BOSTON — Fenway Park isn’t exactly the easiest place to pitch.
It’s got weird dimensions, short distances to the fences down the foul lines, giant gaps, awkward nooks and crannies and a giant green wall in left field. It has to be intimidating for a pitcher to come in and perform at a place like that, right?
Not if you’re Drew Pomeranz.
The newest member of the Boston Red Sox has other thing on his mind, like where he’s going to live. So while the Red Sox were enjoying an off day Monday, Pomeranz spent his time looking for an apartment.
Boston is the highly-touted lefty’s fifth team in six seasons. It’s nothing he isn’t used to by now. That relaxed nature, though, could prove to be very beneficial.
“I’ve pitched in the best pitcher’s parks, I’ve pitched in the worst pitcher’s parks and your mindset really doesn’t matter,” the 27-year-old explained before Tuesday’s win against the San Francisco Giants. “That’s why it’s easy for me to kind of simplify my mindset. Just go out there, one pitch at a time. I know this guy can’t hit this pitch if I make the pitch, or he’s either going to hit it and we’re going to catch it.”
He’s already making an impression on people in the organization.
“I think he’s got a really clear awareness of who he is as a pitcher, and that — that’s kind of a breath of fresh air, to be honest,” Red Sox manager John Farrell explained. “For him to know himself as a performer first and foremost is key, but (he’s a) very approachable guy.”
And approach him Farrell has. The Sox’s skipper said the two have had several conversations since Boston acquired Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres last Thursday. He offered a bit of advice.
“Easier said than done, but just to pitch as he’s done,” Farrell said of the tips he gave. “That’s what’s attracted us to him. He has really evolved as a starter with a little bit different pitch mix. The addition of a cutter’s been helpful to him. But not to come in here and be someone he’s not. This is a guy who’s been highly sought after … come in here and pitch his normal game.”
As for the Green Monster?
“Just because he’s going to look over his shoulder and see a wall not far away — don’t try to pitch to the wall,” Farrell continued. “Pitch to the hitter, read the hitter’s swings, and the more you can stay focused on that, he’ll be better off for it.”
Pomeranz took the advice to heart.
“I don’t even think about (the wall),” That’s for you guys to worry about — all those numbers, all that stuff. I just go out there and take it one pitch at a time and control the mound.
“It doesn’t really change me having to make a pitch out there. I’m trying to make the best pitch to get that hitter out.”
So he won’t be afraid to throw that cutter inside to right-handed batters?
“Well, I’ll find out tomorrow,” he said with a laugh.
Let’s take a look at some other notes from Tuesday’s game.
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— Pomeranz really seems smitten with the history of Fenway Park, the oldest MLB ballpark in America, and the prospect of competing in a pennant race with the Red Sox.
“You know, just it’s really cool,” he said of playing in Boston. “It’s one of the littlest ballparks there are. It’s just a different — this is like real baseball has been going on for a hundred years. It’s just real cool to be a part of. In the clubhouse everything’s older. … There’s so much history.
“There’s a lot of good talent. … I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
— When Brock Holt plays, the Red Sox win.
Including Tuesday’s results, the Sox are 29-13 in the 42 games this season in which Holt has played and just 23-26 without him. That’s an eye-popping .690 winning percentage in essentially a quarter of a season.
It caught David Ortiz’s eye.
“He’s a good player,” Ortiz said. “He’s a great player. He plays great defense and he’s a good hitter. And he’s very consistent.”
— Farrell provided a few injury updates:
Junichi Tazawa pitched in a simulated game with no setbacks and could return as soon as Friday.
Joe Kelly had another good outing at Triple-A Pawtucket, though because he’s on the minor league roster and not on a major league rehab assignment there’s no time table for his return to the club.
Blake Swihart and Josh Rutledge are going through full baseball activities but there is no plan yet for a rehab assignment for either to begin. Rutledge very likely could be transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Chris Young still can’t run with full weight on his injured hamstring, so he’s still far off from a return.
— David Ortiz was asked what he’s thinking about as his final season hits the stretch run.
“Keep on winning,” he said. “I do all the thinking after the season is over. I’m not thinking about nothing now. In my mind I’m just going through the flow, and I just want to keep on winning and keep on providing things. That’s all that matters right now to me.”
But how sweet would it be to have his final moments on a baseball field be as World Series champion?
“That’s a good idea,” he said with a laugh. “I’m going to stick with that.”
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
