The Red Sox win their fifth game in a row, the team revokes the season tickets of Christopher House, the Patriots continue their draft preparations and the Celtics clinch home court advantage in the first round without playing. All this and analysis of the NFL’s move of Monday Night Football from ABC to ESPN.
It was indeed a marathon at Fenway Park yesterday as the Red Sox and Blue Jays played nearly 4 hours of baseball yesterday. Chris Snow looks at Curt Schilling getting the win despite struggling once again at times. Jeff Horrigan says that the the early wakeup call was no problem for the Sox. Sean McAdam writes that the Red Sox hitters covered up a multitude of sins by the defense and pitching. David Heuschkel has more on the Red Sox bats picking up Schilling. David Borges has more on a wild midday at Fenway. Tony Massarotti says that the Red Sox aren’t just hitting at Fenway, they’re “annihilating people.” Jon Couture says that yesterday was a holiday from regular baseball and instead fans were treated to the full Manny Ramirez experience. Gordon Edes takes a further look at Manny’s adventures both at the plate and in the field yesterday. Ron Chimelis also looks at Manny’s day. Howard Bryant (Subscription only) looks at Manny’s afternoon, and the sun in the outfield, which also caused steady Frank Catalanotto to miss a ball, which made talk about Manny’s miscues subside.
Michael Silverman looks at a grueling outing for Curt Schilling, who is still rounding into form. Lenny Megliola has more on the effort for Schilling. Chimelis also says that Schilling needs to improve in order to be the ace the Red Sox need. Joe Haggerty also writes about Schilling laboring through five innings. Steve Buckley (Subscription only) writes that playing for the Red Sox gives Schilling “perks” such as heavy run support. Nick Cafardo talks to Shea Hillenbrand, who wasn’t upset at being hit yesterday, and had hoped to talk to Theo Epstein to clear the air. John Tomase says that Tim Wakefield might just be entering the prime of his career, if you go by some of the careers of other knuckleball pitchers.
The Red Sox revoked the season tickets of Chris House, at least for this season, following the incident last Thursday night with Gary Sheffield. Silverman, McAdam, Heuschkel and Borges all have stories on the decision by the Red Sox. Gerry Callahan (Subscription only) says that Chris House gave the Red Sox an excuse to make an example out of him, and comments that we know know all about House, (Boston.com even briefly posted a picture of his girlfriend last week before it was quietly taken down.) but we haven’t gotten the name of the GAP shirt wearing Gutless A. Puke (copyright Dale Arnold, 2005) who flicked his beer onto Sheffield. Snow’s article on this subject this morning gives the name of the beer thrower, Matthew Donovan of Dorchester.
Snow’s notebook looks at the fans clearing out nicely to give Trot Nixon room to make a catch. Horrigan’s notebook also reports on this as well as some on Mark Bellhorn. McAdam’s notebook looks at the sun and wind conditions yesterday which made things tricky for more than just Manny. Heuschkel’s notebook has more on Bellhorn. Borges’ notebook has more on Manny’s eventful day.
Mike Reiss reports on the Patriots signing free agent middle linebacker Wesly Mallard away from the Giants. Kevin Mannix says that the talent level isn’t high on the offensive line in this draft, while Jerome Solomon says there is talent. That’s ok either way, because Michael Felger says the Patriots don’t draft offensive lineman high anyway, choosing to develop them instead. Tom E Curran says the Patriots might be looking for a backup QB to develop behind Tom Brady. Alan Greenberg looks at the defensive back prospects in the draft. Don’t forget the BSMW Draft Central Website for player ratings as well
The Celtics clinched home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with the Pacers losing to the Magic last night. Peter May says that the Celtics can also have a say in who gets the eighth seed in the playoffs as they play the two candidates for that spot, Cleveland and New Jersey in the first round. Curiously, the Herald has no Celtics article today, just a paragraph about getting home court in the first round.
Get full coverage of yesterday’s Boston Marathon from the Globe Marathon and Herald Marathon pages.
Bill Griffith looks at Monday Night Football moving from ABC to ESPN. John Molori’s Media Blitz also looks at the move as well as some WEEI commentary and rising and falling stars.
NESN has Red Sox/Blue Jays at 7:00. FSN has Celtics/Cavs at 7:00.
Boston Sports Media Watch 