Flag-waving Ramirez returns
Slugger relishes a proud moment
After last night's 5-3 victory over Cleveland, the Red Sox announced that struggling righthander Byung Hyun Kim was being optioned to Pawtucket.
According to manager Theo Epstein, Kim took the news well, though he was understandably disappointed. Epstein said Kim can be used in two-inning stints at Pawtucket until he "gets that explosiveness back" in his pitches.
The GM was noncommital on whether Kim would be a starter or reliever when he returns to Boston. Epstein also blamed himself for Kim's inability to flourish as a starter, saying it was his decision to "target him as the fifth starter."
Epstein confirmed what manager Terry Francona said following Kim's dreadful start Monday -- that the righthander was OK physically.
"He's healthy," Epstein said. "Hopefully, through some shorter stints, we can get his velocity back."
Epstein, who spent quite a bit of time yesterday discussing the situation with Francona, said of the current game plan, "It's obviously not working. He's not the same guy, so we're going to do everything we can to get him back to where we feel he should be."
The Sox appear to be leaning toward righthanded starter Jamie Brown, 27, to replace Kim.
Brown is 3-1 with a 2.84 ERA in six starts for Pawtucket. In 38 innings, he's struck out 27 and walked only two. Brown would likely be the long man, replacing Bronson Arroyo, who is taking Kim's spot in the rotation. Brown's last start was a 7-1 win over Scranton Saturday night.
Pride and joy
Manny Ramirez, who became a naturalized citizen in a ceremony at Miami Convention Center Monday, returned to the team and played left field, going 0 for 3 with a walk.
"I'm very proud to be an American citizen," said Ramirez. "I needed to go in there and take care of it. It took about two hours, but it was very nice. I did it and I'm very happy to be a citizen now."
He also kidded, "Now they can't kick me out of the country."
As the players took the field before the game, Ramirez carried a miniature flag as he ran to left field. He then went over to the stands and handed the flag to a spectator.
When he came up to bat for the first time, the song "Proud to be an American" was played on the stadium PA, and Ramirez received a long standing ovation.
"I was so proud of Manny," said Pedro Martinez, like Ramirez a native of the Dominican Republic. "Actually taking the flag out there made me feel proud of him. We all know what America represents to us and the opportunity we got in America. To actually let us be citizens of this country is a great honor.
"I was very happy Manny took that flag out, saying, `Thank you, America, for giving me the chance.' Some people don't know Manny all that well but Manny's really smart and he knew what he was trying to say when he came out with that flag. Especially having some members of the Army out there. Those people have gone through a lot to protect this country. Nothing better to do than actually show our support."
Ramirez, who missed Monday's game and returned from Miami just before midnight, said his parents had been on him for quite some time to get his citizenship. He said he had to miss a scheduled appointment to do it last summer because the Red Sox were in the middle of the pennant race. But six months ago, he retook the test, passed, and was notified of another date in a letter he received during spring training.
With the team in first place, at home, given that it is early in the season, Ramirez elected to seek an excused absence, and the Sox were very willing to grant it.
Swing men
Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon took live batting practice against Portland Sea Dogs righthander Eric Glaser, and both impressed Francona. "This just in: They're good hitters," Francona said with a smile. "There were balls flying all over the ballpark." Garciaparra said he will participate in another simulated game today . . . The Sox have played the Indians six times this season, and in all six games, Cleveland has scored two runs in the first inning . . . Patriots receiver Troy Brown took batting practice yesterday afternoon and found the other sport tougher than it looks, swinging and missing on a few offerings. Brown was promoting his "
