April 20, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former player Pedro Martinez (left) and Kevin Millar lead the toast during the 100th anniversary celebration at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Over a seven year period Martinez won two Cy Young awards, came in second or third three other times, and was a key piece of Boston’s first championship in 86 years. From 1998 to 2004 Martinez averaged 17 wins  against just 5 losses, an ERA of 2.5 and 240 strikeouts per season. In 1999 he was 23-4 and in 2000 had a 1.74 ERA. Wow. This is a guy who never gave in, knew how to win, feared no one and inspired his teammates. Now he’s back in the fold, working this past week with Felix Doubront, Daniel Bard and Rubby De La Rosa.

If anyone can reach Bard, who may be Boston’s most pivotal and important turnaround pitching project, it just might be Martinez.

Pedro, having retired in 2009, is still close enough to the game to be able to speak the same language and relate to players in a way that an older coach may not. Ultimately, it’s still pitching coach Juan Nieves’ responsibility  but having a living legend as a special assistant is a huge advantage.

Likewise Doubront, who has already been sidelined with shoulder soreness this spring, can learn about discipline and conditioning from Martinez, issues that the Red Sox suspect may be holding Doubront back.

‘‘He can relate to every pitcher on some level,’’ said Red Sox manager John Farrell in an interview with the Boston Globe. ‘‘It’s as much about dealing with pitching in Boston, the standpoint of what adjustments he had to go through. He has the scope of a whole major league career.

‘‘Sharing his experiences and much of the mindset a starting pitcher has to go not only in spring training but also how to manage a full season. The biggest thing is the way he was able to adapt throughout his career. Even when his physical power started to tail off at times, he made adjustments and learned to pitch.’’

That’s what Pedro brings to table every day he spends with Red Sox pitchers, which already puts Boston pitchers head and shoulders above their 2012 approach.

Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)
- Dirty Water, The Standells 

September 26, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former pitcher Pedro Martinez during pre-game ceremonies prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

First a disclaimer, I love Pedro Martinez. Always have. His 2000 season, one of the most dominant in Major League Baseball history, ushered in the beginning of some special sauce that the Red Sox had previously been missing. It was a swagger born not of arrogance but of supreme confidence and talent. Pedro during his years in Boston was a take no prisoners, take your hacks and sit down, shutdown force of nature.

Over 18 seasons Martinez posted a lifetime 2.93 ERA. While in Boston from 1998 to 2004 he posted a 2.50 ERA and averaged 17 wins against just 5 losses per season.

In 2000 Pedro took it to another level with a sick 1.74 ERA, an 18-6 record, 217 innings pitched and 284 Ks. Righteous!

When Don Zimmer (aka the Gerbil, a moniker hung on him by Bill Lee) as an old man charged Pedro during a storied Yankees/Red Sox brawl, Pedro pushed Zimmer to the ground and the press momentarily lost its collective mind. I applauded Pedro’s move. Zimmer’s charge was stupid, period. Pedro didn’t deck him. He didn’t stomp him. There was no intent to hurt him. He simply pushed an old man doing a dumb thing to the ground and in the process kept Zimmer from really hurting himself.

Then there’s the title: Special Assistant. He’s not the pitching coach. He’s not the assistant pitching coach. Pedro will get to freelance his role; role your own so to speak. As long as he can walk the line between Farrell and Boston’s management team, it’s hard to imagine that his contagious enthusiasm and savvy aren’t going to pay dividends. The move is genius.

Boston is making some things happen, not just related to the Xs and Os of trades, player development and the mechanics of the game. With the hirings of Jason Varitek and now Pedro Martinez, Boston is poised to reinvigorate the franchise with two players that meant as much to breaking the curse in leadership roles as any. It won’t happen overnight and it will take some luck but you can’t say the Red Sox aren’t trying. Baseball, as much as any sport, takes a special mix of smarts, backbone, foresight and mystique. Pedro Martinez fits neatly into all four categories. Sox!

Guess who just got back today?
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven’t changed, haven’t much to say
But man, I still think them cats are crazy

The boys are back in town
The boys are back in town
- The Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy

Just in case the Sox are frozen out of the post-season this year, can we at least bring back some warm memories to Fenway?

Here is the wicked cool, well thawed-out plan:

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April 20, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees right fielder

Today at Fenway Park, the Red Sox and their fans–myself included–celebrated the 100th birthday of the most beloved ballpark in baseball’s storied history. Among the alumni was Pedro Martinez, Kevin Millar, Keith Foulke and Nomar Garciaparra from the World Series winning, “god-damn curse” breaking, the rules don’t apply to us- history making 2004 Red Sox.

