Final Score
Mariners 6
Red Sox 7
Making his Mark: The Fenway faithful got their first taste of what Mark Loretta can do Monday. The 2nd baseman came to town with a reputation as a productive and pesky hitter who would score a ton of runs from the top of this batting order, but has struggled to get on base thus far.
He only got one hit yesterday, but boy did he make it count. Loretta’s first home run of the year was the game-winner in a come-from behind 7-6 victory over Seattle. He also helped out with the glove, making a diving play in the top of the 9th that helped hold the Mariners to just one run in the inning. Let’s hope this is the start of a nice little run for the newcomer.
Nixon for President: I’ve never been a huge Trot Nixon backer, but after his latest absence I might just become President of his fan club. He never became the superstar Lou Gorman led us to believe he’d be, but he’s an above average bat and glove and better than any alternatives the Sox have right now.
The batting order just looks a lot more potent with him in the 5-hole and the outfield is much more secure with him roaming right field instead of Wily Mo Pena. I know Pena is young and can hammer left-handed pitching, but he is such a liability defensively, Terry Francona might be better off letting Trot face southpaws at home and saving Wily Mo for less treacherous ballparks than Fenway.
Overall, 9-4 is a great start considering the Crisp and Nixon injuries. Can the Sox keep up this pace? Or will their weaknesses be exposed once they get into the iron of their schedule?
Ted, I have been wondering something about Wily Mo Pena...why is he in the "Big Leagues" and not playing "AA" or "AAA" ball?
Admittedly, I pay very little attention to Major League Baseball, but one thing I keep hearing is that Wily Mo needs to improve. To improve, he needs more playing time. But when he plays with the Red Sox he seems more
a liability than and asset. Isn't the best place to improve the Minor League? If this true, why is he playing for the Red Sox and not the Sea Dogs or the Pawtucket Sox? Would all involved (Sox and Pena) be better served if he were in the Minor League?