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| 2004: Where Are They Now? | 10.27.09 at 1:50 pm ET |
Five years ago today, the Red Sox did the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the borderline criminally insane. After coming back from a 3-0 hole to beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series, they completed a sweep the Cardinals to win their first World Series since 1918.
It was the most memorable fall in the history of New England sports. It created terms that need no explanation — The Steal, Bloody Sock, A-Rod Slap, Big Papi Walkoff …
There were 25 players on the roster for the clinching game in St. Louis. Some of them never played baseball again after that fateful day, some are still kicking around the majors. Four are still with the Sox and now own two World Series rings. So, let’s take a look at where the heroes of 2004 are now and remember what they did for New England five years ago.
To jump to individual players, use the following links:
STARTERS:
Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Tim Wakefield, Derek Lowe, Bronson Arroyo
LINEUP:
David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Trot Nixon, Jason Varitek, Bill Mueller, Kevin Millar, Orlando Cabrera, Mark Bellhorn
BULLPEN:
Keith Foulke, Mike Timlin, Mike Myers, Alan Embree, Curtis Leskanic, Ramiro Mendoza
BENCH:
Dave Roberts, Doug Mientkiewicz, Gabe Kapler, Doug Mirabelli, Pokey Reese
THE ROTATION
Current Occupation: Contributor to WEEI.com with his 38Pitches blog; founder, 38 Studios
2004 Stats: 32 games, 21 wins, 6 losses, 226.2 innings, 3.26 ERA, 203 strikeouts, 35 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: No. 1 starter
LDS -
1 game, 1 win, 6.2 innings, 2.70 ERA, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks
LCS –
2 games, 1 win, 1 loss, 10 innings, 6.30 ERA, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks
WS –
1 games, 1 win, 6 innings, 0.00 ERA, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-07
Performance After 2004: 87 games, 32 wins, 23 losses, 448.1 innings, 4.30 ERA, 371 strikeouts, 73 walks
The Memories –
Bloody Sock Game in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Yankees goes down as one of the most memorable performances in the history of the Red Sox.
The Line –
Where do we start with Schilling? He joined the team at WEEI.com in 2008 with the 38Pitches blog and has been a constant source of information, opinion and amusement since. He is an avid online gamer and started 38Studios, a video game design company (that is currently hiring, by the way). Active with his wife Shonda in fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) with the organization Curt’s Pitch for ALS.
Current Occupation: Starting pitcher, Phillies
2004 Stats: 33 games, 16 wins, 9 losses, 217 innings, 3.90 ERA, 227 strikeouts, 61 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: No. 1a starter
LDS –
1 game, 1 win, 7 innings, 3.86 innings, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks
LCS –
3 games, 1 loss, 13 innings, 6.23 ERA, 14 strikeouts, 9 walks
WS –
1 game, 1 win, 7 innings, 0.00 ERA, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks
Subsequent Teams: Mets 2005-08, Phillies 2009-present
Performance After 2004: 88 Games, 37 wins, 24 losses, 531.1 innings, 3.86 ERA, 501 strikeouts, 145 walks
The Memories –
Seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the World Series, though really, the ones you really remember are from 2003. That’s when Martinez plunked Yankees outfielder Karim Garcia, setting off a brawl that ended with Martinez “pushing” the elderly Don Zimmer to the ground. That would probably be your second memory, with the first being the fact that 2003 manager Grady Little may, or may not have, left Martinez in ALCS Game 7 a little too long against the Yankees.
The Line –
“They beat me. They’re that good right now. They’re that hot. I just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy.” The Phillies hope that is not true right now. ”I’m starting to hate talking about the Yankees. The questions are so stupid. They’re wasting my time. It’s getting kind of old. … I don’t believe in damn curses. Wake up the damn Bambino and have me face him. Maybe I’ll drill him in the ass, pardon me the word.”
Current Occupation: Starting pitcher, Red Sox (option pending)
2004 Stats: 32 games, 12 wins, 10 losses, 188.1 innings, 4.87 ERA, 116 strikeouts, 63 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Spot starter, long reliever
LCS —
3 games, 1 win, 7.1 innings, 8.59 ERA, 6 strikeouts, 3 walks
WS —
1 game, 3.2 innings, 12.27 ERA, 2 strikeouts, 5 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-present
Performance After 2004: 138 games, 61 wins, 51 losses, 865 innings, 4.42 ERA, 540 strikeouts, 293 walks
The Memories –
The man who ate the innings and took it on the chin when the Sox needed him. Saved the bullpen in Game 3 of the ALCS with 3.1 innings of relief (5 earned runs) and was the starter in Game 1 of the World Series, going 3.2 innings and giving up five earned runs on a windy night (note, tailwind is not good for a knuckleball) at Fenway. The Sox won that game, 11-9.
