Cursed Ortiz Jersey Sold to Highest Bidder

I'm a little behind, but for those of you who haven't yet heard, the cursed Ortiz jersey sold on eBay for a whopping $175,100. And even better, shipping was free. I wonder if that contributed to the high bids.

Another win for the Sox

After last night's victory over the Los Angeles Angels, the Sox are 9 and 1 when Ellsbury leads off. Ellsbury homered off the fifth pitch of the game and scored the winning run when Pedrioa hit a ground ball off Angels' pitcher Scot Shields.

After Ellsbury's lead-off homer, the Angels were up 5-1, but Lugo had an RBI single in the fourth, Youkilis tied it up with a 2-run homer, Pedroia broke the tie in the eighth with a RBI double, and Papi singled to bring Pedroia home.

Replacing Beckett (who's battling the flu) was emergency starter David Pauley, called up from Pawtucket. Starting in his fourth major league game, Pauley gave up five runs during 4 1/3 innings.

Timlin got the win before Papelbon came in to achieve his eighth save. The final score was 7-6.

Sox sweep Rangers

Buccholz, now 1-1 with a 4.79 ERA, pitched six shutout innings during yesterday's victory over the Rangers. It was also the ninth game in which the Red Sox scored at least five runs.

The Sox were able to defeat the Rangers even though Manny had the day off (somewhat surprising after getting ejected from Sunday's game for arguing what he thought was a bad call). After a horrible start to his season, Ortiz managed two doubles and three RBIs...not too shabby.

Ellsbury, Pedroia, and Lugo all had multi-hit games, contributing to eight runs scored in the fourth and fifth innings. All Sox runs were scored against Texas reliever Dustin Nippert, who replaced Kason Gabbard after just two innings. Nippert gave up nine hits and eight runs in less than three innings.

Rookie Jed Lowrie (who I personally have had my eye on since his start last week) pushed down a bunt in the fourth, advancing J.D. Drew who had walked to first. Both of them scored.

Red Sox will go green on Earth Day

The Boston Red Sox will sport a special green logo on the left sleeves of their uniforms to mark Earth Day when they play the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park on Tuesday.

Earth Day plans also include a pre-game presentation of an Environmental Merit Award to the Red Sox by officials from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Red Sox said.

(The green logo shown at right will be worn only for this game, a Red Sox spokesman said.)

The award recognizes the Sox for environmental initiatives at Fenway, which include the installation of solar powered trash compactors around the park and the installation of solar panels that will soon help heat water at the park, the club said.

EPA administrator Stephen L. Johnson and John H. Adams, founding director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, are scheduled to take part in a ceremonial first pitch, the Red Sox added.

In September, the Sox, in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, announced a five-year plan to bring green practices to Fenway Park; the plan is scheduled to culminate in 2012 in time for Fenway's 100th anniversary celebration.

(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)

Status Update: Alex Cora

Cora at bat against the Yankess last April (Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Francona announced Alex Cora (utility infielder extraordinaire and University of Miami alum) will not return to the line-up until he has fully healed. Cora went on the disabled list April 10 after spraining his right elbow.


Click here to access his player page.

"Yankees Curse" Jersey for Sale

Remember that Ortiz jersey buried at the Yankees' new stadium? The Jimmy Fund is auctioning it off on eBay, with the current bid at $36,300. Check it out here.

Another Win for Beckett

Thanks to Manny's two homeruns (nos. 494 and 495 in the second and third, respectively), the Sox beat the Yankees 7-5 last night. And Beckett was throwing fire, almost for an entire game. Over the course of eight innings, he allowed six hits and three runs, walked one and struck out five.

Yankee reliever Kyle Farnsworth (who came in for Mussina) almost hit Manny with a pitch at the top of the seventh, but it went behind his back. I guess that was payback for Aardsma hitting A-Rod the night before.

Even still, Manny was able to pass Lou Gehrig and Frank McGriff landing in 24th place on the all-time homerun list. Getting in shape has really paid off for Manny, who's batting .343 so far.

Other runs were scored by Ellsbury, Ortiz, and Youkilis (2).

Beckett got the win, Mussina got the loss (what a shame).