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Red Sox Drama: Valentine – Ortiz quit after trade

October 24, 2012 By Admin

3f7c7c35c5e6dae1a38c11b9633df658 Red Sox Drama: Valentine – Ortiz quit after trade
Jarrod Saltalamacchia #39 of the Boston Red Sox consoles Daisuke Matsuzaka #18 prior to leaving the game as Manager Bobby Valentine looks on during their game against the New York Yankees on October 3, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City
(October 2, 2012 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

BOSTON (AP) — Former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine says David Ortiz spent more time than expected on the disabled list before playing one game and then returning to it after the team made a major trade that signaled it would not compete for a postseason berth.

Valentine made his remarks Tuesday in an interview with NBC’s Bob Costas airing several hours after John Farrell was introduced as Boston’s new manager.

Ortiz was working out at Fenway Park on Tuesday and spoke to Farrell amid reports that he and the team were closing in on a two-year deal to keep the potential free agent in Boston.

The designated hitter missed 71 of the last 72 games with a strained right Achilles and hit .318 with 23 homers and 60 RBIs. He had played in 89 of the first 90 games. His other game was on Aug. 24, one day before the Red Sox traded Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“David Ortiz came back after spending about six weeks on the disabled list and we thought it was only going to be a week,” Valentine said in an interview on Costas Tonight on NBC Sports Network. “He got two hits the first two times up, drove in a couple runs; we were off to the races. Then he realized that this trade meant that we’re not going to run this race and we’re not even going to finish the race properly and he decided not to play anymore. I think at that time it was all downhill from there.”

The Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Aug. 24 to improve to 60-66. After the trade, they were 9-27 and finished at 69-93, their worst record since 1965. They came in last in the AL East, four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays.

Valentine was fired the day after Boston ended the season with an eight-game losing streak.

ESPN reported on Tuesday that the Red Sox are closing in on a two-year deal with Ortiz and hope to finalize it this week, according to a baseball source. The report said the compensation has not been determined and that Ortiz is believed to be seeking $25 million.

He earned $14.575 million this season in a one-year deal.

General manager Ben Cherington said Tuesday he’s talked several times with the designated hitter’s agent, Fernando Cuza.

“We’ve had good dialogue since the season ended,” he said. “The goal remains the same. We want him back in a Red Sox uniform, and we’ll continue to work toward that end.”

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MLB: Valentine says disloyal Red Sox coaches undermined him

October 4, 2012 By Admin

Jarrod Saltalamacchia #39 of the Boston Red Sox consoles Daisuke Matsuzaka #18 prior to leaving the game as Manager Bobby Valentine looks on during their game against the New York Yankees on October 3, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City
(October 2, 2012 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

NEW YORK (AP) — Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine’s job was safe for at least one final game.

General manager Ben Cherington would not discuss the status of the Red Sox’s beleaguered first-year manager before Boston’s season finale against the New York Yankees on Wednesday night.

“I’m not going to talk about it,” Cherington said. “We have a game tonight. We’ve said many times, Bobby’s the manager of the team until the end of the year, and we’ll talk about it after the season. That’s what we’ll do.”

Valentine has had a trying first year with the Red Sox, 69-92 entering Wednesday. He was signed to a two-year deal to help revive an organization that was eliminated from playoff contention on the last day of the season in 2011 after a September collapse. Instead, because of injuries, a lack of pitching depth and underperformance, Boston has lost its most games since 1965 and finished last in the AL East for the first time since 1992.

On Wednesday, Valentine told Boston radio station WEEI that some of his coaches were not loyal to him and undermined him at times this season, his first as a major league manager since 2002.

He did tell reporters before the game at Yankee Stadium he thought the friction with the coaches had little to do with the team’s struggles.

“There’s situation during the year I didn’t think it was all for one or one for all, whatever it is,” Valentine said. “I don’t really remember specifically. … It was just a feeling.”

Cherington says he wasn’t aware of the problems. But pitching coach Bo McClure was fired in August.

“If he feels that way I’m sorry he feels that way,” Cherington said. “I’m not in his office all the time. I’m not in the clubhouse all the time so I don’t know what he exactly was referring to. He’s got a right to his opinion.”

Valentine also said he regrets a few things he did this season, including his management of the bullpen early in the season when closer Andrew Bailey was hurt, one of 27 Red Sox to spend time on the disabled list in 34 stints, the most by any team since at least 1987, according to STATS LLC.

