Say It Ain't So...

The Sox broke up the band. They released Doug Mirabelli this morning from spring training, leaving Wakefield without a battery mate. Apparently they've forgotten the great Mirabelli trade back of 2006...

Beckett's Back!

No, he's not back on the mound just yet, but the foul-mouthed, eye rolling, media hating Ace that we all know and love is back! There has been much speculation over the past month that the 2008 model of Josh Beckett is a kinder, gentler, chubbier, and more media friendly than last year's version. But yesterday's press conference brought out the real Beckett. The word started spinning again... Here's the transcript for Extra Bases.

"Today wasn't as good as yesterday. We'll just have to wait and see I guess. Doctors told me yesterday that there was a possibility I'd come in and feel like I do today so as far as that goes, the doctors were right.''

Why was that, Josh?

"I'm not a doctor, I don't know.''

Did it happen because of looseness of mound dirt Saturday?

"I'm not going to get into the blame thing, Everybody's doing their job. Nobody's job is any easier than anybody else's. I'm not getting into that.''

Was there a mis-step on the mound Saturday?

"I'm not getting into that. It's nobody's fault. It's something that happens.''

It looks pretty doubtful for you to pitch in Japan.

"I don't know. We'll make those decisions as they come.''

Realistically, two weeks from today they open, you haven't faced big-league hitters yet, can you be ready by the 24th?

"I don't know. If I'd had as much progress from yesterday to today as I did from the first day to the second day, I wouldn't have ruled that out. Today I'm just holding up my obligation (to talk to media). It probably would have been better to talk to you guys yesterday because I was a little more optimistic. I'm in a pretty crappy mood as far as this thing goes because it was a pretty frustrating day because yesterday was good and today's kind of horse(bleep).''

Lower back?

''Yes."

Any discussion about an injection to reduce inflammation?

"No. I kicked around some of those ideas because it's a tough time in spring training, trying to get everything going. You don't really want setbacks this time of year. They basically told me that they couldn't find a spot to put the shot in there.''

Did they discuss that maybe putting you on a plane for 17 hours (to Japan) might not be wise because of your back?

"No. We haven't discussed any of that. We're just doing what we're saying, going day to day on how I feel. I pretty much have an interview with two or three doctors every day and report to the manager and pitching coach and my trainer."

Have you had an MRI?

"Yes. We've done a number of tests. There's nothing wrong with the disks, and I think that's what they wanted to make sure of. It's definitely a strained muscle or pulled muscle, whatever you want to call it. It heals when it heals.''

Have you had anything like this?

"No. Not like this.''

Back issues before?

''No.''

Any idea when you'll be healthy?

''No, I have no idea.''

Can you look far enough ahead to know the next time you can be on a mound?

''No. We're going to make sure it's completely pain free. I can't even really if laying in one position too long, or sitting in one position too long or standing in one position too long it kind of goes backwards. I've got to keep moving and stuff like that.''

What do you do tomorrow?

"Whatever they want me to do. Probably the same as what today was.''

Did it respond to treatment? As you're standing here right now, is it feeling better?

"It's kind of numb right now. I've had six or seven icepacks on it this morning.''

"I was a lot more optimistic yesterday than I am today. A lot of that has to do with being in a (expletive) mood because I didn't sleep well.''

Fenway Flashback: Got Ya!

August 5, 2007
Safeco Field, Seattle WA

On a crazy day, when Coco Crisp got run over by a moose, David Ortiz stole a base, Mirabelli was MIA when he should have been warming up Josh Beckett while Tek got his gear back on, and Dustin Pedroia pinch hit for Big Papi, the highlight was Josh Beckett. He stuck out nine, but stole the show with this awesome pick-off:

Fenway Flashback: When Mascots Attack

August 5, 2007
Safeco Field, Seattle WAAmerica's Most Wanted
In a Tonya Harding-like effort to get a leg up on the Boston Red Sox, the Seattle Mariners' mascot moose tried to run over Coco Crisp.Crisp struck back with two doubles, a sac fly, and a walk in the Red Sox win.