Kicking ass and taking names...

I'm getting my life in order and the blog is back, hopefully to stay...

So I've had access to MLB TV for about a week now, (thank you Joe) and in that time I've seen the Sox lose every time I watched. Last night I was planning my lessons for the next week, and my computer was running low on battery. Instead of plugging in my computer and throwing on the Sox game, I put it back on my desk and let it charge, hopped in the shower, and got ready to go out. I got to the bar, and checked my phone, and had a missed call from Katie, and two texts from my brother...the first one read, "The Red Sox have all the hits through the 8th", and the second being, "Clay got a no-no". I was wondering if Paul was messing with me, then Frank's "Awesome" text came in. I got the goosebumps, Paul called and filled me in, then I called Katie back and she told me she had wanted to call but had the whole "fate of the no-no" to worry about. I totally understand. I was the one that made a poor text choice to Katie and Erin during the ill fated Curt Schilling almost no-no and I assured her she made the correct non-call.

Nothing quite like watching a no-no is there? I remember babysitting a crying two year old and infant when I was 16, just beginning to really fall in love with baseball, and I was channel checking and came across David Cone in the 8th inning of his perfect game. I remember wanting to call my Dad to make sure he had on the TV, but not wanting to jinx it, even thought he was a Yankee. There are very few chances in your life to see a perfect game, you don't one to pass you by.

I was babysitting Joey and Nicholas, my all time favorites, when Pedro hit Gerald Williams then almost no-hit the D-Rays. Their parents came home, and Lenny went to take the sleeping Nicholas off me, and I told him he couldn't drive me home now, idea. He was confused till I told him, "You need to sit down, and you need to watch the game, and I can't discuss this right now". He's a huge baseball guy, he got it, and then Pedro's chain broke from his neck, he had to put it in his pocket, and John "Freaking" Flaherty hit a bloop and it was all over. It still bothers me today that when you see the wall in the Hall of Fame with all the no hit and perfect game balls, Pedro doesn't have one there. It always felt like you were just 5 days away from the next chance to see a no-no.

Pre-2004, my favorite Sox memory was Game 5 of the ALDS when Pedro came in and no hit the Indians for 6 innings and risked his shoulder and career for a chance to go to the Dance.

Okay, I'm officially rambling...BUT,

I'm saddened and surprised to learn that Rodney used HGH. He's my guy. I firmly believe that the Patriots were one Rodney Harrison away from a 4th Super Bowl in 6 years. I love him, and I'm sad he didn't think that he had enough in the tank to get back without help.

You see, I have a thing for a certian type player. I like pitchers who aren't afraid to come inside and aren't afraid to hit someone betweent the numbers every once in a while, I like defensive backs who aren't afraid to absolutely cream someone coming across the middle so that for the rest of the game wide recievers are cringing when they go up for a pass, I like shortstops not named Julio Lugo as a rule, I like closers, especially those named Papelbon, I like the slightly dirty player. I like the gamer. And that is why I love Rodney.

One last thing, I'm sure everyone had the same reaction to me when we heard Richard Seymour was going to miss the first 6 weeks. I closed my eyes and said softly to myself over and over, "Clay Bucholz no hitter, Clay Bucholz no hitter, Clay Bucholz no hitter"

Oh, and one more one more last thing. Got to give some props to Bridget for throwing the big f you and your dumb Brazillian super model and giving the baby the Moynahan last name.

I'm backk...

After 8 long days without internet AND cable TV with the exceptions of some sneaking done at the Sheraton I am back thanks to the shady internet guy who came today and and the new roommate who figured out how to get my wireless internet working.


Anyway, for the last week + I have been like a junkie in need of heroin. Through phone calls, texts, bits and pieces of info through the Chicago news (for some reason we get there here), and the occasional break from high school football in the local paper, I have been without sports. I haven't seen Sportscenter, I haven't seen the Sox play except for when we could pick up Maryland TV in the Outerbanks last weekend, (I saw the O's first walkoff), I haven't read Rob Bradford...it has been a cold dark world. It's also been a kind of stress free world. I haven't been on Tom Brady Baby Watch 24/7. I haven't spent nights worrying about our lack of offensive production. I haven't heard announcer after announcer complain about Manny playing too close to the wall. So, I don't know what is going on in the land of Boston sports, but I'm going to be working my way back. I'm trying to figure out how I can get the Patriots down here, I have mlb.tv thanks to Joe and Katie for the rest of the baseball season, and now I will back in the world of basegirls, surviving grady, papelblog, deadspin, onemoredyingquail, extra bases, eric wilbur, chad finn and everyone else that keeps me up to date one things. But I don't want to leave you with a boring entry about how I don' t have shit to tell you, so instead, I'll tell you a dream.

Last night, I didn't feel that well, and my mom and I have been sharing my full size bed till she goes back to Massachusetts. So, we are both laying there unable to sleep, so she breaks out a xanyax for both of us. After about a half hour, we are still awake, so I break out a sleep aid. I passed out. At some point in the middle of the night, my Red Sox deprived sub conscience puts me at Fenway, and I decide I'm going to the clubhouse (now, I've been to the Press Box, EMC Club, and State Street Pavillion, so sneaking around Fenway isn't something new). Anyway, I get into the clubhouse, and am greeted by my college friends, who I don't see nearly enough, Katelyn and Freddie, who tell me that they do this all the time. I know that I have to find Jonathan Papelbon, and get my picture taken with him. I find him, he's as friendly as I would hope, and takes a picture with me, and proceeds to start making out with me. Then, he tells me has to go, and that he'll be back later. So, I need to call all my crazy Red Sox obsessed friends to share my ridiculous story. Of course, I can't find my cell phone in my dream. So I find Katelyn and Freddie, and Katelyn scolds me for making out with a married man. Then, I find Jeff, who I also graduated with and now coaches football at our college. He tells me that he now coaches the Red Sox, who now play football. (I think this must be where my lack of training camp coverage come in). I turn around to find Mike Lowell and Joshua Papelbon in shoulderpads, which, lets face it, Mike Lowell could totally play middle linebacker, Baby Papelbon, I'm not so sure. Anyway, I then turn around again, and it is my entire college football team (which, I was thier student athletic trainer), and Youk is yelling at me to tape his ankles and Sweeney (one of my footballers) is telling me that he should get to go before Youk. I then woke up.


Anyway, I'm glad I can rejoin the Nation starting today. I've missed being neurtoic, psychotic, and all the other good things that go along with being a Red Sox fan.

PS. I could not be more excited about this Patriots season. If I don't figure out a way to get the Patriots in NC I'm flying home every weekend.

PPS. Reggie Miller eh? I know I'm a week late but this Celtics off season is turning out to be a much better time then we first thought huh?

Well, last night was fun wasn't it? It was one of those Red Sox games where you just knew something good was going to happen. The Sox finally got some timely hitting, Batshit pitched alright, the bullpen was once again great, and, incase-you-forgot-who-your-mother-fucking-closer-is, it's me, Jonathan Papelbon. He makes me a ridiculously happy girl.

Today is Bobby Doerr (it might get a little dusty when you read that one) day at the Fens, where Bobby says he his making his last trip because he's getting too old to fly out from Portland. Also, it's Timmay's birthday. The amount of good karma flying around Fenway today will be too much for the lowly Orioles.

*Also, the picture above is UNDEFEATED!

10 Things I think I think...

Well, I’ve been a little bit MIA lately eh? I promise to never leave you alone on the trading deadline again. I left to go shopping with my mom yesterday morning and my cell phone was 100% dead, so, not realizing the significance of the day, I left it at home charging. A trip to Walmart, Homegoods, the dentist, Target, TJ Maxx, and Sports Authority later. I returned home to find a panic related voicemail from Katie telling me, “I really needed you to be at work today”, and about the Gagne deal. I will never again be away from the TV / internet on the 31st of July again.

