Game Time: 7:05 pm

Scheduled Starters: Mike Mussina v. Bronson Arroyo

The game will be on NESN

Boston weather: 1 pm observation at BOS: 3,700 feet broken, visibility 7 miles in haze, temperature 83F, DP 67F, wind out of the southwest at 15 mph.


Forecast: Hot, humid, and hazy. There's an area of strong thunderstorms moving across northern New York and Vermont associated with a cold front. It's likely to weaken as it moves south. Right now, the greatest threat of thunderstorms is north and west of Boston. There's a chance of rain and thunderstorms into the evening, however.

The wind is currently southwest, and will become south in the evening. A southwest wind blows out toward left, and a south wind blows across from right to left.


Anni

Ghostrider, the pattern is full. Schilling!

I'm so pumped for this game tonight! I gotta post early!

Yankees-Red Sox Preview

GAME: New York Yankees (46-40) at Boston Red Sox (49-38).

TIME: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. EDT.

Despite being in first place in the AL East, the Boston Red Sox went into the All-Star break struggling and with big problems in their bullpen.

Maybe the sight of their bitter rivals, the surging New York Yankees, and the addition of a new reliever named Curt Schilling will help the defending world champions get back on track.

With Schilling off the disabled list and ready to take a shot at filling the team's late-inning void, the Red Sox and Yankees meet at Fenway Park in the opener of a critical four-game series.

Boston has managed to stay in first place despite limping into the break with eight losses in its last 13 games, including three losses in four games to second-place Baltimore over the weekend. The Red Sox had a chance in the first half to build up their division lead while the Orioles and Yankees struggled, but Baltimore has pulled within two games and New York, 7-3 in its last 10, is just 2 1/2 back.

Much of Boston's struggles can be attributed to a tattered bullpen that has been hit by injury and ineffectiveness. Closer Keith Foulke compiled a 6.23 ERA, then went on the disabled list and had arthroscopic knee surgery last Thursday. He's not expected back before mid-August.

Enter 2004 playoff hero and Yankee nemesis Schilling, who has been rehabbing his right ankle in the minors. With the bullpen hurting, the Red Sox may let him take a shot at the closer's role, and Schilling pitched a scoreless relief inning in each of his last two outings with Triple-A Pawtucket.

''I want to be in the big leagues pitching, and I'm anxious to get back,'' Schilling said after Sunday's appearance. ''I felt good today. I felt stronger than I did yesterday, which is good.''

Boston tried to further bolster the bullpen Wednesday by acquiring sidearmer Chad Bradford from Oakland for outfielder Jay Payton and cash considerations. Bradford, on the disabled list since undergoing lower back surgery last March 7, also has been activated for this series.

A Schilling return would add to the usual charged Fenway atmosphere for a matchup with the Yankees, as New York makes its second visit of the season to Boston. The situation could be especially tense in right field, where the Yankees' Gary Sheffield will man his position for the first time since getting into an altercation with two fans in the corner April 14.

In that game, the finale of a three-game set, Sheffield was chasing Jason Varitek's triple when a fan reached over the 3-foot high fence, and Sheffield said he was hit in the face.

Sheffield picked up the ball, pushed the fan, then threw the ball to the infield. Sheffield turned toward the fan, but a security guard jumped over the wall and stood between the two. Another fan apparently tossed a beer in Sheffield's direction during the scuffle.

On the field, the Red Sox will look to Bronson Arroyo on Thursday to shut down a red-hot Yankees lineup. New York scored 62 runs in winning seven of its last eight and is benefiting from the resurgence of Jason Giambi, who is 11-for-20 with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last seven contests.

''Playing the way we're playing right now, you want to play the first-place team in our division,'' Sheffield said.

The teams don't meet again until Sept. 9-11 at Yankee Stadium.

STANDINGS: Yankees - 3rd place, 2 1/2 GB, AL East. Red Sox - 1st place, AL East.

