But someone who is SO way not YUK is Felix Doubront, limited the vaunted Tigers offense to 2 runs on 4 hits (including 2 solo home runs) in 6 innings of work yesterday, for his 5th win of the season.

The rest of his line. Throwing 95 pitches, 64 for strikes, he walked 1 and struck out 6…

Bobby Valentine weighs in on Felix’s success: “Felix has been a pretty consistent pitcher for us. As we mentioned, when he has his fastball command, that two-seamer on the outside to right-handers and the inside to left-handers, he gets ahead of a lot of counts and seems like he does a pretty good job. He had that going today. He made a couple of mistakes with some power hitters, but other than that, he’s a very good pitcher. He pitched well today. His curveball was pretty good today.”

Scott Atchison, who is quietly putting together a very nice season for himself, with a 0.93 ERA (yes, like 93 cents–but in this case, that is a good thing), pitched 2 innings of 1 hit ball, with 4 strikeouts…

Aceves, fresh off a rare (at least recently) blown save against Tampa Bay on Sunday, prevented the Tigers from winning, but still gave up 2 runs on 2 hits (including a homer), and 2 strikeouts, in his 1 inning of work…

And then there were 6: Ryan Sweeney, activated from the 7 Day DL after getting concussed last weekend, immediately contributed in yesterday’s contest, going 3 for 4 with a double, and scoring 2 runs…Che-Hsuan Lin was optioned to Pawtucket to open a roster spots for Sweeney.

The bad thing that happened in the game: (and there always seems to be at least ONE bad thing in each Red Sox game these days.) Dustin Pedroia jammed him thumb in the 5th inning on a fielding play, and had to be removed from the game. The story now is that is probably is not that big of a deal–but would they tell us if it was?  He’ll be out for at least tonight’s contest…

Trot Nixon was the honoree of yesterday’s game, for his contributions to the Red Sox for 10 seasons. He threw out the first pitch, and received his #7 from the scoreboard, and a trophy made of his filthy Red Sox batting helmet. Are they going to honor all of the 2004 players? They should have nights for Curtis Leskanic, and Pokey Reese and Mark Bellhorn and Ricky Gutierrez. I’d love to see all of them again…And if they let “The Mechanic” throw out the first pitch, we may even see his arm FINALLY fall off!

As I mentioned on Facebook yesterday, I finally had the chance to watch the 100 anniversary celebration at Fenway, which was lovely. Dr. Charles once again put on a great event–and I was OH SO glad there wasn’t another song by Terry Cashman to commemorate THIS occasion…(This is) For Teddy Ballgame in 2005 was PLENTY…

And it was wonderful to see all the old and familiar (and some not so familiar) faces that once played for our beloved ballclub. I wish they had run a graphic for all of them, especially the old timers. And I was surprised that Mike Timlin or Alan Embree or Keith Foulke didn’t get one.

Bobby Doerr, at 94 still looks great for his age, but I am saddened how frail and old Johnny Pesky looks at 92–it must hurt him deeply not to be able to get to the ballpark everyday…

But I was completely SHOCKED when I realized there were quite a few players missing. Most notably: Where the HELL was Curt Schilling? Really? The Bloody Sock, and he could not make the time to be there? Holy Hell, Scott Schoeneweis, who pitched for the Sox for about 20 minutes in 2010, took the time to show up, you mean to tell me Curt could not?

And the more I think about it, What about Trot Nixon and JD Drew? Where was Wade Boggs? Dave Roberts? Ellis Burks? Curtis Leskanic? Mark Bellhorn? Mark Loretta? Brian Dauber? Bill Mueller? Doug Mirabelli?