The often outspoken and manipulative Valentine wished he did not make the negative comments about popular infielder Kevin Youkilis during the morning drive in April. He was surprised by the reaction it got.

Looking ahead, Cherington said the team has talked to injured David Ortiz and outfielder Cody Ross, both free agents to be, about returning.

“David is a priority, and we’ve talked to Cody Ross also,” Cherington said. “I’m not going to comment anymore other than that, just to say we’re talking to those guys. David is someone that we feel strongly about bringing back, and we’re trying to figure out a way to do that. Cody fit in well and had a good year. It’s an area of need going forward.”

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Red Sox Drama: Bobby V – Red Sox need ‘help everywhere’

September 15, 2012 By Admin

757d3c7b3443280e5b936fb62bfb8b3d Red Sox Drama: Bobby V – Red Sox need ‘help everywhere’
Bobby Valentine #25 of the Boston Red Sox heads back to the dugout after he called in a relief pitcher in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 9, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(September 8, 2012 – Source: Jim Rogash/Getty Images North America)

TORONTO (AP) — Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine says his team’s roster is beyond depleted.

Valentine was asked before Friday night’s game in Toronto what part of his last-place club would benefit most from some extra call-ups.

“Are you kidding?” Valentine said. “This is the weakest roster we’ve ever had in September in the history of baseball. It could use help everywhere.”

Winding down a forgettable season, the Red Sox began the day with a record of 64-80, 17½ games behind Baltimore and New York in the AL East. Boston, 11-29 since Aug. 1, would be eliminated from the division race with a loss Friday and a win by either the Yankees or Orioles.

The Red Sox have lost 18 of 23 overall. Among AL teams, only Cleveland and Minnesota have worse records.

Boston’s roster has been thinned by trades and injuries. Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez and Nick Punto were dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers last month, along with injured outfielder Carl Crawford. Veteran Kevin Youkilis was traded to the Chicago White Sox earlier this season.

Slugger David Ortiz and rookie Will Middlebrooks are two of the five Red Sox currently on the disabled list, a list that also includes long-term absentee John Lackey. 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia is away following the birth of his second son but is expected to rejoin the Red Sox in Toronto sometime this weekend.

For now, Boston has only five outfielders on its roster and, with Pedroia gone, just five infielders.

“We have a couple of options,” Valentine said. “Not a lot of them.”

Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and Friday night’s starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka, are among the Boston players who have missed extended periods this year. In all, 27 players have made 34 trips to the DL.

Valentine said the Red Sox might add “one or two players” from Class AAA Pawtucket in the coming days. Pawtucket completed a three-game sweep to win its first International League championship since 1984 on Thursday and will have a one-game playoff against the Pacific Coast League winners, either Reno or Omaha, next Tuesday.

“If there are people who could be brought up, we should bring them up,” Valentine said. “But I don’t know that there’s a lot of guys left.”

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Red Sox Drama: Only four Red Sox players attended Johnny Pesky’s funeral

August 24, 2012 By Admin

2a457d5ef8512dedc568a32d831ab585 Red Sox Drama: Only four Red Sox players attended Johnny Pesky’s funeral

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — David Ortiz was just one of four current Boston Red Sox players who attended Johnny Pesky’s funeral on Monday in Swampscott, Mass.

Did the rest of the team blow it off?

The funeral was held on an off day and Red Sox CEO Larry Luchino said he didn’t make attendance mandatory.

PESKY: Tribute at Fenway Park

So where was the rest of the team?

Ortiz said he thought more of his teammates would have attended, but he was wasn’t upset with them and said “I’m nobody to say who should and who shouldn’t.”

“I mean, me personally, I was close to Johnny,” Ortiz said. “When it comes down to a funeral situation, there’s not a reason why you wouldn’t show up when a friend passes away. I feel like I’ve got to be there for his family. Everybody got his particular reasons why some of the guys didn’t show up. We’ve got a late schedule that day. We came back from New York very late, and some of the guys probably have some things to do that day. That was probably the reason why some of the guys didn’t show up. I can tell you why I showed up: I had a friend that just passed away, and I want to be there.”

Clay Buchholz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Vincente Padilla were the other three along with manager Bobby Valentine.

In fairness, the Red Sox did not arrive back in Boston on Monday until around 4 a.m. following an 11-day road trip and a tribute was scheduled for Pesky at Fenway Park on Tuesday.

But that probably won’t appease Red Sox Nation.

