News about Pedro Martinez, Red Sox pitcher, for the 2001 Boston Red Soxseason (October)

pedro martinez
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News Archive for October 2001
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October 28, 2001

Another view
Will McDonough, Boston Globe

From the lips of a Red Sox veteran: The most disliked player among team members is not Carl Everett. It’s a pitcher who plays the superstar role, breaking more rules than spaceman Carl, and then bailing out on his teammates with a month left in the season.

October 27, 2001

A New Kind Of Bronx Cheer — Even Red Sox Fans Are With Them (Well, Some Are)
Paul Doyle, Hartford Courant

It took someone who grew up in the land of baseball limbo to offer the most memorable comparison for the powerful New York Yankees. Hartford native Jim Murray, who learned his baseball in the belly of the New York-Boston rivalry, wrote a Life magazine story titled “I Hate the Yankees” in the early 1950s. In arguing that New York’s dynasty was bad for baseball, Murray bemoaned the economic advantage the Yankees held over such struggling teams as the St. Louis Browns.

Just call ’em player haters
Justice B. Hill, mlb.com

Their rented Pathfinder with the California plates was loaded with T-shirts, as was the metal railing that separated the 21-year-old Todd Wilson and his business partner, Ray LeMoine, from the hundreds of passers-by. As Wilson and LeMoine stood Thursday afternoon in the Pacific Northwest chill, the two buddies from Boston had peddling hate on their minds. They peddled it for $10 a pop. Not that either Wilson or LeMoine was a bad guy. They were not. They just knew where their baseball allegiances were. They both were proud to call themselves diehard Red Sox fans, which meant they hated the New York Yankees.

October 26, 2001

Getting deep sixed
Bill Simmons, espn.com, page 2

Game 6 changed the way we looked at sports — the pain was too intense, too impossible, too dramatic, too overwhelming — and that feeling of devastation seemed much more consuming than the flip side (being on the winning side). The sacrifices were too great. Before ’86, we feared the worst. After ’86, we expected the worst. There’s a difference. And yet That Game links together every Red Sox fan; it’s the one thing we collectively share that nobody else can comprehend. I’m telling you, you couldn’t possibly understand it. We’re linked together by That Game, all of us. Inexorably. And every Red Sox fan reading this knows what I mean.

Bill James has baseball all figured out
Joe Posnanski, Kansas City Star

Bill James has groupies. OK, they’re not precisely the kinds of groupies who trail, say, Freddie Prinze Jr. or Derek Jeter. James doesn’t exactly get perfumed mail, and, to be honest, he probably would not want to get perfumed mail from many of his admirers. … And, next week, his most complete baseball book — “The New Bill James Historical Abstract” — comes out. It discusses the money disparity in baseball, lists the top 100 players at every position and unleashes the most logical and understandable defensive statistics ever devised.

Yankees No Rx For City’s Grief
Shaun Powell, New York Newsday

Well, the Yankees are in the World Series, and New York feels so much better now. See that statement? Over the next week, you’ll be clubbed over the head with it, if you’re not already woozy from the initial hit. … To those who embrace this kind of thinking, I say: Get a grip. There is baseball. There is tragedy. They are separate and unequal and in no way related. … Funny, but nobody ever hailed “The Lion King” for healing our city over the last month, or accused Denzel Washington’s new movie of giving us strength in time of need. What’s the difference?

New York press pans pool
Judd Slivka and Glen Creno, Arizona Republic

The New Yorkers are obsessing about the pool beyond the outfield fence at Bank One Ballpark. It’s been the talk of radio call-in shows, of newspaper columns. Funny thing: People in New York don’t think the pool’s cool. They think it’s a sign of weakness.

World Series Prospectus: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees
Joe Sheehan, baseballprospectus.com

Looking for some perspective? The Yankees’ current dynasty is older than the Arizona Diamondbacks franchise.

