Results tagged ‘ Red Sox ’
Q and A With Anthony Ranaudo
Anthony Ranaudo was drafted in the first round (39th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in the 2010 draft. Ranaudo would of undoubtedly been picked sooner, 
had it not been for the elbow issues he had his Junior year at LSU. Ranaudo picked things up this past season though, going 9-6, with a 3.97 ERA. If he can stay healthy you’re liable to see Ranaudo on the mound in Boston in the near future. Anthony Ranaudo–the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization–took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Did you always want to be a pitcher?
I was interested in baseball as soon as I started playing tee ball at age 4. I knew I wanted to play it my whole life. I didn’t always want to be a pitcher. As a kid I grew up watching the Yankees and following Derek Jeter, so I wanted to take his place at SS for the Yankees, haha.
2.) Coming out of high school you were drafted by the Texas Rangers. What made you decide to go to college instead of going pro? Why LSU?
I knew I wanted to go to college for a while, especially at LSU. Even though I wanted to start my pro career as soon as possible, I wanted to get a jump start on my education, play at one of the best college programs in the nation, and compete for a national championship. I decided to go to school there because of the fans and tradition. The great things I heard about those thing combined with the reputation of the LSU coaching staff sold me.
3.) What’s the most memorable moment of your College baseball career?
Easily the most memorable moment was winning the national championship and starting the final game of the World Series.
4.) What was draft night like? Where were you when you found out? Initial thoughts?
Funny story. We actually ended our season the night before and were traveling all day from California to Louisiana. So I actually found out on the plane when we landed. Even though I had a pretty good idea that it was going to happen somewhat like it did.
5.) This past year was your first season of pro ball. What do you think went well, and what do you feel you need to work on for 2012?
2011 was a bit of roller coaster for me in my results, but I think I did a great job of getting into routines and staying healthy the whole year. That was my biggest goal, to stay healthy and make all my starts, and I did that. I need to work on more stamina and consistency this year so I can have a better outing more often instead of going back and forth between bad starts and really good ones.
6.) Favorite sport(s) besides baseball?
Basketball actually is my first love. I grew up playing it my whole life and played through high school and almost played in college. I decided to go to a big school for baseball rather than a smaller one to play both. I decided to focus all my energy and attention on baseball hoping to make a professional career out of it.
7.) Favorite food?
Favorite food has to be my mom’s home made pasta dishes. Coming from an Italian family I love Italian food and the combination of homemade food and Italian makes me crazy for it.
8.) Favorite TV show?
Pro baseball has actually gotten me into a lot of TV shows. Loved watching Dexter, Lost, Nip/Tuck, East Bound and Down, and Californication. If you put any of them on TV I will probably pick them over almost anything.
9.) What advice would you give to kids, that are just starting out, who dream of becoming a pro ballplayer one day?
Advice for kids growing up playing ball and dream of it being their future? Have fun while you’re a kid and enjoy playing. Play other sports to keep busy and athletic, and when it comes to elementary school and high school, work as hard as you can so you can play the game you love for the rest of your life.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Big thanks to Anthony Ranaudo for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on twitter: @anthony_ranaudo
Fried Chicken Anyone?!?
I normally try to stick to writing no more than a single blog entry a day, but I just had to get my thoughts out about this. I’m guessing that you’ve already heard about what was occuring in the clubhouse of the Red Sox during some of last months games. If you haven’t heard, you’re in for a shock. Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and
John Lackey spent the games that they weren’t pitching in, in the clubhouse chowing down on biscuits and fried chicken, drinking beer, and playing video games. (I at least hope it was MLB 11: The Show.)
Could all of that food and games have caused the Red Sox September demise? Well, maybe. But the behind the scenes eating and drinking, in the clubhouse, more than likely only partially caused the Red Sox playoffs chances to slowly vanish before their eyes. Terry Francona may have not of been fully focused on the prize, due to marital problems he had been having with his wife, Jacque. These marital problems, which ultimately caused Francona to move out and live in a hotel for most of the 2011 season, along with the pain medication he was taking, may have been enough to distract him for much of the season. When confronted about this by the Boston Gobe, Francona strongly denied the statements, saying:
It makes me angry that people say these things because I’ve busted my [butt] to be the best manager I can be. I wasn’t terribly successful this year, but I worked harder and spent more time at the ballpark this year than I ever did.
I kind of agree with Francona. I believe that he’s just as much of a professional as any manager in the game. I have a hard time believing that he would allow his personal problems to interfere greatly with his job as the Red Sox manager. No matter the case, Francona was fired as the manager of the Red Sox, on September 30th. Which leaves the question of: What’s next for the Red Sox?