Ortiz tried to diffuse the perception:

“Hopefully people don’t make a big deal about it,” he said. “We don’t need that right now. We just need to continue playing and focus on winning some games so we can go to the playoffs.”

Lucchino said the players were informed of the funeral arrangements in New York during their series against the Yankees.

“We thought it was very much a personal decision,” Lucchino said. “We also knew there would be other events at the ballpark. The thing Tuesday night (a pregame ceremony in which the entire team lined up wearing Pesky’s No. 6 jersey), and we knew there would be a memorial service sometime around his birthday. We never contemplated making it mandatory.”

Pesky is one of Boston’s most beloved figures in Red Sox history. He spent 61 years with in Boston as a player, coach, manager and broadcaster.

The icon passed away Aug. 13 at age 92.

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Red Sox Drama: Kelly Shoppach denies reported role in Red Sox Bobby Valentine complaints

August 20, 2012 By Admin

b27b1c15eae76a3c38abcf16d5158407 Red Sox Drama: Kelly Shoppach denies reported role in Red Sox Bobby Valentine complaints
Alfredo Aceves #91 and Kelly Shoppach #10 of the Boston Red Sox react after defeating the New York Yankees 8-6 at Yankee Stadium on July 28, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(July 27, 2012 – Source: Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images North America)

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — Former Boston Red Sox backup catcher Kelly Shoppach deflected a New York Daily News report that he was involved in sending a text message to Red Sox ownership expressing dismay with manager Bobby Valentine. Shoppach, who was traded to the New York Mets, told reporters in Washington on Sunday that he was not involved whatsoever.

“I’m really disappointed that my name was even brought up in that,” Shoppach said. “I wasn’t behind any texts. I actually didn’t even attend the meeting. It was on an off day in New York and I stayed back in Texas with my family. I’ve already gotten a few text messages from former teammates apologizing that my name was even brought up in it.”

“Everybody that is involved in that whole situation knows that I had nothing to do with it. So, like I said, I’m a Met now. I’m really excited to be here, around a fun group of guys. And I wish the Red Sox nothing but well. I had a great time while I was there. But I’m a Met now and I’m excited about the opportunity here.”

The Daily News reported that a contingent of Red Sox had grown increasingly frustrated with Valentine during the season. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez heard their concerns and grew “tired of hearing the constant grumbling,” the Daily News reported. He agreed to let the group of players, headed by Shoppach, to send a text to management complaining about Valentine. The text requested a meeting with ownership on July 26.

Shoppach said he didn’t attend the meeting which, according to his Twitter feed, holds up. He tweeted this on July 26:

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Red Sox Drama: No Red Sox players called for Valentine to be fired

August 16, 2012 By Admin

5abd3465dec5820081c5cbc37d21f70a Red Sox Drama: No Red Sox players called for Valentine to be fired
Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine #25 looks on before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 15, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland.
(August 14, 2012 – Source: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)

BOSTON (AP) — None of the Boston Red Sox players in a series of meetings with the team’s top brass called for manager Bobby Valentine to be replaced, owner John Henry said Wednesday.

Henry issued a statement one day after Yahoo! Sports reported that several players met with him and team president Larry Lucchino in New York on July 27 to complain about Valentine’s handling of the team. Chairman Tom Werner was also at the meeting.

Henry said he called the meeting, and it “quickly went to the point – what do we need to do to turn things around?”

“No one in that meeting at any time took the position that Bobby should be or needed to be replaced,” Henry wrote.

Henry said players took responsibility for the team’s performance; the Red Sox were 57-60, 12 1/2 games out of first place in the AL East, heading into Wednesday night’s game in Baltimore against the Orioles.

“They weren’t blaming injuries or anyone but themselves,” Henry wrote. “At the same time they openly spoke about what could improve in addition to their play. They made substantive points. We addressed those points.”

Valentine also declined to point fingers.

“Personally, I think we’re in it together,” he said. “I think we’re going to get hot.”

Henry said he called a similar meeting “about this time eight years ago,” a reference to the 2004 season in which the Red Sox won the World Series for first time in 86 years. This time, the meeting was divided up into three parts, Henry said, “separating groups so as to have frank discussions about what was wrong.”

Henry also complained in his statement about the details of the meeting going public.

“I understand that when the team isn’t playing up to our standards that issues are going to be sensationalized,” he wrote. “But what is important for Red Sox fans to know is that ownership, players and all staff especially Bobby Valentine are determined to turn around what has thus far been an unacceptable, failed season. We are all on the same page in that regard and will not waver.”