The Daily Prospectus: Your Mileage May Vary
Joe Sheehan, baseballprospectus.com

Did you know that in all of the 2001 postseason, we have yet to have a game in which both teams reached five runs scored? Just twice have both teams scored even four runs, and in one of those the fourth run for the loser was a meaningless solo home run in the ninth …  There have been no slugfests. None. This on the heels of the ninth season of a fantastic hitters’ era. …

What’s interesting to me is that there’s been no complaining about this, because the postseason games fit the established criteria for “good” baseball: pitching, defense, little ball, etc. If we had a stretch of 28 postseason games with no pitchers’ duels, 13 slugfests, and a handful of other games, there’d be all kinds of hand-wringing about the state of the game. Because the uniformity goes in the other direction, though–the 1960s direction–there’s nothing but praise. To me, it’s all baseball, and it’s all great. I just wish everyone saw it that way all the time.

Bosox Fans Hop on Bandwagon
Andrew R. Tripaldi, New York Daily News

Babe Ruth must be turning over in his grave. For more than 83 years, after the Red Sox sold Ruth’s contract to the Yankees, Boston fans have loathed the Bronx Bombers, stemming from their jealousy of New York’s success and their hometown team’s inability to win another World Series.

Labor pain, or false contraction?
Michael Gee, Boston Herald

So much of the world has changed since Sept. 11. It’s kind of resassuring to note that baseball’s owners remain as greedy and stupid as ever. The moguls’ latest bout of folly is a plan to shrink their business from 30 to 28 clubs by eliminating the Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins. … Either way, the owners would be chumps on the cosmic scale. If their scheme’s a threat, it’s an idle one. If contraction’s a serious proposition, it’s a little short of demented.

Ramirez wins Silver Slugger award
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com

Manny Ramirez was named to his fourth career Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger team, honoring him as the best offensive player at his position in the American League. In his first year in Boston, Ramirez led the Red Sox in batting average (.306), home runs (41) and RBIs (125), while playing in 142 games.

Garciaparra inducted into AFL Hall of Fame
mlb.com

Nomar Garciaparra was inducted into the Arizona Fall League’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 18. … In 1994, the Fall League’s third year, Garciaparra hit .328 in 32 games with the Scorpions. He hit one homer, drove in 14 runs and stole eight bases. … The number Garciaparra wore while in the Fall League — No. 5, of course — was officially retired league-wide.

October 24, 2001

Expos, Marlins Facing Strike 3
Bill Madden and Michael O’Keefe, New York Daily News

Major League Baseball officials are formulating a complicated plan to fold the floundering Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins and reinvest the money in the Anaheim Angels and Tampa Devil Rays, a baseball source told the Daily News yesterday.

Report says Marlins will be eliminated — But Dombrowski refutes contraction scenario
Mike Phillip, Miami Herald

The Marlins are denying a report in a Canadian newspaper that Major League Baseball plans to dissolve the team after the World Series. The Windsor (Ontario) Star reported Monday baseball will eliminate the Marlins and Montreal Expos and allow Marlins owner John Henry to purchase the Anaheim Angels and allow Expos owner Jeffrey Loria to purchase the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. A dispersal draft would be held later this fall, with the teams picking in reverse order of the regular-season standings.

Sources refuting Marlins’ demise — GM Dombrowski talks with Texas
Mike Phillip, Miami Herald

Two more major-league sources said Tuesday there was no merit to a report the Florida Marlins would be eliminated after the World Series.

Selig Denies Report Saying Two Teams Will Be Folded
Murray Chass, New York Times

Commissioner Bud Selig had a conniption about contraction yesterday. The possibility that Major League Baseball will eliminate two teams for economic reasons has existed for the past year or so, but a Canadian newspaper reported that the decision had already been made and that the Montreal Expos and the Florida Marlins would be jettisoned after the World Series. Selig flatly denied the report.

October 19, 2001

Red Sox GM Duquette goes on the air — Addresses issues during radio interview
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com

Executive Vice President and General Manager Dan Duquette addressed a multitude of issues facing the Boston Red Sox in the offseason during a 90-minute studio appearance on WEEI, the team’s flagship radio station. Duquette, who even took some live calls from fans during his time on the air, reflected on the 2001 season. “I think the most frustrating part of the [past] season is that we never got the chance to see our key core players together. We didn’t get the chance to see Manny [Ramirez], Nomar [Garciaparra] and [Jason] Varitek in the lineup together.”

