Oh blessed, heavenly day.

With the dawning of a new day, today brings the return of the asskickingest man this side of the Mississippi.

All this losing only makes Josh Beckett madder... and that's not good for anyone who doesn't sport a "B" on their ballcap.

Back spasms and hip problems (yep, there were also hip problems) be damned, Beckett's back to claim his rightful spot as The Ace and pull the Sox out of their losing streak up north of the border. The boys from Atlanta (TBS) are comin' a callin' for the marquee matchup of Beckett versus Toronto's Roy Halladay. And you know I'll have a gameday open thread for you, of course.

I'm crossing fingers NESN forgets the time-delay button for Josh's postgame press conference, because we could all use a full dose of his f-bomb littered discussion of executing pitches. I would be equally happy with an on-camera shot of him destroying a water cooler in the dugout, just for old time's sake.

Beckett's triumphant return also means the demotion for one of the bullpen boys - and since the full slate of likely candidates (Bryan Corey, David Aardsma, Kyle Snyder, and Javier Lopez) are all out of options, the unlucky loser (Kyle Snyder) will hit the waiver wire. He won't be there alone for long, because when Timlin's back off the DL any day now, another member of the Black Pearl bullpen band will be joining him.

But for now, I'm just basking in the Beckett-glow. Oh, how I've missed it.

Red Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays 1:07 pm Rogers Centre - Toronto, Canada SP: Josh Beckett vs. Roy Halladay tv/radio: NESN - TBS - WRKO

Here's all you need to know about today's game: Josh Beckett. Josh Beckett. Josh Beckett. Roy Halladay. Josh Beckett.

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.

After yesterday's, ah, 'eventful' outing for a certain member of the Sox roster, I don't think anyone would be surprised to find that same certain E6-E6-E6 Sox player's mug featured as the centerpiece on Wanted posters around New England.

So let's instead focus on the fantastic pitching that was on display from the two leading men on the mound - Josh Beckett and Roy Halladay. Josh's pitches had gas right out of the gate, and until he reached the point of fatigue (right around the 80 pitch mark, that supposed benchmark of a pitch count that wasn't exactly followed), he seemed to have fine command on most of his pitches. Doc Halladay was dealing 'em up to the Sox in typical Doc fashion, largely limiting the damage to a few solo moonshots by Ellsbury, Varitek and Drew.

NESN, always brilliant with the montage, highlighted the dream pitching duel in pregame -- using (what else?) Bon Jovi. Oh yeah.

Tomorrow marks the return of the Red Sox to play in Boston for the first time since Game 2 of the World Series last October. In addition to the home opener, there will also be the triumphant pregame ring ceremony and traditional championship banner unfurling. Remember this?

One lucky Sox fan, d0wnbytheriver, was on-hand last week during the rehearsal and run through of the ring ceremonies at Fenway Park -- and she got a first-hand sneak peek at the fun that's going to take place tomorrow. The new Coke sign, the new right field bleachers, Fenway groundskeepers playing the part of players, and (of course) the banner. Lucky for the rest of us, she took photos of the whole kit and kaboodle.

All of d0wnbytheriver's awesome photos after the jump!

WARNING: If you do not want to be spoiled, don't look.

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vs. Detroit Tigers 1:07 pm Fenway Park - Home Opener SP: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Kenny Rogers tv/radio: NESN - MLB.TV - WRKO

HOME OPENER. RING CEREMONY. 'Nuff said.

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.

 

Bill "Between The Legs" Buckner made a (rightfully) triumphant return to the Fens yesterday to throw out the first pitch. This wasn't his first time back at Fenway since the horrific trainwreck of an error in 1986 (he played again for the Sox in 1987 and 1990) -- but it was really the first chance the Sox faithful had the opportunity to directly respond to him and to that incident in a post-championship world. And despite the fact that the PA announcer seemed terrified there would be boos (he introduced Buckner saying, "Won't you please welcome him back to Boston, and let him know he is welcome always?")... there was nothing but love for Billy Buck.