With their star pitchers chowing down on junk food, and a manager position to fill what will happen to the Red Sox in the 2012 season? To make matters worse, their GM, Theo Epstein, is reportedly leaving the Sox for the Cubs. (20 million/5 years.) With no general manager, no manager, and star players acting like this is high school ball, do the Red Sox have any shot at success in the 2012 season?
MLB’s Most Likeable Players-Fans Point of View
Question: What do Curtis Granderson, Ichiro Suzuki, Heath Bell, Brandon Phillips, David Ortiz, and Johnny Damon, all have in common?
Answer: They are all great guys who enjoy interacting with their fans, and giving back.
So, in honor of their general awesomeness, I decided to ask six fans (one for each player) the same three questions, to see their opinions on the coolest guys in baseball. Here’s what they had to say:
CURTIS GRANDERSON
Big thanks to Curtis Granderson fan Alexandra, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about Curtis that makes him such a likeable guy?
His personality and the way he plays the game. He plays with his heart and has fun with it. He’s a great guy on and off the field.
2. Since becoming a fan is there anything that Curtis has
done on, or off, the field, that has stood out to you?
His Grand Kids Foundation and how he donates thousands of dollars worth of baseball gear to schools around New York every year.
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank Curtis in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being highest.)
Definitely a 10. He’s a very humble guy. Every one likes him even more after meeting him. He loves his fans.
ICHIRO SUZUKI
Big thanks to Ichiro Suzuki fan Luke, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about Ichiro that makes him such a likeable guy?
I think many people like him because he is a good guy who is always smiling. He also has a lot of talent, plays hard and plays the right way.
2. Since becoming a fan is there anything that Ichiro has done on, or off, the field, that has stood out to you?
I believe he helped get donation stuff going when the Earthquake tore apart Japan. I believe he’s just a really good guy.
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank Ichiro in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being the highest.)
I would say he is about an 8. Really friendly guy.
HEATH BELL
Big thanks to Heath Bell fan Zack, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about Heath that makes him such a likeable guy?
He’s basically a four-year-old in a grown man’s body. He’s happy and friendly, and he doesn’t behave like everyone seems to think that a professional athlete should.
2. Since becoming a fan, is there anything that Heath has 
done on, or off, the field, that has stood out to you?
He donated more than $200 to my charity fundraiser two years ago for Pitch In For Baseball. That was way above and beyond anything I ever expected from him.
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank Heath in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being the highest.)
I’d say somewhere around 14.
BRANDON PHILLIPS
Big thanks to Brandon Phillips fan Neiko, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about Brandon that makes him such a likeable guy?
Brandon is a very caring and supportive person. He shows he cares about his family, friends, and fans, which makes him likeable.
2. Since becoming a fan is there anything that Brandon has done on, or off, the field, that has stood out to you?
The fact that Brandon has become a worldwide known baseball player, and has interacted more with his fans. That shows the person he is.
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank Brandon in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being highest.)
I would say 10 because once you really get to know him he’s the most fan friendly and likable player in the MLB.
DAVID ORTIZ
Big thanks to David Ortiz fan Jordan, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about David that makes him such a likeable guy?
He’s shown to be a generally nice guy from what I’ve seen from games. A gentle giant of sorts. Reference being an MLB fancave video where he is wearing his jersey walking around New York, looking for hugs.
2. Since becoming a fan is there anything that David has done on, or off, the field that has stood out to you?
I was watching a Sox v. Yanks game on ESPN back in May. Next to the dugout was a father wearing a yanks hat, and a son wearing a sox hat. He put his bat up, noticed the boy wearing a sox hat in yankee stadium, and pulled his bat back out and handed it to the kid. Awesome in my book.
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank David in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being the highest.)
Giving that kid his bat gives him a 10 in my book.
JOHNNY DAMON
Big thanks to Johnny Damon fan Teresa, for answering my questions.
1. What is it about Johnny that makes him such a likeable guy?
J D loves baseball. Would have stayed in Boston for less $$ but was forced to the Yanks. Success did not change him. He’s remained someone his mom could be proud of. Never whined, when not given the media attention he deserved. Just played ball.
2. Since becoming a fan is there anything that Johnny has done on, or off, the field, that has stood out to you?
I became a J D fan when he donated his hair to Locks of Love to help a child (while in Boston).
3. On a scale of 1-10, rank Johnny in terms of fan friendliness/likeability. (With 10 being highest.)
While in Boston a 10. Yanks a 5. Back up to an 8 these days.
So there you have it. Six different opinions, on six different players. I hope this entry has helped to turn you into a fan of all six players. When it comes down to it, they’re all GREAT guys.
