ODDS AND ENDS

Looking through my notebook from the past few days and I had these tidbits to share…

 

According to manager Ron Johnson, outfielder Jonathan Van Every is scheduled for a visit to Dr. Thomas Gill to see about his injured knee.  RJ said that Van Every may need to have his meniscus repaired and knee surgery is on the horizon.  RJ added that he didn’t think it was too serious and that JV should be back within a matter of weeks.  It has been somewhat of a “lost” season for JV so far.  After making his M.L. debut in 2008 in his first year with the Red Sox, Van Every endured a severe ankle sprain in spring training, missing time.  Since then, he has been hampered by knee problems.  Van Every was an I.L. All Star last season and lead the PawSox with 26 home runs.  That doesn’t even take into account the defense.  He runs like a gazelle and covers more territory in centerfield than just about anyone.

 

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Although you never know, it looks like Daniel Bard has weathered a rough spot and is still in the Boston bullpen.  A few days ago, the “Bard back to PawSox” rumors were all over.  The fireballer has, for the most part pitched well for the big boys.  In 12 appeareances over 13.2 innings, Bard has surrendered 11 hits, 5 earned runs, and 7 walks, while striking out 15.  Bard has a save and a 3.29 ERA.  He hasn’t given up a run in 10 of his 12 outings.  He coughed up a single run in his debut against Toronto on May 20 and 4 earned runs against Philadelphia in two thirds of  an inning in his last outing on June 14.  He is already well-respected, even by the hated New York Yankees.  In a recent telecast on the YES network, announcer Michael Kay quoted an anonymous member of the Evil Empire- “Bard.  I don’t need to be seeing that for the next ten years.”  Yes you do!

 

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PawSox blogger Keith Thibault recently interviewed Dan and me for his website Pawsoxblog.com.  He did a really nice job with the video and I encourage you to check it out.

 

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Quote of the week came from Ron Johnson after his team beat Syracuse Sunday at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown.  Referring to the shoddy field conditions and lack of facilities.  “If I ever want to go back to Cooperstown, it’ll be on vacation, only.”  How would he have felt if he lost 15-5?

 

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Great to see former PawSox player Keith Ginter, in town with Charlotte.  The likable third baseman homered on Wednesday against John Smoltz.  When Ginter was with Pawtucket, he provided a tremendous amount of leadership to the ballclub.  The Skipper (Ron Johnson, not Alan Hale, Jr.) spoke fondly  of Ginter- “Gint meant a lot to our team.  He applied what I like to call “veteran pressure”.  It helps me out quite a bit.  There were a lot of things he’d handle.  With a veteran like Ginter, the younger guys get guidance and learn how to act.”  RJ added- “Hopefully, guys are  comfortable in that role, willing to do that.  It makes my job a lot easier.”

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