Tag Archives: Justin Verlander

May 29 2012

Daily Noontime – May 29, 2012

Miami’s Dwyane Wade and LeBron stole the show in Game No. 1, as the Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 93-79! (Photo Credit: WBUR.org)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Tuesday to everyone, and welcome into this Tuesday edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s kickstart the four-day work week with some headlines and news from the city of Boston, and state of Massachusetts.

* Miami held Boston to 15 points in the third quarter and 18 in the fourth, as the Heat defeated the Celtics in Game No. 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 93-79. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 54 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and five blocks, while Kevin Garnett paced the Celtics with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

* Miami and Boston will return to the hardwood on Wednesday for Game No. 2 at 8:30pm. With Monday’s win, the Heat currently lead the series, 1-0.

* After Monday’s contest concluded – Ray Allen told the media that he’s battling with his inner self to work hard and overcome the bone spurs in his ankle. He told WEEI’s Paul Flannery, “There’s nothing really to talk about. It’s like a battle within myself that I have to try and win. You always talk, if it was the playoffs would you play? It’s the playoffs.”

* The Boston Red Sox concluded their Memorial Day Weekend with a 7-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Felix Doubront earned his fifth win of the season on the bump, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia finished the contest 2-4 with two runs, a home run and an RBI.

* Boston is now 24-24, and will attempt to earn their 25th win of the season and 12th at home on Tuesday against Detroit – Daniel Bard opposes Justin Verlander – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* Prior to Monday’s contests — the Red Sox continued their 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park by recognizing Trot Nixon. The original dirt dog sported his No. 7 home white jersey, and tossed the out the ceremonial first pitch.

Apr 8 2012

The 2012 Boston Red Sox–An Obituary

By Andy Lindberg

The Boston Red Sox suck spectacularly.  A day after being shut out by Detroit 10-0, the Red Sox came back with a furious vengeance and scored 12 runs on April 8.

The only problem was Detroit scored 13.

Last year I distinctly remember saying April was too early to push the panic button.  The Red Sox would be ok.  For a while, the Red Sox were ok.  They were better than ok.  For about four months, the 2011 Red Sox were the best team in baseball until September, when they were the worst.

The 2012 Red Sox seem to have liked the 2011 September suckers.  Twice on Easter Sunday, 2012, the Red Sox bullpen gave up leads.  Alfredo Aceves could not record an out in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run lead, blowing the save with a Miguel Cabrera big fly.  After saying on Friday he felt the hook came too quickly, Mark Melancon, out to redeem himself, gave up a walk-off home run to Detroit catcher Alex Avila, who provided the hook for him so Bobby Valentine wouldn’t have to bother walking out to the mound.

How generous of you, Mr. Avila.

The Red Sox cannot win with pitching like this.  I’ve seen enough.  Boston fans have seen enough.  Stick a fork in them.  They’re done three games into the season.  The loss of Andrew Bailey has seemingly turned into the loss of this season.  Our former All-Star closer-in-waiting has become a starting pitcher in Daniel Bard.  In the chess game that is pitching matchups and bullpen pieces, the Red Sox have knocked over their king.  The Red Sox have yet again started the season by being swept by a good team, a team Boston desperately needed to beat.  The only bright spot in the pitching came in the Opener, when Jon Lester pitched seven innings of one-run ball, only to have the misfortune of being matched up against Justin Verlander.  When Boston came back and tied the game off of Jose Valverde in the ninth, Melancon came in during the bottom half of the same inning, allowed two base-runners, yielded the ball to Aceves, and saw Austin Jackson hit a walk-off single.

I’m as sick of writing about them as you are of reading about them.  This week Boston plays three games at Toronto and then come back to Fenway for four games against Tampa Bay, who just lit up the New York Yankees, sweeping the Bombers to start the year.

And on a side note, I hate saying this, but part of me hopes Bard gets lit up in his first two starts or so and runs to Valentine, begging Bobby V to insert him into the bullpen as Boston’s closer in Bailey’s absence.