Anyway, here are 10 things I think I think (again, sorry Mr. King) about the trading deadline, Celtics (yes, the Celtics!), Patriots and whatever topic I need to get to 10.

*I was surprised how disappointed I was to see Kason go. I was legitimately bummed out. The kid came up, pitched well, always kept us in it, and was very good looking. Everything I love in a starter. I wish him very good luck in Texas (except for the 9 games a year), and I would like to tell him, Kason, no matter what the bartender tells you in Texas, it is a not a “Texas Thing” to drink Jack Daniels, it’s an idiot thing. So steer clear of that. Also, steer clear of Clicks, and whatever you do, leave the Sooner’s flag alone. Oh, and try out the Cheesy Fries at Saltgrass.

*Welcome Eric. I am so happy to see you. It’s always a good thing when you can shore up a league leading bullpen. Gagne is a career closer, so having him for the 8th inning will be sweet. Think Papelbon will be a little bit more fired up to close out the game now that he has Eric in the bullpen breathing down his neck? I do. Also, I love how Gagne had a no-trade clause and an incentive laden contract and the Red Sox were able to get him here by saying, “We’ll pay all the incentives”. Loyalties run deep in MLB.

“So Paul, did you hear we got Simon Gagne,” Me
“Yeah, but I think you mean Eric,” Paul
“Yes, Eric Gagne, why do I keep calling him Simon?” Me

“I think he is some kind of figure skater,” Paul

*I am kind of disappointed we had to send Kason, and two minor leaguers to Texas for Gagne when we could have had him for the same money we paid Jo-it was fun while it lasted-EL. Happy Trails Jo-EL. Also, best of luck to Mr. Brendan Donnelly who will undergo Tommy John surgery.

*The biggest strengths and flaws of your team is always magnified in the playoffs. For example, the biggest flaws in the 2003 team was the inability to finish games and Grady Little, it showed in Game 7. The biggest strength of the 2004 team was the ability to come back, and it showed in the playoffs. The biggest issue of this 2007 club is the inability of the Sox to score with RISP. I swear it will kill me before this season is said and done.

*My fantasy team has been bit by the injury bug as of late and as of early. I currently have Curt Schilling, Joel Zumaya, Carlos Beltran, and Mike Napoli on the DL. I’m also down in the max number of innings for pitcher, so I decided to go out and pick up some probable’s to get some innings, so tonight I have Oliver Perez of the NYM and Boof Bonser of the Milwaukee Brewers. What could go wrong?

*After last nights two home runs, I can’t help but hope that Papi has maybe found his mojo. While David’s power numbers have been down but his average is up, you can’t help but miss that 9th inning feeling, when the Sox are down by two, and you start going the walk-off math in your head. Just so long as one person gets on, and then the next two strike out, we get to Ortiz. If the first batter walks, then the second person gets a fly ball, we only need a double from David and all will once again be right in the world.

*I can’t believe that Wily Mo is still a Red Sox, (although, how much fun was that catch / belly flop / face plant last night?). I am in shock really. I would have thought that we could have at least gotten a case of Gatorade for him. I mean, think how handsome he would have looked in a Kansas City / Texas / White Sox uniform.

*So the Celtics landed KG. I don’t believe it. I wonder if this was Ainge’s plan all along or if this just kind of fell into his lap. The press conference was jovial with the new, “Big 3” showing their smiles and uniforms. I hope that these three mesh as well on the court as they did in the press conference. I really hate to see Big Al go, but we have a chance to win now, and we had to take it. I really liked SG and Jackie Mac’s take on the deal. There is a buzz in Boston and it is about the Celtics, I didn’t think I’d see the day. I am not going to pretend to be a huge Celtics fan, but I’m a huge Boston fan. I am really excited for all those Celtics fans who are just plain giddy right now.

*Good luck Chad Scott with the rehab. This Patriots team has one huge ? and that’s the secondary, so it disappointing to see him go down. That being said, I don’t remember being much more excited for a Pats season. All is well in the New England sports world right now.

*Dear Asante,

I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that I am moving to North Carolina next week, which means I am an 8 hour drive from the Florida border then just a short 13 hour drive away from Fort Lauderdale.

I want you to know that I empathize with your plight for a long term contract, I do. NFL careers are fleeting. One neck injury could end it all. The thing is Asante, the Colts are the defending Super Bowl champs and this is completely, 100% inexcusable. We need to bring the Lombardi trophy back to our house, and you should want to do this for me. (And don’t think for a minute that I don’t understand what is like to be disrespected with a 7.2 million dollar offer, because, in the world of customer service and teaching, this happens a lot.) As your tattoo says, you need to, “Get Paid”. So really, I understand, I do.

But if you think that for one minute I’m going to stand by and watch you sit out till week 10 , you, my friend are mistaken. 7.2 million dollars is enough for your family to live comfortably for the rest of your life, and for the rest of your children’s life. So you are about to, “get paid”, so stop being a little bitch, sign the freaking contract, get to camp, talk to Gene Upshaw about getting the franchise tag removed from the next CBA and prove you are worth the $$. The thing is, I don’t think you are a franchise player. I think you miss tackles by always going for picks and I think that you are soft.

Right now, I’m speaking for myself, although Scott and Bill and I usually agree on things, so here goes. If you sit till week 10, we are using you at all this season, and we are franchising you again in 2008, and then if you don’t play till week 10, we are sitting you the whole season. Try getting a huge multi year deal on the open market with big guaranteed money after not playing for two years.

So go ahead, make a ½ million a game, win the championship sign with someone else in the off season and never so much as get a whiff of the Super Bowl again.

If you think I’m above duct taping you up, throwing you in the backseat and driving you to Foxboro myself, you are mistaken.

If all this seems a little bit over the top, I get a little testy when the Colts are Super Bowl Champions, okay?

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Amanda

I should be back later with some massive links once I get a chance to read everything I missed the past few days.

These pictures are worth MUCH more than 10,000 words...

It's kind of like someone took this picture specifically for me. Like they said, "Hey, look at Paps and Mikey sitting there drinking beers, playing cribbage, you know who would love this picture, Amanda. I better take it for her"

Joshua's girlfriend. Now, I'm not saying that Josh isn't infinitely hotter because he plays baseball than he actually is. I'm just saying his girlfriend is...surprising.

Manny and Okie drinking wine. My only question is, where is Papi in all these pictures? Maybe these are Papi's pictures? Maybe he took them for me? Papi's probably sitting on the floor indian style between the pilots touching buttons and trying to grab the controller with a huge grin on his face.

I mean, how great are these pictures? Kansas City who? Whoever took them, thank you for bringing them into my life.

Objects in rear view mirror may be closer than the appear...

This is going to be a rambling mess, but I haven't posted in a while and I have a about 29293 things running through my head right now. Proceed at your own risk.

Okay, I'm offically stressed out. Our in ability to hit with runners in scoring position is so freaking frustrating I can't take it anymore. David's single followed by Manny popping out last night just added to my tension. I'm wondering if we need to make a move for another bat (although if our lineup could just hit how we know our lineup can hit, all would be well in my world). July 31st is quickly approaching and I think Theo has a big move in store for us. Here is my things with trades. I don't think in terms of statistics or productivity or contracts. I think in terms of how much I love the player. Under those rules, Jon Lester, MDC, the Typo Twins (Jacoby and Kason) (Credits to Surviving Grady for that one), Mike Lowell and Wily Mo would not even be considered for a possible deal. (I didn't mention Jonathan, Tek or Papi here, because they are clearly not going anywhere). Anyway, the moral of my story is, I wouldn't trade any of those guys because I love them. Theo, obviously, doesn't go with this heart. Lenny Dinardo performed at Theo's Hot Stove Cool Music event and then got released just before opening day. And, if I was the GM of the Red Sox in 2004, I never would have traded Nomar, and we probably wouldn't have won the World Series with him. And we'd be on 89 years of futility and my whole life would probably be different. So, the moral of this story is well, I don't know, but hopefully Theo does.

