Black Pearl Girl

"The song has already been sung! The brethren court is called! "

2010-04-06T15:26:00.005-04:00

The 2010 season is officially underway, and thanks to the big bats of Yoooouuuk and The Destroyah, the Red Sox pillaged the Yankee bildrats and defended their home turf in the type of nail-biting battle that has become typical of the rivals.

Sox Ace, Josh Beckett (who just signed a 4-yr $68 million deal with the club), struggled in his first outing of the year, and after just 5 short innings - letting up 8 hits and 5 earned runs - was looking to The Brethren for support. Congratulations to Black Pearl newcomer Scott Schoeneweis who was perfect on the mound!

Schoeneweis (#48) had a perfect debut outing with the Sox

The rest of the night served as an unofficial roll call of this year's bullpen - bringing 5 of the 7 renowned pitchers to the mound. Meet the rest of this year's crew...

Ramon Ramirez

If #56 doesn't improve his ERA, we'll be petitioning Farrell to lock him in the brig

I'm not sure what to say about a man with an ERA of 54.00 after the season opener. Another outing like this and he best walk the plank!

Hideki Okajima (The Eastern Wizard)

"O! K! A! J! I! M! A!...HE'LL STRIKE YOU OUT!"

As a veteran crew member, Oki Doki (#37) has become synonymous with clutch relief play. On Opening Night, he allowed just 1 hit and no runs during his single inning on the mound - which was just enough to capture the season's first Win.

Along with his steadfast pitching, The Eastern Wizard unearths an additional treasure from Davy Jones' locker each time he departs the vessel: the best warm-up song in all of baseball. If ye haven't heard it yet, make sure to check it out, and sing along with the Black Pearl Girls at every game this season!

Daniel Bard

This year, the role of Exceptionally Tall and Good Looking Reliever will be played by Bard (taking over for last year's Masterson)

Bard (#51), a right-handed reliever, recorded his first major league win on August 26 of last year, against the Chicago White Sox after pitching a scoreless inning and a third in the eight and ninth followed by a walk off home run by Big Papi.

On Sunday, he allowed no hits and only one walk - resulting in zero runs scored - during his 1 inning of play. I'm excited to see what this Botswain will bring to the bullpen this season - mostly, I'm just excited to watch him.

Jonathan Papelbon (The Lost Boy)

The Lost Boy's antics have become an expected sideshow with every trip to Fenway

Oh, Pap, where does one even begin? How about with the fact that Boston's colorful wild child clearly wasn't kidding when he said he had been torturing himself with the tape of last season's gut-wrenching ALDS loss this off-season. He looked like he had been held prisoner of an inner war - the fire, intensity, and outright possessed-ness were at an all-time high. But I liked it.

The self-proclaimed Cinco-Ocho (#58) was back to his old ways, allowing just 1 hit and no runs during the 1 inning event known as "The Close."

Manny Delcarmen

Manny wouldn't disclose his pirate nickname to us at a 2008 Christmas at Fenway press conference

Delcarrrmen's absence from the mound on Opening Night doesn't negate the fact that he is an essential member of the sacred Brethren. In fact, it was #17 - at the urging of former Mike "The Admiral" Timlin - who started the ruckus in the bullpen back in 2007.

Boston's new favorite Manny is currently working on the mechanics of his pitching, including his devastating change-up, which has been inconsistent lately, but he's remaining positive and hoping to be back to normal soon.

Scott Atchison

Atchison called making this season's roster, "A dream come true"

One of the two Scotts acquired on the Red Sox's last day in Florida, #48 comes to us from across the seas - returning to the U.S. after a 2 year pitching stint in Japan.

John Farrell & Gary Tuck

Veteran Pitching and Bullpen coaches, Farrell (#52) and Tuck (#57), know how to manage this crazy bunch.

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The relievers and closers who make up Boston's bullpen will be pulling out all stops to support starters Josh Beckett (#18), Jon Lester (#31), John Lackey (#40), Daisuke Matsuzaka (#18), Tim Wakefield (#49), and Clay Buchholz (#11).

Fair winds, me buckos, in tonight's game!

[Insert unnecessarily long hiatus here]

2010-03-10T16:16:00.000-05:00

Yarr, me hearties! Is time to be bloggin' once again. Hope I haven't lost ye during my absence...

Be sure to follow me on Twittarrr (@blackpearlgirl) for the most up-to-date commentary on the crew of Boston's Black Pearl!