Duke sidesteps Sox issues
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald

With the up-for-sale Red Sox coming off their most dismal and disappointing season in recent memory, Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette tried to put the sunniest face he could on the organization yesterday. Even on radio, the strain showed.

Hriniak doesn’t want job
Lenny Megliola, MetroWest Daily News

Red Sox manager Joe Kerrigan talked to Walt Hriniak once before about returning to the team as the hitting coach. “I’m flattered and honored that they asked,” the 58-year-old Hriniak said yesterday, “but I don’t want the job. I can’t do it anymore. I want to let baseball go.”

No Chances With Mail
Ken Davidoff, Newsday

Derek Jeter and the rest of the Yankees haven’t received any fan letters since the postseason began, but that’s not unusual. It’s standard for the team to store up the mail at this time of year, simply because the mail becomes less of a priority. What’s different this year is that the players might never get those letters after the season. The nation’s anthrax scare has affected the way the Yankees handle their incoming mail.

October 18, 2001

Mo’s pro-Sox comments concern Anaheim brass
Art Martone, Providence Journal

Mo Vaughn’s “I wanna come back!” statement was the talk of New England yesterday. It didn’t go unnoticed in southern California, either. “Obviously, we’ll be talking to Mo about this,” Angels’ general manager Bill Stoneman told the Los Angeles Times … “Certainly, it’s a concern to the club when a player talks about wanting to play elsewhere.”

Vaughn Longs to Return to the Red Sox — Slugger finally openly admits he’d prefer to leave Anaheim after three seasons
Mike DiGiovanna, Los Angeles Times

After dropping several hints over the last two years, Angel first baseman Mo Vaughn came right out and said it Tuesday: He would love to return to the Boston Red Sox, the team he left under a shroud of controversy after the 1998 season. “I’m employed by the Anaheim Angels, but let’s just be straight; if I had an opportunity to come back to Boston, I would.”

Mo yearns for Boston
Joe Haakenson, Los Angeles Daily News

The Angels openly have discussed the possibility of moving Mo Vaughn to designated hitter next season, but after his comments to a Boston radio station Tuesday, they might move him all the way across the country.

Vaughn wants Red Sox, not halo
Andrew Baggarly, Press-Enterprise

For more than two years, Angels first baseman Mo Vaughn whispered to friends and former teammates that he wanted to return to the Boston Red Sox. On a Boston radio interview Tuesday, he went public with his desire, throwing one more sensitive issue onto the Angels’ messy offseason agenda.

Red Sox fans true to feelings
Ron Chimelis, Springfield Union-News

We are looking at New York far differently these days. We no longer see an arrogant metropolis, but instead a gallant city of our brothers and sisters, and rightly so. Because of this, I’ve assumed that rooting for the Yankees — New York’s most prominent sports ambassadors — would be deemed acceptable, even natural, just this once. Even in Red Sox country. Red Sox fans are setting me straight.

October 17, 2001

Fired coach rips into team
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe

How bad was it to wear a Red Sox uniform last season? ”The worst situation I’ve ever been around,” said Rick Down, who was fired yesterday as the team’s hitting coach. ”You could describe it as dysfunctional, but there are things that need to be addressed that aren’t just going to go away over the offseason. … It’s like a cancer, a malignant tumor. Either remove it or die.”

Mo interested in coming home
Art Martone, Providence Journal

On his way out the door three years ago, Mo Vaughn’s parting words to Red Sox Nation were: “I appreciate the fans of Boston, their intensity. I’ll miss it.” So much so, apparently, that he wants to come back. …

During an appearance on WEEI Radio in Boston yesterday afternoon, Vaughn not only said he wanted to return to the Red Sox, but he’d be willing to help facilitate a deal between the Sox and the Angels to get back to Boston. … “No disrespect intended to my current employer, but facts are facts. That’s where [I should be playing], right there (in Boston).”

Return to Sox gains Mo-mentum
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald

Mo Vaughn fired up the Red Sox’ hot stove season yesterday, saying he wants to come back and play for his old team. The 33-year-old outspoken slugger is in the middle of a six-year, $80 million contract with the Anaheim Angels that expires in 2004. The former Red Sox first baseman fled via free agency in the fall of 1998 after numerous confrontations, and ultimately unsuccessful negotiations, with the Dan Duquette-led front office.