The sharp swagger we’ve been used to seeing from the Red Sox pitching staff is gone, faded and sanded like the edges of ancient sea-glass on a beach.  Now all Sox fans can do is hope one day management wakes up and realizes the team is lost in these huge-market signings, and will once again stock up the farm system to the glorious system that produced so many All Stars earlier in the decade.  I love the Red Sox with every ounce of my being, but Sox fans are watching the beginnings of a massacre in Boston right now, and there’s still 159 more games to go…

Apr 6 2012

Daily Noontime – April 6, 2012

Austin Jackson drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth, which helped Detroit defeat Boston on Opening Day! (Photo Credit: Nashua Telegraph)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Friday, which means we’re a few hours away from a brand-spanking new weekend! So, let’s pass the time with some headlines and news from the city of champions…Boston!

* Despite a ninth inning rally to tie the game, Detroit’s Austin Jackson drove in the game winning run in the bottom half of the same frame, which helped the Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day, 3-2. Jon Lester lasted seven innings, and gave up six hits, one run and struck out four batters, while Justin Verlander recorded eight innings on the bump and fanned seven batters.

* Boston and Detroit will resume their three-game series on Saturday, Apr. 7 – first pitch is scheduled for 4:05pm.

* For the second night in a row, the Boston Celtics fell to a playoff contender, as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Green and White, 93-86. Paul Pierce paced the Celtics with 22 points, while Luol Deng led all scorers with 26 points.

* The Boston Celtics are now 30-24, and will attempt to snap their two-game losing skid on Saturday when they travel to Indiana for a 7:00pm tip-off.

* The Boston Bruins won their final regular season road contest on Thursday, as they defeated the Ottawa Senators, 3-1. Boston will return to the TD Garden on Saturday for their last contest of the 2011-12 slate against the Buffalo Sabres.

* Finally, FC Dallas handed the New England Revolution their third loss of the season, as they defeated the local soccer squad, 1-0.

Apr 5 2012

Daily Noontime – April 5, 2012

Paul Pierce missed a game-winning shot on Wednesday, as San Antonio escaped with an 87-86 victory! (Photo Credit: Zimbio.net)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Thursday to everyone, and welcome into yet another astounding rendition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s get this day started with some headlines and news from the Hub!

* The Boston Celtics six-game winning streak was snapped on Wednesday, as the San Antonio Spurs escaped with an 87-86 victory. The Green and White rallied during the final minute, but Paul Pierce missed a jump shot as time expired, which allowed the Spurs to walk off the TD Garden parquet with a victory.

* The Celtics will return to the hardwood on Thursday, as they’ll travel to Chicago for a 9:30pm tip-off. The Bulls currently reside atop the Eastern Conference standings, and have beaten the Celtics twice this season.

* Boston’s hockey team – the Bruins – will return to the ice for their second to last regular season game on Thursday when face-off against the Senators in Ottawa.

* According to reports – no news has been released in regards to Johnny Boychuk’s knee injury from Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Boychuck left the game in the third period, and did not return for the remainder of the contest.

* Finally, the Boston Red Sox will play their first official regular season contest against the Tigers in Detroit on Thursday – first pitch is scheduled for 1:00pm – Jon Lester will oppose Justin Verlander.

Nov 16 2011

Daily Noontime — November 16, 2011

Coach K. has officially surpassed Bobby Knight as the winningest basketball coach in Division I NCAA Basketball!

Alright, it’s “hump day,” which means … the weekend is almost here, and the week is almost over, wahoo! Here’s some headlines, news and more, enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* Duke University’s Mike Krzyzewski officially became the winningest head coach in college basketball on Tuesday, as the Blue Devils beat Michigan State, 74-69.

* Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub recently admitted that he’s quite “bummed” about ending his season.

* With Schaub injured, could the Texans consider acquiring Brett Favre to their roster?

* Justin Verlander added some hardware to his collection on Tuesday, as he was named the American League Cy Young Award winner.

* The Boston Bruins stretched their winning streak to six games on Tuesday, as the Black and Gold defeated the New Jersey Devils, 4-3.

Games to Watch: 

* Carolina at Montreal (NHL) – 7:00pm eastern 

* New Jersey at Buffalo (NHL) – 7:30pm eastern 

* Chicago at Vancouver (NHL) – 10:00pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

This is called breaking a world record – riding a 90 foot wave! 

Oct 4 2011

Daily Noontime – October 4, 2011

Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers rallied to defeat the winless Colts on Monday, 24-17!

Whoa – it’s Tuesday? Wow… the week is flying by, which is always a good thing, right? Here’s our latest edition of the Daily Noontime. 

