RSS
WEEI >> This Just In >> Francona pregame notes: Bay having a "tough time"
Fri, 07/03/2009 - 3:37pm

Francona pregame notes: Bay having a "tough time"

By: DJ Bean

Print

Speaking before tonight's hopeful game between the Red Sox and Mariners, Terry Francona touched on a variety of topics, including his decision to flip-flop David Ortiz and Jason Bay in the batting order.
 
"Jason's had a tough time lately," said Francona. Bay has just one hit in his last five games and has struck out 11 times during the span. The Sox skipper noted that that Bay has been behind fastballs and ahead of breaking balls. He did not say whether he would be back in the cleanup spot tomorrow.
 
Francona also attributed the move to adjusting to Mariners starter Felix Hernandez. Francona noted that Hernandez is "that good" and that it was a good idea to spread out the right-handed hitters. Hernandez, who is third in the AL with a 2.54 ERA, has held righties to a .219 average on the season.
 
-Francona said he met with Daisuke Matsuzaka yesterday and that he began playing catch from 60 feet today. Matsuzaka will head to Fort Myers on Monday, where minor league pitching coordinator Goose Gregson will monitor his progress. Francona said that there is no timetable set for Matsuzaka's return, saying the Sox are "going to make sure he's ready to pitch.
 
"I think he needed a little bit of a break mentally, too," added Francona.
 
-Jed Lowrie will DH for Triple-A Pawtucket tonight. The Sox hope he can play shortstop this weekend.
 
-On Tim Wakefield, who is going for a league-leading eleventh win tonight, Francona said, "he's been a really consistent pitcher with an inconsistent pitch."
 
 




Audio & Video on Demand

  • +Red Sox
    -

    Peter Gammons

    Peter Gammons joins The Big Show to discuss the Yankees 27th world championship and the offseason moves for the Red Sox.

    Buster Olney, ESPN

    Buster talked about the payrolls in MLB, the money issue becoming a major issue in the game, if Mark Teixeira would have given the Sox the edge over the Yankees if they had signed him this past offseason, what the Yankees will do with Matsui and Damon, and what he would do if he was the GM of the Boston Red Sox

    Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports/MLB Network

    Ken broke down what he saw in the confrontation between Cole Hamels and Brett Myers, Pedro Martinez starting Game 6 in the Bronx, who he thinks will win the World Series and MVP, why Ryan Howard has been such a mess against New York, and Mark McGwire's return to baseball

  • +Patriots
    -

    Junior Seau, Patriots LB

    Junior joins the Big Show on Patriots Friday to preview the Dolphins match-up coming up this Sunday.

    Dan Koppen and Logan Mankins, Patriots OLs

    Dan and Logan discussed Joey Porter's comments about the Patriots but that they are more concerned about what happens on the field, what is the strength of the Dolphins defense, and what they did with their bye week and if it is tough coming back after a week off

    Peter King, SI/NBC Sports

    Peter talked about the mess that both the Cleveland and Oakland franchises are in, the Patriots and Dolphins matching up on Sunday in Foxboro, Joey Porter's comments about Tom Brady and the Pats, and that Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden will coach next year if anyone offers them a head coaching position

  • +Bruins
    -

    Mike Milbury, NHL TV Analyst

    Mike joins the guys to talk about the Bruins' rough start to the season, the injuries to Lucic and Savard, and who deserves more blame: the coaches or players

    Milan Lucic, Bruins Forward

    Milan discussed his new three-year contract extension with the Bruins, how the deal actually came about, his love for playing in Boston, the expectations for him and his team this season, and of course how his fantasy football team, the 5 Minute Majors, are doing in the Davio's Football League

    Claude Julien, Bruins Head Coach

    Claude talked about last year ending on a disappointing note but looked ahead to this year and discussed the new players adjusting to the Bruins system, players returning from injuries, and helped preview the 2009-10 Bruins team

  • +Celtics
    -

    Paul Pierce, Celtics Forward

    The captain of the Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, discussed the team gelling together so quickly, how Rajon Rondo is one of the best point guards in the game, Rasheed Wallace fitting in great with the Celtics, Antoine Walker's financial woes and managing his own money, his upcoming charity bowling event, "The Truth Strikes Again", and his friendship with President Bill Clinton

    Doc Rivers, Celtics Head Coach

    Doc joins John and Gerry to recap the C's 6-0 start. Doc also talks about his teams "Sleep Doctor" and his new favorite TV show

    Danny Ainge

    Danny joins the Big Show for his weekly segment and breaks down the Celtics hot start and the new contract for Rajon Rondo.

Weei Writers