Valentine also said he regretted that details had gone public, but he said that the controversy hasn’t weighed on him.

“If we were 10 games over .500 and in first place, he wouldn’t have to make any statements,” the manager said.

Valentine was hired last offseason to replace Terry Francona, who was let go after the team went 7-20 in September to blow what had seemed like a certain playoff berth. Valentine said he wanted to change the culture of a clubhouse where players ate fried chicken and drank beer during games, rather than sitting in the dugout to support their teammates.

Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz defended the manager.

“He does his job,” Buchholz said. “When something goes wrong, somebody has to be blamed for it and it’s usually us. … He’s doing a good job. It’s a game, man, it doesn’t always work.”

Valentine said he planned to be back in 2013.

“And `14 and ’15,” he said. “That’s what I’m hoping.”

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MLB: Latest Red Sox drama pits players vs. Bobby Valentine

August 15, 2012 By Admin

7424f779215e2f7ee5af1efbd388f332 MLB: Latest Red Sox drama pits players vs. Bobby Valentine
Manager Bobby Valentine #25 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during batting practice of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on August 14, 2012 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland.
(August 10, 2012 – Source: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images North America)

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — It might be a classic case of “he said, he said,” but there’s little doubt Boston Red Sox players have had plenty to say about their disappointing season and manager Bobby Valentine’s role in it.

Now, they’re answering questions about a late-July meeting with team owners at which, according to a Yahoo Sports report, players were critical of the manager and some said they no longer wanted to play for him.

“There was a meeting in New York with ownership and players,” general manager Ben Cherington confirmed via e-mail to USA TODAY Sports. “There were a variety of topics covered and some frustrations expressed. No ultimatums were issued. The focus of the meeting was an airing out of issues in an effort to focus our attention on the field.”

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, cited in the Yahoo report as requesting the meeting, told news reporters Tuesday, “(Owners) had a meeting with the players, a meeting with the coaches, a meeting with Bobby. It was to assess why we were where we were and what our thoughts were.”

Valentine said he wouldn’t discuss the report but pointed out, “They’re still playing for me.”

But still not playing well. The Red Sox entered Tuesday 57-59, 11½ games out of first in the American League East and 5½ out of a wild- card slot.

Valentine has rankled players almost since he was hired in December. He criticized Josh Beckett’s pitching style and questioned Kevin Youkilis’ commitment in April. That led to a sharp reaction from Dustin Pedroia — “That’s not the way we go about our stuff around here” — which the second baseman and Valentine later said they smoothed over. Youkilis was traded to the Chicago White Sox on June 24.

The tipping point for the players, Yahoo reported, was Valentine letting Jon Lester take an 11-run pounding July 22 against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park.

Contributing: Bob Nightengale

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MLB: AL Roundup – Rays slip by Angels 2-0; Red Sox beat Yankees in the 10th 3-2

July 30, 2012 By Admin

ce3d7a46388a44871c7bcdec90662b1a MLB: AL Roundup – Rays slip by Angels 2 0; Red Sox beat Yankees in the 10th 3 2
Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 29, 2012 in Anaheim, California.
(July 28, 2012 – Source: Jeff Golden/Getty Images North America)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Zack Greinke was outpitched by Jeremy Hellickson in his Los Angeles Angels’ debut, losing to the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 Sunday.

Obtained Friday from Milwaukee, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner allowed two runs and seven hits in seven innings and struck out eight.

Greinke (0-1), eligible for free agency after the season, was 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 21 starts with the Brewers.

Hellickson (6-6) pitched two-hit ball through six innings, striking out five and walking none.

Fernando Rodney got three outs for his 30th save in 31 attempts, tying Baltimore’s Jim Johnson for the AL lead. With runners on first and second, Rodney fell behind Albert Pujols 3-0 in the count before inducing a game-ending, double-play grounder.

RED SOX 3, YANKEES 2, 10 INNINGS

NEW YORK (AP) — Pedro Ciriaco blooped an RBI single in the 10th inning for his latest big hit against New York and Boston squeaked out the victory moments after manager Bobby Valentine was ejected.

Felix Doubront held the Yankees scoreless until Russell Martin homered leading off the seventh inning. Martin also hit a tying single with two outs in the eighth off closer Alfredo Aceves (2-6), who went the rest of the way for the win.