Buckner was even more nervous than the Fenway PA announcer about his return:

Buckner rejected the original offer to throw out the first pitch but was persuaded to change his mind by Sox executive Dick Bresciani.

"He told me he would think about it," Bresciani said. "But when I didn't hear from him for three or four days, I called him back and talked to him. He really didn't know what to expect from the media and other people, but I convinced him that Johnny Pesky has dealt with it for 60 years (Pesky was blamed for costing the Red Sox the 1946 Series) and even jokes about it himself."

I was doing an interview with Vin Scully on the field at Dodger Stadium in 2003. The Florida Marlins were taking batting practice. After the interview, Mike Lowell, the Marlins third baseman, asked me what I was holding. I said "remember when the ball went through Buckner's legs in the '86 Series -- this is the ball". Stunned, Lowell asked to hold it and called his teammates around him. This was the "big play" when they were young kids. It was fun to hear them talk about it.

Here's video of Buckner's introduction and first pitch - plus his appearance in the booth on NESN with Remy and Orsillo during the 6th inning. This video has the entire intro/first pitch plus the first few minutes of Buck in the booth - and the remaining part of his booth stint on-air is after the jump!

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We all knew this was inevitable. It had to happen sooner or later. It was only a matter of time, really. Neil "Sweet Caroline" Diamond is going to play a show at Fenway Park.

Neil showed up in a pretaped special surprise during the customary singing of "Sweet Caroline" during yesterday's home opener. He led a live rendition of the song, wearing what could only be described as a Big Papi-esque bedazzled Red Sox jacket (or a castoff from this lady or this lady).

Neil also announced he'd be making a stop on his tour to play a show at Fenway Park on August 23rd. Unfortunately, the Sox will be in Toronto - thus ensuring that the Fenway frat types will have to continue to wait to hear him sing "Sweet Caroline" in person during the 8th. I assume this is because he does not want to be forced to cover his lovely coiffed locks with a ballcap.

Here's video of Mr. Diamond and his dazzling jacket singing yesterday:

vs. Detroit Tigers 7:05 pm Fenway Park - Boston, MA SP: Jon Lester vs. Jeremy Bonderman tv/radio: NESN - MLB.TV - WRKO

Jon Lester will try to build on his previous work and bring the second consecutive win home today against Jeremy Bonderman and the Tigers. Expect less pomp, circumstance and sunshine compared to yesterday's game - and less Coco Crisp, since Jacoby Ellsbury gets the starting nod in center.

Mike Timlin is also making a rehab start tonight in Pawtucket - so another cut is around the corner.

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.

Jonathan Papelbon is plotting a slow and stealthy campaign to take over the world, I am fairly certain. First there was the jigging. And the cover of Sports Illustrated. And the numerous talk show appearances. And QVC. And the Closer of the Year award. And the ballroom dance extravaganza. And, of course, the contract squabbles.

Now he's taking over your local Dunkin Donuts.

His patented fist pump and holler will be popping up at Dunkin Donuts shops around New England as part of their latest "Red Sox Win, You Win" promotion.

Every time the Sox win a game from now through June 24, Dunkin Donuts patrons will receive a free 16-ounce iced coffee or iced tea with any oven-toasted flatbread sandwich or personal pizza purchased after 11 a.m. The promotion is available at participating Dunkin Donuts shops throughout Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire.

 

Of course the best part is that he's also popping up in an accompanying Dunkin Donuts ad on television, too... as well as another commercial for Modell's. We may fast be approaching the point of media saturation, but as long as he's bringing free coffee with him, I don't care. I also don't care that they used a butt double for him (no, they really did).

Video of Papelbon's Dunkin Donuts commercial:

For video of Papelbon's commercial for Modell's, follow after the jump.

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His teammates love him. The fans love him. The baseball writers love him. The other ballplayers love him. His hometown loves. These days, just about the only people who don't love Dustin Pedroia are fans of the opposing teams.

