Sox road playoff Games 1's

The last time the Red Sox lost Game 1 in a visitor's park but came back to win Game 2, also in the visiting park, was 1915 World Series against the Giants - when they won the World Series 4-1. (Red Sox lost Game 1's on the road in 95 ALDS, 99 ALDS, 99 ALCS, 03 ALDS, 04 ALCS, and 05 ALDS, and went on to lose Game 2 - also on the road - each time.)

WAR for Red Sox finishing in top 5 MVP voting (1970-present)

Top 5 MVP finishers (place)  1970 - present 

2011:  Ellsbury - 8.1  (2)

2008:  Youkilis - 6.3  (3)

2007:  Ortiz - 6.4  (4)

2007:  Lowell - 5.0  (5)

2006:  Ortiz - 5.7  (3)

2005:  Ortiz - 5.3  (2)

2005:  Manny - 4.4  (4)

2004:  Manny - 4.1  (3)

2004:  Ortiz - 4.2  (4)

2003:  Ortiz - 3.3  (5)

2000:  Pedro - 11.7  (5)  *pitcher

1999:  Pedro - 9.7  (2). *pitcher

1998:  Nomar - 7.1  (2)

1998:  Vaughn - 5.6  (4)

1996:  Vaughn - 5.6  (5)

1990:  Clemens - 10.6  (3)  *pitcher

1988:  Greenwell - 7.5  (2)

1987:  Evans - 4.8  (4)

1986:  Rice - 5.6  (3)

1985:  Boggs - 9.1  (4)

1983:  Rice - 5.6  (4)

1981:  Evans - 6.7  (3)

1979:  Lynn - 8.8  (4)

1979:  Rice - 6.3  (5)

1977:  Rice - 5.2  (4)

1975:  Rice - 3.0  (3)

1972:  Fisk - 7.3  (4)

1970:  Yaz - 9.5  (4)

WAR for Red Sox MVP and Cy Young winners

Red Sox WAR

Red Sox MVPs

Position players

2008:  Pedroia - 6.9

1995:  Vaughn - 4.3

1978:  Rice - 7.5

1975:  Lynn - 7.4

1967:  Yaz - 12.4

1958:  Jackie Jensen - 4.9

1949:  Ted Williams - 9.1

1946:  Ted Williams - 10.9

1938:  Jimmie Foxx - 7.6

1912:  Tris Speaker - 10.1

Pitchers 

1986:  Roger Clemens - 8.9  (169 ERA+)

Cy Young winners

2000:  Pedro - 11.7  (291 ERA+) *finished 5th in MVP voting

1999:  Pedro - 9.7  (243 ERA+) *finished 2nd in MVP voting

1991:  Clemens - 7.9  (165 ERA+)  *finished 10th in MVP voting 

1987:  Clemens - 9.4 (154 ERA+) *finished 19th in MVP voting

1986:  Clemens - 8.9  (169 ERA+) *Won MVP

1967:  Lonborg - 4.1  (112 ERA+) *finished 6th in MVP voting

in honor of tonight's festivities...

complete with the awesome mid-80s intro music

All time Red Sox teams have played in 168 post season games. A record of individual achievement cannot be found anywhere online for Red Sox players in the post season. With another world championship won in 2013 and playoff appearances continuing to accrue for Boston, it seemed about time to compile those stats and post them as a resource.

Compiled below is a starter kit of information of mostly individual Red Sox accomplishment in the post season. I have started with statistics for all-time post season records. I haven't yet had time to divide each category into records for the ALDS, the ALCS and the World Series respectively. Over time I'll try to add as much data as I can that seems relevant and interesting to the Sox in the post season. For now, it's only the basics -- but that's more than I have seen anywhere. The Red Sox Media Guide does compile post season info but it's most all the box scores and some overall team stats. For the record, I made a minimum for stats measuring average: at fewest, 24 plate appearances for batters all time and 12 plate appearances for batters in a single series (that way a player with a great 3-game Division Series gets included, but he'd have to play in all three games); and 14 innings pitched for pitchers (that means a starter would, in theory, have to have pitched at least two games of at least 7 innings and relievers would have more than a small sampling size). Keeping to these restrictions was tough, but the only fair way of measuring performance over the course of time. For instance, Scott Williamson had a 15.8 Ks/9 IPs (strikeouts per every 9 innings pitched) but was left off because he only pitched 8 innings in the 2003 postseason but struck out an astounding 14 batters. A lot of interesting stats are out there to observe ... for one thing, the Red Sox have never been a particularly speedy team and, in the post season, that fact really comes to light as, all time, only 10 players have more than 1 post season steal and Johnny Damon has the most with a paltry 8; no Red Sox batter has ever hit more than two home runs in a post season game, and that has happened 10 times as of 2008; Jason Varitek leads the way for compilers -- he has played in 53 games, more than anyone by 10 -- but he also has been around for the most lengthy Boston post season stays in 99, 03, 04 and 07; interesting too, Jonathan Papelbon has acrued the most saves in Sox post season history with 4 ... yup 4 (compare that to Yankees all-time leader Mariano Rivera with 34 or Dennis Eckersley who has 15). All sorts of interesting pieces of information have been gleaned from this list and no doubt more facts will be added. Enjoy!

Team information

Opponents - all time
(bold = won series; italics = swept opponent)
1.  California/Anaheim/LA Angels - 5 (1986, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)
2.  St. Louis Cardinals - 4 (1946, 1967, 2004, 2013)

Cleveland Indians - 4 (1995, 1998, 1999, 2007)

Oakland Athletics - 4 (1975, 1988, 1990, 2003)
5. New York Yankees - 3 (1999, 2003, 2004)
6. Tampa Bay Rays - 2 (2008, 2013)
7. Detroit Tigers - 1 (2013)
Colorado Rockies - 1 (2007)
Chicago White Sox - 1 (2005)
New York Mets - 1 (1986)
Cincinnati Reds - 1 (1975)
Chicago Cubs - 1 (1918)

Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers - 1 (1916)

Philadelphia Phillies - 1 (1915)
New York Giants - 1 (1912)
Pittsburgh Pirates - 1 (1903)

Total series: 32

Total won: 19 (59%)
Total times Sox swept opponent: 5
Total times Sox got swept: 4

Note:  The Red Sox won the American League in 1904 but no World Series was played.  The New York Giants won the National League.