Ryan Sweeney hit an early two-run double for the Red Sox, who took two of three in their first visit to New York this season despite grounding into four double plays against Hiroki Kuroda.

Valentine was ejected in the 10th inning for arguing whether a pitch by David Robertson (1-4) hit Will Middlebrooks on a bunt attempt.

ORIOLES 6, ATHLETICS 1

BALTIMORE (AP) — Rookie Wei-Yin Chen struck out a career-high 12, Matt Wieters hit a three-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles beat Oakland to avoid a three-game sweep.

It was a rare setback for the A’s, who fell to 18-4 this month.

Chen (9-6) allowed one unearned run, three hits and four walks in 5 2-3 innings against a torrid Oakland team that had scored 40 runs in its previous four games.

A’s starter Travis Blackley (3-3) gave up five runs, six hits and four walks in five innings. He was 3-0 in six starts since June 10.

RANGERS 2, WHITE SOX 0

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Scott Feldman tied a career high by pitching eight shutout innings, and Texas snapped a two-game skid with a victory over the Chicago White Sox.

David Murphy had three hits, including a double, and Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz each scored a run.

Feldman (5-6) gave up seven hits and retired eight of the last 10 batters he faced. He threw only 88 pitches in matching the eight shutout innings he tossed two other times, the last being June 2, 2010, also against the White Sox in Chicago.

Joe Nathan pitched a scoreless ninth for his 21st save.

Gavin Floyd (8-9) gave up seven hits in 6 2-3 innings. He was 4-1 with a 1.67 ERA in his previous five starts.

TIGERS 4, BLUE JAYS 1

TORONTO (AP) — Jhonny Peralta hit two home runs, Doug Fister pitched eight innings and the Detroit Tigers beat Toronto to avert a three-game sweep.

The Tigers had lost three in a row and four of five to fall out of the AL Central lead.

Peralta hit a three-run drive off Brett Cecil (2-4) in the second and added a solo shot against Joel Carreno in the ninth. It was Peralta’s first multihomer game of the season and seventh of his career.

Fister (5-7) allowed one run and seven hits. He struck out nine and matched his longest outing of the season.

Jose Valverde closed for his 20th save in 24 chances as Detroit avoided being swept in Toronto for the first time since Sept. 5-7, 2003.

TWINS 5, INDIANS 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Morneau hit a two-run homer, Brian Duensing threw six smooth innings as a late fill-in for Francisco Liriano and the Minnesota Twins finished a three-game sweep of Cleveland.

Duensing (2-6) lost all four of his previous starts this year, but he needed only 70 pitches to finish six frames and yield to the bullpen after scattering five singles without a walk.

Ubaldo Jimenez (8-10) worked into the seventh and struck out six, but the Indians lost for the eighth time in their last 11 games.

MARINERS 7, ROYALS 6

SEATTLE (AP) — Felix Hernandez shook off a line drive to his left wrist and threw seven strong innings, and the Seattle Mariners beat Kansas City for a four-game sweep.

Seattle swept Kansas City in a four-game set for the first time since May 2001.

Hernandez gave up just five hits and two runs but lost out on his sixth straight win when the Mariners’ bullpen gave up three runs in the eighth.

Oliver Perez (1-2) got the win. Tom Wilhelmsen gave up a run in the ninth, but still finished his 14th save in 16 chances.

Reliever Jose Mijares (2-2) threw away a bunt in the eighth.

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Red Sox Extra:Kevin Youkilis traded to White Sox after teary Fenway finale

June 24, 2012 By Admin

2fcc91e687630766d6118a851092fd00 Red Sox Extra:Kevin Youkilis traded to White Sox after teary Fenway finale

(PhatzRadio / USA Today) — Kevin Youkilis’ nine-year career with the Boston Red Sox concluded on Sunday in emotional fashion, when the third baseman bid a teary-eyed farewell to the Fenway Park crowd before his trade to the Chicago White Sox was finalized.

Youkilis was traded to the White Sox in exchange for pitching prospect Zach Stewart and utility player Brent Lillibridge, according to a White Sox official familiar with the deal. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced.

The Red Sox also will be assuming in excess of $5 million of the remaining $7 million owed Youkilis for the remainder of this season. Youkilis can become a free agent after this season, and is due a $1 million buyout of a $13 million club option in 2013.

