ALDS NOTEBOOK
ANAHEIM – Pedro Martinez was a no-show both at yesterday’s pregame news conference and the on-field introductions. So basically, it wasn’t much different from his performance down the stretch.
The struggling Boston co-ace declined to participate in the media session that nearly every other starting pitcher goes through the day before playoff starts.
In his place, Johnny Damon professed confidence in his teammate, who lost his final four regular-season starts. Included in that stretch were two meltdowns against the Yankees – one in the eighth inning, a la last year’s ALCS Game 7.
“You know, I think he is just playing coy maybe, but he is going to be ready to pitch,” Damon said. “He’s acting like he doesn’t have much left in the tank, but he has been great down there in the clubhouse.”
Damon pointed out Martinez touched 96 mph in Tampa Bay on Sept. 29.
Manager Terry Francona said Martinez’ velocity is fine, and that he doesn’t think the losses to the Yankees or Martinez’ now-infamous “the Yankees are my daddies” quote rattled the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
“For whatever reason, he went through a little bit of a rough stretch,” Francona said. “I bet you every manager out there wishes they could start him in Game 2.”
The pitcher declined an interview request after the Red Sox’ 9-3 victory in Game 1.
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Curt Schilling appeared to tweak his right ankle trying to field a Garret Anderson dribbler in the seventh. He airmailed the throw while off-balance and reached for the ankle after the play. He missed the All-Star Game because of his ankle.
“I tweaked it, actually, in about the fifth inning, and then I misplaced it twice on that play,” Curtsaid. “So it’s a little sore right now, but these [trainers] will take care of it.”