Road Trip: Detroit

After leaving Niagra Falls at the crack of 11, we finally made it to our hotel in Detroit about 5 after stopping off to see some old friends, and me almost getting us arrested at the border for not remembering where we had been the night before. (Hey, it was a long trip). We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Dearborn, after hearing that this is where the Red Sox stay. That was not our only reason, part of it was that we wanted to stay somewhere where wouldn’t get murdered, but, it did have something to do with it. We asked the bell boy when we checked in, and he told us the Sox stayed in downtown Detroit at the Atheneum Suite Hotel, which, is where our bell hop friend told us they stay. We never actually checked it out, because we aren’t those kind of girls. (Okay, we are, but we were scared to leave the area directly around the stadium, and directly around the hotel). I guess the Yankees and Twins stay with the Ritz, but the Sox and White Sox stay at the Antheneum. Just so you know. Anyway, after a quick change, we headed down to Comerica. On the ride, our friendly cab driver told us that he had picked up some Red Sox coaches and dropped them off at the Sox players entrance earlier in the day. So now we weren’t sure where they stayed. Anyway, the game up, sucked. Julian didn’t have it from the beginning and it was a really fun time to be in Detroit. (Not).

Let me tell you a few things about Detroit. I have now been to Fenway, Camden Yards, Sky Dome, Yankee Stadium, Tropicana, and the Ballpark at Arlington. Of all those places, my favorite stadium, hands down, is Comerica. It’s huge, had awesome architecture, really cool Tiger statues everywhere, plenty of concessions, beer men in the stands, lots of bathrooms, ect. Just an absolutely beautiful park overlooking the Detroit skyline.

That being said. Let me tell you a few things about Detroit fans. They bring kitchen utensils to the game and wave them around when Gary Sheffield is up (no wonder he wanted to be a Red Sox), they only make noise when 1. Red Sox fans make noise, 2. The scoreboard instructs them to do so, their old park, Tiger Stadium, opened the same day as Fenway, yet they don’t know to stand with two outs and two strikes. They are all covered in 2006 ALCS Champions shirts and hats. I don’t know about you, but where I come from, I don’t celebrate championship losses. It’d be the equivalent of me wearing an AFC East Champion shirt. I’d rather stab myself in the eye with a pen. And finally, the most damning evidence of all that they suck…Saturday’s game with Gabby pitching was the second highest attendance in the HISTORY of Comerica, AND Tavarez’s start Friday was the fifth highest in attendance. How is this possible? They played two ALCS games and 2 World Series games last year! More people come out to see the Red Sox than the World Series? And, it wasn’t like the Nation completely invaded Comerica like we usually do, we were definitely in the vast minority, with a scattering of Red Sox fans in our section, but completely outnumbered.

When we got to our seats in the first game, we sat in the wrong seats and I sat next to a Tiger’s fan who didn’t actually believe I was a Red Sox fan (because I was just dying to go to Detroit on vacation and needed an excuse?). He asked me how long I’ve been a Red Sox fan…(implying that it was since 2004), and didn’t seem to buy that I have been a diehard since 1997 when Nomar Garciaparra came into my life. He asked me if I knew the significance of the day Old Tiger Stadium and Fenway opened (the Titanic sank). Then, he told me the Tiger’s called up a bunch of players from their AAA team to face and I told him that the Paw Sox would destroy the Mud Hens (I don’t know how I knew their AAA team was the Mud Hens, sometimes I just know random shit). At least he was convinced that I was, in fact, a baseball fan, he began to explain to me how Curtis Granderson was screwed out of a spot on the All Star team by Major League Baseball. I informed him that the teams select which outfielders to put on the ballot, not MLB, so in fact, the Tigers screwed Granderson. At this point, I realized that he, in fact, didn’t know his shit, and had us move to our proper seats (okay, that’s a lie, the people whose seats we were sitting in came).

We went out for drinks after and came back to the hotel. I went into to full scale stalker mode, staking out the lobby in search of signs of Sox. (Not that I would have said anything anyway, seeing I was in my PJ’s with no makeup and such dark lack of sleep circles under my eyes that I looked like I’d been slapped around). Of course, there weren’t any, the bell boy had been telling us the truth.

For the second game we had the human typo, Kason Gabbard on the hill. He pitched great, giving up two runs, and of course, once again our O couldn’t get anything going. From the 8th inning on, every time the Sox got a batter on, Papelbon began warming up. This started to make me nervous, thinking that if this game goes a while, we are going to wear him out before we even see him. The entire pen does his job, and as we move to the bottom of the 13th, Terry decides to bring in cinco-ocho. Sometimes with Pap, I just know it isn’t going to end well. I knew he had thrown a ton of warm up pitches, and we didn’t even have the lead. When he hit Sheff and I was surrounded by waving kitchen utensils, my stomach sank. Still though, I had faith. Then Pudge came through with the game winning hit, and we headed to the exits in a hurry (skipping the free post game fireworks). Now, I understand that I was wearing a Papelbon shirt, and I understand we were in enemy territory. However, I have never, in my life, been called the things that we were called on the way out of that park. (including Yankee Stadium. I really think that the Yankees fans giving us shit, and they do, are more in good fun than the Tigers fans were). I mean, I don’t get why they hate us so much. I really was surprised. I mean, we don’t even play each other that much! And I’m not sensitive, I was fully expecting a ton of shit when we were walking out of there, but I was surprised with how ridiculously vicious a lot of the fans were. When I was at a Tiger’s game at Fenway earlier this year, no one was giving them a hard time. It’s indifference when they are here, and apparently a huge deal when the Sox are there. So much so that people would rather go rag on Red Sox fans than see their team compete for a World Series. After the second game, we wanted no part of the locals, so we retreated to the friendly confines of the Ritz and had some cocktails in our room before bed. Because, of course, we once again had a big day of driving ahead of us.

I'm going to have my road trip recap tomorrow, but in the meantime, I leave you with the single greatest link of all time.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid910267413?bclid=715977971&bctid=1027011680

Home Run Derby Recap!

Well, I'm back. I hope everyone missed me. I'm starting off today with a Home Run Derby recap and will then have a road trip recap later on today. The quote of the road trip definitely goes to our cab driver the last night who said, "You girls know what the best thing about Detroit is? Chicago is only 3 and a 1/2 hours away". Right on sir, right on.

We have a pregame concert by the Counting Crows, which, whatever, but we do also have....Mike Lowell videotaping the CC with baby Mike Lowell! This is absolutely my favorite part of the HR derby, cute pictures of cute players with cute little kids.

The Home Run Derby starts off with all the players being introduced by the always horrific Chris Berman. Honestly! What does he bring to the table? He's just loud and annoying and I don't know anyone besides Bill Belichick that likes him. I can't wait for him to tell us that a ball is hit to Japan when we clearly see it landing in the bleachers. Grrr. We do, in the annoucements, get our first "Bermanism", Albert Winnie the Pujols. Shut UP!

The Derby contestants were, for the American League, Alex Rios, Vlad Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, and Justin Morneau. From the National League, we had Matt Holliday replacing the injured Miggy Cabrera, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder.

The pregame ceremony, I imagine could not have gone worse for the ESPN production team. The microphones were all screwed up, I'm sure we were hearing things that we weren't supposed to, no one seemed to know how Willie McCovey was supposed to hand out the bats. They made an old man with two canes stand up to do the whole thing. That being said, I thought the gesture was a nice one, and the players all seemed pretty excited to meet him. Alex Rios shook his hand and said, "Nice to meet you, Sir". I like Alex Rios, he's my pick for the derby. On Sunday in Toronto they had this video montage of Alex Rios, and the PA announcer said, "Let's hear it for our All Star, Alex Rios" and everyone in RF (where we were sitting), stood up and gave him a standing O. It was a nice moment before the Toronto fans started yelling at us.

Matt Holliday is in the running for my new non-Red Sox boyfriend.

