Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched four innings, giving up two runs on four hits, and the game was called after six and a half innings due to rain. I am encouraged that Dice-K was just able to keep from walking people; in fact the Sox didn’t issue a single walk, which is awesome. Of course, with the Orioles, that’s not going to be a tough thing to do this year. They’re loaded with young, aggressive hitters who won’t take very often. Jonathan Papelbon continued looking impressive, fanning two in his inning of work, though Mike Timlin and Manny Delcarmen each surrendered single runs.
The Red Sox got home runs from Manny Ramirez and J.D. Drew, as well as a double from Jacoby Ellsbury en route to 10 hits in just six innings.
The Sox’ Japan roster continues to shrink. With Josh Beckett likely not going, Dice-K on hold with his pregnant wife, and Julio Lugo possibly out, this thing is looking kind of like a lame kickoff to the year. Jed Lowrie has been told to be prepared to come along. In yesterday’s game, Delcarmen slipped while making a fielding play on the wet infield, injuring his right knee. Doesn’t seem serious now, but you never know…
Don’t know if it means anything, but the Orioles scouts appeared to be interested in veteran reliever Bryan Corey. Corey is a pretty solid pitcher who just never got a chance here. Who could the Orioles offer up for him? A backup catcher, like Guillermo Quiroz, maybe?
While Cubs are more concerned about Brian Roberts right now, the A’s have renewed interest in trading for Coco, says Susan Slusser. Tim Dierkes suggests Chris Denorfia, a 27-year old utility outfielder who hasn’t played in a year, as a return.