The Line –
One of the biggest bargains in baseball with a perpetual $4 million dollar team option. Climbing the list of all-time Red Sox pitching stats in just about every category, good and bad. Just underwent successful surgery and hopes to remain with the Sox until his durable right arm falls off or the rest of his body fails him.
Current Occupation: Starting pitcher, Braves
2004 Stats: 33 games, 14 wins, 12 losses, 182.2 innings, 5.42 ERA, 105 strikeouts, 71 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Middle-of-the-rotation starter, spot reliever
LDS —
1 game, 1 win, 1 inning, 0.00 ERA, 1 walk
LCS —
2 games, 1 win, 11.1 innings, 3.16 ERA, 6 strikeouts, 1 walk
WS —
1 game, 1 win, 7 innings, 0.00 ERA, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk
Subsequent Teams: Dodgers 2005-08, Braves 2009-present
Performance After 2004: 169 games, 69 wins, 58 losses, 1045 innings, 3.79 ERA, 674 strikeouts, 277 walks
The Memories –
Lowe was the finisher. In all three series-clinching games he was the winning pitcher. He pitched one inning against the Angels in the ALDS (Ortiz walk-off home run), he started Game 7 against the Yankees in the ALCS in the Bronx, and he started Game 4 of the World Series in St. Louis. No other pitcher has earned the victory for every deciding game of a World Series winner in the wild card era.
The Line –
The sinkerball specialists and his hard-charging ways have been tempered since he left Boston. He remains reliable as an innings-eater who will win about 55 percent of the time. Signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Braves last offseason.
Current Occupation: Starting pitcher, Reds
2004 Stats: 32 games, 10 wins, 9 losses, 178.2 innings, 4.03 ERA, 142 strikeouts, 47 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Long reliever, spot starter
LDS —
1 game, 6 innings, 3.00 ERA, 7 strikeouts, 2 walks
LCS —
3 games, 4.0 innings, 15.75 ERA, 3 strikeouts, 2 walks
WS —
2 games, 2.2 innings, 6.75 ERA, 4 strikeouts, 1 walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Reds 2006-present
Performance After 2004: 171 games, 67 wins, 60 losses, 1,077 innings, 730 strikeouts, 314 walks
The Memories – Led the league in 2004 in hit batters, though there is really only one that Red Sox fans care about. Started Game 3 of the ALDS, a game Lowe ended up finishing. Induced Alex Rodriguez into one of the most embarrassing scenes of his career in Game 6 of the ALCS when Rodriguez slapped the ball out of Arroyo’s glove when he tagged him out late in the game.
The Line –
Still a contributor to the Hot Stove, Cool Music jam sessions at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. Released an album in 2005 called Covering the Bases. Led the National League in games started in 2006 and 2008.
The Lineup
Current Occupation: Designated hitter, Red Sox
2004 Stats: 150 games, 582 plate appearances, .301 average, .380 on-base percentage, .603 slugging, 41 home runs, 139 RBI, 133 strikeouts, 75 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Cleanup hitter, designated hitter aka “Mr. Clutch”
LDS —
3 games, 16 plate appearances, .545 average, .688 OBP, 1.000 slugging, home run, 4 RBI, 2 strikeouts, 5 walks
LCS —
7 games, 35 plate appearances, .387 average, .457 OBP, .742 slugging, 3 home runs, 11 RBI, 7 strikeouts, 4 walks
WS —
4 games, 17 plate appearances, .308 average, .471 OBP, .615 slugging, 1 home run, 4 RBI, 1 strikeout, 4 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-present
Performance After 2004: 718 games, 3184 plate appearances, .286 average, .393 OBP, .570 slugging, 187 home runs, 590 RBI, 552 strikeouts, 476 walks
The Memories —
“I am a bad man!” The Legend of Big Papi began in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 3 of the ALDS when Ortiz hit a two-run walk-off bomb of Jarrod Washburn to complete the sweep of the Angels. The legend grew in the bottom of the 12th in Game 4 of the ALCS when Ortiz kept the Sox alive when he took Paul Quantrill deep for a another two-run, walk-off home run. Less than 24 hours later he brought the Sox back within one run of the Yankees by taking Tom Gordon deep in the top of the eighth inning before ending Game 5 in the 14th with a bloop single to score Johnny Damon. It was one of the most chaotic and memorable performances in Red Sox history.
The Line —
New England high school graduating classes of 2023 will probably have an inordinate of people named David. Ortiz led the league in RBI in 2005 and 2006. He also set the single-season Sox home run record with 54 in 2006. His skills have been diminishing of late (with allegations of steroid use this past year), but Big Papi will forever remain a New England hero.
