Former Lowell Spinners outfielder and erstwhile No. 1 Red Sox draft pick David Murphy (2003), now playing regularly for the Texas Rangers, received his 2007 World Series Championship ring from the Red Sox before tonight’s game. Murphy played only two games for the Red Sox last year, going 1-for-2 with a triple, before being dealt to the Rangers at the trading deadline for reliever Eric Gagne. Murphy went into tonight’s game hitting .304 with 7 doubles, which ties him for second in the league. Murphy, who is still a rookie, leads all American League rookies with 18 hits, 28 total bases, and his 7 doubles.
After 17 games a year ago, Manny Ramirez was hitting only .226 with 2 homers and 9 RBI. He went on to have his least productive season in a Red Sox uniform, finishing at .296-20-88. Going into tonight’ game, Ramirez was hitting .343 with 5 homers and 18 RBI through 17 games. He was tied for the AL lead in RBI and also leads the league in extra-base hits (13), total bases (47), and slugging percentage (.701).
Former Spinner Jed Lowrie (2005), who celebrated his 24th birthday yesterday, started at shortstop last night in place of Julio Lugo, who was rested.
Former Spinners Player of the Year Kevin Youkilis (2001), who has played a major-league-record 199 consecutive regular-season games at first base without an error, has been flawless at third base since moving there after Mike Lowell went on the disabled list. Going into tonight’s game, Youkilis has handled 30 chances (including a couple of highlight-reel plays) without an error in seven games at third.