YANKEES PROBABLE STARTER: Mike Mussina (9-5, 3.97 ERA). The right-hander has won three of his last four decisions. He is coming off a 7-2 victory over Cleveland on Thursday, when he allowed two runs in seven innings. Mussina has faced Boston three times this season and mostly struggled, going 0-2 with a 7.07 ERA, but is 17-14 with a 3.29 ERA in 45 career starts against the Red Sox.

RED SOX PROBABLE STARTER: Arroyo (7-5, 4.02 ERA). The right-hander has pitched well of late, going 3-2 with a 2.97 ERA in his last five outings. Arroyo gave Boston its only win during the four-game series in Baltimore last weekend, going 7 2-3 innings and allowing two runs in a 7-2 victory Friday. He didn't get a decision in his first start of the season against the Yankees, an 8-5 Boston win April 14 when he gave up five runs in 5 2-3 innings. Arroyo has no decisions and a 5.45 ERA in six career regular-season games against New York.

OFFENSIVE LEADERS: Yankees - Hideki Matsui, .320 avg.; Alex Rodriguez, 23 HRs and 72 RBIs; Derek Jeter, 69 runs; Tony Womack, 20 SBs. Red Sox - Johnny Damon, .343 avg., 65 runs and 9 SBs; Manny Ramirez, 22 HRs and 80 RBIs.

SEASON SERIES: Red Sox, 5-4.

STREAKS AND NOTES: Yankees - OF Matsui is hitting .533 (8-for-15) with four doubles in his career against Arroyo, and .324 with two HRs and eight RBIs against Boston in 2005. ... SS Jeter is batting .250 in 36 road games this season, compared to .352 in 48 home games. ... RF Sheffield is batting .400 (12-for-30) with two HRs and nine RBIs against the Red Sox this season. Red Sox - After using Cleveland's Bob Wickman and Baltimore's B.J. Ryan in the ninth inning of the All-Star Game, Boston manager Terry Francona was forced to summon Yankees closer Mariano Rivera to get the final out of the 7-5 win after the NL scored twice. Rivera got the save, and a hug from Francona. ... DH Ortiz is batting .167 (6-for-36) in his career against Mussina, but is 4-for-7 with two HRs against him in 2005. ... Boston's two first basemen, Kevin Millar and John Olerud, both have outstanding numbers against Mussina. Millar has hit .400 (12-for-30) against him, while Olerud is 17-for-53 (.321).

ROAD/HOME RECORDS: Yankees - 17-21 on the road; Red Sox - 24-14 at home.

INJURIES: RHP Kevin Brown (back), 15-day DL; RHP Carl Pavano (shoulder), 15-day DL; RHP Felix Rodriguez (knee), 15-day DL; RHP Jaret Wright (shoulder), 60-day DL; INF Rey Sanchez (back), 60-day DL. Red Sox - RHP Foulke (knee), 15-day DL; RHP Matt Mantei (ankle), 15-day DL; RHP Schilling (ankle), 15-day DL.

Where's our daily Mojo post? Can't have a game thread without it!

Ask and ye shall receive...Another LooiesWindup fill-in for NU50 on an Arroyo Start...


Thursday, July 14, 2005
**MOJO** - Letters and Numbers Day 1
Today's mojo is inspired by my favorite television show as a child: Sesame Street.



Today's game is brought to you by the letter "F" and the number "1".




Hmm, how to use a word that starts with "f" in a sentence. How about: "Now entering the game out of the bullpen: Curt F***ing Schilling." I'll bet you can think of lots of ways to use that fun word in a sentence. Piney especially. You could also see the letter "f" in: "Manny Ramirez hits another home run to the delight of the Fenway Faithful." Or how about: "Derek Jeter Flails and misses at the oncoming Fastball." Or: "Gary Sheffield over reacts to a minor case of Fan interference." Or even: "Alex Rodriguez Forgets what leather tastes like, so Jason Varitek again reminds him with a Faceful of mitt."

