A busy, busy Friday in the world of Boston sports. Lots of “drama” from Fenway last night. There is also a few more articles on the Celtics, more on the Bruins as they prepare to build a team for next season Be sure to check out David Scott’s Shots is a must-read today for a sobering look at a former Herald Columnist losing another job almost as quickly as he got it.
Well, it wasn’t what he and the Red Sox had in mind for his first appearance, as Curt Schilling entered a tie game last night in the ninth inning to a heroes welcome, and then proceeded to surrender a two-run homer to Alex Rodriguez and be tagged with the loss in an 8-6 defeat at the hands of the New York Yankees. Chris Snow says a couple of splitters left hanging pitches was what led to defeat for Schilling and the Sox. Jeff Horrigan notes that the one pitch that Schilling didn’t think he had to worry about – the split fingered fastball – was the one that failed him. Steven Krasner looks at ARod getting some revenge on Schilling, who has said a lot of things about the Yankees third baseman in the last couple years. David Heuschkel says there was no bloody sock for Schilling this time, just a bruised ego. Jeff Goldberg reports that Rodriguez did not want to get into a war of words following the game. David Borges notes that Bronson Arroyo may have been the starter for the Red Sox last night, but he was just a warmup act for Schilling.
Jackie MacMullan looks at Schilling getting off to a rough start in his tenure as a reliever, but still leaving the park with a confident swagger which bodes well for his next appearance. Sean McAdam says that Schilling is already set to turn the page on last night. Lenny Megliola writes that the fans got to see what they wanted last night…Schilling into the game in the ninth, but instead of a save, they witnessed a train wreck. In an article written prior to the game last night, Alex Speier looks at Schilling in his new role for the Red Sox. Karen Guregian writes that the Yankees knocked Schilling off his white horse and stole his cape last night. David Borges says that it was an awkward debut for Schilling out of the bullpen. Joe Haggerty reports on Schilling staggering in his first appearance out of the ‘pen. Jon Couture says that the Sox need Schilling to perform in order to win the division. Steve Buckley (subscription only) says that if ARod’s homer last night proves to be jolt that propels the Yankees to winning the division, we’ll remember Curt’s debut for some time.
Dan Shaughnessy thoroughly enjoyed last night’s game, and why not? The Yankees won, Schilling gave up the winning home run, so Dan can compare his performance to a Ben Affleck movie review, and praise the Yankees for their full squad workout prior to the game. Jim Donaldson says the time is past for Kevin Millar to Cowboy Up. Donaldson writes that the struggling first baseman should just Shut Up. Or perhaps Pack Up. Does Ron Indrisano take a shot at his colleague Shaughnessy when he mentions “Those haughty predictions that the Red Sox were going to run away with the American League East”? Indrisano also reports on Chad Bradford making his debut with the Red Sox last night, and as Guregian writes one of his first acts was to talk hunting with David Wells. Steve Buckley writes about John Olerud seeing the other side of the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry. Art Martone observes that history says that the Red Sox will be fine in the second half.
The Yankee articles…first of all, you can get all the coverage from New York on the New York Sports Headlines page. Locally, Amalie Benjamin and Donaldson look at Alex Rodriguez letting his bat do all the talking against Schilling and the Red Sox fans. Michael Silverman looks at Mariano Rivera, who was in top form last night, striking out the side in the ninth. McAdam looks at Gary Sheffield’s comments on next spring’s World Baseball Classic. The Yankees outfielder has stated that he won’t play because he doesn’t get paid for that. Silverman looks at tonight’s original Yankees starter, Chien-Ming Wang being scratched due to an inflamed shoulder. Benjamin writes about his replacement, recent pickup Tim Redding.
Lots of good stuff in the notebooks today…The Globe notebook reports that Gabe Kapler could clear waivers and rejoin the Red Sox organization as soon as today. He would likely go to Fort Myers for a time to begin workouts. Horrigan’s notebook has Jay Payton admitting that he staged the showdown with Terry Francona in Texas to “accelerate the process and make something happen” toward getting him out of town. He insists he has no ill will towards Francona or Theo Epstein. Jay Payton, you just dropped even lower in the eyes of many. The ProJo notebook wonders if the Red Sox would have interest in Al Leiter, who was designated for assignment by the Marlins yesterday. Leiter has had a good relationship with pitching coach Dave Wallace from their time with the Mets. It also reports on progress made in negotiations with first round pick Craig Hansen. Borges’ notebook looks at the debut of Bradford. Heuschkel’s notebook has Mike Timlin biting his tongue after the game and Millar speaking more on his friendship with Manny. Snow also produces a minor league notebook with updates on Cla Meredith, Roberto Petagine and ends with Hanley Ramirez electrifying the crowd at the Eastern League All Star Game.
Steve Bulpett looks at rookie Gerald Green adjusting to basketball at a higher level. Marty Burns on CNNSI has an article looking at Green, who has been the talk of the Las Vegas summer league for his athleticism and potential. Bulpett also reports on last night’s win for the Celtics and the fact the Danny Ainge and Paul Pierce never got together during the time in Las Vegas. Kevin McNamara reports on Ryan Gomes getting a multi-year contract from the Celtics, a rarity for a second round pick.
Nancy Marrapese-Burrell looks at how the new NHL salary cap should be an ideal fit for the Bruins. Stephen Harris compiles a to-do list for the Bruins which features what should be the top 10 things on their schedule to be done immediately. Nick Tavares says that it still make take time for the fans to come back. Steve Conroy looks at Glen Murray, eager to get back to work, but trying to stay patient.
David Scott has an jarring column today looking at former Herald sports columnist Michael Gee losing his teaching position over at Boston University due to some unfortunate comments made on the SportsJournalists.com message board. A tough story, and despite Gee’s kindness and support of BSMW, it is one that could not be ignored. Scott also touches on a number of other topics, including rumors that Greg Dickerson could be tapped for the new ESPN Radio Boston, and NECN’s revamped SportsLatenight. John Howell has Jerry Remy discussing comments from Gary Sheffield saying that the Yankees would have ARod’s “back” this this weekend at Fenway. Bill Griffith looks at TNT’s coverage of NASCAR this weekend in New Hampshire, as well as other media notes.
In other sports, Fluto Shinzawa looks at cheating in NASCAR. Jim McCabe looks at Tiger Woods taking an early lead at the British Open.
UPN38 has Red Sox/Yankees at 7:00.
Boston Sports Media Watch 