Vaughn pushes to come back
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe

He has made no secret in recent months of his desire to return to the Red Sox. But Mo Vaughn escalated his campaign yesterday, making it perfectly clear in a radio interview he would welcome a second chance at Fenway Park if only the Sox would have him.

October 12, 2001

Wish list for ’02: Sox have plenty of areas to address … let’s start here
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald

The 2002 Red Sox need help – lots and lots of help. One needs only to glance back to 2001 to understand why. Even if the 2001 Red Sox had full health and a tranquil clubhouse, there is no reason to believe that the club was good enough to contend beyond the first round with any of the four teams now playing in the American League playoffs.

Done deal: It’s time for Harrington to end Duquette’s reign
Steve Buckley, Boston Herald

If Red Sox CEO John Harrington really cared about the so-called Yawkey Legacy he wants to leave for New England baseball fans, he’d step in, today, and fire Dan Duquette as general manager.

ESPN’s Page 2 looks back at the 1986 ALCS, NLCS and World Series
Boston and California
New York Mets and Houston Astros
Boston and New York Mets

Rickey digs up plate, takes it home
Sandy Burgin, MLB.com

Talk about digging for home. Rickey Henderson, who has crossed home plate more than any other player in the history of baseball, dug up home plate at Qualcomm Stadium on Tuesday, four days after he set the all-time record for runs scored. … with the help of Stadium Manager Bill Wilson and the Qualcomm Stadium grounds crew … Rickey is going to take home plate home with him.

Things That Make You Go ARGH!
Joe Sheehan, baseballprospectus.com

To the sound of hosannas from the fawning media, Torre went with a veteran-laden lineup last night, playing Paul O’Neill, David Justice and Chuck Knoblauch, benching Shane Spencer against the left-hander Mark Mulder and leaving Nick Johnson off the Division Series roster. This was the Yankee bench last night: Todd Greene, Clay Bellinger, Luis Sojo, Enrique Wilson, Randy Velarde, Shane Spencer. That’s a backup catcher, four utility infielders and a platoon corner outfielder. There’s so many thing wrong with this that I don’t know where to begin.

October 10, 2001

Red Sox dropping Grebek, Burkhart
Steven Krasner, Providence Journal

The Boston Red Sox made two low-level roster moves yesterday, requesting waivers on utility infielder Craig Grebeck and first baseman/designated hitter Morgan Burkhart for the purpose of releasing them.

Red Sox look to regroup for 2002
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com

The 2001 season did not end the way the Red Sox envisioned when Spring Training opened in February. Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Jason Varitek, Bret Saberhagen, John Valentin and Mike Lansing all finished the season on the disabled list. Manny Ramirez sat out the last nine games of the season after being hit by a pitch. And Carl Everett spent the last three weeks of the year in Florida resting his sprained right knee. In fact, Garciaparra, Ramirez, and Martinez never played in a single game — much less an inning — together during the entire season.

Sox face the future
Garry Brown, Springfield Union-News

As his Boston Red Sox finished their lost season with a flourish of five straight victories, manager Joe Kerrigan saw glimmers of hope for spring 2002. He looks forward to the opportunity of having control of the team from the first day of spring camp. He talks of implementing his “offensive philosophy.” He talks of having Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon concentrate on stealing 25 to 30 bases each. He envisions a pitching rotation topped by Pedro Martinez, and including prize rookie Casey Fossum.

Silver lining: You might not believe it, but the Sox did produce some positives
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald

After spending more than $100 million in payroll, the Red Sox spent the final days of the disappointing 2001 season scrambling to finish with a winning record. Trying to find positive moments along the way was not nearly as easy as identifying the events that characterized the team’s level of disharmony, dysfunction and discord.

Doctoring the Numbers: More on Barry Bonds
Clay Davenport, baseballprospectus.com

I’m having trouble deciding which of Barry Bonds’s new records is the most astounding. I’m pretty sure it is not the 73 home runs. The way 60s have been hitting the board in recent years, I have to join the pack of writers that was just a little bit jaded by the assault. So let’s move on.