Also, it just so happens that in sign language, the letter "f" is also the grip for a "change-up".



So here's to the Sox starter today changing speeds effectively and keeping the NYY offense at bay. And who is today's starter? One of the pitcher's who, despite his short tenure in the Sox rotation, has all ready developed quite the history with New York: Bronson Arroyo.

Bronson figures right in with today's number. First, it figures prominently in his uniform:



Secondly, he is going for win #1 after the All-Star break, in game #1 in the NYY series. A win will also give him decision #1 versus New York, as he has yet to earn one while facing the men in pinstripes.

Other ways the number "1" fits into today's game. The Red Sox currently rank #1 in team batting average. It will be the first time Curt Schilling will be available out of the Sox bullpen. New acquisition Chad Bradford's release point is about 1 inch off the mound. And there's something else too, I'm having trouble remembering what it is....

Oh of course.. where do the Sox rank in the AL East? Number one.

[EDIT by LooiesWindup]: Is it a coincidence that Bronson's Uni # starts with "6" and "F" is the "6th" letter of the Alphabet? Looies thinks not

Oh, and if you want to join in this Mojo, you can either watch Sesame Street or sing the Alphabet Song

Johnny's got a 25 game hit streak going into tonight as well. Almost half way to the record. I think if he makes it half way there should be a thread about it. Although 25 games is pretty good in its own right.

The beginning of a second half, a new season, a new leash on life. And to celebrate this beginning of this new season, I bring to you, an old favorite. As we all know, this debuted on July 24, 2004 from the brainwork of yours truly. It lingered around a bit throughout 2005, but then faded off into the wild blue yonder thanks to a bit of miscommunications and a near no-hitter under the helm of one ostrich-resembling rooter. So now...I come to bring that mojo back. So com'on everybody, I know you all know the words....so sing along with me...

What will Bronson Arroyo do?!

Johnny: So what will Bronson Arroyo do?
When he steps on that mound to play?
He'd make a game plan and he'd follow through
That's what Bronson Arroyo'll do

Tek: When Bronson Arroyo was in Pawtucket
Not yet reached to this fame
He recorded twenty seven consecutive outs
Which is a perfect game

Timlin: When Bronson Arroyo debuted that August day
Fighting those damn M's
He used his magical breaking ball
And got his first save at the Fens

All: So what will Bronson Arroyo do?
When he pitches today?
I'm sure he'll kick an ass or two
That's what Bronson Arroyo'll do!

Foulke: I want my knees to heal for me
They have stunted my pitching ability

Schilling: And I want to help this team
During this upcoming stretch run

Millar: For Boston, I'll be a great hitter too
Cause that's what Bronson Arroyo'll do

All: So what would Bronson Arroyo do?
He'd call all the team around
And tell us to unite for true
That's what Bronson Arroyo'll do?

*spoken part*

Arrojo: Hey did you call for me?
Cora: Who the f*ck are you?!
Arrojo: I'm Rolando Arrojo
Stern: Dude, we didn't call for Rolando F*cking Arrojo
Arrojo: Oh okay.....Byeeee (leaves)

*back to singing*

Mueller: When Bronson Arroyo pitched at the Fens
Whlie the season seemed to be the end
He ignited a big bench clearing brawl
Which saved this team again!

Bellhorn: When Bronson Arroyo pitched in Game 6
He got slapped by that bitch A-Rod

All: Cause Bronson Arroyo doesn't get respect from annnnyyyyybooodddyyyyy

All: So let's all get together
And unite to beat the MFY
And we'll save our whole season too
Cause that's what Bronson Arroyo'll do
And we'll save our whole season too
Cause that's what Bronson Arroyo'll doooooo

Cause that's what Bronson Arroyo'll do!

So....may the old favorite help lead us to a second half unlike any other full of twists turns and ultimately the Red Sox at the top. Why? Because, as the song says, that's what Bronson Arroyo would do!

For Piney...

