Hot Stove

The Cincinnati Reds have re-signed RHRP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21,000,000 contract. He was 4/6 in save chances for the Reds with a 2.82 ERA.

The Royals traded RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers Luis Santos and Luis Rico. Mazzaro was 4-3 with a 5.73 ERA and Robinson was 0-4 with 2 Ks in his batting debut.

The Boston Red Sox have hired Greg Colbrunn their new hitting coach. This rounds out their 2013 staff:

Manager: John Farrell
Pitching Coach: Juan Nieves
Hitting Coach: Greg Colbrunn
First Base Coach: Arnie Beyeler
Third Base Coach: Brian Butterfield
Bench Coach: Terry Lovullo
Bullpen Coach: Gary Tuck (lone holdover from Valentine/Francona days).

The End of An Era

I sadly report to you today the news that Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky died today at the age of 92.


Pesky hit .307 in his career and after playing became a manager, coach, and then executive for the Sox, totaling 61 years for the team and 73 years in baseball overall.

Johnny Pesky appeared at the Fenway Park centennial ceremonies on April 20, 2012 and appeared to be in great health for his age. He was a goodwill ambassador to the game and one of the greatest Red Sox players that ever lived. He will be sorely missed.

Rest in Peace, Johnny Pesky (1919-2012).

Pesky (left) and Bobby Doerr at the Fenway Park Centennial Ceremony on April 20, 2012.

Fantastic At Fenway

I have been meaning to write this for a LONG time... In April of 2012 the Boston Red Sox celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park, whose first game hosted was a loss on April 20, 1912 to the New York Highlanders. Now, 100 years later, "America's Most Beloved Ballpark" is one of the greatest landmarks still around and one of two classic ballparks still in use (the other being Wrigley Field). Introduced by the late Carl Beane, former Red Sox greats flooded "America's Most Beloved Ballpark" to celebrate it's cennential, and took their places at their respective positions. Hall of Famer Jim Rice Bill Buckner Frank Malzone Jeremy Remy (now a broadcaster) Rico Petrocelli Reggie Smith Jim Lonborg Luis Tiant Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd Bruce Hurst Billy Rohr Joe Santiago Billy Coniglario Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk Future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez Nomar Garciaparra Kevin Millar Terry "Tito" Francona (who received the loudest ovation), as opposed to Bobby Valentine, who went to make a pitching change in the game and was soundly booed. Hall of Famer Carl "Yaz" Yaztremski The former players mingled with current ones as they took their places to John Williams' Fanfare At Fenway. But the highlight of the night had to be recently retired Jason Varitek and boarderline Hall of Famer Tim Wakefield wheeling out the living legends Johnny Pesky, 92, (namesake of the foul pole in right field), and Bobby Doerr, 94 onto the field as they received emotional cheers from the fans. The Yankees and current Red Sox respectfully cheered and looked on as Keith Lockhart led The Star Spangled Banner and planes flew overhead. A large American flag was draped over the Green Monster. Then, the designated toastmasters, 2004 World Series Champions Kevin Millar and Pedro Martinez stood atop the duggout and helped to distribute wine and other beverages to lucky fans as the Sox attempted to break the record for the largest toast in history. Even though the attempt failed, fans gladly welcomed back two of the most beloved players in the franchise's history. "Fenway Park, we want to thank you for the last hundred years" Millar shouted. "And the next hundred years!", Pedro Martinez continued, to a loud ovation.

Leading the toast!