The reason I mention the team that gave us that World Series title after 86 years of misery is because the 2012 team looks nothing like them. I’m not saying that they can’t win but as far as the rivalry goes, I’m not even sure there is one anymore. In my mind, 2004 was the end of the rivalry as we knew it but with each year it’s dissipated just a bit more and now we’re left with nothing as evidenced by today’s game.

On a day that Fenway Park was buzzing with life and nostalgia, the Red Sox looked the complete opposite; lifeless. Of course it didn’t help that Clay Buchholz mirrored Josh Beckett‘s first start of the season, giving five lucky fans a souvenir.

Home runs from Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez–who took him yard twice–Alex Rodriguez and Russell Martin essentially ended the game before the sixth inning concluded but at one time that wouldn’t have been the case–the old Red Sox would have clawed their way back within inches at the very least.

All this team could do is put up a pair of runs on a homer from Yankee killer David Ortiz and an RBI double from Mike Aviles.

This team allowed sophomore starter Ivan Nova and the back end of the Yanks’ bullpen to hold them to just two runs, showing no will to win in the process–Something that should never happen when the Sox play the Evil Empire. The Red Sox of the past gave their best effort to topple the Yankees, even if it meant fists–or gloves–flying on the diamond.

It’s not that we can blame a lot of these guys, most of them know nothing of the rivalry that once defined the Red Sox and Yankees but it’s a shame that it’s come to this. The best thing this team can do is get back to hating the “Damn Yankees”.

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As Gordon Edes reports, Little was publicly humiliated shortly after the Sox lost the series when he was fired and ridiculed for his lack of movement from the dugout to replace Pedro with his bullpen.

The Little firing has recently been resurrected and re-hashed when Terry Francona was thrown under the bus and dethroned from the managerial position for what the owners felt was a legit cause.

Like Francona, Little appears to have snubbed the Sox for the way he was treated as he has yet to reply to the invite to the party.  Not surprising when you read Edes article who dives into the bowels of 2003 and recaptures the situation as it was.

The difference between Francona and Little is simple.  Francona won and relieved a Nation of misery while Little was accused of prolonging the agony.  One decision has caused Little to be hated by many Red Sox fans and whether or not it’s justified is another debate for another day.  But when the introduction of past managers and players is introduced on April 20th, two of the more notable names will be missing; one who brought tears of joy, the other who brought tears of pain.

Would you like to see Grady Little at the Fenway Park celebration?

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Sep 1, 2011; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former player

After the legendary collapse that the Red Sox suffered in September of 2011, the phrase I’ve heard most is “move forward”. The best way for the Sox to do so is to first take a giant leap backward.

Does anyone out there remember that mystical 2004 season that saw our beloved Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years? Looking at the Red Sox squad of today you have to wonder where those days have gone. There’s no sign of Pedro Martinez and his taunting personality, long gone are the days of “Manny being Manny”, Kevin Youkilis hasn’t put on his Hooters gear since he was a rookie and “Cowboy Up” is an unfortunate thing of the past.

Hell, even the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry has seemingly become a thing of the past. Jason Varitek isn’t around to feed A-Rod his catchers mitt, the Yankees are no longer “daddy” to the Red Sox’ ace and the war of words is practically non-existent. In simple terms the “Greatest Rivalry in Sports” appears to be dying. You could even argue that it’s not the greatest rivalry in MLB at this point.

Sure, the Red Sox of 2011 probably had more talent than the ’04 team but the chemistry wasn’t there. What we were left with was the larger than life personality of Dustin Pedroia, the monotony of Adrian Gonzalez and always visually frustrated John Lackey. Pedey does the best he can but he’s all alone on a team full of “straight faced” ballplayers.

The starting rotation will play a big part in the Red Sox’ success in 2012 but the real formula for winning will involve taking a step back, getting back to having fun playing baseball and re-igniting the rivalry that has defined the Red Sox and Yankees for so many years.

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You’re Tim Wakefield and you come from a long line of oddballs who threw the knuckleball, which was also called the fingernail-ball, floater, flutterball, dry-spitter, or Cuban butterfly.

In a game that that rewards power and speed, the sluggers who “crush” home runs and the pitchers, who can crank the heater up to 100 MPH, you lasted 19 years in the majors, gently launching a ball to waft slowly, toward the plate.

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Starting in 2012, BoSox Injection has added a new page to the site’s homescreen; the BSI DogHouse.  It is a place where you the readers and members of Red Sox Nation can help determine who of the former Red Sox players and managers should be enshrined into this pitiful palace based on their actions on or off the field that we deem to be inappropriate or underachieving.