Yesterday, Dustin received the 2007 Players' Choice Rookie of the Year Award before the game, building on his ROTY streak -- this time, though, chosen by his fellow ballplayers.

Part of the perks of winning the Players' Choice Award is a $20,000 grant from the MLB Players Trust, to be given to the charity of Dustin's choice. His selection? His hometown Little League program back in Woodland, California. And the good people of Woodland couldn't let that kindness go unrecognized... they're renaming one of the little league fields in his honor. That's right: the lucky children of Woodland will play baseball on Dustin Pedroia Field. No word on whether the kids will also be given a complementary jar of Dustin Pedroia salsa.

Not everyone has a handle on Pedroia's personality, though - as the reporter writing this article has apparently never seen a Pedroia expletive-littered and brimstone-filled press conference, or read a Pedroia attitude and bluster laden interview. An excerpt:

In a Red Sox clubhouse known for its unique and mostly overpowering personalities, Pedroia's understated presence also provides a welcome balance. Ebullient (and brilliant) closer Jonathan Papelbon, for instance, has been known to line-dance after victories. David Ortiz dominates with his booming laughter. Curt Schilling is a weekly serial drama, some of his episodes as moving as a bloody sock, some of them really, truly, epic postseason tales. Then there are occasions like Tuesday night when Manny Ramirez sits alone and watches the Tennessee-Texas A&M NCAA women's game, while his teammates monitor the Yankees-Blue Jays game on the other two televisions.

vs. Detroit Tigers 7:05 pm Fenway Park - Boston, MA SP: Tim Wakefield vs. Nate Robertson tv/radio: NESN-Plus - MLB.TV - WRKO

If you can tear yourself away from Bruins playoff action, the Masters coverage or the Frozen Four (BC! Notre Dame!) tonight, there should be a heckuva showdown to determine who will take home the series victory between the Sox and the Tigers. Or, better yet, do like I'm going to do and go to a sports bar so you can watch all of that at the same time.

Don't forget: the game's on NESN-Plus tonight- go here to see where to find it.

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.

Oh Captain, My Captain turns 36 years old today.

He doesn't look a day over 35.

In my ongoing quest to try and bring more people into the fold of college baseball (and, more specifically, Texas Longhorn baseball), I was tickled to find out that Bill Buckner's only son, Bobby Buckner, plays baseball at the University of Texas- my alma mater.

Bobby followed his father's lead to the infield -- but he's a middle utility infielder instead, and plays second and/or shortstop for the Horns. Bobby's bio makes mention of his Boston birth and his dad's major league background, but remains silent on The 1986 Incident. From an article about Bobby signing his letter of intent to play at UT:

"Obviously, Bobby comes from a baseball family," associate head coach and recruiting coordinator Tommy Harmon said. "His dad, Bill Buckner, was a long-time major leaguer. His uncle played, also. He's somewhat of a baseball field rat. He wants to be at the ballpark all of the time. He can play either second or short and he's a switch-hitter."

Continuing on the "former Sox players" news trail, Wade Boggs is taking time out from drinking Miller Lites, shilling for hair transplant companies, and dealing with his sex addiction to appear as a guest analyst on Baseball Tonight this Sunday.

From Awful Announcing:

ESPN's Baseball Tonight - the only nightly national studio show devoted solely to MLB highlights, news and information - will feature Hall of Famers as guest analysts on select Sundays throughout the 2008 season beginning with 18-year MLB veteran Wade Boggs on Sunday, April 13. Boggs will appear on the 12:30 and 7 p.m. ET shows, leading into the Sunday Night Baseball Presented by Taco Bell telecast featuring two of his former teams - the New York Yankees (1993-97) at Boston Red Sox (1982-1992) - at 8 p.m.

Additional Hall of Fame players to appear on Baseball Tonight will include Juan Marichal (May 11), Phil Niekro (May 25) and Rod Carew (July 13).