No one showed Ramon Ramirez any love while I was locked in the brig

Only hours to go...

2009-02-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

One day before pitchers and catchers are officially required to report to Spring Training, some Black Pearl veterans were already working out in Ft. Meyers.

Pitching coach John Farrell watches Beckett on the mound Wednesday morning

Delcarmen ran out of the clubhouse for a morning workout

Relievers Manny Delcarmern, Javier Lopez, and Hideki Okajima were among the early birds who arrived to camp on Wednesday. The remaining pitchers and catchers, including Captain Jason Varitek and closer Jonathan Papelbon, are due to report Thursday morning.

Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Happy Truck Day!

2009-02-06T17:30:00.000-05:00

Yarrr! The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but Red Sox fans got a glimpse of spring this mornin' as the team's equipment was packed up and driven off to Ft. Meyer's.

Wally the Green Monster directed traffic around the truck on Yawkey Way

The truck arrived at a frigid Fenway Park this mornin' just after 6 a.m. and the packing began at around 7:30 a.m. It was fully loaded by 2:15 when Hall of Famer Johnny Pesky climbed inside the cab and turned on the engine, symbolizing the start of the 2009 season.

Al Hartz of New England Household Moving and Storage, the company that has carted the Sox gear to Florida for the last 11 years, was back to drive the truck for the 11th time himself.

"I'll stop at a truck stop down somewhere in Jersey, sleep right here in the truck then stop again around Georgia," Hartz said this morning. "I'll roll into Fort Myers on Sunday, then into camp early Monday morning." (Steve Silva / Boston.com)

Sox legend Johnny Pesky was the Grand Marshal of the Truck Day ceremonies

The truck was loaded up with everything from bats and balls to e-mails from fans and even a motorcycle!

So while the rest of the world suffers through six more weeks of bitter cold winter, Red Sox Nation can wrap itself up in the thought of the team's spring training essentials travelin' to warmer weather.

Mark the calendar with these spring training dates to help you survive winter's final gaelstorms:

Feb. 12 — Reporting day for Red Sox pitchers and catchers
Feb. 14 — First workout for Red Sox pitchers and catchers
Feb. 16 — Reporting day for Red Sox positional players
Feb. 18 — First Red Sox full-squad workout
Feb. 25 — Red Sox spring training games begin

Photo Credit: boston.com, redsox.com

Pap's a papa!

2008-12-30T13:54:00.000-05:00

Congratulations be in order for The Lost Boy and his wench, Ashley, as they celebrate the birth of their first child, Parker Alice Papelbon, who checked in at 8 pounds 4 ounces.

I'm sure its merely coicindence that the little one's initials spell out PAP...

Photo Credit: Celebrity Baby Blog

VOTE LIKE A PIRATE!

2008-11-04T09:17:00.001-05:00

The United States Pirate Party released a press statement announcing their endorsement of Democratic Candidate for President Barack Obama!

The party calls Obama “the candidate which expresses legitimate concern for the continued improvement of technology, as well as the other key issues of importance: patent and copyright reform.”

“Mr. Obama clearly understands the important role that the internet plays in delivering information and communications in general, and his stance on privacy reflects this, saying at a speech given at the Google campus, 'I will take a backseat to no one in my commitment to network neutrality.'” Yar!

In Massachusetts, you have less than 11 hours to get out and vote. Find your polling location at VoteForChange.com and remind your friends that every vote counts!

[Photo Credit: Esty]

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T09:58:00.000-04:00

Now this is scary...

Papelbon dressed in drag at an event to support The Lester Project

Five coaches are offered contracts

2008-10-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

Five members of the Sox coaching staff, including pitching coach John Farrell and bullpen coach Gary Tuck, received invitations to return with the club for the 2009 season.

Farrell will be back with the BoSox in '09, but the fates of the Admiral and Cap'n are still unknown.

Pitching coach John Farrell, who has received rave reviews since arriving in '07, is expected to be back for a third season. Farrell received interest from the Pirates for their managerial position a year ago, but he elected to stay in Boston. (Ian Browne / MLB.com) Yar!

Bullpen coach Gary Tuck's key role for the team has been working with the catchers aboard the Black Pearl. More importantly, though, it was at his behest that the Red Sox relievers began referring to themselves as band of pirates in 2007.

