Memorable Moments of 2010: Part 4

You had to see this one coming. Despite the fact that Dustin Pedroia missed most of the second half due to injury, he had a no-doubt laser show game just one day before he broke his foot.

On June 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado, Dustin Pedroia had a game for the ages, going 5-for-5 with three home runs, and 5 RBIs. The Laser Show was in town, indeed. The diminutive second baseman was his usual exuberant self after the game, never once seeming to lose his swagger.

I couldn't find a video of the actual home runs, but here's a link to NESN's postgame interview with the man of the hour. One of Pedroia's bombs was the game-winner, after heart-attack Papelbon blew his second save in a row.

The very next day, Pedey fouled a pitch off of his own foot, breaking it and landing him on the disabled-list for the rest of the season - excepting a two-day stint when he erroneously believed he was better.



Needless to say, the absence of my future husband severely diminished my enjoyment of the Sox for the rest fo the summer, and I can't wait to have him back next season.

Memorable Moments of 2010: Part 3

On June 6, 2010, Red Sox Nation witnessed rookie Daniel Nava make history. On the very first pitch of his very first at bat in the major leagues, Nava deposited the ball out in the bleachers. With one swing the twenty-seven-year-old rookie recorded his first hit, first home run, and first FOUR RBIs, because his homer came with three men on base.

This moment holds a special place in my heart because I was at Fenway Park when it occurred. It was a rainy, miserable day, but I had tickets in the bleachers, and I didn't care how soggy I would get, I was going to watch some interleague baseball.

I specifically remember how obnoxious the Phillies fans in our section were acting - but Nava shut them right up. Perhaps what made it so special was the amazing backstory that came with Nava's grand slam - he truly is a study in perseverance.

Currently, Nava is on the 40-man roster, but I hope the Red Sox give him an opportunity to play next season... Even if it's not necessarily for them. Nava's waited a long time for his break, and he deserves to make the most of it.

Memorable Moments of 2010: Part 2

Ryan Kalish's arrival was one of many unexpected highlights of the 2010 season. The outfielder has been one of the most highly touted prospects in the Red Sox system for a few years now, and the folks over at Sox Prospects currently lists him at #1 (a no-brainer after Casey Kelly got shipped off to San Diego). Apparently, there is very little downside to Kalish, as Sox Prospects absolutely RAVES about him:

"Excellent athlete with a solid build, good bat speed, and lots of quickness. Plays the game at full tilt. The organization has worked with Kalish on his plate patience, and over time he has come to demonstrate an excellent approach at the plate. Average to above-average present power, has potential to add more. Makes solid contact and hits to all fields. Above-average speed. Steals a lot of bases due to his quick acceleration and high intelligence on the basepaths. In the field, he has a reliable glove, excellent range, an average arm, and average accuracy. Tough competitor with a mature demeanor. Kalish tends to be a very popular player with coaches, teammates, and fans."

Bill James sees a lot of promise in the 22-year-old, projecting a line of .271 BA, .791 OPS, 43 SB, and 20 HR... for 2011... in Boston. I'm not sure where James sees all of this playing time coming from, unless the Sox employee can sense a Jacoby Ellsbury trade in the works. [For comparison's sake, Kalish boasted a .252 BA, .710 OPS, 10 SB and 4 HR in 53 games last season with the big club.]

Kalish's most memorable moment last season came at Tampa Bay on August 28th, when he managed to make the spectalular grab and rob BJ Upton of extra bases, and it earned him ESPN SportsCenter's Top Play honors.

Hopefully, we see a lot more of Kalish (though he'll likely start the year at Pawtucket) - and not just because of his uncanny resemblance to Channing Tatum.