It is of further note that in both 1948 (Indians) and 1978 (Yankees), when the Red Sox played in "one-game playoffs" MLB considered those, as with all one-game playoffs, a continuation of the regular season and the statistics, in fact, count toward the players' career numbers.  Had the Red Sox won in 1948 they would have played the Boston Braves in the World Series; in 1978, they would have played the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS.

Walk-off hits - all time

Larry Gardner - 1912 World Series Game 8 (sacrifice fly; bottom 10th)
Duffy Lewis - 1915 World Series Game 3 (RBI single; bottom 9th)
Del Gainer - 1916 World Series Game (RBI single; bottom 9th)
Carton Fisk - 1975 World Series Game 6 (solo home run; bottom 12th)
Trot Nixon - 2003 ALDS Game Game 3 (2-run home run; bottom 11th)
David Ortiz - 2004 ALDS Game 3 (2-run home run; bottom 10th)*
David Ortiz - 2004 ALCS Game 4 (2-run home run; bottom 12th)
David Ortiz - 2004 ALCS Game 5 (RBI single; bottom 14th)
Manny Ramirez - 2007 ALDS Game 2 (3-run home run; bottom 9th)
Jed Lowrie - 2008 ALDS Game 4 (RBI single; bottom 9th)*
JD Drew - 2008 ALCS Game 5 (RBI single; bottom 9th)
Jared Saltalamacchia - 2013 Game 2 (RBI single, bottom 9th)

* series-ending hits

Red Sox went ahead of opponent in last at-bat and won game (non walk-off)
1986 ALCS Game 5, vs. Angels (Dave Henderson - sac fly, 11th)
2003 ALDS, Game 4 vs. A's (David Ortiz - 2-R double, 8th)
2008 ALDS Game 2 vs. Angels (JD Drew - 2-R home run, 9th)

Batting

Individual leaders

Games - all time:
1. David Ortiz - 63 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013)
Jason Varitek - 63 (1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009)
3. Dustin Pedroia - 44 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2013)

4. Manny Ramirez - 43 (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007)
5. Jacoby Ellsbury - 38 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2013)
6. Trot Nixon - 38 (1998, 1999, 2003, 2004)
7. Dwight Evans - 32
8. Bill Mueller - 29
Kevin Youkilis - 29
10. Kevin Millar -28

JD Drew - 28

10. Johnny Damon - 27

11. Mike Timlin - 26
Nomar Garciaparra- 26
13. Harry Hooper - 24
14. Wage Boggs - 22
15. Marty Barrett - 21
16. Alan Embree - 20
Mike Lowell - 19
17. Jim Rice - 18
Duffy Lewis - 18
Larry Gardner - 18
Gedman - 18
20. Yaz - 17
Rico Petrocelli - 17
John Valentin - 17
Derek Lowe - 17
Mike Greenwell - 17
25. Everett Scott - 16

At bats - all-time:

1. Jason Varitek - 228

2. David Ortiz - 225

3. Manny Ramirez - 165

4. Trot Nixon - 127

5. Johnny Damon - 123

6.Dwight Evans - 113

Bill Mueller - 113

8. Nomar Garciaparra - 96

9. Kevin Millar - 95

10. Harry Hooper - 92

11. Wade Boggs - 90

12. Marty Barrett - 72

Rich Gedman - 72

Tris Speaker - 72

John Valentin - 72

16. Jim Rice - 71

17. Duffy Lewis - 67

18 Carl Yastrzemski - 65

19. Larry Gardner - 62

20. Bill Buckner - 60

Dustin Pedroia - 60

Home Runs - all time

1. David Ortiz - 12

2. Manny Ramirez - 11

Jason Varitek - 11

4. Nomar Garciaparra - 7

5. Kevin Youkilis -

6. Trot Nixon - 5

John Valentin - 5

Dustin Pedroia - 5

9. Johnny Damon -

Dwight Evans - 4

Carl Yastrzemski - 4

JD Drew - 4

12. Larry Gardner - 3

Rich Gedman - 3

Dave Henderson - 3

Rico Petrocelli - 3

16. A bunch with 2

Grand Slams - all time

Troy O'Leary - 1, ALDS 1999, Game 5 (vs Cleveland, 3rd inning)

Johnny Damon - 1, ALCS 2004, Game 7 (vs New York, 2nd inning)

JD Drew - 1, ALCS 2007, Game 6 (vs Cleveland, 1st inning)

Home runs - single series

Carl Yastrzemski - 3, 1967 World Series (vs St. Louis, 7 games)

Nomar Garciaparra - 3, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)

John Valentin - 3, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)

Todd Walker - 3, 2003 ALDS (vs Oakland, 5 games)

Trot Nixon - 3, 2003 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

David Ortiz - 3, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

Kevin Youkilis - 3, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)

A bunch with 2

Home runs - single game

Patsy Dougherty - 2, 1903 World Series, Game 2 (win vs Pittsburgh)

Harry Hooper - 2, 1915 World Series, Game 5 (win vs Philadelphia)

Carl Yastrzemski - 2, 1967 World Series, Game 2 (win vs St. Louis)

Rico Petrocelli - 2, 1967 World Series, Game 6 (win vs St. Louis)

Mo Vaughn - 2, 1998 ALDS, Game 1 (win vs Cleveland)

John Valentin - 2, 1999 ALDS Game 4 (win vs Cleveland)

Troy O'Leary - 2, 1999 ALDS Game 5 (win vs Cleveland)

Todd Walker - 2, 2003 ALDS Game 1 (loss vs Oakland)

Johnny Damon - 2, 2004 ALCS Game 7 (win vs New York)

Manny Ramirez - 2, 2005 ALDS Game 3 (loss vs Chicago)

Dustin Pedroia - 2, 2008 ALCS Game 2 (loss vs Tampa Bay)

RBI - all time

1. David Ortiz - 38

Manny Ramirez - 38

3. Jason Varitek - 32

4. Trot Nixon - 23

5. Nomar Garciapara - 21

6. Dwight Evans - 19

John Valentin - 19

8.Mike Lowell - 15

9. Johnny Damon 13

10. Larry Gardner - 11

JD Drew - 11

Carl Yastrzemski - 11

Orlando Cabrera - 11

14. Kevin Youkilis - 10

Kevin Millar - 10

Dustin Pedroia - 10

17. Wade Boggs - 9

Dave Henderson - 9

Marty Barrett - 9

Rico Petrocelli - 9

RBI - single series

1. John Valentin - 12, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)

2. Nomar Garciaparra - 11, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)

David Ortiz - 11, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

3. Manny Ramirez - 10, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)

4. Dwight Evans - 9, 1986 World Series (vs New York Mets, 7 games)

5. Troy O'Leary - 7, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)

Mo Vaughn - 7, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)