Current Occupation: Left fielder, Dodgers
2004 Stats: 152 games, 663 plate appearances, .308 average, .397 OBP, .613 slugging, 43 home runs, 130 RBI, 124 strikeouts, 82 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Three-hole hitter, left fielder
LDS —
3 games, 16 plate appearances, .385 average, .375 OBP, .769 slugging, home run, 7 RBI, 4 strikeouts, walk
LCS —
7 games, 35 plate appearances, .300 average, .400 OBP, .333 slugging, 4 strikeouts, 5 walks
WS —
4 games, 20 plate appearances, .412 average, .500 OBP, .588 slugging, home run, 4 RBI, 3 strikeouts, 3 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-08, Dodgers 2008-present
Performance After 2004: 672 games, 2862 plate appearances, .307 average, .412 OBP, .571 slugging, 156 home runs, 518 RBI, 518 strikeouts, 409 walks
The Memories —
One of the oddest statistical postseasons for a player named Most Valuable Player of the World Series. Had a phenomenal series against the Angels, though he managed the strange feat of having his on-base percentage actually be lower than his batting average (sacrifice flies being the culprit). Then he went 0-for-the-entire-ALCS in terms of driving in runners, odd for a man who led the American League with 43 home runs in 2004 (Ramirez had one double and eight singles against the Yankees). He regained his form in the World Series to take the MVP award while hitting a home run of Jeff Suppan in the first inning of Game 3.
The Line —
Oh Manny, Our Manny, our fearful trip is done. The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won. A belated thank you to Walt Whitman, though Boston fans won the prize they sought, twice actually, with Ramirez sporting red socks. Then Manny went searching for his own prize and found it to the tune of $45 million from the Dodgers after he ran himself out of Boston at the trading deadline last year.
Current Occupation: Left fielder, Yankees
2004 Stats: 150 games, 702 plate appearances, .304 average, .380 OBP, .477 slugging, 20 home runs, 94 RBI, 71 strikeouts, 76 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Leadoff hitter, left fielder, co-captain of the Idiots
LDS —
3 games, 16 plate appearances, .467 average, .500 OBP, .533 slugging, 2 strikeouts, walk
LCS —
7 games, 37 plate appearances, .171 average, .216 OBP, .343, 2 home runs, 7 RBI, 8 strikeouts, 2 walks
WS —
4 games, 21 plate appearances, .286 average, .286 OBP, .619 slugging, home run, 2 RBI, strikeout
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Yankees 2006-present
Performance After 2004: 724 games, 3212 plate appearances, .292 average, .363 OBP, .454 slugging, 87 home runs, 371 RBI, 413 strikeouts, 321 walks
The Memories —
Good ALDS, bad ALCS … until the final game. Everybody knew that going into Game 7 against the Yankees that anything could happen. Anything turned out to be Damon. The center fielder broke the Bronx Bombers’ backs (and their hearts) with a grand slam in the second inning to make the score 6-0 Sox, then added another two-run shot in the fourth to really ice the champagne.
The Line —
Speaking of champagne, or, whiskey more appropriately, it is rumored that Damon and a couple other players would take whiskey shots before games to stay loose. Has a penchant for being naked in the clubhouse, once prompting Terry Francona to say, “I have never seen a man go from naked to uniform that fast.” Wrote “Idiot: Breaking The Curse and Enjoying The Game of Life” with Peter Golenbock about the 2004 championship season before jumping ship and signing with the Yankees for four years and $52 million in 2006.
Current Occupation: Free agent
2004 Stats: 48 games, 167 plate appearances, .315 average, .377 OBP, .510 slugging, 6 home runs, 23 RBI, 24 strikeouts, 15 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Right fielder, six hole hitter.
LDS —
2 games, 10 plate appearances, .250 average, .400 OBP, .250 slugging, 2 RBI, strikeout, 2 walks
LCS —
7 games, 29 plate appearances, .207 average, .207 OBP, .345 slugging, home run, 3 RBI, 5 strikeouts
WS —
4 games, 15 plate appearances, .357 average, .400 OBP, .571 slugging, 3 RBI, strikeout, walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-06, Indians 2007, Diamondbacks 2008 (AAA), Mets 2008; released by Brewers on March 25, 2009, after signing a minor league contract
Performance After 2004: 348 games, 1318 plate appearances, .263 batting average, .357 OBP, .393 slugging, 25 home runs, 151 RBI, 183 strikeouts, 163 walks
The Memories —
Hit a two-out, two-run double in Game 4 of the World Series that put the Sox up for good. Also hit a home run in Game 3 of the ALCS off Kevin Brown to at least give the Sox a semblance of dignity in the 19-8 whipping the Yankees handed the Sox that day.