At Fenway Park on Sunday, Youkilis tipped his cap, blew kisses and shed a few tears to a crowd that was giving him a standing ovation after he was removed for pinch runner Nick Punto in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 9-4 win over Atlanta. He was mobbed by teammates and even pushed out of the dugout for a curtain call by Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.

Amid rampant trade rumors and the undercurrent that Valentine might be pushing the longtime Fenway Park favorite all the way out of Boston, Youkilis got the full farewell treatment when he exited the game after tripling in his last at-bat as a Red Sox.

Valentine said after the game that he was told by general manager Ben Cherington just before Youkilis’ final at-bat to take Youkilis out of the game. Valentine said he couldn’t offer any more specifics.

When reporters entered the clubhouse after the game, the nameplate was gone from Youkilis’ locker had been cleaned out.

Playing third base, his primary position over his career, Youkilis had a single and a triple today, giving him 961 hits in nine seasons for the Red Sox, the only major league team he has played for. That raised his batting average for the season to .233, by far a career low for the 33-year-old.

The Youkilis trade rumors have reached beyond Boston. Chicago White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy addressed rumors his team could be involved in a deal.

Earlier in the day, Youkilis’ brother took a (parting?) shot at the Red Sox and Valentine, who created a mini-furor in April when he said he didn’t think Youkilis was playing up to his previous standards. Since then, rookie Will Middlebrooks has received increased playing time at third base and is batting .331. Scott Youkilis, who owns a San Francisco restaurant, tweeted “Bobby V is a joke” and “Chicago is a better town anyway.”

Contributing: Bob Nightengale

Red Sox Extra:Kevin Youkilis traded to White Sox after teary Fenway finale is a post from: PhatzRadio.com

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MLB: Inter-League Roundup – Yankees win 3 game sweep of the Mets 5-4

June 11, 2012 By Admin

6aa1a034fad8b40a81ecca5db351157e MLB: Inter League Roundup – Yankees win 3 game sweep of the Mets 5 4
Russell Martin #55 of the New York Yankees is met at home plate by Andruw Jones #22 after hitting a two run home run during their game against the New York Mets on June10, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(June 9, 2012 – Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

NEW YORK (AP) — Russell Martin led off the bottom of the ninth inning with his second homer of the game and the New York Yankees took advantage of some shoddy infield defense to beat the struggling Mets 5-4 Sunday for a three-game sweep.

The Mets could not hold an early 3-0 lead, but tied it 4-all in the top of the ninth on Ike Davis’ RBI double off Rafael Soriano.

In the seventh, Martin hit a two-run homer off the top of the right-field wall to pull the Yankees to 3-2 after third baseman David Wright’s throwing error extended the inning.

Mark Teixeira tied it at 3 with an RBI single in the eighth and Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees the lead with a bloop single.

Martin hit a full-count pitch from Jon Rauch (3-6) to left field.

Boone Logan (1-0) got two outs with runners on first and third in relief of Soriano, who had his first blown save in 10 chances. Soriano is filling in for injured closer Mariano Rivera.

NATIONALS 4, RED SOX 3

BOSTON (AP) — Roger Bernadina doubled with two outs in the ninth inning, driving in Bryce Harper for the go-ahead run, and Washington held off slumping Boston to finish a three-game sweep.

Danny Espinosa doubled twice and drove in two runs for the Nationals, a franchise that had never won at Fenway Park coming into the series.

Harper was out of the starting lineup because of tightness in his back. He pinch-hit for Tyler Moore with one out in the ninth and drew a walk from Alfredo Aceves (0-4).

Tom Gorzelanny (2-1) pitched a scoreless eighth and Tyler Clippard earned his third save of the series, striking out Dustin Pedroia to end it. Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine stormed out of the dugout during Pedroia’s at-bat to argue a strike and was quickly ejected by plate umpire Alan Porter.

RAYS 4, MARLINS 2

MIAMI (AP) — James Shields allowed one run in 6 1-3 innings to win for the first time in five starts and Tampa Bay capped a three-game sweep by beating Miami.

The Rays outscored their intrastate rivals 22-7 and have won seven in a row against the Marlins. Miami fell to 0-6 on its homestand and has been outscored 43-10.

Matt Joyce hit his 11th homer and Elliot Johnson hit his third to help the Rays (35-25) improve the best record in the American League. Shields (7-4), who had lost his past three decisions, allowed four hits and struck out five.

Fernando Rodney earned his 18th save in 19 chances with a scoreless ninth and lowered his ERA to 0.94.