The way the DogHouse works is really quite simple.  Once a month I will put up a new candidate, explain why I feel they should be put in the DogHouse and then it’s up to you the readers.  Voting will determine if that particular player/manager is inducted into the hall of shame so to speak.  The majority rules and the poll will remain open for one week.

You too can nominate candidates.  Feel free to email me with your pick on who you feel should be sentenced to the DogHouse with an explanation why.  The BSI staff will then turn it over to you the readers, present you with the facts and arguments and then open the polls.  Nominations are open to any current or former player or manager.

With that, here is the first nominee for the BSI DogHouse: (more…)

It is, indeed, ironic, that as the Red Sox are still in shock and are clumsily attempting to rise above the ignominy of the last season,  three present and past members of the fabled 2004 season are again, in the public eye.  The Bambino, famous for his curse, may have been from Baltimore, but the curse breakers came from Santo Domingo area of the Dominican Republic.  The 2004 “Red Sox were a special, almost magical team, and this writing disparages none of the majesty of that team, but if you removed David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez  and Manny Ramirez from the equation I am not so sure the results would have been the same.

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Despite a lop sided score for the visting team in last night’s ballgame, there was something to celebrate for both the Boston Red Sox organization and all their fans.

Last night’s game at Fenway Park was the 700th straight game in which the ball park was sold out; a remarkable feat.

Not only is it a franchise record, it is also a Major League record.  You may remember back in 2008 when the Red Sox sold out their 456th straight game at Fenway, surpassing the Cleveland Indians for the MLB record.  The Indians record ran from 1995-2001. 

When thinking about my favorite All-Star Game memory, this is one that always rises to the top. The 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park was one of the greatest spectacles in All-Star Game history. Part of the moment was the pure magic at Fenway Park, but I will never forget a weak Ted Williams riding around in a golf cart, being greeted on the mound by all of the All-Stars. Then he managed to stand-up and throw the ceremonial 1st pitch, despite being in poor health. Watching the video still gives me chills and makes me relive the emotions running through me as I witnessed that event live, 12 years ago. Then, as if to honor the greatest hitter to ever live, Pedro Martinez was lights out to begin the game for the Red Sox, striking out the 1st 5 NL All-Stars en route to 2 perfect innings. It was a great event for a great ballpark. What’s your favorite All-Star Moment? Leave us a comment.

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Over the past week, Major League Baseball has witnessed its first two no-hitters of the 2011 season.  The first one came on Tuesday, May 3 when Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins no-hit the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. 

The second came this past Saturday when the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander held the Toronto Blue Jays hitless.  It was Verlander’s second no-no of his career.

So in honor of the two gentlemen who became a part of baseball history, I decided to explore a record surrounding no-hitters.  The great Nolan Ryan pitched an unmatched 7 no-hitters over his illustrious career and thus is this week’s discussion of Long Standing Records. (more…)

Finally, the news we have all been waiting for since last season: Pedro Martinez is making a comeback in the place he loves best. In an effort to build pitching depth, Theo Epstein signed the Dominican righty to a minor-league deal, with the hopes that he can get into shape and be in the majors sometime after the All-Star break for the stretch run. Pedro has always said he loved his time in Boston and misses the Fenway Park crowd, so now he potentially gets another chance to experience that feeling. After throwing out the 1st pitch to begin the 2010 season a Fenway, Pedro spoke briefly with Epstein, dropping a seed for future conversations. What a great day for Red Sox Nation… (more…)

Extra, Extra! News flash! Jon Lester is the Boston Red Sox 2011 opening day Starter. Oh, wait. You already knew that? So it isn’t really surprising news after all? No? The start wasn’t even in question from day 1, but Terry Francona, in his usual fashion, waited to officially announce the Red Sox opening day starter until today, before the Sox took on the Atlanta Braves. Since the news of Lester being selected to pitch isn’t earth shattering or even really up for debate and there isn’t much to discuss, I thought it might be interesting to look back at the opening day starters for the Red Sox each of the last 10 seasons and take a look at how opening day went and how the remainder of their season panned out. It’s fun to take a trip down memory lane and get a sense for some trends along the way. (more…)

After 14 years, Nomar Garciaparra’s career has finally come full circle. On August 31^st, 1996, Nomar made is major league debut in a Red Sox uniform as a defensive replacement. The next day, Nomar burst onto the offensive scene with his first major league hit, a HR against RHP John Wasdin (his teammate the following season). From that moment on, Nomar dazzled defensively and showed offensive ability beyond his years, while becoming one of the most beloved Red Sox players in recent memory. (more…)