Johnny Damon - 7, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

Jason Varitek - 7, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

Manny Ramirez - 7, 2004 ALDS (vs New York, 7 games)

Kevin Youkilis - 7, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)

RBI - single game

John Valentin - 7, 1999 ALDS Game 4

Troy O'Leary - 7, 1999 ALDS Game 5

Mo Vaughn - 7, 1998 ALDS Game 1

Johnny Damon - 6, 2004 ALCS Game 7

Jose Offerman - 5, 1999 ALDS

Game 4 Trot Nixon - 5, 1999 ALDS Game 4

JD Drew - 5, 2007 ALCS Game 6

Dustin Pedroia - 5, 2007 ALCS Game 7

A bunch with 4

Batting average (minimum 24 plate appearances) - all time

1. Jose Offerman - .429

2. Bobby Doerr - .409

3. Kevin Youkilis - .373

4. Carl Yastrzemski - .369

5. Jacoby Ellsbury - .360

6. Mike Lowell - .353

7. Todd Walker - .349

8. John Valentin - .347

9. Mike Stanley - .340

10. Marty Barrett - .333

Rick Burleson - .333

12. David Ortiz - .325

13. Dave Henderson .324

14. Nomar Garciaparra - .323

15. Manny Ramirez - .321

16. JD Drew - .314

17. Wade Boggs - .311

18. Fred Lynn - .306

19. Chick Stahl - .303

20. Duffy Lewis - .299

Batting average - single series (minimum 12 plate appearances)

1. David Ortiz - .714, 2007 ALDS (vs LA, 3 games)

2. Luis Alicea - .600, 1995 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 3 games)

3. David Ortiz - .545, 2004 ALDS (vs Anaheim, 3 games)

4. Mike Stanley - .500, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)

Kevin Youkilis - .500, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)

6. Johnny Damon - .467, 2004 ALDS (vs Anaheim, 3 games)

John Valentin - .467, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)

8. Jose Offerman - .458, 1999 ALCS (vs New York, 5 games)

9. Carl Yastrzemski - . 455, 1975 ALCS (vs Oakland, 3 games)

10. Duffy Lewis - .444, 1915 World Series

11. Jacoby Ellsbury - .438, 2007 World Series

Wade Boggs - .438, 1990 ALCS

13. Marty Barrett - .433, 1986 World Series

14. Spike Owen - .429, 1986 ALCS

Bill Mueller - .429, 2004 World Series

16. Nomar Garciaparra - .417, 1999 ALDS

Wally Moses - .417, 1946 World Series

Carlton Fisk - .417, 1975 ALCS

19. Mo Vaughn - .412, 1998 ALDS

Manny Ramirez - .412, 2004 World Series

21. Bobby Doerr - .409, 1946 World Series

Manny Ramirez - .409, 2007 ALCS

23. Carl Yastrzemski - .400, 1967 World Series

Dave Henderson - .400, 1986 World Series

Nomar Garciaparra - .400, 1999 ALCS

Mike Lowell - .400, 2007 World Series

27. Jose Offerman - .389, 1999 ALDS

Dalton Jones - .389, 1967 World Series

29. David Ortiz - .387, 2004 ALCS

30. Wade Boggs, .385, 1988 ALCS

Julio Lugo - .385, 2007 World Series

Manny Ramirez - .385, 2004 ALDS

33. Orlando Cabrera - .379, 2004 ALCS

34. Manny Ramirez - .375, 2007 ALDS

Darren Lewis - .375, 1999 ALDS

36. Todd Walker - .370, 2003 ALCS

37. Marty Barrett - .367, 1986 ALCS

38. Fred Lynn - .364, 1975 ALCS

39. JD Drew - .360, 2007 ALCS

40. Trot Nixon - .357, 2004 World Series

Darren Lewis - .357, 1998 ALDS

Rich Gedman - .357, 1986 World Series

Rich Gedman - .357, 1988 ALCS

Most hits - all time 1. Manny Ramirez - 53 2. David Ortiz - 52 3. Jason Varitek - 50 4. Trot Nixon - 34 5. Johnny Damon - 32 6. Nomar Garciaparra - 31 7. Wade Boggs - 28 8. Harry Hooper - 27 Dwight Evans - 27 10. Bill Mueller - 26 11. John Valentin - 25 Marty Barrett - 25 13. Carl Yastrzemski - 24 14. Kevin Millar - 23 15. Rich Gedman - 21 16. Duffy Lewis - 20 17. Kevin Youkilis - 19 18. Mike Lowell - 18 Mike Stanley - 18 Jose Offerman - 18 21. Dustin Pedroia - 17 Orlando Cabrera - 17 23. Jim Rice - 16 JD Drew - 16 25. Todd Walker - 15 26. Rico Petrocelli - 14 Tris Speaker - 14