Anibal Sanchez (3-5), plagued again by lousy run support, pitched six innings and allowed four runs, including both homers. He lost for the fifth time in his past six outings.

BLUE JAYS 12, BRAVES 4

ATLANTA (AP) — Brett Lawrie and Colby Rasmus each homered and drove in three runs as Toronto rallied from an early four-run deficit to defeat Atlanta.

The Braves’ six-game winning streak ended even though they led 4-0 after three innings. Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero lasted only four innings.

Toronto took the lead with six runs in the fifth off 21-year-old Julio Teheran, who was called up for his first start of the season, and 37-year-old Livan Hernandez (1-1).

Lawrie hit a two-run homer and Rasmus added a homer off Hernandez as Toronto added three runs in the sixth.

Carlos Villanueva (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings.

The Blue Jays set a season high with 18 hits as they ended a three-game losing streak.

ORIOLES 5, PHILLIES 4, 10 INNINGS

BALTIMORE (AP) — Matt Wieters doubled home the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning and Baltimore beat Philadelphia to extend its run of successive extra-inning victories to nine.

Steve Tolleson hit a three-run homer for the Orioles, who bounced back from a 4-1 deficit to keep Phillies starter Cliff Lee winless this season.

Baltimore took two of three from the Phillies, including a 12-inning win on Saturday. The nine straight extra-inning victories is an Orioles record, breaking the mark of eight set twice previously.

Adam Jones led off the 10th against Joe Savery (0-1) by reaching on a fielding error by third baseman Ty Wigginton. Wieters then launched a drive to right that hit the scoreboard, inches over the outstretched glove of Hunter Pence. The bouncing ball eluded Pence long enough for Jones to score.

Darren O’Day (4-0) worked the 10th for the Orioles.

It was the eighth loss in nine games for the last-place Phillies.

PIRATES 3, ROYALS 2

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andrew McCutchen homered and drove in three runs, A.J. Burnett won his fifth consecutive start and Pittsburgh finished its first sweep of an AL team in more than a decade by beating Kansas City.

McCutchen hit an RBI double in the first inning and a two-run homer in the third, giving Burnett (6-2) and three relievers enough support for the Pirates to win their fourth in a row. This was the 50th interleague series they had played since taking three in a row from Cleveland in June 2001.

Since May 25, the Pirates have the best record in the majors at 12-3.

The Royals have lost four in a row and six of eight.

Burnett took a no-hitter into the sixth and was charged with two runs in 7 1-3 innings. Pittsburgh has won his past seven starts and he is 4-0 with a 1.27 ERA at home this season.

With closer Joel Hanrahan getting a rest, Jason Grilli worked out of trouble the ninth for his fourth career save and first of the season.

Bruce Chen (5-6) allowed three runs in five innings, falling to 0-4 at PNC Park. The Royals have lost 24 of their past 33 games against NL teams.

CUBS 8, TWINS 2

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Dempster pitched eight shutout innings to lead Chicago past Minnesota.

After an 18-start winless streak dating to last Aug. 11, Dempster (2-3) won his second game this week, another gem for a Cubs team that had the worst record in the majors. He scattered four singles and struck out six, including Joe Mauer three times, to help Chicago win for the fifth time in 25 games.

Dempster lowered his ERA to 2.31, and the Twins lost for the third time in 12 games.

David DeJesus drove in three runs, and Reed Johnson and Starlin Castro scored three times each.

Francisco Liriano (1-7) gave up four hits, four runs and three walks in 5 1-3 innings.

RANGERS 5, GIANTS 0

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alexi Ogando pitched three perfect innings before leaving with a strained groin after a bunt single, combining with three relievers combined on a three-hitter and leading the Texas Rangers past San Francisco.

The AL West-leading Rangers tagged Tim Lincecum (2-7). The two-time NL Cy Young winner is 0-5 in his last eight starts and has a 6.00 ERA this season.

Robbie Ross (6-0) allowed only a double to pinch-hitter Aubrey Huff in the sixth over four innings. Mike Adams gave up two hits in a scoreless eighth and Joe Nathan tossed a hitless ninth.

Josh Hamilton and Ian Kinsler each drove in two runs to chase Lincecum.

ANGELS 10, ROCKIES 8

DENVER (AP) — Mark Trumbo hit a pair of three-run homers to set a career high with six RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels beat slumping Colorado for their ninth straight victory on the road.

Torii Hunter added a two-run homer and scored three times to help Los Angeles complete a three-game sweep.