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If it wasn't for Center Field reader Kim, I'd never have cottoned on to this hidden gem from the Sox-Tigers game on Wednesday:

Ostensibly it's a clip focusing on Daisuke Matsuzaka in the dugout as the NESN team discusses his outing from the previous game. But look a little closer at what's going on in the background... at the creative use of (and juvenile hilarity from) a hot water bottle.

Josh Beckett is really just a 10 year-old boy, isn't he?

Thanks to Kim for the tip! If you ever see fun or funny tidbits like this during a Sox broadcast, send me an email, and I'll try and get video up.

You know it's time for the Sox-Yanks rivalry to ramp up when random (and hilarious) stories start popping up. Via the always reliable New York Post (cough, cough) - but too funny not to post:

The new Yankee Stadium may be cursed!

A devilish Boston fan working on a concrete crew at the $1.3 billion stadium covertly buried a Red Sox T-shirt under what will become the visiting team's locker room to jinx the Yanks, two construction workers told The Post yesterday.

"In August, a Red Sox T-shirt was poured in a slab in the visitor's clubhouse. It's the curse of the Yankees," one worker said. "Nobody knows about it. It's in the floors, it's buried."

The workers say they now fear that they unwittingly helped hex their beloved Bronx Bombers.

"I don't want to be responsible for sinking the franchise," said a second worker, who witnessed the sabotage. "I respect the stadium."

The Post has withheld their identities because they are not authorized to speak to media.

hat tip to snbgizmo for the article

vs. New York Yankees 7:05 pm Fenway Park - Boston, MA SP: Clay Buchholz vs. Chien-Ming Wang tv/radio: NESN - MLB.TV - WRKO

This is your only chance to watch the Sox take on the Yanks this weekend without having to endure Tim McCarver or Joe Morgan. Enjoy it while it lasts. Anyone else hoping for a repeat appearance from the hawk?

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.

The reviews are in... and they're not good.

Playing Siskel & Ebert for the day, Terry Francona and Dustin Pedroia gave an emphatic two thumbs down to Jonathan Papelbon's acting performance in the new Dunkin Donuts commercial.

Terry Francona:

I think he stinks as an actor. The good news is: he's a really good pitcher... so we're OK there.

I'm just glad he didn't speak in the whole commercial.

Watch Tito and Dustin rake Papelbon's acting skills over the coals:

I'm fairly certain that Mike Timlin didn't want to make his re-entrance from the DL and leave this kind of stat line in his wake:

That is not a misprint: he has a 54.00 ERA. Which currently ties him with Lenny DiNardo for the second-worst ERA in all of major league baseball. (Who has the worst ERA? This guy - who I've honestly never even heard of. Wonder why that is?)

The good news is, Clay Buchholz more than held his own for six innings, Hideki Okajima was rock solid, and David Aardsma worked out of the Javier Lopez-created jam and proved why he was the one who didn't get DFA'ed today. (bye-bye Colgate!) The bad news is... Wang totally owned each and every member of the lineup whose name isn't "J.D. Drew" or "Dustin Pedroia" (because I don't give a crap what the official scorer says, THAT WAS A HIT).

But my Baseball Boyfriend of the Day honors are going to be a split award between J.D. "Hitting Wang Hard" Drew, for his moon shot that scored the Sox' only run today, and Sean "I Don't Always Make Errors" Casey, for his unassisted double play and general fielding excellence today. Honorable mention to Dustin Pedroia for getting a hit getting A-Rod to E-5.

vs. New York Yankees 3:55 pm Fenway Park - Boston, MA SP: Josh Beckett vs. Mike Mussina tv/radio: FOX - MLB.TV - WRKO

Josh vs. Moose. I know Papelbon's the one who hunts moose, but I think Josh will be just as happy to see this particular Moose go down in defeat today.

Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. These open threads have been fun so far - so I'll keep 'em up as long as y'all are interested in having them.