And I know Fat Boy Roger Clemens wasn’t there either, which is OK by me; just another slight in the LONG list of slights from the original lying mercenary himself…

Finally, as I mentioned above, this is the 1200th post for Boston Red Thoughts. Just like I said for BRT’s 6th Birthday, I never thought I would get here, but it’s been a great ride–with no end in sight. Thanks again to everyone who has been part of the journey; you are the ones who make this a trip to remember…

Coming up: Game 2 of the 4 game series against the Tigers. Daniel Bard gets the start, opposed by Justin Verlander. OH boy…Here’s hoping for a reverse lock…1st pitch: 7:10pm…This will also be an ESPN game as well…

I have always liked John Smoltz, even way back when he was a starter, then a closer, and then a starter, for the Atlanta Braves, during their amazing run of 11 division titles though a good deal of the 90′s.

So when he signed with the Sox in 2009, I was uber excited, as I hoped that some of the great mojo the only pitcher in history with 200 wins and 150 saves, and a member of the 3,000 strike club.

Disappointingly, we all know he didn’t far well with the Sox (In 8 games he went 2–5 with an 8.32 ERA), and was released in August. He then went on to sign with the Cardinals, and fared a bit better with them (1-3 with a 4.26 ERA) and even helped them in the 2009 NLDS, pitching 2 innings in relief….After the 2009 season, Smoltz retired, and now works as an analyst for MLB. TV.

So when I was offered the opportunity to read his autobiography, I was excited to do so. And while I was expecting the “insiders guide to baseball”, Starting and Closing is SO much more than just a baseball book.

John Smoltz is a super well rounded guy. He was an accordion player when he was a young boy, and is still very good, he is a deeply religious man, who helped start a Christian School in Georgia. He is an avid golfer, and hopes to become a professional golfer at some point…and is he also is a very good bowler!

And while the book primarily focuses on his last season of professional baseball in 2009, when he played for the Red Sox and the Cardinals, he talks about his whole career, and how he overcame odds at every turn, and only through his faith and his complete unwillingness to never give up, was he as successful as he was.

He also offers his thoughts on the sport, and even his own insight as to what may have happened to the Red Sox during their meltdown of 2011.

A very well written book, by a well spoken man, who lived, breathed, and ate outside of the box,  and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read

Available where all good books are sold, Starting and Closing is the perfect Father’s Day gift for that Atlanta Braves fan in your life, for someone who enjoys reading great baseball stories, or wants to read a story of inspiration and perspiration. Check it out!

On June 16th, at Fenway Park, hundreds of local baseball fanatics will take the field for Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day to raise funds and awareness for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

The day-long annual event attracts baseball fans of all ages to experience the excitement of playing in the shadow of the Green Monster, where participants either fundraise their way on to the field or purchase packages. This year, as part of Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary season, fielding packages starting at $750 and batting packages at $2,000. Donors can also “Sponsor a Patient” by purchasing a batting or fielding package for a Dana-Farber patient.

For more information about Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day at Fenway batting and fielding packages please visit their website here.

About the Jimmy Fund: An official charity of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England, The Jimmy Fund solely supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute raising funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research to improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer for patients and families worldwide. Follow the Jimmy Fund on Facebook and on Twitter: @TheJimmyFund

But Daniel Bard did OK in yesterday’s outing, certainly well enough for his 4th win of the season: 5 1/3 innings, throwing 90 pitches, 49 for strikes, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits (including a homer) while striking out 2. The 5 free passes (4 walks and a hit batter) are a bit troubling, and that is something he really needs to work on. In 48 innings of work over 9 outings (8 starts), he has struck out 28, but walked 29–and hit 5…

Darnell McDonald has started swinging a bat, as he rehabs his ailing oblique…Hopefully all goes well, and he is back soon, as its too scary having Adrian Gonzales playing the outfield. I know he is willing, and has done a good job thus far, and it’s good the Sox are being creative) But I think having player continued to play out of position is just asking for trouble…

But how bout the Scott Posednik story? Out of MLB since September 2010, he was recently signed by the Sox, and has been playing at Pawtucket. Because of the 7, (yes SEVEN) outfielders currently on the DL for the Sox, they called him up. And he hits a solo shot in the 8th inning, which wins the game for the Sox…I love it when stuff like this happens…