The Line —
Sox fans will always remember Nixon with a dirty jersey, a timely bat and a guy who had a penchant for hitting grand slams. A stalwart in right field, his time was just about up when the Sox released him after the 2006 season. Bounced around with the Indians and Mets before being cut by Milwaukee in spring training this year. He has been out of baseball since then and recently went to Iraq to visit troops.
Current Occupation: Catcher and captain, Red Sox
2004 Stats: 137 games, 463 plate appearances, .296 average, .390 OBP, .482 slugging, 18 home runs, 73 RBI, 126 strikeouts, 63 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Catcher, club leader, seven-hole hitter
LDS —
3 games, 15 plate appearances, .167 average, .333 OBP, .417 slugging, home run, 2 RBI, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks
LCS —
7 games, 31 plate appearances, .321 average, .355 OBP, .571 slugging, 2 home runs, 7 RBI, 6 strikeouts, 2 walks
WS —
4 games, 15 plate appearances, .154 average, .267 OBP, .308 slugging, 2 RBI, 4 strikeouts, walk.
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-present
Performance After 2004: 607 games, 2381 plate appearances, .243 average, .339 OBP, .415 slugging, 778 home runs, 287 RBI, 538 strikeouts, 285 walks
The Memories — July 24, 2004 —
The Day That Changed Red Sox History. It was a career year for Varitek and he was the heart of the team that socked the Yankees in the face in the middle of July and then again in October. The captain did his work against the Yankees with two home runs in a good offensive series.
The Line —
In 2004 Varitek became the only player to ever play in the Little League World Series, the College World Series and MLB World Series. Parlayed his good 2004 into a four year, $40 million deal.
Current Occupation: Special assistant to Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti.
2004 Stats: 110 games, 460 plate appearances, .283 average, .365 OBP, .446 slugging, 12 home runs, 57 RBI, 56 strikeouts, 51 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Third baseman, nine-hole hitter
LDS —
3 games, 13 plate appearances, .333 average, .385 OBP, .333 slugging, strikeout, walk
LCS —
7 games, 33 plate appearances, .267 average, .333 OBP, .300 slugging, RBI, strikeout, walk
WS —
4 games, 18 plate appearances, .429 average, .556 OBP, .571 slugging, 2 RBI, 4 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Dodgers 2006
Performance After 2004: 182 games, 716 plate appearances, .288 average, .367 OBP, .425 slugging, 13 home runs, 77 RBI, 83 strikeouts, 76 walks
The Memories —
Game 4 tying single off Mariano Rivera will go down as the singular moment when the Sox turned the series around. Mueller, one of the most professional hitters in baseball at the time, was one of the few people with the composure and grit needed to get a clutch hit off the “Hammer of God.” Also had great numbers against the Cardinals in the World Series. When Mueller was hot at the bottom of the lineup, the Sox were tough to beat.
The Line —
Mueller’s knees gave out after the 2005 season and he went to the Dodgers to play a few games before taking over hitting coach duties. He has jumped upstairs and serves with Colletti in the front office now. No word on Joe Torre’s feeling about having one of the biggest 2004 postseason heroes haunting him in the hallways.
Current Occupation: First baseman/DH, Blue Jays
2004 Stats: 150 games, 588 plate appearances, .297 average, .383 OBP, .474 slugging, 18 home runs, 74 RBI, 91 strikeouts, 57 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Offensive first basemen, five-hole hitter, co-captain of the Idiots
LDS —
3 games, 11 plate appearances, .300 average, .364 OBP, .600 slugging, home run, 4 RBI, strikeout, walk
LCS —
7 games, 29 plate appearances, .250 average, .379 OBP, .375 slugging, 2 RBI, 4 strikeouts, 5 walks
WS —
4 games, 11 plate appearances, .125 average, .364 OBP, .250 slugging, 2 strikeouts, 2 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Orioles 2006-08, Blue Jays 2009
Performance After 2004: 629 games, 2477 plate appearances, .253 average, .348 OBP, .406 slugging, 68 home runs, 278 RBI, 384 strikeouts, 291 walks
The Memories —
Drew the walk from Rivera that eventually became the game-tying score in Game 4 of the ALCS. From “Cowboy Up” in 2003 to the “Idiots” of 2004, Millar was the man who kept the Sox loose. Credited for his ability to placate Manny Ramirez and helping turn the Sox from “25 players, 25 cabs” to the tight unit that claimed the 2004 World Series.