Also part of the returning crew are bench coach Brad Mills, hitting coach Dave Magadan, and third-base coach DeMarlo Hale. First-base coach Louie Alicea was not offered a contract.

[Photo Credit: AP Photo]

...but not in their house either

2008-10-20T01:05:00.000-04:00

I wasn't sure that I'd feel this bad. After all, it's been nice just riding the wind of change that has made the Red Sox two-time World Champions and a serious threat over the past four seasons. But alas, I am heartbroken.

El Caballito and Crisp look dismayed in the 9th as Casey and Drew begin to pack up

Lester delivered a strong performance in Game 7, allowing three runs and retiring the first nine batters he faced.

Okajima pitched in his third consecutive game on Sunday, and just like in Games 5 and 6, Okajima didn't allow a run. In 7 1/3 innings during the ALCS, Okajima didn't allowed a hit or a run, striking out five. (Mark Remme / MLB.com)

As if it wasn't bad enough watching Garza expectorate a moat of saliva around the mound for 8 innings, Lester's three earned runs were more than enough for the Rays as they advance to the World Series after tonight. Fer those of you brave enough to watch (though I'd prefer to pretend it isn't happening), the coverage will begin Wednesday on Fox.

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On the horizon:

October 28th - Celtics Opening Night
Februarrry 14th - Pitchers & Catchers report to Spring Training
April 6th - We open our season and seek revenge against the Rays

A silver lining:

At least Manny didn't make it either...

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[Photo Credit: Boston Globe]

NOT IN OUR HOUSE!

2008-10-17T17:11:00.000-04:00

"Swing! Line-drive, right field . . . "

. . . "We're going to Tampa!" -- Chip Caray, TBS's play-by-play voice, 12:16 a.m., Oct. 17, 2008

Last night the Red Sox made history in Game 5 of the ALCS, overcoming a 7-0 deficit in the 7th to beat the Tampa Bay Rays and keep the series alive for (at least) one more game. The comeback was the biggest in the postseason since 1929, and the Fenway Faithful (yours truly among them) were duly rewarded.

A total game wrap-up complete with me thoughts, fears, and excitement will follow suit, but for now, let me congratulate young Justin Masterson and the rest of the Bullpen Brethren for an outstanding performance throughout the night.

Okajima, Papelbon and Masterson all pitched scoreless baseball. Manny Delcarmen was the lone member of the 'pen touched up, charged with two runs after walking a pair of runners in the seventh inning. (Mark Remme / MLB.com)

One of my favorite signs of the night was a "THANK YOU, TIMLIN" tribute, which will hopefully prove preemptive as The Admiral now has yet another chance to return to Fenway.

[Photo Credit: Boston Globe]

"If it was a dream, there would be rum"

2008-10-15T00:15:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry to report that Game 2 and Game 3 of the ALCS did actually happen. No, mateys, it was not a dream, or even a nightmare, but a wicked reality only intensified by the current status of Game 4 (11-1 Tampa Bay in the 6th).

For roughly 48 hours after Timlin took the mound on Saturday, I expected to be eating crow for my last post's optimism. Now, though, the Admiral's setback seems a moot point. Beckett went under (charged with all 8 runs through the first 10 innings of Game 2, and we're still waiting on an explanation); Lester was devoured (his first home loss since April); and Wake simply slaughtered (didn't even make it through three whole innings).

And that's only the starting pitchers! Last night Papi joined Jacoby and Tek on the list of players with zero hits in the ALCS. He finally got a hit tonight (a triple, no less), but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rays' 13 runs.

To speak of the Brethren's contributions in the last three games would be an overwhelming undertaking. Some highlights include:

Two perfect innings from the Eastern Wizard (Game 2)
An annecdotal Lost Boy moment as a line drive was reemed off Papelbon's right shoulder in the 10th - After frantically directing the continuation of the play to 1st, Pap vehemently waved a concerned Terry Francona back into the dugout (Game 2)
John Farrell being ejected after arguing calls on Timlin's behalf (Game 2)
Byrdman battling as Game 3's sole reliever in an attempt to save the arms in the 'pen for Game 4

Sox Coach Demarlo Hale consoled The Admiral in the dugout after Timlin gave up the winning run in the 11th inning of Game 2

As veteran Sox fans know, down does not always mean out, especially in the post season. And especially because I have tickets for a must-win Game 5 and refuse to face the potential impending doomsday that could unfold...

Down but not out, me hearties, down but not out.