Baseball Prospectus Playoff Previews
Prospectus Roundtable with predictions
Arizona and St. Louis
Atlanta and Houston
Cleveland and Seattle
Oakland and New York

October 9, 2001

Rickey Henderson — Say what you will about his attitude, he walks the walk. And in the last few days he’s walked right into the record books — twice.
Allen St. John, salon.com

For years I’ve had this ritual. Every morning, I log onto my computer, check for desperate e-mails from desperate editors, then open the bookmark for Rickey Henderson’s career stats. I scroll down to the runs-scored column and see if, based on last night’s action, the number has inched closer to 2,245.

The Daily Prospectus: My Ballot
Joe Sheehan, baseball.prospectus.com

My ballot for the Internet Baseball Awards, sponsored by Baseball Prospectus and coming to a browser near you this week.

American League MVP — Jason Giambi, Athletics
National League MVP — Barry Bonds, Giants
American League Cy Young — Mike Mussina, Yankees
National League Cy Young — Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks
American League Rookie of the Year — Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
National League Rookie of the Year — Albert Pujols, Cardinals

Eating crow, thanks to Ichiro
Rob Dibble, espn.com

What I wish some would forget is a rather bold statement I made on the show back in April, when I proclaimed that if Ichiro Suzuki won the batting title, I’d run around Times Square naked. … As if that weren’t enough, I added that should Ichiro win the batting title, I’d also tattoo his number, 51, on my butt. … Many of you may think I won’t run. Trust me; I’m a man of my word.

Did the in-season deals pay off?
Rob Neyer, espn.com

Most of the work that goes into building a team is done before the season, but general managers spend a huge amount of time trying to improve their clubs during the season, too. So today, on the eve of the playofs, I thought it might be fun to look at some of the in-season moves that made or broke postseason chances.

Yanks can overcome to win another one
Bob Klapisch, espn.com

It’s that time of the year again. The Yankees brush aside the standings, the final stats and even the injury reports — all of them outweighed by October’s leap of faith. Every year since 1998 the postseason has been the Yankees’ sole property. Even last season, when they finished with only 87 wins, they somehow won their third straight World Series, leaving the baseball community wondering just what, exactly, it will take to end this Bronx golden era. … [W]hat, exactly, will it take for the Yankees to cope with Oakland’s starting pitching? The Mariners’ bullpen? Or the Indians’ thunderous offense? It’ll take favorable answers to the following five questions.

October 8, 2001

Red Sox fail miserably: Dysfunctional team lets down Yawkey legacy
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald

The players complained about their roles and snickered at their own manager, then blatantly quit down the stretch. The general manager second-guessed the skipper, then fired him, effectively backing a roster that included a now-infamous, renegade center fielder. And when it came time for the Red Sox to deliver in the critical stages of the 2001 season, they fell flatly and heavily on their overpriced bottoms. … Here, then, are the final grades for 2001. Midterm marks are included purely for the sake of comparison.

These parts couldn’t drive the Sox’ engine — Major overhaul seems likely in wake of futile season
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe

The watchword is ”uncertainty.” With their abomination of a 2001 season dead and buried, the Red Sox last night looked toward the future and discovered little more than a titanic question mark. Will there be new owners? And when? How much will the new bosses spend to try to eradicate the curse? And how radically will they shake up the front office, the coaching staff, and the roster? Will an impasse in negotiating a new Basic Agreement between the owners and the players freeze offseason activity? Will the team’s best players – Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, and Jason Varitek – be able to overcome injuries that killed or curtailed their seasons?

Injuries and bad chemistry spoiled mix, says Duquette
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal

Dan Duquette is finishing his eighth — and most tumultuous — season as general manager of the Red Sox. The 2001 season has been full of change, turmoil and controversy. Despite a payroll in excess of $110 million, the team failed to qualify for the postseason for the second consecutive season. Accordingly, this off-season figures to be one of the most compelling in recent years. … Duquette spoke with the Journal in a wide-ranging interview. His remarks are in full and unedited.