Most hits - single game

Mike Stanley - 5, 1999 ALDS Game 4

Jacoby Ellsbury - 4, 2007 World Series Game 3

David Ortiz - 4, 2004 ALDS Game 3

Todd Walker - 4, 2003 ALDS Game 1

Manny Ramirez - 4, 2003 ALCS Game 1

Nomar Garciaparra - 4, 2003 ALCS Game 6

John Valentin - 4, 1999 ALDS Game 4

Jason Varitek - 4, 1999 ALDS Game 4

Nomar Garciaparra - 4, 1999 ALCS Game 3

Luis Alicea - 4, 1995 ALDS Game 1

Rich Gedman - 4, 1986 ALCS Game 5

Spike Owen - 4, 1986 ALCS Game 6

Wally Moses - 4, 1946 World Series Game 4

Stolen Bases - all time

1. Johnny Damon - 8

2. Jacoby Ellsbury - 5

3. Jimmy Collins - 3

Darren Lewis - 3

Coco Crisp - 3

4. Nomar Garciaparra - 2

Juan Beniquez - 2

Harry Hooper - 2

Jake Stahl - 2

Chick Stahl - 2

A bunch with 1

Pitching - Individual leaders Innings Pitched - all time 1. Pedro Martinez - 79 1/3 2. Derek Lowe - 62 3. Tim Wakefield - 59 1/3 4. Roger Clemens - 55 2/3 5. Bruce Hurst - 51 6. Curt Schilling - 46 2/3 7. Bill Dinneen - 35 8. Ernie Shore - 34 2/3 9. Cy Young - 34 Luis Tiant 34 11. Babe Ruth - 31 12. Josh Beckett - 30 13. Mike Timlin - 28 Jim Lonborg - 24 15. Carl Mays - 23 1/3 16. Joe Wood - 22 17. Rube Foster - 21 18. Oil Can Boyd - 20 2/3 19. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 19 2/3 20. Hugh Bedient - 18 Dutch Leonard - 18 Strikeouts - all time 1. Pedro Martinez - 80 2. Roger Clemens 45 Tim Wakefield - 45 4. Derek Lowe 37 Bruce Hurst 37 6. Josh Beckett - 35 7. Schilling 29 8. Bill Dinneen - 28 9. Mike Timlin 26 10. Joe Wood - 21 11. Luis Tiant 20 Bronson Arroyo - 20 13. Keith Foulke 19 14. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 17 Cy Young - 17 16. Ernie Shore - 15 17. Rube Foster - 14 Scott Williamson 14 Strikeouts - single series 1. Bill Dinneen - 28, 1903 World Series 2. Joe Wood - 21, 1912 World Series 3. Josh Beckett - 18, 2007 ALCS 4. Cy Young - 17, 1903 World Series Roger Clemens - 17, 1986 ALCS Bruce Hurst - 17, 1986 World Series 7. Pedro Martinez - 14, 2003 ALCS Pedro Martinez - 14, 2004 ALCS 9. Rube Foster - 13, 1915 World Series 10. Luis Tiant - 12, 1975 World Series Pedro Martinez - 12, 1999 ALCS Bruce Hurst - 12, 1988 ALCS 13. Jim Lonborg - 11, 1967 World Series Roger Clemens - 11, 1986 World Series Pedro Martinez - 11, 1999 ALDS 16. Joe Dobson - 10, 1946 World Series Tim Wakefield - 10, 2003 ALCS Strikeouts - single game 1. Pedro Martinez - 12, 1999 ALCS Game 3 (vs New York) 2. Josh Beckett - 11, 2007 ALCS Game 5 (vs Cleveland) Joe Wood - 11, 1912 World Series Game 1 (vs New York Giants) Bill Dinneen - 11, 1903 World Series Game 2 (vs Pittsburgh) 5. Roger Clemens - 9, 1986 ALCS Game 4 (vs California) Josh Beckett - 9, 2007 World Series Game 1 (vs Colorado) 7. Rube Foster - 8, 1915 World Series Game 2 (vs Philadelphia) Joe Wood - 8, 1912 World Series Game 4 (vs New York Giants) Joe Dobson - 8, 1946 World Series Game 5 (vs St. Louis) Luis Tiant - 8, 1975 ALCS Game 1 (vs Oakland) Bruce Hurst - 8, 1986 World Series Game 1 (vs New York Mets) Roger Clemens - 8, 1986 World Series Game 6 (vs New York Mets) Roger Clemens - 8, 1988 ALCS Game 2 (vs Oakland) Wes Gardner - 8, 1988 ALCS Game 3 (vs Oakland) Pedro Martinez - 8, 1998 ALDS Game 1 (vs Cleveland) Pedro Martinez - 8, 1999 ALDS Game 5 (vs Cleveland) Tim Wakefield - 8, 2003 ALCS Game 4 (vs New York) Pedro Martinez - 8, 2003 ALCS Game 7 (vs New York) Josh Beckett - 8, 2007 ALDS Game 1 (vs Los Angeles) K/9 IPs - all time (minimum 14 innings pitched) 1. Keith Foulke - 12.2 2. Bronson Arroyo - 10.6 3. Josh Beckett - 10.5 4. Pedro Martinez - 9.1 5. Joe Wood - 8.6 6. Mike Timlin - 8.4 7. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 7.8 8. Roger Clemens - 7.3 9. Bill Dinneen - 7.2 10. Bruce Hurst - 6.9 11. Tim Wakefield - 6.8 12. Rube Foster - 6 13. Curt Schilling - 5.6 14. Jonathan Papelbon - 5.5 15. Luis Tiant - 5.3 Wins - all time 1. Pedro Martinez - 6 Curt Schilling - 6 2. Josh Beckett - 4 Derek Lowe - 4 4. Luis Tiant - 3 Burst Hurst - 3 Babe Ruth - 3 Ernie Shore - 3 Joe Wood - 3 Bill Dinneen - 3 Shutouts - all time Bill Dineen - 2, 1903 World Series Game 2; 1903 World Series Game 8 Josh Beckett - 1, 2007 ALDS Game 1 Luis Tiant - 1, 1975 World Series Game 1 Jim Lonborg - 1, 1967 World Series Game 2 Dave Ferriss - 1, 1946 World Series Game 3 Babe Ruth - 1, 1918 World Series Game 1

ERA - all time (minimum 14 innings pitched)

1. Hugh Bedient - 0.50

3. Keith Foulke - 0.64

4. Babe Ruth - 0.87

5. Dutch Leonard - 1.00

Jonathan Papelbon - 1.oo

7. Alan Embree - 1.29

8. Rube Foster - 1.71

9. Ernie Shore - 1.82

10. Cy Young - 1.85

11. Ray Collins - 1.88

12. Bill Dinneen - 2.06

13. Bruce Hurst - 2.29

14. Carl Mays - 2.32

Jon Lester - 2.57

15. Jim Lonborg - 2.62

16. Luis Tiant - 2.65

17. Derek Lowe - 3.05

18. Tex Hughson - 3.14

Bill Lee - 3.14

20. Curt Schilling - 3.28

21. Pedro Martinez - 3.40

22. Mike Timlin - 3.54

23. Roger Clemens 3.88

Josh Becket - 3.89

Saves - all time

Jonathan Papelbon - 4

Scott Williamson - 3

Keith Foulke - 3

Dick Drago - 2

Calvin Schiraldi - 2

Gary Bell - 1

Bob Stanley - 1

Derek Lowe - 1

Saves - single series

Jonathan Papelbon - 3, 2007 World Series (vs Colorado, 4 games)

Scott Williamson - 3, 2003 ALCS (vs New York, 7

Red Sox post season records

All time Red Sox teams have played in 149 post season games. A record of individual achievement cannot be found anywhere online for Red Sox players in the post season. With another world championship won in 2007 and playoff appearances continuing to accrue for Boston, it seemed about time to compile those stats and post them as a resource. Compiled below is a starter kit of information of mostly individual Red Sox accomplishment in the post season. I have started with statistics for all-time post season records. I haven't yet had time to divide each category into records for the ALDS, the ALCS and the World Series respectively.