Headlines: 

* It may have not been the greatest game, but somehow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rallied to defeat the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, 24-17.

* According to NFL Network’s Deion Sanders, he believes that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo isn’t the guy who can lead his team to the Super Bowl.

*  Here’s an interesting story – how many young women do you know play high school football and are the homecoming queen? Well, read this article and I think you’ll know at least one by the end of it.

* Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers rallied on Monday evening to earn a 2-1 series lead against the New York Yankees.

* According to the Boston Herald, Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez wasn’t expecting Terry Francona to be “fire.”

* According to sources - NHL’s vice president Brandon Shanahan is ready to “come down hard” on vicious head shots this season.

Games to Watch: 

* Texas at Tampa Bay (MLB Playoffs) – 2:07pm eastern 

* Philadelphia at St. Louis (MLB Playoffs) – 5:07pm eastern 

* New York Yankees at Detroit (MLB Playoffs) – 8:37pm eastern 

* Milwaukee at Arizona (MLB Playoffs) – 9:37pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

Can this be the official rally song for the MLB Playoffs? 

Sep 14 2011

Daily Noontime – September 14, 2011

Finally, Tim Wakefield earned his 200th career win on the mound Tuesday!

Happy “Hump” day to everyone and welcome into yet another awesome edition of the Daily Noontime! Here’s the headlines and news of the day, enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* After eight excruciating outings, the Boston Red Sox and their fans watched Tim Wakefield earn his 200th career win on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

* The New York Yankees closer, Mariano Rivera celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday, as he earned his 600th career save against the Seattle Mariners.

* According to a recent report, Manny Ramirez is out of jail, but will be facing “criminal prosecution on charges that he slapped his wife during an argument.”

* Former New England Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi was happy to see his team win on Monday against the Miami Dolphins, but also feels that Chad Ochocinco has a lot to improve on.

* Justin Verlander earned his 23rd victory of the season on Tuesday, as well as helped the Detroit Tigers win their 11th game in a row.

* Once again, the NBA Lockout remains at a standstill, as meetings on Tuesday in New York City concluded with no accomplishments or moves.

Games to Watch: 

* Toronto at Boston (MLB) – 1:35pm eastern 

* Philadelphia at Houston (MLB) – 2:05pm eastern 

* Detroit at Chicago White Sox (MLB) – 2:10pm eastern 

* Cleveland at Texas (MLB) – 7:00pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

In case you missed Tuesday’s celebration, here’s the Red Sox and their fans honoring Wakefield! 

Aug 17 2011

Daily Noontime – August 17, 2011

Would you consider Eli Manning in Tom Brady's class?

Happy Hump Day, y’all and welcome into yet another awesome edition of the Daily Noontime! Here’s the headlines and news of the day, so enjoy, duh! 

Headlines: 

* Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Hines Ward has recorded 954 receptions, but admitted to the media how “awesome” it would be to reach 1,000 catches.

* According to New York “Football” Giants quarterback Eli Manning, he’s technically in the same class, as New England Patriots gun-slinger, Tom Brady.

* Apparently Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo feels like a “kid” again, as he’s having fun at training camp.

* The Detroit Tigers watched Justin Verlander win his 18th game on the mound Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins, 7-1. Verlander has had quite an impressive season and is certainly on course to possibly win 25 games.

* Do you know the name Nevin Shapiro? Well, in case you don’t, he’s a booster for the University of Miami football that clearly took care of various players over the years.

* Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Roy Halladay fanned 14 batters on Tuesday, however, he also watched his team lose to the Arizona Diamondbacks too, which isn’t so exciting, right?

Games to Watch: 

* Tampa Bay at Boston (MLB) – 1:35pm eastern 

* Minnesota at Detroit (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern 

* Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (MLB) – 8:10pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

How often do you see a triple-play at Fenway Park? Really, it’s spectacular! 

Aug 12 2011

Daily Noontime – August 12, 2011

Mr. Chris Johnson is expected a MAJOR pay raise!

Happy Friday and welcome to yet another awesome version of the Daily Noontime! Here’s the headlines and news, so enjoy, friends! 

Headlines: 

* According to reports, University of Southern California could apparently block any NFL moves to have a team play at the Coliseum while a new stadium is being built in Los Angles.