The Line —
Millar was headed to Japan before the Sox scooped him up in 2003 in a little bit of a fishy transaction (the Marlins sold him but Millar blocked the waiver). Is one of the few players not in the Major League Baseball Players Association because he was a replacement player during the strike of 1994-95. Though his power would probably play better in say, the National League West, Millar has refused to leave the American League East after his time with the Sox by signing with the Orioles and Blue Jays. Famous quote before Game 4 against the Yankees: “Don’t let us win this game. … This is a big game. They’ve got to win, because if we win we’ve got Pedro coming back tomorrow and then Schilling will pitch Game 6 and then you can take that fraud stuff and put it to bed. Don’t let the Sox win this game.” The Sox won the game, of course, and the rest is history.
Current Occupation: Shortstop, Twins
2004 Stats: (With Red Sox) 58 games, 248 plate appearances, .294 average, .320 OBP, .465 slugging, 6 home runs, 31 RBI, 23 strikeouts, 11 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Short stop, eight-hole hitter
LDS —
3 games, 15 plate appearances, .154 average, .367 OBP, .231 slugging, 3 RBI, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks
LCS —
7 games, 33 plate appearances, .379 average, .424 OBP, .448 slugging, 5 RBI, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks
WS: 4 games, 21 plate appearances, .235 average, .381 OBP, .294 slugging, 3 RBI, strikeout, 3 walks
Subsequent Teams: Angels 2005-07, White Sox 2008, Athletics 2009, Twins 2009
Performance After 2004: 770 games, 3401 plate appearances, .282 average, .329 OBP, .385 slugging, 42 home runs, 349 RBI, 314 strikeouts, 225 walks
The Memories —
So long, Nomar! Cabrera was one of the key cogs in the trade deadline deals that sent long-time fan favorite Nomar Garciaparra out New England. Cabrera became a steadying influence and productive hitter from the shortstop spot and performed well in the ALCS.
The Line —
Is it any wonder that the Twins picked up Cabrera in the second half of 2009 then went on a miraculous run to beat out the Tigers for the American League Central crown? Well, yeah, probably a little bit, but the Sox went 42-19 in the 60 games after they acquired Cabrera. In his first game back in Boston, with the Angels in 2005, Cabrera received a 30-second standing ovation. Ironically, earlier in 2009, Cabrera and Garciaparra manned the left side of the Athletics infield, with Garciaparra at third and Cabrera at short.
Current Occupation: Infielder, Colorado Sky Sox (Rockies AAA affiliate)
2004 Stats: 138 games, 620 plate appearances, .264 average, .373 OBP, .444 slugging, 17 home runs, 82 RBI, 177 strikeouts, 88 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Second baseman, two-hole hitter (Bellhorn and Mueller were switched in the batting order a couple of times in the playoffs)
LDS —
3 games, 16 plate appearances, .091 average, .375 OBP, .091 slugging, 4 strikeouts, 5 walks
LCS —
7 games, 31 plate appearances, .192 average, .323 OBP, .500 slugging, 2 home runs, 4 RBI, 11 strikeouts, 5 walks
WS —
4 games, 16 plate appearances, .300 average, .563 OBP, .700 slugging, 1 home run, 4 RBI, 2 strikeouts, 5 walks
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Yankees 2005, Padres 2006, Reds 2007
Performance After 2004: 222 games, 661 plate appearances, .198 average, .306 OBP, .344 slugging, 16 home runs, 58 RBI, 207 strikeouts, 88 walks
The Memories —
Bellhorn hit the fourth-inning, three-run home run in Game 6 against the Yankees that gave the Sox a lead they would not relinquish. It was a funny ball on a cold night in the Bronx that cleared the fence but hit a woman in the stands and bounced back into the field. There was some confusion if it was actually a home run, but the umpires conferred and got the call right. Bellhorn also hit a home run (no doubt this time) in Game 7. Also, 15 walks in 14 games in the playoffs is remarkable by itself.
The Line – “Who died and made you Mark Bellhorn?” Though he never hit again in his career, Bellhorn will be remembered fondly by the denizens of New England for his postseason drama. Kind of reminds you of Nick Green a little bit, right?
THE BULLPEN
Current Occupation: Pitcher, Newark Bears of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
2004 Stats: 72 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, 32 saves, 83 innings, 2.17 ERA, 79 strikeouts, 15 walks
2004 Postseason Role/ Stats: The closer
LDS —
2 games, save, 3 innings, 0.00 ERA, 5 strikeouts, walk
LCS —
5 games, 6 innings, 0.00 ERA, 6 strikeouts, 6 walks
WS —
4 games, 1 win, 1 save, 5 innings, 1.80 ERA, 8 strikeouts, walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2006, Athletics 2008
Performance After 2004: 118 games, 8 wins, 9 losses, 16 saves, 126.1 innings, 4.84 ERA, 93 strikeouts, 38 walks
The Memories —
There are desktop wallpapers, screen savers and posters all through New England of Varitek jumping into Foulke’s arms after the final out of the 2004 World Series. Foulke threw the pitch that became the out that made so many people cry and allowed old-time Sox fans go to their graves happy.