Any word on what Schill was up to during the break? Did he get a chance to throw to V'tek at all? He's such a pro that it probably wouldn't make a difference, but curious.

Here's your Mojo baby!

We can kind of neutralize the middle of their lineup. Bardford for Sheff and A-Rod, Myers for Matsui and Giambi. I like that.

Based on Tek's abysmal numbers against Mussina, I'd prefer to see Belli in there, but whatever.

On to victory!

Adding to the 1 mojo with the strongest mojo of all ... the first post mojo !!!
Shut'em down B.A. , Lets begin the defense with a message.

Hahaha, nice outfield assist by Manny. The man is a comic genius.

Gamecast sez that Cano thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch a 2B.

Manny Ramirez-the 'anti-Dewy' where everyone *knows* Manny can't field, but forgets that Manny can *throw*-or maybe the ultimate Hustle?

Bronson dodges a few bullets there-Sheffroids walked, slappy singled him to 3rd. Fortunately for us, Matsui flied out. So let's get Saturn Nuts a lead, already

26

WWJDD now has a 26 game hit streak w/ a single
[edit]: sez it was to right.

1-0....love it....a little small ball from the sox

Life is good.

Egdah drops one in front of Posada. WWJDD on 3rd-one out, perfect time for a long one to the OF....

But hey, if Papi wants to dump a single to right, that's cool too.
Keep it up, all the way up...

Life is better now.

Beautiful, Trot, beautiful.

trot, you ol' quarteback!! sweet!!

Good job, Trot.

stottlemeyer should bring a bar of soap with him........

As in Home Run Trot
Cuatro to zilch for the Beantowners.
You're in good hands with Allstate-INSURANCE people

From which side of the plate is Varitek hitting?

Still only 1 out, and that was on the sac bunt... me likey!

Millar walked-that makes 3 given up by Moose so far. I'd say wayda work the pitch count, but methinks Moose may be gone *way* before that becomes a factor

Sox up 4-0 after 1 inning. Not a bad start.

MLB TV is acting funny. Only game it will let me watch is Tampa Bay-Toronto. Very annoying.

Someone kill that jackass of a fan. Trot might have had that. Damnit.

Now Bernie too. Crap. 4-2.

i thought red sox fans knew better.....give trot a chance to catch it.....

Seconded. It would've been in his glove otherwise.

Seconded. It would've been in his glove otherwise.

edit2 - Two Fenway Fly Homers for the Yanks. Ugh

Which direction is the wind blowing there? Out?

How long till we know all the information about that fan you think?

fixed.



just when you though the fans sitting in the fringe of play were smart enough to leave a lazy fly ball alone, they strike again....i can't understand the stupidity.

I can almost understand trying to grab the ball, it is instinct. But then to be all happy about taking the ball out of Trot's golve, calling people on his cell and laughing about it...how do these morons get the tickets??? A lot of true fans on this board could use them.

I think those fans along the right-field line are missing a chromosome. Do we need to start giving exams to any fan who wants to sit in the first row along the right field line?

If an outfielder is coming toward you, GET OUT OF THE FREAKIN' WAY!

Of course, they were all on their cellphones moments later. "Hey Ma - look at me! I was on the purdy televsion!!!"

That jackass needs a Code Red.

Someone please tell me that Trot might not have caught that...

oh man did you see the second base umpire? why would you assign the most unathletic umpire to second base?

Can we not give up any more leadoff baserunners?

Edit: There's the reason why.

So is this where Mussina settles down and Bronson falls apart? It's too early for this.

great two two strike hits, yankees with-in one.

I know all about pitchers' rhythm and all that but given the All Star break, why is our #5 starter starting out the most crucial series of our season to date?

see i think one gets a pass on a screaming liner coming at their face, then its instinct, and protection....a lazy fly right on the edge of play, you've got to know to stand back, especially if your left or right fielder is charging over to make a play.

This has got the feel of an 11-10 type of game....