* Well, apparently the Tennessee Titans are interested in making Chris Johnson the highest paid NFL running back, as long as he shows up to camp.

* The New York Yankees got some help from Robinson Cano on Thursday against the Los Angles of Anaheim Angels, as his home run put his team one game behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East standings.

* Steve Stricker fired a 63 at the PGA Tournament on Thursday, which apparently tied a tournament record.

* Justin Verlander led the Detroit Tigers past the Cleveland Indians on Thursday, as well as earned his 17th win of the season too.

* Denver Broncos head coach John Fox was quite pleased with quarterback Tim Tebow‘s performance on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Games to Watch: 

* Tampa Bay at New York Yankees (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern 

* Chicago Cubs at Atlanta (MLB) – 7:35pm eastern 

* Tampa Bay at Kansas City (NFL Preseason) – 8:00pm eastern 

* San Francisco at New Orleans (NFL Preseason) – 8:00pm eastern 

* Boston at Seattle (MLB) – 10:10pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

New England Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallet is a name you’ll want to remember! 

May 23 2011

Lindberg: Thoughts on the Sox

By Andy Lindberg 

I doubt this past week could have been any soggier in fair New England. For the Red Sox, they escaped the weather woes with only one rainout, which was Tuesday’s game against Baltimore.

Within the dreary doldrums of the foggy, misty Fenway Park, the Red Sox compiled a weekly record of [5-1] to briefly take hold of first place in the division, only to now reside a half a game back of the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, a feat many viewed as ludicrous merely two weeks ago.

On Monday night against Baltimore, the night began in less than stellar fashion with Daisuke Matsuzaka getting drilled in the chest on a liner up the middle on the very first pitch of the ballgame by Oriole second baseman Brian Roberts. From there, Matsuzaka never recovered, giving up five earned runs in 4.1 innings while walking seven batters. Shortly thereafter, Matsuzaka was placed on the 15-Day DL.

Down 6-0, the Red Sox stormed back with five runs in the sixth inning to pull within one. In the bottom of the ninth, down 7-6, Boston sent Adrian Gonzalez to the plate with two men on. Tired of Carl Crawford getting all the attention for walk-off hits, Gonzalez added one of his own, ripping an offering from Kevin Gregg off of the Green Monster, and plating both runners for the win.

From there, the Sox could virtually do no wrong. After the rainout, the Red Sox swept up the Detroit Tigers, winning the first game 1-0 behind a Jarrod Saltalamacchia eighth inning double.

The second game saw Boston take a 3-1 lead over Detroit’s ace Justin Verlander, only to see Daniel Bard give it right back on back-to-back bombs. Not feeling the fact that he didn’t get the Monday walk off, Carl Crawford enjoyed his third game-winning hit of the year, a bases loaded single in the bottom of the ninth to dead center field to win it.

The weekend set saw Boston face-off against the Chicago Cubs for only the second time since 1918 and for the first time in Boston since that date.

The first game went to Boston in a 15-5 dismantling of the Cubbies, despite another start in which Boston’s Jon Lester struggled. Game two went to the Cubs when Boston’s bullpen melted down in the eighth inning. With Boston holding tight to a 3-1 lead, poor defense and shaky pitching by Matt Albers led to eight Chicago runs.  However, in game three, Tim Wakefield thought it was 1995 again and completely shut down Chicago for a 5-1 win. Wakefield is now six wins away from 200 career wins.

It seems as though Jarrod Saltalamacchia is beginning to enjoy showing off what he can provide, as on Sunday he hit his third home run in his last four games. Kevin Youkilis and Adrian Gonzalez are as hot as they come right now and David Ortiz hit his 300th homer in a Boston uniform.

I was initially concerned when John Lackey and Matsuzaka went on the DL only because I thought it would tax Boston’s bullpen too much. Alfredo Aceves pitched very well on Saturday, but unfortunately, the bullpen did break down like I expected. This could be an issue going forward in terms of that fifth spot in the rotation. Starter by committee is not the best way to go.

Coming up this week Boston travels to Cleveland, a squad that sports the best record in baseball. After that, beginning on Thursday, Boston travels to Detroit to finish the week with a four game trip. Boston seems to be hitting its stride, winning eight of their last nine games, and they will need to pitch far better out of the bullpen to keep the pace with both Tampa Bay and New York.