The Line —
Do not let the “Jonny from Burger King” comment be the thing you remember about Foulke. He was straight dominant in the 2004 playoffs, often times going multiple innings and still not allowing any runs. Why is he playing for the Newark Bears?
Current Occupation: Free agent
2004 Stats: 76 games, 5 wins, 4 losses, save, 76.1 innings, 4.13 ERA, 56 strikeouts, 19 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Setup man
LDS —
3 games, 3 innings, 9.00 ERA, 5 strikeouts, walk
LCS —
5 games, 5.2 innings, 4.76 ERA, 2 strikeouts, 5 walks
WS —
3 games, 3 innings, 6.00 ERA, walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-08
Performance After 2004: 246 games, 19 wins, 14 losses, 249 innings, 3.72 ERA, 152 strikeouts, 70 walks
The Memories —
A lot of good memories with Timlin, though his pitching in the 2004 postseason was a little erratic. Timlin was always just one of those guys who looked really mean on the mound, even if he gave you a heart attack with that consistent 93 mph straight fastball. Timlin could dominate at times. Sometimes he got dominated.
The Line —
Timlin is one of the only non-Yankees players in history to be a member of four World Series winners (1992-93 with the Blue Jays, 2004 and ‘07 with the Red Sox). Timlin signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on July 29 this season and was released on Aug. 15.
Current Occupation: Special assistant to outgoing MLBPA head Donald Fehr
2004 Stats: (With Red Sox) 25 games, 1 win, 15 innings, 4.2o ERA, 9 strikeouts, 1 walk
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Lefty specialist
LDS —
2 games, 0.1 inning, 27.00 ERA, strikeout, walk
LCS —
3 games, 2.1 innings, 7.71 ERA, 4 strikeouts, walk
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Yankees 2006-07, White Sox 2007
Performance After 2004: 199 games, 8 wins, 3 losses, 122.1 innings, 3.90 ERA, 70 strikeouts, 46 walks
The Memories —
Ah, the old submariner. Did not pitch particularly well in the 2004 postseason and did not pitch in the World Series.
The Line —
It was always interesting to watch Myers and Chad Bradford (right submariner) warm up next to each other in the outfield in 2005. Retired from baseball in 2007.
Current Occupation: Reliever, Rockies
2004 stats: 71 games, 2 wins, 2 losses, 52.1 innings, 4.13 ERA, 37 strikeouts, 11 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Setup, lefty specialist
LDS —
2 games, 1 inning, 0.00 ERA, walk
LCS —
6 games, 4.2 innings, 3.86 ERA, 2 strikeouts, walk
WS —
3 games, 1.2 innings, 0.00 ERA, 4 strikeouts
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Yankees 2005, Padres 2006, Athletics 2007-08, Rockies 2009
Performance After 2004: 314 games, 11 wins, 17 losses, 18 saves, 258.2 innings, 4.98 ERA, 211 strikeouts, 90 walks
The Memories —
Embree played the left-handed complement to Timlin and pitched reasonably well as a specialist in the 2004 playoffs. Was a go-to guy for Francona against the Yankees in tough spots during the ALCS with six appearances and recorded the final out in Game 7.
The Line —
Embree is the classic journeyman left-handed reliever, having played for 10 teams in 16 seasons. Broke his tibia when he was hit by the bat of Atlanta’s Martin Prado on July 11 this year and missed the rest of the season.
Current Occupation: Red Sox scout
2004 Stats: (With the Sox) 32 games, 3 wins, 2 losses, 27.2 innings, 3.58 ERA, 22 strikeouts, 16 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Emergency reliever
LCS —
3 games, 1 win, 2.2 innings, 10.12 ERA, 2 strikeouts, 3 walks
Subsequent Teams: None
Performance After 2004: None.
The Memories —
Curtis “The Panic” Leskanic actually was the winning pitcher in the historic Game 4 against the Yankees as he pitched 1.1 innings and allowed one hit to Jorge Posada to lead off the top of the 12th. Apparently, that was enough panicking because Leskanic never pitched in the big leagues again.
The Line —
Leskanic hung up the cleats after 2004 and eventually joined the Sox scouting department. After the Sox won the World Series, Leskanic mimicked the snow angel celebration that Lonie Paxton did after the Patriots famous “Snow Bowl” victory over the Raiders en route to the 2002 Super Bowl. Hit Yankees right fielder Gary Sheffield with a pitch in 2004 but did not have to face Sheffield’s temper because Leskanic’s brother had installed a pool at Sheffield’s house.