Barry Bonds loves Peter Gammons apparently. Barry could almost be described as, well, jovial. He was nice, almost considered charismatic in his interview. He's trying to win everyone over for when he gets Hank's record. Barry says that he's disappointed people judge him by what a third party said. I haven't finished Game of Shadows, but from what I've read, I'm pretty convinced he's guilty. He says that he has, "The utmost respect for Hank Aaron" and understands that, "Hank has a life" and doesn't want to follow him around the country waiting for him to hit the HR.

Next up was Magglio Ordonez of the Detroit Tigers. I was hoping he'd tear both ACL's during his swings, but instead he sucked. In Detroit they do this, Magggggllliiiioooo, OH EEE OHH, Maggggllllliiioooo, OH EEE OH song everytime he's up. It's almost as annoying as Hip Hip JORGE in the Bronx, and just as gross.

We then had a fantastic interview with A-Rod, who put on a suit for his big prime time appearance. He said he, "Had dinner in about an hour". He didn't say if he had it with Cynthia or Joceyln. He also said, "NY has been great, there's something special about putting that uniform on day in and day out". A-Rod, they hate you. You are so opting out. Cut the BS.

Alex Rios hits 5 HR's, while Erin Andrews talks with Jake Peavy who is looking extremely handsome and is joined by two extremely cute little boys.

The camera then cuts to A-Rod chatting up Barry Bonds, "Really Barry, they hate me more, I'm sure of it"

Prince Fielder steps in, and he will absolutely be an American League DH very soon.

I have a few issues with ESPN's Derby coverage, but mainly, there are not nearly enough cute little kids. Also, why aren't they interviewing the players after they hit? And how come they don't have any players miked up?

Ben Sheets son looks EXACTLY like him. Almost creepily.

Vlad is up, and he gets a few quick outs and Papi steps in (the first real clutch thing he's done all year), and gives Vlad a new bat, and he gets on a mini tear and doesn't seem to be too distracted by Papi yelling at him the whole time.

Ryan Howard has a disappointing outing, kind of like his first half, and when he walks back over, Dmitri Young's son yells at him, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?". Please, the only reason your dad is an All Star is because of the "one guy from every team" rule.

..."That's all the way to Saucilito"....kill me now.

Oh I got to ask, who is the guy with the spray painted tee shirt that keeps running up to and tackling all the Dominican guys? Who let that guy on the field? Someone look into this and report back please.

I really like Karl Ravech. I always feel bad for him because he's usually the one smart person in a room full of idiots.

I find it very cute Matt Holliday is having his brother pitch to him. It almost worked out. We also learn Matt Holliday was a QB at Oklahoma State. He looks like a QB.

We get some Freddie Sanchez and Trevor Hoffman complete with cute little kids. Yay!

At this point, we have the always hard hitting journalist Joe Morgan ask Dusty Baker about the infamous "Game 6" decision. He doesn't explain anything about it, but I did some research and this is what I found, (from wikipedia)

Game 6
October 26, 2002 at Edison International Field of Anaheim in Anaheim, California
The turning point in the series came in Game 6. Leading 5-0 with one out in the bottom of the 7th inning, 8 outs away from the Giants' first World Series title in San Francisco, Giants manager Dusty Baker pulled starting pitcher Russ Ortiz for setup man Félix Rodríguez after Ortiz gave up consecutive singles to third baseman Troy Glaus and designated hitter Brad Fullmer. In a widely publicized move, Baker gave Ortiz the game ball as he sent him back to the dugout. During the pitching change the Rally Monkey came on the jumbotron, sending 45,037 Angels fans into a frenzy. Angel first baseman Scott Spiezio came to the plate and fouled off pitch after pitch before finally hitting a 3-run home run that barely cleared the wall in right field. The rally continued in the 8th inning, as Angel center fielder Darin Erstad hit a leadoff line-drive home run, followed by consecutive singles by Tim Salmon and Garret Anderson. (Chone Figgins pinch ran for Salmon.) When Bonds misplayed Anderson's shallow left field bloop single, Figgins and Anderson took third and second respectively. With no outs, two runners in scoring position and now only a 5-4 lead, Baker brought in closer Robb Nen to pitch to Glaus, hoping that Nen could induce a strikeout that might yet preserve the Giants' slim lead. However, Glaus slugged a double to the left-center field gap over Bonds' head to drive in the tying and winning runs. In the 9th inning, Angels closer Troy Percival struck out Rich Aurilia to preserve the 6-5 victory in front of the jubilant home crowd.

I guess giving Russ Ortiz the game ball turned out to be a bad idea. Dusty was never a Red Sox fan. We would have known better than to do shit like that.

Seriously? Who is the guy with the tee shirt?

Vlad hits 3 HR's in the final round to beat Alex Rios' 2 as I fade in an out of conciousness. I'm happy for Vlad, but would have liked Rios to win. In a bizarre turn of events, ESPN has a guy from ESPN Deportes interview Vlad in Spanish, and then translate what he has said. I'm pretty sure that Vlad speaks English. A bizarre night from the ESPN production team all around.

All Star game tonight, Peavy and Haren starting it off, and this time, it counts. (whatever)

Went to the Rangers game last night. I really wanted to get there early and yell at the Texas players how weak their fans are and how annoying the song, "Deep in the Heart of Texas" clap clap clap, but I had to return some overdue library books and go to the ATM on the way. As Katie and I were cutting through the common, a man yelled to us, "Going to the game?", we told him we were, and he asked who they were playing, we told him Texas, and he proceeded to argue that we were actually playing the Devil Rays and that Matsuzaka was pitching. You're a day early, buddy. Don't let this pony tail fool you Sir, I know my shit.

There was no line at the Cask and Flagon, so we had to stop in and have a beverage. The Old Cask is 10 times better than the new Cask, by the way. Anyway, two drinks later we head into Fenway and stop behind home plate to watch the pre-game stuff and come to realize we are standing right next to Larry Lucchino donning a red hat with the Sox on it. He went inside after the first pitch, which was thrown by the newest member of the Celtics, Ray Allen, who, received a very nice ovation from the faithful. I was very disappointed with myself that I didn't air all my grievances regarding how much I hate Red Sox Nation: The Official Fan Club of the Boston Red Sox.

Anyway, we make our way to our seats, where we are sitting in front of a man how is doing play by play into his camcorder, next to a man who looked completely miserable the entire game, and behind a guy with the biggest head ever. (I always sit behind that guy). You know how the game went...Kason pitched great, Jacoby made us drool, and we finally got some timely hitting. 6 Twisted Teas later Katie and I head off to the Baseball Tavern, wrangle some free drinks from some older gentleman, head over to Dominos, realize we missed the last commuter train home and the last T, and ate a small pizza, buffalo kickers, and cheezy bread. I make best friends with the employee there named Carlos from Ecuador. Well, he just goes by Carlos. I tell him I'm going to become his pizza assistant. We end up getting a very sketchy cab ride home. I was thinking the odds were probably 6:1 I was going to end up in a trash bag in the Charles. I arrive home safely, call Katie ("I was 45 seconds away from calling the cops"), and pass out. I woke up to a BLARING headache about 4 this morning, chugged two glasses of water and 3 Excedrine, woke up at 6:30 and chugged another glass of water and two more Excedrine, and sadly got dressed (thank God I laid out my outfit last night). I am now just WAITING for it to be lunch. I have a bad case of the hangover munchies. Anyway, it was a superb time, great game, good to get that winning feeling back.

First game against the D-Rays tonight. I actually thought the MLB contracted and no one told me. The Dice and Kazmir tonight, should be a good one.


*Stephen Gostkowski looked snazzy at a charity golf tournament in Quincy yesterday for WAAF.

*From http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com.

"From an article by Jason Quick in The Oregonian yesterday, it sure appears that Danny Ainge made an immediate effort to get the number one pick from the Blazers after Portland won the draft lottery:

As he drove to Eugene to watch a play with his daughter on May 23, less than 24 hours after winning the lottery, Pritchard took a call from an Eastern Conference general manager, with whom he had past dealings.