Over time I'll try to add as much data as I can that seems relevant and interesting to the Sox in the post season. For now, it's only the basics -- but that's more than I have seen anywhere. The Red Sox Media Guide does compile post season info but it's most all the box scores and some overall team stats.

For the record, I made a minimum for stats measuring average: at fewest, 24 plate appearances for batters all time and 12 plate appearances for batters in a single series (that way a player with a great 3-game Division Series gets included, but he'd have to play in all three games); and 14 innings pitched for pitchers (that means a starter would, in theory, have to have pitched at least two games of at least 7 innings and relievers would have more than a small sampling size). Keeping to these restrictions was tough, but the only fair way of measuring performance over the course of time. For instance, Scott Williamson had a 15.8 Ks/9 IPs (strikeouts per every 9 innings pitched) but was left off because he only pitched 8 innings in the 2003 postseason but struck out an astounding 14 batters.

A lot of interesting stats are out there to observe ... for one thing, the Red Sox have never been a particularly speedy team and, in the post season, that fact really comes to light as, all time, only 10 players have more than 1 post season steal and Johnny Damon has the most with a paltry 8; no Red Sox batter has ever hit more than two home runs in a post season game, and that has happened 11 times as of 2009; Jason Varitek leads the way for compilers -- he has played in 63 games, more than anyone by 10 -- but he also has been around for the most lengthy Boston post season stays in 99, 03, 04, 07 and 08; interesting too, Jonathan Papelbon has acrued the most saves in Sox post season history with 7 (compare that to Yankees all-time leader Mariano Rivera with 34). All sorts of interesting pieces of information have been gleaned from this list and no doubt more facts will be added.

Enjoy!

OK most information hasn't been updated yet for the 2008 post season.
* denotes category has been updated

Team information
Opponents - all time
1. California/Anaheim/LA Angels - 4 (1986, 2004, 2007, 2008)
Cleveland Indians - 4 (1995, 1998, 1999, 2007)
Oakland Athletics - 4 (1975, 1988, 1990, 2003)
2. New York Yankees - 3 (1999, 2003, 2004)
St. Louis Cardinals - 3 (1946, 1967, 2004)
3. Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers - 1 (1916)
Chicago Cubs - 1 (1918)
Chicago White Sox - 1 (2005)
Cincinatti Reds - 1 (1975)
Colorado Rockies - 1 (2007)
New York Giants - 1 (1912)
New York Mets - 1 (1986)
Philadelphia Phillies - 1 (1915)
Pittsburgh Pirates - 1 (1903)
Tampa Bay Rays - 1 (2008)


Batting - Individual leaders
Games - all time:
1. Jason Varitek - 53
2. David Ortiz - 43
Manny Ramirez - 43
4. Trot Nixon - 38
Dwight Evans - 32
6. Bill Mueller - 29
7. Kevin Millar -28
8. Johnny Damon - 27
9. Mike Timlin - 26
Nomar Garciaparra- 26

11. Harry Hooper - 24
12. Wage Boggs - 22
13. Marty Barrett - 21
14. Alan Embree - 20
15. Jim Rice - 18
Duffy Lewis - 18
Larry Gardner - 18
Gedman - 18
19. Yaz - 17
Rico Petrocelli - 17
John Valentin - 17
Derek Lowe - 17
Mike Greenwell - 17

24. Everett Scott - 16
25. Kevin Youkilis - 15
Tim Wakefield - 15
Gabe Kapler - 15
Spike Owen - 15

At bats - all-time:
1. Jason Varitek - 194
2. Manny Ramirez - 165
3. David Ortiz - 160
4. Trot Nixon - 127
5. Johnny Damon - 123
6. Dwight Evans - 113
Bill Mueller - 113
8. Nomar Garciaparra - 96
9. Kevin Millar - 95
10. Harry Hooper - 92

11. Wade Boggs - 90
12. Marty Barrett - 72
Rich Gedman - 72
Tris Speaker - 72
John Valentin - 72
16. Jim Rice - 71
17. Duffy Lewis - 67
18 Carl Yastrzemski - 65
19. Larry Gardner - 62
20. Bill Buckner - 60
Dustin Pedroia - 60

Home Runs - all time*
1. David Ortiz - 12
2. Manny Ramirez - 11
Jason Varitek - 11
4. Nomar Garciaparra - 7
5. Kevin Youkilis - 6
6. Trot Nixon - 5
John Valentin - 5
Dustin Pedroia - 5
9. Johnny Damon - 4
Dwight Evans - 4
Carl Yastrzemski - 4
12. Jason Bay - 3
JD Drew - 3
Larry Gardner - 3
Rich Gedman - 3
Dave Henderson - 3
Rico Petrocelli - 3
A bunch with 2

Grand Slams - all time
Troy O'Leary - 1, ALDS 1999, Game 5 (vs Cleveland, 3rd inning)
Johnny Damon - 1, ALCS 2004, Game 7 (vs New York, 2nd inning)
JD Drew - 1, ALCS 2007, Game 6 (vs Cleveland, 1st inning)

Home runs - single series
Carl Yastrzemski - 3, 1967 World Series (vs St. Louis, 7 games)
Nomar Garciaparra - 3, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)
John Valentin - 3, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)
Todd Walker - 3, 2003 ALDS (vs Oakland, 5 games)
Trot Nixon - 3, 2003 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)
David Ortiz - 3, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)
Kevin Youkilis - 3, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)
A bunch with 2

Home runs - single game
Patsy Dougherty - 2, 1903 World Series, Game 2 (win vs Pittsburgh)
Harry Hooper - 2, 1915 World Series, Game 5 (win vs Philadelphia)
Carl Yastrzemski - 2, 1967 World Series, Game 2 (win vs St. Louis)
Rico Petrocelli - 2, 1967 World Series, Game 6 (win vs St. Louis)
Mo Vaughn - 2, 1998 ALDS, Game 1 (win vs Cleveland)
John Valentin - 2, 1999 ALDS Game 4 (win vs Cleveland)
Troy O'Leary - 2, 1999 ALDS Game 5 (win vs Cleveland)
Todd Walker - 2, 2003 ALDS Game 1 (loss vs Oakland)
Johnny Damon - 2, 2004 ALCS Game 7 (win vs New York)
Manny Ramirez - 2, 2005 ALDS Game 3 (loss vs Chicago)