I was scanning headlines the other day, and I saw something like “Ben Cherington has nothing but respect for David Ortiz”, and I am thinking? What is THAT all about? Well, apparently, Big Papi is on the “I don’t get no respect” bandwagon AGAIN. On Monday night he and Gordo were having a conversation, and it’s not really clear on what the question was, probably something about being a leader, and this is part of what he said (I am not going to put the whole quote in, as its pretty long, and really doesn’t make a ton of sense…): “What they call leaders is not what a leader is all about. They need to go to the dictionary and find out what the word ‘leader’ means. You know what I’m saying? The leaders they call leaders are the ones who get in front of the crowd and try to lead them. But that’s not the case here…I don’t give a [expletive] if they want to call me a leader. I don’t give a [expletive] if they want to call me a captain….I don’t get no respect. Not from the media. Not from the front office. What I do is never the right thing. It’s always hiding, for somebody to find out.”

Uh…WHAT? I’m sorry, how exactly are you not respected? Because you didn’t get the multiyear deal, at exactly what you wanted to be paid? Someone missed an ass kissing on some alternate Tuesday? What?

The Neato Stat for today: On August 3, 2003, #7, 8 and 9 hitters, Trot Nixon, Bill Mueller, and Doug Mirabelli, all hit a homer in a game. That hasn’t happened since–until yesterday, when #7, 8 and 9 hitters, Daniel Nava, Scott Posednik and Kelly Shoppach, all hit a homer in a game. And BOTH have happened at Camden Yards…

So I get these e-mails from the “Red Sox Insider”; I am sure some of you do as well–it’s supposed to be this “mole” in the front office of the Sox who is imparting all this inside info. Do they really expect us to believe that this is super secret stuff that is being leaked by this guy? Really? The Boston Red Sox are a carefully calculated PR machine; NOTHING gets out without their blessing…

Coming up: A much needed day off for the Sox, after playing 20 games in a row (and going 11-9 in that span). They will resume baseball activities at the Fens tomorrow with a 7 game homestand. First up: 3 with Tampa Bay. Jon Lester gets the nod in game 1 of the series, opposed by Alex Cobb for Tampa Bay. 1st pitch 7:10pm…

It took the Sox until May 21st. MAY 21st. To climb back to .500. I can even remember the last time they were here…UGH

And last night’s win was no thanks to That Clay Person, who had a 31 pitch meltdown in the 3rd inning, coughing up 4 runs… He managed to hang on a couple more innings, but Holy Hell, if he is going to be AT ALL successful he needs to get it together and throw the damn ball…

The rest of his damn line: 5 1/3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits (including a homer), while walking 4 and striking out 2. He threw 94 pitches, 57 for strikes, and has a spectacular 7.84 ERA. Ducky…

But for a refreshing change of pace, the Sox were able to score when Tommy Hunter BALKED in last night’s contest…

So, I think the Sox are going for the record. How many players can land on the DL before the team totally collapses on itself. Because I don’t see Ben Cherington DOING anything, and now my beloved Cody Ross is on the DL with a “non-displaced fracture of the navicular bone in his left foot” And in ENGLISH, that means–6-8 weeks, and MAYBE he won’t need surgery…this is the same injury Dustin Pedroia had that requires the screw in his foot that annoyed him all last year…Freaking marvelous…

And Jake and Carl Crawford (remember him???) MIGHT be back in July, but until then…From Ben: “We’ve looked at different things, internally and externally. We’ll continue to do that. We’re looking for ways to upgrade. We’ve been banged up in the outfield before today. We were looking for ways to upgrade if we could; we’ll continue to do that, but there’s nothing imminent.” Nice…

Looks like Kevin Youkilis will be back tonight, and since the Sox are pretty much without an outfield, Will Middlebrooks will be staying…And it’s going to get VERY interesting in terms on manning the outfield–there is talk about Adrian Gonzales being out there again, after a successful stint on RF in Philadelphia, although I think they would move him to Left at Fenway, as it’s much easier to deal with than the wacky right field…

Daisuke, recovering from the cortisone shot in his right trapezuis muscle, will rest for 7 days, and then more than likely resume his rehab starts–and at that point, the 30 day clock starts again. Daisuke weighs in: “The same area maybe flared up about three weeks ago. The same symptoms seemed to clear up, but they came back again. It restricts my movement. That’s why I got the shot and hopefully it gets better from here. My rehab, so far, has been going really well. It is a setback, and it’s a little disappointing, but hopefully the shot takes care of it and I can continue my rehab from there.” It’s been less than a year since he had his Tommy John Surgery….