[Photo Credit: Boston Globe]

Long Live The Admiral

2008-10-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

According to redsox.com, although the official paperwork isn't due until Friday morning, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said today that the team's roster for the ALCS is pretty much set.

"We'll go with an 11-man staff," Tito said during a press conference on the eve of the series, "Timlin's added..."

He also said of the 42-year-old veteran reliever, "He's very deserving, he's been doing this for a long time."

Watch the rest of the press conference.

Long live The Admiral! Rum all around!

VOTE!

2008-10-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

PAPELBON:

Tomorrow be the last day to vote fer the DHL Delivery Man of the Year! The Lost Boy is up against ruthless scoundrels like Mariano Rivera (NYY), Francisco Rodriguez (LAA), Bobby Jenks (CWS), and Brad Lidge (PHI), so ev'ry vote will count!

xxxx

OBAMA:

The deadline fer registering to vote in Massachusetts is fast approachin', me hearties! If you're not registered by October 15th, which is less than a week away, you will not be able to vote in the upcomin' presidential election on November 4th. With the economy sinking faster than a vessel full o' cannon holes, there is no time to waste!

xxxx

[Photo Credit: MLB, FreakingNews]

ARRRNOUNCEMENTS

2008-10-08T18:04:00.000-04:00

The ALCS starrrrrting rotation is released!

Game 1: BOS @ TB Fri, Oct 10th 8:37 PM
Game 2: BOS @ TB Sat, Oct 11th 8:07 PM
Game 3: TB @ BOS Mon, Oct 13th 4:37 PM
Game 4: TB @ BOS Tue, Oct 14th 8:07 PM

All games will be broadcast on TBS.

xxxx

Former Black Pearl Captain will sail again...and plunder the world's largest bounty!

The UK's Daily Mail reports that Johnny Depp will receive $55.8 million upfront from Disney to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth installment of Pirates of Caribbean.

The biggest known upfront payout was formerly the $50 million landlubber Tom Hanks was given to come back for the sequel to the Da Vinci Code.

"It's a lot of swag but there's only one Johnny Depp," one insider said. "They simply cannot make another 'Pirates' movie without Jack Sparrow."

However, insiders also speculated that it is unlikely that shipmates Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightly) will go on account with Sparrow.

xxxx

[Photo Credit: Boston Globe, FilmEdge.net]

Manny Who?

2008-10-07T11:33:00.000-04:00

Delcarmen, that's who! The only Manny we need here in Boston.

To recap: The Eastern Wizard (Okajima) was the first to provide relief to superstar starter Jon Lester, who pitched 8 scoreless innings. Oki faced 3 batters, had 2 outs, but left 1 man on when he turned the mound over to Masterson. The Young Gun* let the inherited runner score, gave up one more run, and Fenway fell silent with anticipation.

With 2 on and 2 outs in the top of the 9th, it was the Captain (literally, Varitek) who made the play of the game when, "Erick Aybar couldn't make contact with winning pitcher Manny Delcarmen's pitch and Varitek aggressively pinned Willits into no-man's land, chasing him down the line and ultimately tagging Willits just before he could retreat to third base." (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

If yer one of the bildgerats who's complainin' that this should've played out differently (with a lobbed toss to Youk, fer example), I suggest you be on yer way...
No one questions the Cap'n!

To finish the night (which is a blur in my mem'ry): Drew struck out; Bay blasted one back for a ground-rule double; Kotsay lined out; and rookie Jed Lowrie contributed the walk-off RBI single that sent the Angels to Davy Jones' locker.

Champagne showers ensued, and ye Black Pearl Girls were on site to experience all the excitement of the Sox clinching a spot in the upcoming AL Championship Series!

Lopez, Masterson, and Delcarmen doused Officer Dunn with champagne, but he retaliated with a hose!

xxxx

Even before any real action got underway baseball-wise, we were spotted by Boston Globe reporter Steve Silva, and want to thank him and welcome any new readers who followed the link from The Scene at Fenway page posted this mornin'.

Stay tuned for more swashbuckling tales surrounding Boston's Black Pearl...

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*As far as I know, Masterson has not officially been dubbed "The Young Gun" by any members of the Black Pearl; I simply find it a more palatable way to refer to the rookie

[Photo Credit: Boston Globe]

Shipping up to Boston

2008-10-06T15:30:00.001-04:00

I think me first mate and I were some of the only scallywags in Massachusetts who still had something to smile about after last night's extra-inning fall to the Angels. Delcarmen, Oki-Doki, and Masterson all provided relief to the Game 3 starter and ace of '07, Josh Beckett.