RBI - all time
1. David Ortiz - 38
Manny Ramirez - 38
3. Jason Varitek - 32
4. Trot Nixon - 23
5. Nomar Garciapara - 21
6. Dwight Evans - 19
John Valentin - 19
8.Mike Lowell - 15
9. Johnny Damon 13
10. Larry Gardner - 11
JD Drew - 11
Carl Yastrzemski - 11
Orlando Cabrera - 11

14. Kevin Youkilis - 10
Kevin Millar - 10
Dustin Pedroia - 10
17. Wade Boggs - 9
Dave Henderson - 9
Marty Barrett - 9
Rico Petrocelli - 9

RBI - single series
1. John Valentin - 12, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)
2. Nomar Garciaparra - 11, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)
David Ortiz - 11, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)
3. Manny Ramirez - 10, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)
4. Dwight Evans - 9, 1986 World Series (vs New York Mets, 7 games)
5. Troy O'Leary - 7, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)
Mo Vaughn - 7, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)
Johnny Damon - 7, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)
Jason Varitek - 7, 2004 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)
Manny Ramirez - 7, 2004 ALDS (vs New York, 7 games)
Kevin Youkilis - 7, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)

RBI - single game
John Valentin - 7, 1999 ALDS Game 4
Troy O'Leary - 7, 1999 ALDS Game 5
Mo Vaughn - 7, 1998 ALDS Game 1
Johnny Damon - 6, 2004 ALCS Game 7
Jose Offerman - 5, 1999 ALDS Game 4
Trot Nixon - 5, 1999 ALDS Game 4
JD Drew - 5, 2007 ALCS Game 6
Dustin Pedroia - 5, 2007 ALCS Game 7
A bunch with 4

Batting average (minimum 24 plate appearances) - all time
1. Jose Offerman - .429
2. Bobby Doerr - .409
3. Kevin Youkilis - .373
4. Carl Yastrzemski - .369
5. Jacoby Ellsbury - .360
6. Mike Lowell - .353
7. Todd Walker - .349
8. John Valentin - .347
9. Mike Stanley - .340
10. Marty Barrett - .333
Rick Burleson - .333

12. David Ortiz - .325
13. Dave Henderson .324
14. Nomar Garciaparra - .323
15. Manny Ramirez - .321
16. JD Drew - .314
17. Wade Boggs - .311
18. Fred Lynn - .306
19. Chick Stahl - .303
20. Duffy Lewis - .299

Batting average - single series (minimum 12 plate appearances)
1. David Ortiz - .714, 2007 ALDS (vs LA, 3 games)
2. Luis Alicea - .600, 1995 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 3 games)
3. David Ortiz - .545, 2004 ALDS (vs Anaheim, 3 games)
4. Mike Stanley - .500, 1999 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 5 games)
Kevin Youkilis - .500, 2007 ALCS (vs Cleveland, 7 games)
6. Johnny Damon - .467, 2004 ALDS (vs Anaheim, 3 games)
John Valentin - .467, 1998 ALDS (vs Cleveland, 4 games)
8. Jose Offerman - .458, 1999 ALCS (vs New York, 5 games)
9. Carl Yastrzemski - . 455, 1975 ALCS (vs Oakland, 3 games)
10. Duffy Lewis - .444, 1915 World Series

11. Jacoby Ellsbury - .438, 2007 World Series
Wade Boggs - .438, 1990 ALCS
13. Marty Barrett - .433, 1986 World Series
14. Spike Owen - .429, 1986 ALCS
Bill Mueller - .429, 2004 World Series
16. Nomar Garciaparra - .417, 1999 ALDS
Wally Moses - .417, 1946 World Series
Carlton Fisk - .417, 1975 ALCS
19. Mo Vaughn - .412, 1998 ALDS
Manny Ramirez - .412, 2004 World Series

21. Bobby Doerr - .409, 1946 World Series
Manny Ramirez - .409, 2007 ALCS
23. Carl Yastrzemski - .400, 1967 World Series
Dave Henderson - .400, 1986 World Series
Nomar Garciaparra - .400, 1999 ALCS
Mike Lowell - .400, 2007 World Series
27. Jose Offerman - .389, 1999 ALDS
Dalton Jones - .389, 1967 World Series
29. David Ortiz - .387, 2004 ALCS
30. Wade Boggs, .385, 1988 ALCS
Julio Lugo - .385, 2007 World Series
Manny Ramirez - .385, 2004 ALDS

33. Orlando Cabrera - .379, 2004 ALCS
34. Manny Ramirez - .375, 2007 ALDS
Darren Lewis - .375, 1999 ALDS
36. Todd Walker - .370, 2003 ALCS
37. Marty Barrett - .367, 1986 ALCS
38. Fred Lynn - .364, 1975 ALCS
39. JD Drew - .360, 2007 ALCS
40. Trot Nixon - .357, 2004 World Series
Darren Lewis - .357, 1998 ALDS
Rich Gedman - .357, 1986 World Series
Rich Gedman - .357, 1988 ALCS

Most hits - all time
1. Manny Ramirez - 53
2. David Ortiz - 52
3. Jason Varitek - 50
4. Trot Nixon - 34
5. Johnny Damon - 32
6. Nomar Garciaparra - 31
7. Wade Boggs - 28
8. Harry Hooper - 27
Dwight Evans - 27
10. Bill Mueller - 26

11. John Valentin - 25
Marty Barrett - 25
13. Carl Yastrzemski - 24
14. Kevin Millar - 23
15. Rich Gedman - 21
16. Duffy Lewis - 20
17. Kevin Youkilis - 19
18. Mike Lowell - 18
Mike Stanley - 18
Jose Offerman - 18

21. Dustin Pedroia - 17
Orlando Cabrera - 17
23. Jim Rice - 16
JD Drew - 16
25. Todd Walker - 15
26. Rico Petrocelli - 14
Tris Speaker - 14

Most hits - single game
Mike Stanley - 5, 1999 ALDS Game 4
Jacoby Ellsbury - 4, 2007 World Series Game 3
David Ortiz - 4, 2004 ALDS Game 3
Todd Walker - 4, 2003 ALDS Game 1
Manny Ramirez - 4, 2003 ALCS Game 1
Nomar Garciaparra - 4, 2003 ALCS Game 6
John Valentin - 4, 1999 ALDS Game 4
Jason Varitek - 4, 1999 ALDS Game 4
Nomar Garciaparra - 4, 1999 ALCS Game 3
Luis Alicea - 4, 1995 ALDS Game 1
Rich Gedman - 4, 1986 ALCS Game 5
Spike Owen - 4, 1986 ALCS Game 6
Wally Moses - 4, 1946 World Series Game 4