Tyler Colvin and Carlos Gonzalez homered for the Rockies, who fell to 0-6 in interleague play — with all the games at home — and lost their fifth straight overall. Colorado manager Jim Tracy was tossed in the ninth by plate umpire Greg Gibson, his first ejection of the season.

Ervin Santana (3-7) weaved through 5 2-3 innings. Scott Downs earned his sixth save. Christian Friedrich (4-2) took the loss.

INDIANS 4, CARDINALS 1

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Kipnis hit a tiebreaking three-run homer off closer Jason Motte in the ninth inning and the Cleveland Indians beat St. Louis.

Carlos Beltran homered for the second straight day to increase his NL-leading total to 18, and Joe Kelly allowed one run in five-plus innings in his major league debut for the Cardinals.

St. Louis is the only major league team that has not won a series over the Indians, who are 14-6 overall against the Cardinals.

Vinnie Pestano (3-0) walked three straight batters with one out in the eighth but recovered to strike out No. 3 hitter Yadier Molina and cleanup man Allen Craig. Chris Perez, who once competed with Motte for the St. Louis closer spot, finished for his 20th save in 21 chances. He has saved 20 in a row since opening day.

Kipnis hit his 10th homer on a 2-2 pitch from Motte (3-3).

ASTROS 11, WHITE SOX 9

CHICAGO (AP) — Justin Maxwell, Jose Altuve, J.D. Martinez and Brett Wallace all homered to lead the Houston Astros past the Chicago White Sox.

Maxwell’s two-run shot was estimated at 461 feet, curling just inside the left-field foul pole into the second deck. Altuve drove in three runs and stole home on the back end of a double steal.

Adam Dunn hit his 20th homer of the season and Paul Konerko added his 12th for the White Sox.

Lucas Harrell (6-4) tied a career high by going 7 1-3 innings, winning his first start against his former team. Brett Myers got the last two outs for his 15th save.

Phil Humber (2-4) is 1-4 with a 7.50 ERA since throwing a perfect game on April 21 at Seattle.

DIAMONDBACKS 4, ATHLETICS 3

PHOENIX (AP) — Joe Saunders held Oakland to one earned run over six innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to a season-long five games.

Chris Young singled twice and scored both times as Arizona completed a three-game interleague sweep of the A’s. The Diamondbacks have won seven of eight to climb to .500 for the first time since they were 14-14 on May 5.

Saunders (4-4) scattered seven hits, struck out five and walked two. Travis Blackley (0-2) took the loss.

DODGERS 8, MARINERS 2

SEATTLE (AP) — Andre Ethier awakened from a recent slump with his fourth career grand slam to cap a six-run second inning and Chad Billingsley pitched the Los Angeles Dodgers past Seattle.

Shut down by six pitchers in a Mariners’ no-hitter Friday night, the Dodgers rebounded to win the final two games of the interleague series.

Billingsley (4-4) struck out eight in seven innings.

Ethier was in a 1-for-27 rut when he hit his slam in the second against Blake Beavan (3-6).

TIGERS 7, REDS 6

CINCINNATI (AP) — Austin Jackson homered and hit a two-run double off Aroldis Chapman during a four-run eighth inning to rally Detroit past Cincinnati.

Virtually unhittable all season, Chapman (4-2) entered with two on in the eighth and the Reds leading 6-3. He gave up a single to pinch-hitter Brennan Boesch that loaded the bases and hit Matt Young with a pitch, forcing in a run.

Jackson’s double tied it and Young scored the go-ahead run on Chapman’s wild pitch, helping the Tigers take two of three in the interleague series.

Cincinnati wasted Todd Frazier’s homer and career-high four RBIs. The Reds dropped into a tie with Pittsburgh for first place in the NL Central with their third loss in four games.

Brayan Villareal (3-1) pitched two innings and Jose Valverde earned his 12th save in 15 chances.

Zack Cozart and Devin Mesoraco also homered for the Reds.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BREWERS 6, PADRES 5

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Ryan Braun homered and Yovani Gallardo pitched seven innings to help the Milwaukee Brewers beat San Diego.

Gallardo (5-5) gave up five hits and one earned run in seven innings. Anthony Bass (2-6) gave up four runs, five hits and three walks in 5 2-3 innings.

MLB: Inter-League Roundup – Yankees win 3 game sweep of the Mets 5-4 is a post from: PhatzRadio.com

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