Today’s Neato stat: Guess who is the BEST catcher in the AL right now? Yep, our boy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who leads all AL catchers in slugging (.565) and OPS (.301) and is hitting .278 with 7 homers, and 19 RBI’s…

Coming up: Game 2 of the 3 Game series, Felix Doubront goes for his 5th win of the season, opposed by Brian Matusz. 1st pitch: 7:05pm

Do you ya think maybe we could stay at or above .500, for at least a little while?

Truth be told, I would have been happier with a sweep, because then they probably wouldn’t had to deal with Jonathan Papelbon, cause THAT is the last person I think anyone wants to hear anything from…

But at least the Sox didn’t have their colective a**es handed to them this weekend. That is pessimistic I know, but I don’t totally trust this team not to put the “sprags” to us (as my friend Clair would say) just when we get lulled into the idea that this team is the real deal…

But Josh Beckett put up AND shut up yesterday, pitching 7 2/3 of 1 run ball for his 4th win of the season. Throwing 103 pitches, 72 for strikes, Josh gave up 7 hits (NO homers) while walking 2 and striking out 5…

Can I just say that if there was anyone to replace Jason Varitek as the starting backstop of the Boston Red Sox, it IS Jarrod Saltalamacchia? He gets smashed in the ear on Friday night, has to go to the hospital to get 12 stitches in his earlobe, and then sends a text to Bobby Valentine: ‘Hey Bobby, this is Salty. Everything came back good. Doctor cleared me to play, and I’m good for tomorrow. Plus, I’m due to hit a bomb.” And then HE DOES… a solo shot of Joe Blanton in the 4th inning–and he went 3-4 in the contest. And then on Sunday, he does it AGAIN, this time a 3-run shot off Cliff Lee in the 3rd inning…This is the kind of stuff that legend is made of…

Kevin Youkilis made his 1st rehab start at 3rd base on Saturday, playing 7 innings, and going 1 for 4 with 2 strikeouts, then, he was off on Sunday, and will probably play another game with the PawSox, this time a complete 9 innings, before he gets activated, probably Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest, unless his back falls off or something…THEN we’ll see what is done with Will Middlebrooks, whose bat has cooled off as of late…

And then there is Daisuke, who now has a strained lat, and is back on the DL. So now when he is ready, he just bought himself another 30 days in the minors–it’s not surprising, Bobby Valentine was talking last week about how Daisuke didn’t feel he was ready, and that there were reports over the weekend of him getting a shot in his neck…Take all the time in the world–the last thing on earth the Sox need is to mess with a rotation that, for the moment, is working…The original 30 days would have run out tomorrow…

The Oreos have the best record in the ENTIRE AL? Near the end of May? Really? Holy Buckets, between this and Dick Clark, the Mayans might be right about this whole world ending in 2012 thing…

Finally, fellow BBA-er Steve from The Greatest 21 Days, which focuses on minor league players from 1990 on, and what happened to them after they left the game sent this interview along; its focus is on John Leister, a Red Sox pitcher for 10 games split between 1987 and 1990. Really good read, check it out!

Coming up: The Sox, who are in a much better place than they were the last time they played the Oreos, hope to gain some ground in the AL East (or at least get to .500) as they kick off 3 against the Cookies. That Clay Person gets the start, opposed by Tommy Hunter. 1st pitch 7:05pm…I’m just glad they are back to AL rules–pitchers hitting, and Adrian Gonzales in the outfield is just too weird for me…