Putting their house in order — Sox must clean up act before Fenway reopens
Gordon Edes, Boston Globe

So, this is how it ended, with Jimy Williams exiled to a golf course in Florida, Pedro Martinez storming off to a beach in the Dominican, Carl Everett under virtual house arrest in Tampa, Bret Saberhagen leaving without a goodbye, John Harrington hiding ”for security reasons,” Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek at the front of the line in an overcrowded medical ward, John Valentin disappearing into the same void as Craig Grebeck, Dan Duquette and Joe Kerrigan hand-in-hand in freefall, Jose Offerman offending with one last whine, and Manny Ramirez retreating to a place only his wandering mind can find.

Red-faced Sox scatter
Michael Silverman, Boston Herald

Team unity for the 2001 Red Sox, never a strong point to begin with, did not last one second longer than it had to. The Red Sox began scattering to the far corners of the country and the world almost as soon as Saturday night’s season finale ended in Baltimore.

October 5, 2001

Nixon gets Kerrigan’s vote as Red Sox MVP
Mike Petraglia, redsox.com

Red Sox Manager Joe Kerrigan said Thursday that outfielder Trot Nixon was his choice for team MVP in 2001. “It’s gotta be Trot,” Kerrigan said. “Of course, Varitek and Nomar, they’re MVP-type players. But the way [Nixon] has played and how he’s gotten better… He’s always ready to play.”

Nixon has career highs in homers (25) and RBIs (84) to go along with a .277 average in 144 games. “I think he’s a guy, if you’re a fan, you like watching him play,” Kerrigan said. “His intensity kinda oozes over onto the fans. You know, kinda like Nomar and Varitek…and when Pedro pitches and Nomo… and the reaction our fans have. The intensity really just carries over.”

Trotting out a vote for Sox MVP
Tony Massarotti, Boston Herald

Fortunately for the 2001 Red Sox, the title of Most Valuable Player is a relative term. … Still, somebody on this club has to be more valuable than the others, so here are an assortment of responses (in chronological order) from members of the Sox who were asked to identify this team’s MVP.

The Daily Prospectus: Greatness
Joe Sheehan, baseballprospectus.com

Superlatives are beginning to lose their meaning. Memories are being made nearly every single moment by some of the greatest players in history. Teams are battling desperately to become a great story, or to avoid becoming one. Is it possible that we’re seeing the greatest week in baseball history?

October 4, 2001

Sox’ big three are a huge flop when it comes to leadership
Bill Reynolds, Providence Journal

Nomar Garciaparra. Pedro Martinez. Manny Ramirez. What do these three players have in common, besides the fact they’re the three biggest names on the Red Sox? None of them are leaders. Not even close. In fact, there supposedly are none in the Red Sox clubhouse, one of the reasons why this team has imploded, slinking to the finish line like some old dog just looking to lie down in the shade.

Sox face critical offseason
Paul Izzo, Springfield Union-News

[T]he two most serious issues facing the Boston Red Sox in the near future are ones that are pure baseball. They are issues that have nothing to do with future owners, managers, general managers or player antics. They are problems that had better come out right if the club is to rebound in the seasons ahead. The first problem is this – three of the team’s four most valuable players all are suffering from career-threatening physical problems.

October 3, 2001

Helen Robinson, longtime Red Sox employee, passes away
Rod Oreste, redsox.com

On Tuesday, venerable Red Sox switchboard operator Helen Robinson passed away, one month to the day after celebrating her 60th anniversary with the Boston Red Sox organization. Robinson’s first day as the Boston Red Sox switchboard operator was Sept. 2, 1941, and until Oct. 2, she sat at the Red Sox front desk. Always in before 9 a.m., Robinson never left her post until an hour after the game during a homestand, or when the clock struck five when the team was away. She fielded all calls during the game, from upset or joyous fans — depending on what the Red Sox were doing on the field at the time — players’ friends or relatives and everyone in-between.

Sox now operating at a loss without Robinson
Bob Hohler, Boston Globe

Ted Williams called her ”Sunshine.” Joe Cronin trusted her to babysit his sons. And Nomar Garciaparra never forgot to send her flowers. For more than 60 years, Helen Robinson was one of the most revered and respected figures in Red Sox history, a no-nonsense switchboard operator who controlled access to the team’s decision makers, guarded the most explosive secrets, and ultimately created a remarkable legacy of loyalty and longevity. Robinson died yesterday at 85, a month to the day after her 60th anniversary on the job. She had worked a full shift on Yawkey Way Monday and had every intention of reporting for duty yesterday.

