Rivalry time for Sox-Yanks fans
RED SOX NOTEBOOK
It may only be June, and the All-Star break is a few weeks away, but the AL East race is essentially down to two teams.
The stakes already felt a little higher when the Red Sox and Yankees met for their first two series in April and early May. Now, when the teams meet to begin a three-game series tonight in the Bronx, it’ll certainly mean something.
That’s just how it is when the Sox and Yanks are atop the division.
It’s hard to ignore for even those involved, especially Alex Cora. This may be his first foray into this rivalry as a manager, but as the Sox and Yanks have answered each other step for step over the first half of the season, the Sox skipper has definitely taken notice.
And he’s buying into all the hype.
“For everything we said that we don’t pay attention, we do pay attention,” Cora said. “I know they pay attention, too, and there’s other teams that are paying attention . . . . I think both fan bases they believe in their teams, they like what they see, and they’re into it. (The Yankees) made that (Giancarlo Stanton) trade in the offseason. We signed a few guys here and I think everybody was pleased about how the offseason went, and I think the fan bases are pleased with the way the season is going, so everybody is having fun.”
Cora still made sure to caution that he’s not getting ahead of himself. He brushed off a question about thinking ahead to a potential meeting against the Yankees in the playoffs. It is June, after all, and while these games may have brighter lights, the Red Sox’ approach to the series doesn’t change just because of the opponent.
“We know where we’re at,” Cora said. “They’re not getting away. We’re not getting away. It’s half the season. This is a threegame series. We go out there with the same mindset. Win the series. We’ll go there, same goal, two out of three. If we can do something bigger, we’ll do it, and then we move on.
“But it’s going to be a fun weekend.”
The Phillips Plan
It remains to be seen what kind of role or future Brandon Phillips will have with the Sox, but the second baseman will certainly need some time before that’s figured out.
Phillips signed on Wednesday in a move that seems to be for depth at second base. Cora said that in his conversations with president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, the expectation is Phillips will play second or third.
But first, the 37-year-old Phillips with four Gold Gloves to his name needs to work his way back to the big leagues. He hasn’t played since last season.
“We’ve got to be patient,” Cora said. “He just got signed. He’s in Fort Myers, get in playing shape, and go from there. He’s a good player. I saw him last year playing and he looked fine. Brandon is a veteran. Obviously he’s older and not as quick as he used to be, but he can still turn the double play, make the plays, and (bench coach) Ron (Roenicke) was telling me he played decent third base last year. That’s the thing about this organization, we try to get better regardless. We know our situation here at the big league level and we’re happy with it, but at the same time, if there’s ways with time if something happens, we have capable guys, and he’s one of those guys.”
Pearce on board
Dombrowski announced after last night’s 4-2 win over the Angels that the Red Sox acquired first baseman/outfielder Steve Pearce from the Blue Jays for minor league infielder Santiago Espinal.
The 35-year-old Pearce is hitting .291 with four homers and 16 RBI this season, and Dombrowski is hoping he can provide an offensive boost against left-handed pitching and join the team in New York this weekend.
“He’s traditionally hit left-handed pitching very well,” Dombrowski said. “He was out for an extended time this year with an oblique. He’s come back from that, and hit very well. So, he’s a threat to drive in runs, drive the ball out of the ballpark. A key cog for us against certain left-handed pitching. And he can hit right-handers, too, I mean, don’t take that away from him, but that’s going to be the role we were looking for.”
Pomeranz report
After an encouraging simulated game Wednesday, Drew Pomeranz is scheduled for a rehab start in Pawtucket on Monday. Cora said the lefty will pitch three innings. Pomeranz has been on the disabled list since June 5 with left biceps tendinitis.