The executive made an offer that was moderate in shock value: A five-time All-Star and this year's lottery pick in exchange for the No. 1 pick and the Blazers' 2008 first-round pick.
As enticing as the offer was -- the Blazers in years past had made a run at the All-Star player -- Pritchard declined on the spot.

Five time All Star...who the Blazers had made a run at before...sounds like Paul Pierce to me."

I really can't imagine that Danny Ainge thought he had any shot of getting the 1 and the 2008 first rounder. I wonder what Pritchard would have done had he just offered PP and the 5 for the 1. Very interesting.

*Mrs. Papelbon feels bad for Mrs. Rodriguez, saying, "It would kill me if people said the things they’re saying about A-Rod about Jonathan. I mean, that’s her husband. People forget that. He may play baseball, but he’s still human and she’s still married to him. I’m sure she’s embarrassed, but I don’t know how she feels. It would be my worst nightmare.”

*Bill Burt says, Pardon the Interruption, but Wilbon is a jerk, after Wilbon said that the reason Garnett and other NBA super stars didn't want to come to Boston is because Boston is a racist city.

*I really don't like the Herald, but I do enjoy the inside track on occasion...here are some goodies...

We hear...that NESN vixen Hazel Mae chickened out of crashing starter Josh Beckett's roped-off table at Saint the other night. How bashful of her! Beckett was hoisting a few with fellow pitchman Julian Tavarez and sidelined outfielder Coco Crisp. Other baseball biggies in da house: Texas Rangers slugger Sammy Sosa, who headed over from Bar 10 at the Westin Copley Place with closer Eric Gagne and fielder Jerry Hairston...

Tracked Down...Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell signing autographs and showing off the Lumber Liquidators Red Sox race car at the company’s HQ in Braintree . . . Sox hurler Curt Schilling and wife, Shonda, buying paper baseballs at Shaw’s at Fenway to support the store’s Pitch’n to Win campaign that supports Curt’s Pitch for ALS . . .

*The Red Sox stepped up to the plate for David Ortiz's hometown.

*Jacoby is a great time.

*Richard Seymour was the top paid player in the NFL last year, raking in nearly 25 million dollars. I love the guy, we all know that, but that is some serious coin. USA Today also has a kick ass database salary sorter thingy. Tom was 6th on the list with 16 million.

Here are the top paying teams in the NFL. (The Texas should get some kind of refund.)

Indianapolis Colts $ 131,189,741
Minnesota Vikings $ 125,025,909
Dallas Cowboys $ 113,595,442
Cincinnati Bengals $ 113,000,016
Baltimore Ravens $ 111,596,746
Washington Redskins $ 110,340,460
Houston Texans $ 108,675,881
New York Giants $ 108,196,454
Seattle Seahawks $ 107,449,932
Carolina Panthers $ 106,554,612
Arizona Cardinals $ 105,685,931
New England Patriots $ 105,110,495

*And finally, be sure to vote early and vote often for Okajima as the final gentleman to make the All-Star team!

My next post, unless something exciting happens this afternoon, will be an update from NH, then a post-Cooperstown post on Thursday. Everyone be safe this week.

Happy 4th of July & God Bless America!

10 Things I think I think (Sorry Mr. King)

1. I think that apparently all of NESN's gross cross promoting marketing bullshit might actually work. I cursed the Red Sox all day for all that Rousch Fenway Group bullshit, then yesterday checked to see how the Fenway guys were doing on ESPN. But that being said, I did not watch the race. Watching people drive around in ovals is still boring.

2. I think I'm seeing why Danny Ainge made that trade. Because he doesn't have a few years to wait for these guys to develop. He needs to win now to save his job. And with the weak East, there's no reason PP, Allen, and AJ can get us the 7th or 8th seed. That being said, if you're going youth movement, go all the way. I also think that Bob Ryan can say it better than I can, "It is a fact I signed off on trading the fifth pick for a veteran. But I was kinda thinking about someone born after 1980. On a list of improbable, no-one-of-sound-mind-and-sober-judgment-would-ever-do-such-a-thing acts, trading the fifth pick of the NBA draft in a juicy year chock full of potential All-Stars for a 32-year old shooting guard would have ranked at the bottom...Um, Danny, this is not what any of us had in mind. The five for a 27-year old anything of proven substance? Yeah. The five for Pau Gasol? Yeah. But the five for a banged-up 32-year old shooting guard? Waiter, give me a double. No, wait. A triple."

3. I think the New York Rangers kicked free agency's ass yesterday signing Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. Now, we all know I don't really "do" hockey, but, I have two stories for these guys. I have always liked BU hockey, and used to go to their games. I also love the Little League World Series, and did you know, Chris Drury was the winning pitcher on the team that won 1989 LLWS? As for Scott Gomez, I used to babysit for these two little boys, and their uncle played for the Devils, and when they won the Stanley Cup, Scott Gomez came over and played street hockey in their driveway with the older boy. How cute is that? The Bruins said that they wouldn't be big players in free agency this year. Couldn't we have grabbed one of those guys? I mean, Chris is from CT and went to BU? What, Jeremy Jacobs, is the point of owning a team if you don't spend the change to contend?

4. I think I hate ESPN. So, you know how ESPN loves to do it's fake and stupid little "competitions". They start in March ranking every position in the NFL, then they rank every ball boy, then they rank every water girl, then they rank every post game buffet. Well, they are ranking now, "Who's Now?", a contest to determine who is the ULTIMATE sports star.

Here are the brackets, with my picks and comments in bold.

MICHAEL JORDAN BRACKET
July 1: (1) Tiger Woods vs (8) Matt Leinart (Matt - Paris? and Britney? Really now).
July 2: (4) Dwyane Wade vs (5) Shaun White (Finals MVP vs. a snowboarder?)
July 3: (2) LaDainian Tomlinson vs (7) David Beckham (Beckham is old)
July 4: (3) Steve Nash vs (6) Serena Williams (Steve Nash is boring)

MUHAMMAD ALI BRACKET
July 5: (1) Peyton Manning vs (8) Amanda Beard (She swims!)
July 6: (4) Dale Earnhardt Jr vs (5) Chuck Liddell (Who the Hell is Chuck?)
July 7: (2) Alex Rodriguez vs (7) Terrell Owens (That is the All-Hatred seed?)
July 8: (3) Kobe Bryant vs (6) Ronaldinho (Who is Ronaldinho?)

BILLIE JEAN KING BRACKET
July 9: (1) LeBron James vs (8) Kelly Slater (Honestly? He surfs!)
July 10: (4) Jeff Gordon vs (5) Barry Bonds (Honestly? He drives in circles!)
July 11: (2) Derek Jeter vs (7) Sidney Crosby (Biggest star in the NHL)
July 12: (3) Reggie Bush vs (6) Danica Patrick (So she's a girl that drives in circles!)

BABE RUTH BRACKET
July 13: (1) Tom Brady vs (8) David Ortiz (This bracket is designed to tear my heart in two)*
July 14: (4) Maria Sharapova vs (5) Vince Young (Prob pick one girl)
July 15: (2) Roger Federer vs (7) Tony Parker (Even though he does play tennis)
July 16: (3) Shaquille O'Neal vs (6) Michael Phelps (he does swim, but at least he does dominate)

*Okay Page 2, here we go. How is it possibly fair for Tom to draw Papi? Vince Young is a FIVE SEED and David Ortiz is an 8. AN 8! You have a lot of nerve.

5. I think that even though we are going for the split with the Rangers tonight, I'm not anywhere near hitting the panic button. I think that we have been playing good baseball all season, with our 3-4-5 putting up solid numbers, but none of them have found their groove yet. Papi's going to get clutch hits and Manny is going to go on a 16-24 tear any day now. That being said, for having the best record and best bullpen in baseball, I still never quite feel comfortable unless Okajima or Papelbon are on the mound, even though the other guys have not given me any reason to feel this way. I think I'm falling in love with Manny Delcarmen. I also think that it makes me very happy to see that Timlin has gotten his groove back. (whoa black betty).