The Inside Corner: Media access excess
Bill Bavasi, SportsTicker

Boston manager Joe Kerrigan’s complaints regarding media access to his clubhouse are valid. His timing may be brutal. And he will be the butt of Red Sox paranoia jokes all winter. And he’s given the Baseball Writers Association of America a head start in fighting any proposed changes by the Red Sox. But the media’s access to all MLB clubhouses is excessive and the commissioner’s office needs to make some changes. …

The greatest result of Kerrigan’s comments was the one-day media boycott of the Red Sox clubhouse. This boycott is akin to when you were 8-years old and you threatened your parents with running away from home only to find they had packed a bag for you. “These players are so self-absorbed,” said Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal-Bulletin. “I don’t think they missed us.”

Sosa over Bonds for NL MVP? Get a clue
Rob Neyer, espn.com

This past weekend, I read something that made me a little sad. It was a newspaper column written by a baseball writer who, 20 years ago, ranked as one of the brighter minds in his profession. … this baseball writer wrote a column in which he devoted 700 words to proving that Bonds is enjoying one of the greatest seasons in history … so far, so good … and then 600 more to “proving” that Bonds is, unless the Giants reach the postseason, only the NL’s third-best MVP candidate. At best. … He looked for numbers to support the notion that Bonds is not the MVP, but … when this baseball writer didn’t find the numbers that he wanted to find, he did the next best thing: he made up some numbers; or rather, he made up some assumptions about the numbers.

October 2, 2001

Sox’ disharmony is revealed again
Sean McAdam, Providence Journal

A dispute over loud music on the Red Sox charter flight Sunday night from Detroit to here resulted in an angry confrontation between teammates, further proof of the tension that exists as the club finishes its most disappointing season in many years.

October 1, 2001

The Daily Prospectus: Redemption
Derek Zumsteg, Baseball Prospectus

There’s an unfortunate but natural tendency to ascribe to players the qualities they exhibit on the field. Great players are often treated as great people, even if they aren’t. … The reverse is also true: while some of the nicest people you’ll meet are peripheral, bad players, we regard them as bad people … This relates, as do all things this year, to Barry Bonds. 

Doctoring the Numbers: The Bonds Edition
Rany Jazayerli, Baseball Prospectus

We are a jaded society. … We are so bombarded with “new” and “improved” and “bigger” and “better” and “the best ever” that we don’t believe any of it. That’s a shame, because when an athlete does something truly magnificent and unprecedented, we are unable to appreciate it. When a baseball player produces one of the finest seasons in the 125-year history of the sport, we are unable to distinguish his performance from the merely great.

Inside Rickey’s World, he marches to own beat
Tom Weir, USA TODAY

Rickey Henderson is all alone at his locker, getting organized for a game. But it sounds like someone else must be there with him. Why else would he be chattering in that low, frenetic tone, muttering indecipherable words and sounding like a bee is buzzing in his mouth?

Rumors of steroid use threaten to mar baseball’s resurgence
Mike Berardino, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Home runs have never been more plentiful in Major League Baseball. Mammoth sluggers, their muscles rippling, are going where no players have gone before. Offensive records fall by the bushel. Even middle infielders, once counted on for defense and little else, are hitting tape-measure shots into the upper deck. Fans packed into baseball’s sparkling new pleasure palaces thrill to the sight. And yet, a question nags many observers in and around the game: Is it all legitimate? Increasingly, the specter of anabolic steroids threatens to mar baseball’s boffo resurgence.

One of the most stunningly illogical and wrong-headed columns of the season:
Bonds’s Numbers: Either Greater Than Or Less Than
Thomas Boswell, Washington Post

With just eight games left in his season, it’s time to ask where Barry Bonds’s performance ranks among the best years of all time. … Remember, this is Barry Bonds, the walking enigma. He’s the supreme soloist: a man who waits for a good pitch in every situation, even if he walks 170 times this year. To date, Bonds’s whole career is a testament to statistics, not titles.

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