Stolen Bases - all time
1. Johnny Damon - 8
2. Jimmy Collins - 3
Darren Lewis - 3
4. Jacoby Ellsbury - 2
Coco Crisp - 2
Nomar Garciaparra - 2
Juan Beniquez - 2
Harry Hooper - 2
Jake Stahl - 2
Chick Stahl - 2
A bunch with 1

Walk-off hits - all time
Larry Gardner - 1912 World Series Game 8 (sacrifice fly; bottom 10th)
Duffy Lewis - 1915 World Series Game 3 (RBI single; bottom 9th)
Del Gainer - 1916 World Series Game (RBI single; bottom 9th)
Carton Fisk - 1975 World Series Game 6 (solo home run; bottom 12th)
Trot Nixon - 2003 ALDS Game Game 3 (2-run home run; bottom 11th)
David Ortiz - 2004 ALDS Game 3 (2-run home run; bottom 10th)
David Ortiz - 2004 ALCS Game 4 (2-run home run; bottom 12th)
David Ortiz - 2004 ALCS Game 5 (RBI single; bottom 14th)
Manny Ramirez - 2007 ALDS Game 2 (3-run home run; bottom 9th)

Pitching - Individual leaders
Innings Pitched - all time
1. Pedro Martinez - 79 1/3
2. Derek Lowe - 62
3. Tim Wakefield - 59 1/3
4. Roger Clemens - 55 2/3
5. Bruce Hurst - 51
6. Curt Schilling - 46 2/3
7. Bill Dinneen - 35
8. Ernie Shore - 34 2/3
9. Cy Young - 34
Luis Tiant 34

11. Babe Ruth - 31
12. Josh Beckett - 30
13. Mike Timlin - 28
Jim Lonborg - 24
15. Carl Mays - 23 1/3
16. Joe Wood - 22
17. Rube Foster - 21
18. Oil Can Boyd - 20 2/3
19. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 19 2/3
20. Hugh Bedient - 18
Dutch Leonard - 18

Strikeouts - all time
1. Pedro Martinez - 80
2. Roger Clemens 45
Tim Wakefield - 45
4. Derek Lowe 37
Bruce Hurst 37
6. Josh Beckett - 35
7. Schilling 29
8. Bill Dinneen - 28
9. Mike Timlin 26
10. Joe Wood - 21

11. Luis Tiant 20
Bronson Arroyo - 20
13. Keith Foulke 19
14. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 17
Cy Young - 17
16. Ernie Shore - 15
17. Rube Foster - 14
Scott Williamson 14

Strikeouts - single series
1. Bill Dinneen - 28, 1903 World Series
2. Joe Wood - 21, 1912 World Series
3. Josh Beckett - 18, 2007 ALCS
4. Cy Young - 17, 1903 World Series
Roger Clemens - 17, 1986 ALCS
Bruce Hurst - 17, 1986 World Series
7. Pedro Martinez - 14, 2003 ALCS
Pedro Martinez - 14, 2004 ALCS
9. Rube Foster - 13, 1915 World Series
10. Luis Tiant - 12, 1975 World Series
Pedro Martinez - 12, 1999 ALCS
Bruce Hurst - 12, 1988 ALCS
13. Jim Lonborg - 11, 1967 World Series
Roger Clemens - 11, 1986 World Series
Pedro Martinez - 11, 1999 ALDS
16. Joe Dobson - 10, 1946 World Series
Tim Wakefield - 10, 2003 ALCS

Strikeouts - single game
1. Pedro Martinez - 12, 1999 ALCS Game 3 (vs New York)
2. Josh Beckett - 11, 2007 ALCS Game 5 (vs Cleveland)
Joe Wood - 11, 1912 World Series Game 1 (vs New York Giants)
Bill Dinneen - 11, 1903 World Series Game 2 (vs Pittsburgh)
5. Roger Clemens - 9, 1986 ALCS Game 4 (vs California)
Josh Beckett - 9, 2007 World Series Game 1 (vs Colorado)
7. Rube Foster - 8, 1915 World Series Game 2 (vs Philadelphia)
Joe Wood - 8, 1912 World Series Game 4 (vs New York Giants)
Joe Dobson - 8, 1946 World Series Game 5 (vs St. Louis)
Luis Tiant - 8, 1975 ALCS Game 1 (vs Oakland)
Bruce Hurst - 8, 1986 World Series Game 1 (vs New York Mets)
Roger Clemens - 8, 1986 World Series Game 6 (vs New York Mets)
Roger Clemens - 8, 1988 ALCS Game 2 (vs Oakland)
Wes Gardner - 8, 1988 ALCS Game 3 (vs Oakland)
Pedro Martinez - 8, 1998 ALDS Game 1 (vs Cleveland)
Pedro Martinez - 8, 1999 ALDS Game 5 (vs Cleveland)
Tim Wakefield - 8, 2003 ALCS Game 4 (vs New York)
Pedro Martinez - 8, 2003 ALCS Game 7 (vs New York)
Josh Beckett - 8, 2007 ALDS Game 1 (vs Los Angeles)

K/9 IPs - all time (minimum 14 innings pitched)
1. Keith Foulke - 12.2
2. Bronson Arroyo - 10.6
3. Josh Beckett - 10.5
4. Pedro Martinez - 9.1
5. Joe Wood - 8.6
6. Mike Timlin - 8.4
7. Daisuke Matsuzaka - 7.8
8. Roger Clemens - 7.3
9. Bill Dinneen - 7.2
10. Bruce Hurst - 6.9
11. Tim Wakefield - 6.8
12. Rube Foster - 6
13. Curt Schilling - 5.6
14. Jonathan Papelbon - 5.5
15. Luis Tiant - 5.3

Wins - all time
1. Pedro Martinez - 6
Curt Schilling - 6
2. Josh Beckett - 4
Derek Lowe - 4
4. Luis Tiant - 3
Burst Hurst - 3
Babe Ruth - 3
Ernie Shore - 3
Joe Wood - 3
Bill Dinneen - 3

Shutouts - all time
Bill Dineen - 2, 1903 World Series Game 2; 1903 World Series Game 8
Josh Beckett - 1, 2007 ALDS Game 1
Luis Tiant - 1, 1975 World Series Game 1
Jim Lonborg - 1, 1967 World Series Game 2
Dave Ferriss - 1, 1946 World Series Game 3
Babe Ruth - 1, 1918 World Series Game 1