6. I think that Barry Bonds should start for the NL at the All Star game. He's going to be their only representative, and while I still think he's an ass, he's their ass, and it is in their home park. I think that their must have been a lot of busy San Francisco-ians filling out ballots this past weekend. I also think I wouldn't be surprised if everyone at the Giants front office spent all day stuffing ballot boxes.

7. Incase you missed it, the Red Sox will have five representatives at this years mid-summer classic, with David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon, and Mike Lowell all getting the call. (Youk got screwed). We also have a fan option for a sixth. The All-Star game has the "final vote", and this year, the Sox own Hideki Okajima is in the running, facing off against Jeremy Bonderman, Kelvim Escobar (met him once), Roy Halladay, and Pat Neshek. Anyway, time for us to get our guy in there. So vote early, and vote often. (www.mlb.com) Unless you think the Dice is the jealous type.

8. I think the New York Post is becoming my favorite newspaper. Cynthia Rodriguez wore a shirt to the Yanks game yesterday that read, "F--k You" on the back. I'm wondering if it wasn't one of those FCUK French Connection shirts, but, it doesn't appear this way from what the post would have you believe. A-Rod couldn't be a better time for us Sox fans. He can take his 28 home runs and shove 'em.

9. I think Sunday was a tough day to be a manager, with Mike Hargrove resigning from the Mariner's post, and Jerry Narron being asked to leave the Reds.

10. I think I wish I had 350 bucks for the Red Sox "Picnic in the Park". One live auction item is two days quail hunting with Timlin and Wake, and another is to play scrabble in one of the luxary suites with Papelbon. I think that in honor of being too poor to attend, I'm going to go to the Sea Dogs that day. I also think, David Ortiz might not be having his party at Rumor this year, which, would break my heart. Last year I shook David's hand (he pinched my cheek), I won a 1,000 gift certificate, saw big and baby (Joshua) Papelbon, realized how handsome Trot Nixon is in real life, saw Gabe and Mrs. Gabe, had Tek touch my back, say "excuse me" while walking by me, tried to get Katelyn to hook up with a sketchy guy in Papi's Posse, snuck into VIP, and I may or may not have caught a Sox cheating on his wife, and came very close to stealing Wily Mo's wallet (all under Katelyn's influence). I also wouldn't mind going to Jerry's All-Star party, but again, I won't be putting up the $140.00.

I think I'll be back later, but I'm not making any promises.

I know I slacked on Thursday and Friday, but who wants to talk about losses? or 32 year old guard? Not me. Anyway, the Sox came home yesterday and all was well in Red Sox Nation. Wake pitched great. Delcarmen got the job done. (How cute was it when Mikey went out to talk to him?). Then, Mr. Jonathan Papelbon came out to close things in the 9th in grand fashion. A K, a very long fly ball, then an extremely close play at first where it looked like got him on the replay, but, as we all know, ties go to the runner, Kenny Lofton in this case. Cinco-Ocho took exception, and had a few, er, many choice words for the umpire, until the little second baseman that could came over and pushed him away. (Thank God he didn't get tossed). He came back, hit Jerry Hairston on the hand. Regained his composure, and came back to get the K to end the game. I've watched the game twice, once in real time, once on the midnight replay, and now it's on again in the backround. One thing I do know is this. I'm starting to feel for Jonathan the way I feel for Tom. Like, that I am just so lucky to have him in my life playing for my team.

7:05 tonight, Beckett goes for 12.

Now I'm off to pack for my 2 country, four state, one providence, 1312 mile, 27 hour Sox road trip that begins on Tuesday at 6 AM.

Just because I'll know you'll miss me (although I may bring the laptop along for the ride) here's a new feature:

Where in the World is SoxGal?

Tuesday - Newfound Lake, NH
Wednesday - Newfound Lake, NH
Thurdsay - Cooperstown & Niagra Falls
Friday - Sox @ Tigers, Detroit, MI
Saturday - Sox @ Tigers, Detroit, MI
Sunday - Indians @ Blue Jays, Toronto, ON
Monday - Parts of Ontario, NY, and MA on a very long ride home.

Ten things I think I think...(Sorry MMQB).

1. I think that the NFL Player's Association needs to remove the Franchise Tag from the next collective bargining agreement. Why have something that no player wants and few are willing to play under? Asante Samuel says he won't report till week 10. If I was Scott or Bill, I'd tell Asante if you show up week 10, we're tagging you again in 2008, and that is a promise. Here is my call on Asante. He is a very good corner. I do not think he is a great corner. I also think that he routinely missed tackles last year because instead of setting up for the stop or to break up a pass, he was going for the pick in his money year. Mike Felger said on FSN that the Pats should work out some kind of a secret deal with Asante that if he plays under the tag this year then the Pats will not tag him again. I totally agree and while I don't know if Asante would even want to do that. After all the things the Patriots have done this offseason to improve the team, we need to have a #1 corner.

2. I think I hate the news and all news broadcasting. First of all, the "close call" by the Pope this morning? An unarmed man jumped over the barricade seperating the Pope mobile from the crowd, was swiftly tackled by security and led away, the Pope didn't even notice, and it's a "close call". As my dad said this morning, "I think that you need to make contact with the hat for it offically be a close call". Another thing that annoyed me with this morning was the mini sports section. They told me the Red Sox lost, and that the Yankees won but they are still, "really far behind". Shouldn't us Boston fans be more concerned that the Toronto Blue Jays came back in the bottom of the 9th last night against Tampa Bay? Aren't they the 2nd place team? (and 9 back). They also told me that Tom Brady will have a busy off season becoming acclimated to his new recievers, and having a baby. That is the most important news coming out of mini-camp yesterday? Thanks. For a huge pile of useless information.

3. I think that if Billy Donavan is allowed to sign with a professional team, and then still go back to Florida, then players should have the same rights to change their mind too. They should be able to transfer without sitting out a season. If you go to a school to play for a coach, and that coach leaves for a better offer, then you should be able to do the same. I hate the NCAA. I also feel bad for Anthony Grant in this whole thing.

4. I think I'm sick of Youk looking like someone just shot his sister everytime he a play doesn't go his way. Honestly. I'm sure you aren't right 100% of the time, shut your mouth, and go back to the dugout, you are annoying me.

5. I think I didn't realize how grumpy I am till I started writing these. Wily Mo played again for J.D. last night. I still believe Mr. Drew is going to come around, however, I hope he realizes that his grace period is about to come to an end. The more he doesn't produce, and the more he doesn't play, and the more the Sox don't win, the sooner he's going to be hearing some loud boo's down at the Fens.

6. I think my favorite part of last nights game (made it till the 4th this time), was after Manny walked and a loud chorus of "OOOOO" could be heard. My dad goes, "Are they booing Manny or Lenny?", and I told him, "No, Youk must be up". And he was. Red Sox Nation dominates again.

7. A couple things I think aren't worth of their own entry

-I think I hated get rid of Lenny all along. (Especially after he was so handsome at Hot Stove Cool Music).

-I think I am relieved to see Dice-K do well last night.

-I think Wily Mo needs to go to a team where he can get 450 AB's in a season. I think his agent screwed him over by leaving him no minor league options.

-I think Papelbon has been making me nervous. I don't know what his deal is, if he's throwing too much, not throwing enough, shoulder hurts, blah blah.

-I think Japelbon was bound to show us he is human after all.

-I think that it's unfortunate that Papelbon and Japelbon decided to remind us how lucky we have been with our bullpen this year.

8. I think it is crazy that Trevor Hoffman is one save away from 500 in his career. 500!! Now there is the kind of guy who deserves to have Hells Bells playing when he comes in. (Aki not so much!)