Current Occupation: Pitcher, Newark Bears of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
2004 Stats: 27 games, 2 wins, 1 loss, 30.2 innings, 3.52 ERA, 13 strikeouts, 7 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Emergency reliever
LCS —
2 games, 1 loss, 2 innings, 4.50 ERA, strikeout
Subsequent Teams: Yankees 2005
Performance After 2004: 1 game, 1 innings, 18.00 ERA, strikeout
The Memories —
Face it, most of the memories of Mendoza actually came AGAINST the Red Sox, not for them. He spent his entire career except for 2003-04 with the Yankees and was an effective setup man for Rivera for awhile. Was the official losing pitcher (somebody had to be) in the disaster that was Game 3 in the ALCS.
The Line —
Mendoza joined Foulke in Newark with the Bears this year. Oddly enough, Scott Williamson also is on that team. Mendoza must not have liked the fact that he was on the Red Sox team when they finally won the World Series because he pitched exactly one inning for the Yankees in 2005 before leaving the big leagues for good. He did sign a minor league contract with the Yankees after 2005 and had a tryout with the Brewers this year but failed his physical. Pitched for Panama in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
The Bench
Current Occupation: NESN Red Sox analyst
2004 Stats: (With the Sox) 45 games, 101 plate appearances, .256 average, .330 OBP, .442 slugging, 2 home runs, 14 RBI, 17 strikeouts, 10 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Backup outfielder, pinch-runner
LDS —
1 game, no plate appearances
LCS —
2 games, no plate appearances, 1 stolen base, 2 runs
Subsequent Teams: Padres 2005-06, Giants 2007-08
Performance After 2004: 410 games, 1618 plate appearances, .273 average, .349 OBP, .386 slugging, 12 home runs, 114 RBI, 204 strikeouts, 166 walks
The Memories —
Really, there is only one. “The Steal.” Millar walks, Roberts pinch-runs. Everybody on the planet knows that he has to steal second base. He goes, Posada fires. Safe. Mueller gets the hit that sends him home, and the Red Sox have never been the same since.
The Line —
“Maury Wills once told me that there will come a point in my career when everyone in the ballpark will know that I have to steal a base, and I will steal that base. When I got out there, I knew that was what Maury Wills was talking about.” Roberts will forever get a warm welcome at Fenway and now has a job with NESN, filling in for Jerry Remy on occasion.
Current Occupation: First baseman, Dodgers
2004 Stats: (With the Sox) 49 games, 119 plate appearances, .215 average, .286 OBP, .318 slugging, home run, 10 RBI, 18 strikeouts, 10 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Defensive first baseman
LDS —
3 games, 4 plate appearances, .500 average, .500 OBP, .500 slugging, RBI
LCS —
4 games, 5 plate appearances, .500 average, .500 OBP, .750 slugging, strikeout
WS —
4 games, 1 plate appearances, .000 average, .000 OBP, .000 slugging.
Subsequent Teams: Mets 2005, Royals 2006, Yankees 2007, Pirates 2008, Dodgers 2009
Performance After 2004: 395 games, 1219 plate appearances, .270 average, .353 OBP, .405 slugging, 22 home runs, 129 RBI, 146 strikeouts, 128 walks
The Memories —
Dougie Baseball caught the underhand toss from Foulke for the final out in Game 4 against the Cardinals. He was the reliable late-inning defensive guru at first base to replace the sometimes adventurous meanderings of Millar. Part of the Garciaparra shuffle at the deadline as he came over from the Twins.
The Line —
I am keeping the ball … wait, what?! Mientkeiewicz caused a ruckus with the Sox after the World Series when he elected to keep the ball after the final out. A spokesperson for Major League Baseball said the ball belonged to Mientkeiewicz, as per normal baseball standards. Mientkiewicz let the ball tour with the World Series trophy during the winter of 2005 and eventually reached an agreement with the Red Sox to allow the ball to go to the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Current Occupation: Outfielder, Rays
2004 Stats: 136 games, 310 plate appearances, .272 average, .311 OBP, .390 slugging, 6 home runs, 33 RBI, 49 strikeouts, 15 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Backup outfielder
LDS —
2 games, 5 plate appearances, .200 average, .200 OBP, .200 slugging
LCS —
2 games, 3 plate appearances, .333 average, .333 OBP, .333 slugging
WS —
4 games, 2 plate appearances, .000 average, .000 OBP, .000 slugging, strikeout
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005-06, Brewers 2008, Rays 2009
Performance After 2004: 303 games, 734 plate appearances, .265 average, .328 OBP, .430 slugging, 19 home runs, 91 RBI, 108 strikeouts, 59 walks
The Memories —
Kapler was in right field for the final pitch of Game 4 against the Cardinals. Played in a career-high 136 games for the Sox in 2004.
