry didn't save 90210 from the chopping block. I don't know if Damon can help get this team into the playoffs, but I know I'd watch him try, and so would you.

Rogers SportsNet Buck Martinez joins Weekend Warm Up by Mr Sparky

Rogers SportsNet Blue Jays Play by Play Voice Buck Martinez joined Matty and Jeff on The Weekend Warm Up Presented By Mr Sparky
 

Over-Exuberant #RedSox Fan Designs Office to Scale for Jerry Remy

I guess a few days ago Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy from NESN were having a discussion about Orsillo's new office at the NESN headquarters. A Big Jab listener sent us these pictures, as she felt bad that the Rem-Dawg didn't have an office, so she designed one to scale. I, ummmm, well, I'm speechless. The Orsillo picture  on the desk kind of creeps me out a bit too. I'm sure she meant well, but after seeing the "Miniature Killer" on CSI, I'm locking the doors tonight.

Thanks to Big Jab listener Leah P for the photos.

Why I Hate the Red Sox

No, you’re not seeing things. I’ve come back. You see, there are a couple reasons I stopped writing this column:

1. I got so busy at work that by the time it was Friday, I didn’t realize it was Friday until I was at work and waist deep in Crap I Need to Get Done.
2. BASEBALL IS BORING ME.

Yes, I’m aware there are thousands of other things I could have written about while I was on my little hiatus (LeBron James, Tyler Seguin, Ilya Kovalchuk…) but I’m putting so much energy into not watching the Red Sox that those topics slipped my mind.

I’m sure I’m not the only one, but the Red Sox are boring me to tears this season. If the Boyfriend turns the game on, I play solitaire on my phone. It’s like a chain reaction I just can’t prevent.

Why? Well I have some theories:

1. Who the hell is Josh Reddick?! I feel like I don’t know this team anymore. I realized I was a Red Sox fan after a year of denial because one of my friends got me to name the entire starting line up and all the starting pitchers. I figured if I cared enough to know who all the players were, I must be a fan. Now, turning on the TV to watch a Sox game is like rolling dice. Who will be injured and who will be called up is a total mystery.
2. I friggin hate you, Theo Epstein. He said it was a bridge year, then he took it back. Then he didn’t add anyone at the trade deadline despite the fact that this team could be a contender if they weren’t plagued by injury. I mean, if you think about it, they had a fighting chance at the beginning of the season and all things considered, they’re a solid team. They don’t have solid bones, but they’re a solid team. (Drink more milk, kids.) Theo is all “la de da” this season and I want to punch him in the balls.
3. Mike Lowell. If I watch a Sox game and pay attention, it’s for the best that I bring along a bottle of Prozac. Is anyone else incredibly distressed by this whole Lowell situation? I mean, you bench the guy, you send him to the minors, and then when you finally have him play, he knocks it out of the park. Literally. It’s just depressing. If I were him I would flip everyone the bird, grab my nut sack, and say PEACE, BITCHES at a press conference. I would still respect him. I might even respect him more.
4. Baseball is not hockey. This past hockey season crushed my spirit and broke my heart. Despite all that, I yearn for the fast-paced game play and the comfortable chill of a hockey rink. I’m sick of sweating in 90 degree weather and trying to watch a baseball game in agony. Bring me the Bruins, some sweater weather, and Tyler Seguin.

Hell, even those sneaker squeaking basketball primadonnas would be better than this…

Samantha Lewis is a work-a-holic and would like to apologize to the readers of this column for dissapearing for long periods of time. If you would like, you can follow her on Twitter here, and nugde her to write more by using the hash tag #FreeSlew (Seriously, it works).

Doubront's back, Oki Latest to Join DL

According to Dan Barbarisi from the ProJo, Hideki Okajima will not be serving up gopher balls for a little while. Okajima, who has thrown 26 pitches since July 25th, was last seen nearly coughing up a lead to the Tribe last night and forcing the red Sox use Jonathan Papelbon on a night where he should have been drinking a beer in the pen. Felix Doubront gets the call from Pawtucket, and Red Sox fans everywhere hope Oki isn't a quick-healer. (Update: It's the hammy)