9. Barry Bonds sat out of the lineup Tuesday with aching knees and shin splints. Those will be the least of his worries when I pull a Tonya Harding on him next weekend.

10. I think West Coast trips make me cranky. But you already knew that.

Who doesn't love those Papelbon brothers?

So long Atlanta, hello Big Apple.

Hello MFY, so we meet again. It’s nearly June and the Red Sox are (get ready, breathe in, breathe out) 10 and a half games up on the 2nd place Yankees and Orioles, and…drum roll please, only 1 and one half game out of last place. See Devil Rays fans (all 3 of you), there is hope for you yet!

Anyway, two months in and heading into the 3rd Yankees series of the season…here are some of my thoughts:

*I don’t want Karma to take this the wrong way, but it almost seems like it’s going too easy. I mean, I’m a Boston fan, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. (all while hoping it doesn’t).

*Dr. Charles Steinberg is really responsible for Papelbon having “Shipping up to Boston” play when he gets to the mound? And here I was so excited that he loves that song. (and another thing, I hate people called doctor that aren’t actually the people you want working on you when you drop from a heart attack or something…If I ever get a doctorate of History or something, I am not having people call me doctor...).

*Who would have thought that the two players in the biggest slump after two months would have been the corner outfielders? I have full faith that Manny is going to come around. As for Mr. Drew, he best get his little bat going or he’s going to start hearing something from the crowd…and they aren’t saying, “Moovers”. He has gotten a free pass thus far because the team has been winning…wait for the first home sweep Mr. Drew when your 0-4 just won’t be cutting it.

*I picked up Coco for the Sox Stalkers. I know, I know…it’s going to get ugly.

*Mr. Varitek is swinging the bat quite nicely lately wouldn’t you say?

*Lugo hasn’t quite won me over yet. I’m not saying he won’t, I’m just saying he hasn’t.

*I’m looking forward to Roger leaving a game after 2 and a third and 6 runs with “tightness” in his groin or some other wussy injury. Are you sure the problem isn’t the stick you have up your ass?

*The thought of Mike Timlin coming out when it matters makes me very nervous.

*Brendan Donnelly is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Which one are you going to get?

*Lester pitched 3 innings of one hit ball the other day in Ottawa....(yes, Chris / Steve / Conor…I love Canada).

*After seeing Kason do well, having Kyle Snyder pitching well, and knowing Lester is waiting in the wings, I just want to remind Theo…”You can NEVER have too much pitching. YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH PITCHING”.

*I miss Alex Gonzalez. I just do.

*Eric Hinske is a great time. How about he was AL Rookie of the Year. And now he’s a 4th outfielder. Well actually tied for 4th outfielder with Wily MO.

*Mike Lowell is simply en fuego. Not to mention so handsome.

*The more I see of Kason Gabbard, the more I like him. I want to know what the logic was going with Jason with a K. Think we can get Tina on this one?

*I absolutely have a crush on John Farrell. I was telling my mom why I love him yesterday at lunch, and she goes, “Wait, who are you talking about? That older guy on the TV? All the Red Sox to choose from and you love him?” I mean, I love all the Red Sox. But, any man that has my pitching staff in first in most categories is going to get my love…that’s all I have to say. (if Katie can have a crush on John Fox…John Farrell is open game.)

*Dice-K hasn’t walked anyone in the past two starts…and he’s pitched 9 and 8 innings, respectively. Giddy-up.

*I’m sure even Theo is surprised how great Okajima is.

*Three players on the MFY seem remotely interested right now, some guy who used to have long hair that plays center that will not be referred to by name, Posada, and Jeter.

*How many more saves does Mo have in that arm? More importantly, how many blown saves against the Red Sox does he have left?

*I really can’t believe how unlucky a team can be with all the come backers and broken bones and pulled muscles and whatnot…As Basegirl said today, “I think Marianne might be right when she said that Mystique and Aura have been replaced by Karma. And Karma's a bitch.” Karma, if you could do me a favor and save one more come backer for this older fellow, he’ll be wearing 22, you could probably find him making out with Andy Pettitte before the game, maybe shooting some HGH into his ass. You know, if you don’t mind. Otherwise, just keep up what you are doing. Thanks again!

*One non-MFY related word…The whole fate of the Celtics franchise for the next 10 years rest on the shoulders of Tommy Heinsohn and a bucket full of ping pong balls. (Also, if we get #2, take Durant, and then trade him, I’m burning down the Fleet Center…Take note of that Mr. Ainge).

First pumps for everyone...

Well, how about them Red Sox?

The Sox doubled up on the Tigers twice yesterday, beating the Tigers 2-1 in the first game, with Julian Taverez pitching a great game, going seven innings, allowing four hits and one run. Coco scored a run on a Manny RBI (both members of Sox Stalkers, not that it does me a whole hell of a lot of good), and then Okajima pitched a scoreless 8th and Papelbon K'ed the first two outs of the 9th before getting a weak grounder to Lugo for the last out. Tavarez also had a fantastic quote.

"Jonathan, we call him 'Gasolina'. This guy goes six, seven days without pitching and then he goes out there and throws 95, 96 without walking anybody. No panic with Pap. Once the game gets to the ninth inning, it's over. That's how we see it with Jonathan."

*Curt beat the Tigers 4-2 in the second game (although of course didn't get the win, because that would help my fricking fantasy team). (Confession time - I don't know too much about what happened last night because it was a very busy night with Grey's Anatomy and The Office season finales)

*Beckett is going on the DL. He is scheduled to return on May 29th against the Indians (guess who has tickets to that one?). Devern Hansack will take his start tonight against the Braves. (well, assuming that this rain stops anytime soon.) I'm in favor of him going on the DL, letting his hand heal completely, and getting this fixed rather than having to deal with it later.

*Michael Silverman says role players had a big role in the wins yesterday, with Eric Hinske making a huge catch in the 5th and having big HR in the 6th.

*Jackie MacMullan has a piece on Okajima continuing to dominate. Jackie Mac is pretty good when she isn't miserable or complaining.

"Okajima hasn't given up a run in 20 2/3 innings, has retired 56 of the last 65 batters he's faced, and has submitted a Papelbonesque ERA of 0.44."

*(is it too politically incorrect to call him Japelbon?)

*Amalie Benjamin has some Minor League notes. Says here that Kason Gabbard is going to be getting the spot start on Sunday, and also has this little tidbit.

Jon Lester is not taking it easy, that's for sure.

Instead of driving back to Boston and taking a flight to Ottawa before his start tomorrow, Lester elected to ride the bus tonight with the PawSox, a trip of about nine hours.

When Lester starts in Ottawa, he'll throw 50-55 pitches, going no more than four innings. He'll use his fastball, curveball, and changeup, though he will not be allowed to throw his cut fastball, a directive straight from Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell.

Lester said the cutter would be shelved for potentially three to four starts while he concentrates on building his pitch count back up.

This will be his first game since he suffered forearm cramping May 2.

*Is their controversy brewing in the Big Apple? Kyle Farnsworth says that the Rocket shouldn't be allowed to leave.

*Jason Giambi thinks the MLB should issue an apology for the steriods. "I was wrong for doing that stuff. ... What we should have done a long time ago was stand up -- players, ownership, everybody -- and said, 'We made a mistake.' "

Sometimes, it's better to say nothing at all.

Jonathan Papelbon chimed in on Barry and Schill.

“This is the most balanced team I’ve probably ever been on and the most professional team… besides the things that Schill said yesterday about Barry, that wasn’t too professional, but we’re just a really balanced team. We’re good because we pick each other up.”


When asked if Barry is good for baseball...

“Yeah definitely. He’s doing it for baseball. And I think it’s good for baseball. And I think that he’s going out there and crushing home runs and getting baseball back to where it was in the late 1990s and such that, hey, fans are going to come out and see the home runs, there’s no doubt about it. And fans will come see good pitching. And I think he’s doing great for the game itself, so I can’t complain.”