The Line —
During the 2004 season Kapler was deciding whether or not to play on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. He consulted a Boston rabbi who reportedly told him: “Do it! We need all the help we can get!” Kapler played. Kapler went into semi-retirement in the 2007 season and managed the Sox’ Single-A affiliate, the Greenville Drive, for a year, coaching some of the rising prospects in the Sox organization, including Josh Reddick.
Current Occupation: Realtor, Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty; manager, St. Francis High School baseball team in Traverse City, Mich.
2004 Performance: 59 games, 182 plate appearances, .281 average, .368 OBP, .525 slugging, 9 home runs, 32 RBI, 46 strikeouts, 19 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Backup catcher
LCS —
1 game, 1 plate appearance, .000 average, .000 OBP, .000 slugging
WS —
1 game, 3 plate appearances, .333 average, .333 OBP, .333 slugging, strikeout
Subsequent Teams: Red Sox 2005, Padres 2006 (for about two months), Red Sox 2006-07
Performance After 2004: 171 games, 481 plate appearances, .208 average, .283 OBP, .363 slugging, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 148 strikeouts, 40 walks
The Memories —
Never the greatest hitter, “Duck Boat” Mirabelli occasionally got a hold of one with his long swing and push it over the Monster. Caught Wakefield in Game 1 of the World Series as his personal catcher and singled off Walt Williams in the third inning.
The Line —
Mirabelli may be the only backup catcher ever to get a police escort through Boston when he was reacquired by the Sox in 2006 from the Padres to catch Wakefield that night. Ended up with a little controversy when there was some “miscommunication” between him and Orioles broadcaster Gary Thorne about the authenticity of Schilling’s bloody sock in Game 6 against the Yankees. Mirabelli would later insist that the sock indeed had blood on it.
Current Occupation: Free agent
2004 Stats: 96 games, 268 plate appearances, .221 average, 271 OBP, .303 slugging, 3 home runs, 29 RBI, 60 strikeouts, 17 walks
2004 Postseason Role/Stats: Defensive utility middle infielder
LDS —
3 games, no plate appearances, run
LCS —
3 games, 1 plate appearance, .000 average, .000 OBP, .000 slugging, strikeout
WS —
4 games, 1 plate appearances, .000 average, .000 OBP, .000 slugging
Subsequent Teams: Signed with the Mariners in 2005 but never played after suffering an injury; played in the Nationals’ system in 2008 but was limited by injuries.
Performance After 2004: None
The Memories —
Reese and Mientkiewicz were the defensive right side of the infield for the Red Sox as they would consistently come in late in games down the stretch and into the postseason to spell Millar and Bellhorn. Helped transform the Sox’ fielding from “somewhat atrocious” to “fairly respectable” late in the season.
The Line —
I bet you still see some “Pokey Woulda Had It!” bumper stickers around Boston. Reese was never much of a hitter, but he did hit two home runs in one game in May, an inside-the-park job and a normal Monster pop fly-turned-homer. He left the Red Sox in spring training of 2005 and hasn’t done much since.
Where Was I? On the final pitch of the final game I was sitting on a stool at a now-defunct bar called Atomic Burrito in Charlottesville, Va., watching the game and listening to a band called Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees. I was a kitchen manager in downtown Charlottesville at the time and did not have television in my apartment. So, I ended up listening to the late night games (since we got kicked out of the bar) on my radio, rocking back and forth on a dining room chair with my border collie, Kira. When Mientkiewicz caught the ball I was mobbed by all my fellow transplanted New Englanders, some of whom were crying, others trying to pull my pants down, walk-off style.
5 Comments for “2004: Where Are They Now?”
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October 28th, 2009 at 9:11 am
You did not mention that Bill Mueller is the ONLY player in Major League history to hit his two grand slams during the same game from opposite sides of the plate. He did this in two consecutive at-bats on 07-29-2003 while a third baseman for Boston in a game against the Texas Rangers. The two grand slams were in addition to a third home run he hit in the same game. Bill was the American League batting champion that year.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Are you people brain dead? I believe “I am a bad man” was said by Manny in 2007, not by Ortiz in 2004. Am I missing something here or are you?
October 28th, 2009 at 11:48 am
If I recall, the Bad Man reference was first Ortiz’s and Manny’s was a playful mimic. My history could be fuzzy though.
October 29th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Great article, Dan!
Two important corrections: the game in which Wakefield pitched 3 innings of relief and Mendoza was the losing pitcher was, of course, not Game 4 but Game 3 of the ALCS! Please correct this in the blog post.
Thanks!
December 24th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Hi, what blog platform is this? Can I download it for free or..? I would really love it if you could answer this question! Thanks!