Kason Gabbard throws a complete game and might be the new No. 5 starter.
Dustin Pedroia looks like an All-Star.
David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez look like the old David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
So what’s to complain about?
Other than Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew doing nothing, again, not much. Drew was hitless and Lugo should have been except for a wrong safe call at first. Justice prevailed, though, as he was picked off.
If not for umpire Greg Gibson missing the call at first on Lugo’s grounder to Tony Pena, who made a great play going across his body (see: Nomar Garciaparra five years ago), both pitchers would have had perfect games through three innings.
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Fenway Park was electric for a game against a glorified AAAA team, which means one step ahead of Triple-A. It really felt like a big game, which it seems every game is after a loss.
It started off on the right foot when Curt Schilling looked good during his 31-pitch simulated game about three hours before game time. And then Ortiz and Manny did what they do best … and that’s carry this team.
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When they hit, especially for power, the Red Sox jump on their backs. While Gabbard and Pedroia (2 hits — including a HR – and two great plays at second base) were the key performers, the run producers are the key players here.
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As for other observations and notes from Monday night’s, 4-0 win:
Terry Francona said he felt the day off for Pedroia on Sunday may have helped ensure Monday night’s performance: “I that that (day off) was really good for him. I think that’s why we do it. We talked about him being sick over the All-Star break (with a stomach flu) … you hope guys come back after the break, they feel rejuvenated.”
Pedroia agreed: “I was rejuvenated. I was looking forward to getting back into the lineup and contributing.”
Francona on Gabbard’s shy persona: “When he retires, I don’t think he’s going to start doing the Johnny Carson Show.”
The Johnny Carson Show? Francona has to start watching a little more TV. Do you think he knows who Jimmy Kimmel is? I say, no chance.
Royals manager Buddy Bell liked Gabbard, but isn’t ready for the Cooperstown induction ceremony, apparently: “Pretty good and we’ve never seen him before, obviously. He looked like he threw a lot of pitches over the plate and a lot of off-speed on purpose. I thought he was pretty good.”
Gabbard credited Jason Varitek with preparation for the Royals hitters: “We went over the hitters before the game like we always do. He’s so good at that and as a pitcher I think it makes it a lot easier to pitch.”
Royals pitcher Brian Bannister is a pitcher to watch. He was 5-5 entering last night’s game with a 3.71 ERA. Impressive for a Royals pitcher.
Before the game, Royals reliever Octavio Dotel had a major hug session with second group of batting practice hitters, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Julio Lugo, all of whom are Dominicans.
Dotel, who wouldn’t come cheap, is among a few Royals to watch around the trading deadline. If Manny Delcarmen wasn’t pitching so well, that might be an option for the Red Sox.
Also, Royals catcher John Buck, who is a great defensive catcher and lifetime .250 hitter, is another.
If you’re wondering why Drew is leading off, he has one RBI in his last 15 games. That is not good.
On Wednesday, I will be asking for the best trade deadline options, which is July 31, for the Red Sox. I am looking forward to those responses.