Barry Bonds is good for baseball the way that vodka is good for my liver.

The word "tired" doesn't really describe my current state. "Exhaustion" is closer, but I'd say I'm some point past there as well. "Corpse" is probably the closest thing to how I feel this morning.

I went to see the Sox beat the A's on Wednesday and the Mariner's on Thursday. Here are some quick thoughts:

*Beckett looked great Wednesday (well, I mean, he always looks great).

*I needed Manny to break out, both for my real team and my fantasy team.

*I think Dice-K next year will be Beckett this year. There is going to be an adjustment period.

*Unless your name is Okajima, then, you just dominate. (My favorite nickname I have heard so far, from the comments on Surviving Grady, is Japelbon. Very politically incorrect, and pretty awesome)

*I am falling more in love with Mike Lowell by the minute, I loved his little shuffle step against the A's when he popped the ball out at second, I loved his quote after he hurt Piazza, "What, was I supposed to give him a hug?", I love his .327 batting average, and I love that he got a new glove (even though the same one that gave him the 8 errors this season gave him 6 all of last year...he believes in Karma too).

*I was kind of bummed that I didn't get to see Papelbon last night, even though JC did a good job. After me complaining about how much he sucks for a 1/2 hour when he was warming up.

*Look at Wily Mo starting to swing the bat better and better.

*I thought for sure Papi's first game winning hit of the year would be last night. I feel as though his .317 AVG is a quiet .317.

*Coco made some great grabs the past two nights.

*Lester's forearm cramp doesn't appear to be any big deal. If his next start goes as planned, he's next scheduled to pitch in the Future's Game on Saturday night, the 12th at Fenway. I think all tickets are 10 dollars and its general admission. Maybe we should go?

Ugh. This rainy, shitty morning perfectly amplified my mood. First of all, I can no longer get out of my bed in the morning. (I am actually thinking of taking off my featherbed to make my bed less comfortable), then, I do the good old 50 yard dash to the bus (which, at very least, ammused my bus drive), then, I get to work a full 1/2 hour early (which is not a bad thing, except its an unpaid 1/2 hour spent in this god forsaken cube), I head over to Dunkin Donuts for an ice coffee, find 37 people in front of me, and end up settleing for a Metro ice coffee and corn muffin which are not nearly as satisfying. But of course, none of these things are the real reason I am in a terrible mood this morning, the real reason I am in a bad mood is this.

Jonathan Papelbon is human after all. I know deep down I knew it all along, but with every blown save, a certian sense of smugness is lost. For example, I liked reminding all those Yankees fans out there of the pretty ERA that looked something like this, 0.00. I mean, that is a good looking ERA right there. A 1.74 ERA is good too, just not quite as pretty.

Tell me those pictures don't hurt your heart a little...

*I love those NY papers. Hehe.

*Bob Ryan has a good one about the freaking amazing 3rd inning. Just for the record naysayers, I did call it. I told Paul that the Sox were going back to back to back to back. (I meant to say that Jason would hit one too and thought that they would hit 3 in a row, but I said it wrong.) But I did call it. So, if anyone wants to hear it directly from Paul, call my cell phone number only change the last number from a 3 to a 5. One more thing on the 4 HR's in a row. It's happened five times in baseball, and once Terry Francona's dad was involved, and TWICE, J.D. Drew was involved. What are the odds of that happening?

*I mean, I know it is early and all, but you can't ask for much more than what we got this weekend. Gordon has the game report.

*When Papelbon came on in Saturday and Wild Thing started playing...I mean, it was like a dream come true. We all new he needed a song. He is so bad-ass. I mean, the ovation he gets / everyone singing along. It doesn't get better than that. His face when he's on the mound so angry. The fist pump. I mean, I am starting to feel for him like I do for Tom, Rodney and Papi. How did we get so lucky to have them in our lives? I made a Red Sox mix yesterday with Barb O'Reilly (after searching for four hours for Teenage Wasteland / The Who on iTunes before Mr. C put me the in the right direction, Wild Thing, obviously, Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Caroline, Shipping up to Boston, Tessie and of course, Dirty Water, and listened to it on repeat in my kitchen for about 5 hour blaring it while I made dinner / danced around the kitchen like an idiot. It was so much fun.)

*So, the clip of Tavarez talking to Dice-K in the dugout is explained in the video at the top of Nick Carfardo's report on Dice-K battling last night. (Everytime I see Tavarez, he is close talking / touching Dice-K in some way. I think he might have a little crush - Then again...don't we all?). By the way, I'm expecting HUGE things out of Dice-K Sunday in Yankee Stadium. Anyone wants to drive up for the game and scalp tickets. I'm game. (but I can't go Saturday because 1. Tavarez makes me sick to my stomach, 2. I am going to Vince Wilfork's charity event.) I like getting my ass kicked.

*Dear ESPN,

A few things regarding last nights broadcast:

1. It would be nice if Jon Miller and Joe Morgan had a few stories I haven't already heard before, Sure, it's a national broadcast but all your little anecdotes were stories that Red Sox and Yankees fans alike already knew. (Although I did like Manny telling Joe Morgan he was going to hit a HR last night).

2. Can we get a camera so we can see balls hit to the left? Work on that for next time.

3. If you insist on interupting my game with stupid Sportscenter updates, please don't tell me the same thing ON ALL FOUR FREAKING UPDATES. Okay, Barry hit a HR and the Suns beat someone, whatever, I don't care. And, there is a ticker at the bottom that already told me those things, so really, I was all set.

I think that's all. Thanks for your time, and for continously screwing up my Sunday's by picking up Sox games for national broadcasts.

Love,
Amanda

*Jon lester was in the dugout yesterday (yay) and will start Wednesday against the Rochester Red Wings. (watch the video too...love him).

*A good one on our new "Pappy" from Mike Vaccaro of the NY Post.

BOSTON - The bullpen gate swung open just as The Troggs started tum bling out of the speakers at Fenway Park. They don't much care about keeping the iPod up to date here. They still play Neil Diamond in the eighth inning, letting the faithful stretch their beer-soaked vocal cords and shout "So good! So good! So good!"

The Red Sox haven't bother to find a 21st-century song for their 21st-century closer, either, so "Wild Thing," which first made the world's heart sing back in 1966, serves as the warm-up music for Jonathan Papelbon. It may not invite goose pimples the way "Enter Sandman" does for Mariano Rivera, and it may not cause chills the way "Hell's Bells" does for Travis Hoffman.

But the song has never made the closer. It's the closer that has always made the song. And so it is with Jonathan Papelbon. Less than 24 hours earlier, the man who ruled this profession for 11 seasons, Rivera, had come in with the mission of protecting a three-run lead against the Red Sox, couldn't do it.

*David in 42 was giving me Mo Vaughn flashbacks. (Take off that jersey please). Also, you heard it here first, David has a huge game tonight. He's due to break out.

*You know you love your closer when... You are slightly bummed out that you know he's unavailable (don't pitch him today or tomorrow please Terry) because he's thrown 80+ pitches over the past 5 days.

*Buster Olney had question and answer with David...

2. What is your thought process in late-inning situations?
DO: Well for one, I don't like extra innings so I want to do what I can to avoid it … I'm kidding, sort of. Honestly, I've always been able to relax and focus well in key moments … the thing is, I want to help my teammates. When I step up to the plate, I just try to stay loose, never tense. I tell you what, too, there's no greater feeling than pulling through for your teammates -- and doing it in Boston, for our fans … forget it.

*Buster also says that Barry Bonds is on pace to "break" Hank's record on June 20th in Milwaukee, but you know where the Giants are just before that. Oh yes, Fenway Park. Personally, I think that when he hits 755 everyone in the stadium should just stand up, turn around and say nothing. He's not worth the waste of time to boo.

*A Met's fan was arrested for using a high powered flashlight to distract the Braves.

*As you know, I'm a sucker for a nice story.

*Please enjoy the Wild Thing video below.