ERA - all time (minimum 14 innings pitched)
1. Jonathan Papelbon - 0.00
2. Hugh Bedient - 0.50
3. Keith Foulke - 0.64
4. Babe Ruth - 0.87
5. Dutch Leonard - 1.00
6. Josh Becekett - 1.20
7. Alan Embree - 1.29
8. Rube Foster - 1.71
9. Ernie Shore - 1.82
10. Cy Young - 1.85

11. Ray Collins - 1.88
12. Bill Dinneen - 2.06
13. Bruce Hurst - 2.29
14. Carl Mays - 2.32
15. Jim Lonborg - 2.62
16. Luis Tiant - 2.65
17. Derek Lowe - 3.05
18. Tex Hughson - 3.14
Bill Lee - 3.14
20. Curt Schilling - 3.28
21. Pedro Martinez - 3.40
22. Mike Timlin - 3.54
23. Roger Clemens 3.88

Saves - all time
Jonathan Papelbon - 4
Scott Williamson - 3
Keith Foulke - 3
Dick Drago - 2
Calvin Schiraldi - 2
Gary Bell - 1
Bob Stanley - 1
Derek Lowe - 1

Saves - single series
Jonathan Papelbon - 3, 2007 World Series (vs Colorado, 4 games)
Scott Williamson - 3, 2003 ALCS (vs New York, 7 games)

Back to the blog

Oh man, guess I haven't worked on this in a while.

Nomar's birthday

Today is Nomar's 34th birthday.

Happy Birthday Nomar!

So while his stats are a far cry from where he's been (.278-4-47), he can still rake the ball and if he remains healthy throughout the year, he has potential to get hot and finish the season with close to 100 RBI and maybe 20 homers.

It might be a reach, but he could be the key ingredient to the Dodgers down the stretch earning a postseason berth. Let's not yet forecast that his Coopertown credentials are gone.

There's still plenty more baseball for Nomar to play.

Inching closer to football season

OK, so it's summer but the football season isn't that far away. As the pre-season college magazines and NFL fantasy previews start to trickle out into bookstores and news shops, it seems an appropriate time to start to examine what's in store for the 2007 BC football team.

And already the expectations are high for BC. Rivals.com placed the Eagles at No. 16 in their pre-season top-50. While not too surprising, it shows that there is a feeling among the media that Coach Jags's West Coast/pro-style offense and his ability to recruit well will yield some success for BC.

While Matt Ryan is regarded as among the best quarterbacks in the league, the strength of this team will be if the running game can match its production of the past combined with a strong set of receivers and suitable to excellent DBs. More to come on this team as we draw closer to Opening Day on Sept. 1 against Wake Forest.

SI.com gave some ink to Flutie's Hail Mary as part of its "SI reporters write about their favorite sporting events they have attended" series. Ian Thomsen, who worked for The Globe in 1984, gave his version of covering the Miracle in Miami. Interesting fact I never knew, according to Thomsen, BC had already accepted a bid to the Cotton Bowl. That's interesting since, going into the Miami game, the Eagles still had a game at Holy Cross to finish the season. So, a 7-2 team was invited to -- what was at the time -- one of the more prestigious bowl games? Interesting. Like today, I imagine the Cotton Bowl committee was interested in money and selling tickets, and asked BC to participate because the Eagles were (1) out of the national title hunt and -- even it they finished at 7-4 (which was unlikely because we had Holy Cross at our last game) -- (2) knew Flutie and the potent BC offence would be a draw. It didn't hurt that BC was a great team and deserved to be in a top-notch bowl.

With the exception of smaller programs or 6-win teams, today most schools do not accept bowl bids until their season ends -- and for sure BCS-caliber teams wait until the selection show. It's amazing that 23 years ago it was a major bowl making a commitment to a team with two games left to be played.

Vin Scully on Nomar

As I enjoy a free preview of MLB Extra Innings, I am listening to Vin Scully broadcast a Dodgers-Phillies game on LA's FSN channel. The greatest of all time, Scully (at 79!) has still got it, (Bob Ryan addressed this on his blog, not too long ago...so no need to go into too much detail here) but, while not at the height of his powers in the 80s, Scully still can weave great anecdotes into his play-by-play of the game while neither boring his audience nor seeming to talk too much -- even though he's the only one in the booth! His gentle assessment of the game combined with an ability to call big moments appropriately wrapped in a beautiful baritone simply seals it for me that there will never be any one better.

As Nomar stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the first inning, I could not help but think of the path he was on when with the Red Sox and where he would take the Sox. He was going to lead the Sox to the Promised Land while building a Hall of Fame of resume. Well, the Sox won a World Championship but without Nomar, who no longer is on a definitive path to Cooperstown. I dreamed of the Sox playing in the World Series and Scully calling the action -- for a brief moment a dream kinda came to fruition. Nomar doubled in Jeff Kent, scorching the ball down the left field line -- vintage Nomar but without the baseball rattling around in the left field garage door.

Looking back, Nomar's early career made him arguably the most popular athlete in the city -- his geniality with the fans and his aww-shucks attitude endeared him unlike few others. Not seen as selfish and petty like Clemens. Not quirky and oddball-ish like Boggs. Plus he could hit for average, rake balls off the Wall, had good speed and was a spectacular defensive shortstop. Then 2001 happened and his body suffered a setback but not a HOF-debilitating injury. Yet, upon a return to full-time action in 2002, Nomar's average shrunk to .310 after winning back-to-back batting titles in 1999-2000.

The decrease in consistently was not all due to his wrist injury. The toll of the long season and moving from No. 4 to No. 3 in the batting order affected some of his ability to hit for average. In 1998, 1999 and 2000, Nomar hit 4th most nights -- protecting Mo Vaughn and later Brian Daubach. He had 532 and 529 at bats in 1999 and 2000 respectively; both years featured stints on the DL. Returning to play full time in 2002, Nomar had 635 and 658 at bats in 2002 and 2003 . His power increased but with it decreased batting averages and much lower on base percentages.

The combination of his wrist, the injured Achilles' tendon, a deteriorating relationship with the Boston media and his sour feelings toward the new ownership just turned 2004 into a miserable year for him and it seemed Nomar simply could not play shortstop effectively any more -- at least not for a team with aspirations of winning a World Series, and undoubtedly that added to his discomfort. It's just too bad one the franchise's greatest players could not be on the field when the Red Sox won it all.

If the Sox don't trade Nomar in 04, they probably don't win the World Series. That's a strange sentence to write but it's true.

By the way, Nomar's 2-for-3 tonight for the Dodgers. That's a strange sentence to write too.