NewsSmoltz makes Fenway debut, Nomar returns
Oakland (34-46) at Boston (49-32), 7:10 p.m. ET
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
07/05/09 9:23 PM ET
BOSTON -- In what figures to be a compelling Monday night at Fenway Park, a future Hall of Famer will make his first home start for his new team while a former franchise icon will play in Boston for the first time in five years.The stage is set for both John Smoltz and Nomar Garciaparra in what figures to be a riveting night of baseball.
This will be Smoltz's third start since joining the Boston rotation on June 23 but his first career home start for any team other than the Braves.
However, Smoltz is very comfortable at Fenway from his years with the Braves. In fact, with the Green Monster hovering amid the backdrop, Smoltz has thrived, going 2-0 with two saves in five appearances. Over 20 2/3 innings, he hasn't allowed an earned run at Fenway.
"I'm just going to really make sure that when I get out there, I'm doing what I want to do and not reacting to anything," said Smoltz. "I think I'll keep the crowd on my side, hopefully."
Though Garciaparra will be wearing a visitors' uniform -- that of the Oakland Athletics -- he figures to have the crowd on his side as well, at least when he digs into the box for the first time.
"I think it will be pretty cool," said Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen. "I'm sure he's excited to come back over here and see how the fans react to him coming back. I think he'll get a pretty good standing ovation, I would think."
The last time Garciaparra played at Fenway Park was on July 25, 2004, when he was still with the Red Sox. He was dealt to the Chicago Cubs six days later. He moved on to the Dodgers in 2006 before joining the A's this season, a move has finally given him a chance to swing through Boston.
"I get to see some friends," said Garciaparra. "I've been back to Boston, but not to play or whatever. I've always loved [the Boston fans], and I always appreciated them. I gave them everything I had for sure."
Garciaparra was once a beloved figure to Red Sox fans, and for good reason. He burst on to the scene, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1997, and he produced back-to-back batting titles in 1999 and 2000.
The Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years three months after Garciaparra was traded to the Cubs, and Garciaparra was given a World Series ring. In fact, a group of his former teammates, led by Jason Varitek, presented him with the ring in Chicago in 2005.
Though the Red Sox didn't win it all during Garciaparra's tenure, they made it to the AL Championship Series twice (1999, 2003).
Delcarmen, who grew up in Boston, was in high school at the height of Garciaparra's dominance.
"I loved watching him play," Delcarmen said. "He was such a great hitter and great fielder when he was there. He did that thing with the batting gloves at home plate. It was awesome. It will be fun to face him."
Pitching matchup
BOS: RHP John Smoltz (0-1, 6.00 ERA)
Smoltz was well on his way to victory No. 1 as a member of the Red Sox last Tuesday in Baltimore, but a rain delay shortened his outing to four innings. After mixed results against Washington in his season debut, the 42-year-old held the Orioles to one run on three hits in an eventual 11-10 Boston loss. He is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in three lifetime appearances (one start) against Oakland. OAK: LHP Brett Anderson (4-7, 5.45 ERA)
Anderson on Monday turned in 5 1/3 solid innings in his first start since June 20, beating virtually the same Tigers lineup that had pounded him for nine runs (three earned) over 3 1/3 innings in Detroit on May 15. Given four extra days of rest after complaining of forearm tightness following his previous start, he gave up one run on four hits and four walks while striking out seven to pick up his first win since June 4. Tidbits
Designated hitter David Ortiz is two homers away from No. 300. ... Jacoby Ellsbury is hitting .375 during a six-game hitting streak that includes a double, two homers, four RBIs and four stolen bases. ... Dustin Pedroia has 12 three-hit games. Tickets
Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.
On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio• Gameday
• Official game notes On television
• NESN On radio
• WRKO 680, SBN 1150 (Español) Up next
• Tuesday: Red Sox (Josh Beckett, 9-3, 3.67) vs. Athletics (Dallas Braden, 6-7, 3.13), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Red Sox (Tim Wakefield, 10-3, 4.30) vs. Athletics (Trevor Cahill, 5-7, 4.55), 7:10 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Red Sox (Brad Penny, 6-3, 4.67) vs. Royals (Luke Hochevar, 4-3, 5.08), 7:10 p.m. ET
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