Please leave a comment, and rate this entry………
——————————————————————————————————————-
Big thanks to ALL who helped me out in answering my questions. I appreciate it. So, to thank you, I’ll give you shout outs to your twitter accounts:
Alexandra– Twitter….. @TeamGrandy14
Luke– Twitter….. @LGNation34
Zack– Twitter….. @zack_hample
Neiko– Twitter….. @ThisIsNJJ
Jordan– Twitter….. @RoundDozerMan
Teresa– Twitter….. @golfergirl88
Top 5 Favorite Players-2011 Update # 2
Now that we are over two weeks into the 2011 baseball season, we are getting a better idea of how well our favorite players are performing. Here is update number 2 for my five favorite players:
HEATH BELL
Since my last update Heath has earned another save making his career total 93 saves. In the two innings he has pitched in this season, he has only allowed one hit. That is extremely good pitching folks. (The Padres are currently 3-2.)
DEREK JETER
Derek Jeter has gotten 4 more hits since my last update. This puts him at 6 hits on the year, and 2,932 for his career. This puts him ever so slightly closer to the 3,000 hit mark, with only 68 needed to do so. Although Jeter seems to be getting at least one hit a game recently, his average is still just .231. However I believe Jeter is going to lock in soon. (The Yankees are currently 4-3. Not including the outcome of today’s, currenly in progress, game against the Redsox.)
TIM LINCECUM
Tim has now allowed 1 earned run in his two starts, putting his ERA at .64. In his second game pitched he allowed just one run on a home run. But only one run allowed isn’t the main story. He struck out 13 Padres batters. That’s not a typo….THIRTEEN. Although he gave up the home run he still got the win. Tim’s record is now 1-1. (The Giants are currently 3-4.)
ALBERT PUJOLS
Albert still hasn’t locked in during his at bats. He is still having trouble getting hits, with his hits to at bats ratio being 5-28; or a .179 batting average, for those of you who don’t excell in math. Pujols has only hit one home run this year, putting his total still at 409 for his career. He better start improving soon, or the Cardinals may be in trouble this season without their best slugger doing just that…slugging. (The Cardinals are currently 2-5.)
MARIANO RIVERA
Mariano Rivera is currently the most dominant closer in baseball. He’s gotten four saves in four attempts. This puts his career saves total at 563 saves. Only 39 saves away from the all time saves record. Rivera looks so great right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the save in every opportunity this season.
OTHER GENERAL BASEBALL NEWS
-
Manny Ramirez has decided to retire from baseball.
-
The Rays and the Red Sox finally got their first wins.
-
The Rangers continue their winning streak and are currently 6-0.
I’m still planning on doing one of these update entries EVERY Saturday of the season. So be sure to check back at LEAST every Saturday………
Top 5 Favorite Players-2011 Update # 1
I realize that only a few games have been played of this 2011 baseball season. But the games that have been played have been exciting. Every few games, I’m going to take a look at the stats of my top 5 favorite players(see the list to the right side). This is progress update number one.
HEATH BELL
He has only pitched in one game, but that one game pitched led him to his first save of the season. This leaves him 8 saves away from 100 lifetime saves. He’s someone to keep an eye on. (The Padres are currently 2-1.)
DEREK JETER
Having only achieved 2 hits in the 3 game series versus the Tigers, his current batting average in .200. But I have confidence that Jeter will turn this slow start around. The two hits he achieved(both being singles) puts his official hit count up to 2,928. Only 72 away from 3,000. A milestone that is well within reach for this season. (The Yankees are currently 2-1.)
TIM LINCECUM
Having also just pitched one game, versus the Dodgers. Tim looks to be off to a strong start. He lasted 7 innings with no ERA. (1 unearned run.) He did however get the loss. With the Giants winning the World Series last season, and with two Cy Young awards under his belt. I expect Lincecum to continue the elite pitching. (The Giants are currently 1-3.)
ALBERT PUJOLS
I don’t think anyone saw Pujols going 2 for 13, to start off the season. Although one of those two hits was a homerun,(putting him at 409 for his career). Pujols is not connecting with the ball all that well. I still believe that Pujols will quickly improve his game. Anything above the .154 average that he currently holds, is an improvement. (The Cardinals are currently 1-2.)
MARIANO RIVERA
Although he is considered to be ancient, in baseball years, at age 41. Rivera is showing no signs of losing his killer cutter, and thus pitching ability. Rivera is 2 for 2, in save opportunities and saves achieved. This leaves him 41 saves away from passing Trevor Hoffman, on the all time saves list. Rivera’s current number of 561, is an amazing accomplishment, that not many closer achieve.
OTHER GENERAL BASBALL NEWS
-
Boston goes 0-3 against the Rangers.
-
Mark Teixeira hits a home run in his first three games.
-
White Sox ground into triple play for first time since 1978.
-
Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz become first teamates ever to hit a home run in each of the first three games.
From now until the occuring date, I will have a tab to the right side with an updated road to milestones. (Derek Jeter’s 3,000 hit, and Mariano Rivera’s 602 save.)
Matt Huddleston
