Eagle-Tribune Blogs: Burt Talks Sports

Just some quick notes before first pitch …

I’m going to be doing a running blog with posts after each half inning in today’s game. Hopefully it provides some entertainment during commerical breaks.

Here are some of the highlights from the Red Sox pre-game notes, which reminds me that I should point out the fine work done by Boston’s media relations staff of John Blake, Pam Ganley, and Drew Merle throughout the craziest of spring trainings.

Royals with the best success against Red Sox starter Curt Schilling Emil Brown (4-10, HR), David DeJesus (3-7), Mark Sweeney (5-15). Mark Grudzielanek has the most at-bats vs. Schilling, going 12-65 (.185). The Red Sox who have handled Royals stater Gil Meche more effectively have been Coco Crisp (5-12), David Ortiz (6-15, 4 HRs), and Mike Lowell (3-9). Jason Varitek has had his troubles with Meche (1-8), as has Eric Hinske (2-19).

Schilling is 3-0 with a 2.94 ERA in his six previous Opening Day starts. His career numbers at Kaufmann Stadium aren’t stellar, compiling a 1-2 record and a 6.20 ERA in four appearances. He only gave up four earned runs in 21 innings this spring.

The Red Sox have seven returning starters in their Opening Day lineup after totaling just three returners from the end of the ‘05 season.

Terry Francona is 3-4 in Opening Day managerial stints, with Schilling notching all three of the wins.

Julio Lugo is the fifth different starter at shortstop in the past five years for the Red Sox. Even more amazing is that Dustin Pedroia will be the 13th different Opening Day second baseman for the Sox in the past 14 seasons.

Pedroia will be the first Red Sox rookie in the Opening Day lineup since Shea Hillenbrand in 2001. Before that the last has been Donnie Sadler in 1998.

It is the third time the Red Sox have opened their season against Kansas City, the last coming in a 5-3 Boston win in 1999. Boston has lost five of its last six openers.

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