As always, Wild Thing made our hearts sing by powering through 2 edge-of-your-seat-riding innings, holding the score at 4-4 after the 11th. Pap's fist pumps proved pre-emptive, however, because...

In the 12th inning, a bloop RBI single by No. 9 hitter Erick Aybar against Red Sox lefty reliever Javy Lopez snapped a 4-4 tie that had been in place since an RBI double by Kevin Youkilis in the bottom of the fifth. Mike Napoli, who belted two homers earlier in the game, set the stage with a leadoff single to left. Howie Kendrick, playing Angels baseball, sacrificed Napoli to second. Aybar got an 0-2 pitch that he liked from Lopez for what proved to be the game-winner. (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

Prior witnesses of faith rewarded, the Black Pearl Girls are confident that with Lester on the mound tonight and a full bullpen (Pap remains questionable depending on how much grog he consumes before called upon), we'll be dancing an Irish jig with our fellow Bleacher Creatures sometime before 2 am!

HE DON'T KNOW HOW HE DO...

2008-10-04T02:13:00.000-04:00

PAP GETS THE WIN IN GAME 2!!!

"Drink up, me hearties!"

...HE JUST DO!

[Photo Credit: Boston.com]

As cool as a gale wind

2008-10-03T17:25:00.000-04:00

Now that I've acknowledged the crowning moment in me history as a Sox fan, and those who made it possible, it's time to move on to the heart of the matter: Today be game day. And not just any game day, but a post season game day.

With Dice-K on the mound for Game 2 tonight, we can look forward to the Eastern Wizard (Okajima) coming in for relief, and potential appearances by Javier Lopez or Manny Delcarmen.

During Game 1, rookie sinkerballer Justin Masterson came in in the eighth and did an outstanding job protecting the Sox one-run lead. The team is relying heavily this post season on five players who are 25 years or younger (and have been in the majors for 2 seasons or less), and Masterson considers this a compliment.

"It's just a testament to the organization in many respects," said rookie reliever Justin Masterson. "And to the faith of [manager Terry Francona] and the coaching staff, who continue to grind and make us who we are and help us to contribute and help us stay calm, cool and collected while we're doing it." (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

Remaining calm proves a running theme this Soxtober, as our resident Wild Thing attributes the unflappable attitude of Jason Bay to the newcomer's ability to produce under pressure.

"Because, man, he's cool as a cucumber," said Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, who nailed down the save in the ninth. "He's got ice in his veins. In this game, the coolest cat always wins. It's that simple."

And what does Pap think about tonight's game? "[We've] got to come here and keep applying the pressure as an entire ballclub. Regardless of what happened in Game 1, if we can keep doing that and take it back to Fenway [2-0], I like our chances." (Ian Browne / MLB.com)

So do I, matey, so do I...

Thank you, thank you, thank you

2008-10-03T13:00:00.000-04:00

Ahoy! As a first entry I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to the 2004 and 2007 World Series Champions, as well as owners John Henry and Tom Werner, and thank them for making me and me hearties' life-long dreams come true. In fact, what happened to me and me crew almost a year ago, was beyond any pirate or landlubber's wildest dreams...

On October 30, 2007, me hearties and I joined hundreds of fellow Red Sox fans for a Rolling Rally in honor of the team's latest World Series triumph. We thought the highlight of our venture was going to be waving to The Admiral (Timlin) and watching the Jolly Roger flap in the wind as the Duck Boats rolled down Tremont Street.

However, several hours after the celebration had ceased (or so we thought), me crew and I went on account by Henry's notorious galleon. Our hopes in loitering near the Iroquois were merely to catch a glimpse of Boston's most beloved buccaneers, but as the night went on, we sensed something bigger a'brewing.

It seems the principle owners were hosting a grand gathering for their colleagues, and while shareholders and dignitaries guzzled rum and devoured roasts, the guests of honor made time for four humble fans.

We held the most sought after treasure in all of Major League Baseball, and shook the hands of the behind-the-scenes botswains who made it all happen.

Our deepest and sincerest thanks go out to John Henry and Tom Werner for treating us like equals (Werner even asked us our names!), and to the entire Red Sox organization for being the best in baseball. And anyone who disagrees can walk the plank!