Check out some photos from the Red Sox home opener here
“Goulet!!!!!!!”
First it was Wil Ferrell imitating Robert Goulet just prior to throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park, and now the Lawrence born crooner is actually here, ready to sing something. Oh yeah, the 1967 Red Sox are also ready to be honored.
The Goulet sighting was the second most surreal moment of the day. The first came when a Fenway worker in the elevator uttered the words, “It’s probably not good that I smoke more than I eat.” You think.
It’s cold. So that led me to find out just how a potential pinch-hitter like Eric Hinske gets ready on a day like this. His answer: Starting in the second inning he will ride the stationary bike for 10 minutes after ever inning, followed by some stretching. Then, in the fifth or sixth innings, he will start hitting off the tee.
David Ortiz just did his handshake ritual with Daisuke Matsuzaka during player introductions followed by a bow. Matsuzaka has gotten the biggest ovation during the introductions. Johnny Pesky was a close second.
As for news from Terry Francona:
- Mike Timlin is activated and Javier Lopez is sent down to Pawtucket.
- Lopez left a great impression, especially in his ability to throws strikes.
- Timlin figures to an 8th inning guy, although initially that may depend on situation.
- J.D. Durbin, who the Red Sox claimed off waivers, is “another arm in the organization who can add some depth.”
- Francona mentioned that when Jonathan Papelbon pitched Sunday night “the (catcher’s) mitt was loud.”
- He also mentioned if a single lefty needed to be retired, J.C. Romero would probably get the call, with Hideki Okajima serving as more of a multiple batter type of guy.
Harry Connick Jr. just sang “America the Beautiful”, and yes, we have a Goulet sighting. The Lawrence-born entertainer (did I say that already?) just sang “The Impossible Dream” as members from the ’67 strolled through the outfield. The group dressed in full uniform (except Carl Yastrzemski, who wore a uniform shirt, but khaki pants)eventually threw out the first pitches.
Connick Jr. and Goulet are in the interview room right now, but our trusty sports editor, Bill Burt, will have to get the true story regarding the men behind the men.
