I realized the other day, quite how much I am not over the Patriots lost. I'm still absolutely angry. As one of my students proved the other day with his, Giant's Super Bowl hat, complete with it's, "We Wanted It More" logo, I am angry, I am hurt, and I wanted my Super Bowl ring and even the warm wonderful glow of spring training is not quite warming the ice over my sports heart.
*I live in coastal Eastern North Carolina, and I've been waiting to see this whole Duke / UNC feud up close. A few weeks ago, I saw that match up at a neighborhood sports bar, and quite frankly, I'm tired of hearing about how other rivalries rival the Boston / New York rivalry. I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anything yet to see show me otherwise.
*Does Tiger Woods actually drive a Buick? I don't think so. At least, I hope not. I've seen the picture of his house, and I don't see a Buick parked in that driveway.
*The NBA All Star game uni's did nothing but confuse me. What was the point of those?
*Kelvin Sampson looks like a dick. His demeanor on the sideline, the way he's always yelling and jumping around. He looks slimy. Athletic directors and GM's should take that into account more often? Does the person look like a good person? No? Well I'd rethink that.
*The NCAA constantly reminds me of an Enron like corporation for a lot of reasons, but mainly because you have these coaches who sign massive multi-year deals, recruit, make promises of four year starting and such, and then jump ship at the first instance of a little water in the hull. Players who signed on to a particular coach should be able to transfer with no wait. Why should they have to put their college career on hold because of some coach? That being said, they should not be picking their college on coach alone. They should be picking their college on more important merits, like the ability to get into most bars with white out on your ID freshman year. The ability to order food at 4 am. Oh, and majors and crap.
*I'm not ready for Fantasy Baseball in any way, shape, or form, when you are still mourning the NFL season and you live without NESN, it's hard to get in the proper mode for football.
*This Bill Simmon's wiki entry is hilarious. I have read the SG since I was a sophomore in HS (just turned the big 25) and I have long enjoyed his work, but the things he feels the need to tell us (like hanging out with Tom after the Super Bowl) show that he is not a fan's perspective, but rather that of a fairly famous writer for the world wide leader. I'm not saying I'm not excited to read what he has to say, but I am saying that I find myself identifying with him less and less.
*So Manny hired Satan and isn't interested in talking about a contract extension and the Boston media has their panties all up in a bunch. I am coming to realize more and more that the "good" guys in baseball are those who are always ready with a good quote, like Mike Lowell (not saying Mike isn't great, just saying that he speaks English and Spanish fluently and is always willing to talk), whereas someone like Manny who isn't quite a language master, (as far as we know) isn't quite as able and willing to talk is aloof and crazy and a bit of a jerk. The only Red Sox player I am willing to say is a nice as you would hope is David Ortiz, as he once pinched my cheek, called me sweetie, and gave me a $1,000.00^. True story. One player I know to be a jerk, I know first hand, John Valentine. Had the personality of a stale piece of moldy toast at the freaking Square One Mall where my brother made me stand in line for like, 3 hours to get his autograph and refused to make eye contact. (At the same event, Darren Lewis quite freakly winked at me, in like, a creepy way, when I was like, 14? 15 tops?)
*It's really sad that the Celtics are relevant, albeit, struggling of late, and I hardly ever get them on TV. I can however watch Duke, State, or UNC every freaking night of the week. Did I ever tell you about the time my dad and I won a raffle to play basketball on the old parquet floor at Boston Garden? I was, eh, I'll go with 12 or 13. My brother was a baby and my mom worked in the bakery at Shaw's at night. And she entered a raffle, and won. (I guess I'm good at raffles) . Anyway, because I was going to be nervous, my Dad told me he was taking me to a bun factory in Boston. When I was younger, I had this terrible problem that whenever I was really excited about something, I kind of threw up.^^ Boston was a big deal, save for Disney on Ice, I didn't go in too often. So I had on a white blouse, black pants, dressy shoes for my big trip. And let me just say, I was psyched for the bread tour. I thought it was going to be like Piantadosi and who doesn't love carbs? This blog is aptly titled...rambling. Part of our tour was that we could eat in whatever the Garden 600 Club was and of course. It was open bar. For those of you who don't know my dad, or my family in general, including myself...My Family + Open Bar = bad times. A few crown royal and gingers later, we went downstairs, shot hoops with ML Carr (well, I shot maybe one, then sat on all the seats on the bench so I knew I had sat in Larry Bird's) and then my dad and I snuck away from the group, and went into all the locker rooms...B's, Celts, visitors room. The home locker rooms were pretty nice, and I actually got to sit in Larry Bird's locker, and my dad took a picture that didn't come out. We were found out by a maintenance man that wasn't too amused by us. I told him we got lost looking for the bathroom and ended up in Larry Bird's locker.
On the way home, I dropped ML Carr's autograph out the window. Then I asked my dad if we could go to the bun factory.
*I need the Red Sox in my life, real live Red Sox. So I'm thinking about talking to the principal on Monday and seeing if I can take a Friday or a Monday coming up and driving to Fort Myers and just saying, "Hi Mike Lowell" and turning around and driving home. Is it worth driving 855 miles to say hello to Mike Lowell? Well, let's face it, rarely if ever should I be your base for sanity!
^Okay, it was a gift certificate I won in a raffle at a charity event, but he gave it to me okay?!?!
^^And not about big things, like, one time, my Auntie told me that she was taking me to Toys "R" Us because I got a good report card (I was maybe in 2nd grade), and that I could get whatever I wanted. (It was a simple thing, I was totally getting a Barbie, it wasn't like I was going out with a new bike or something). Anyway, we get about 3 steps into Toys "R" Us and I threw up all over the floor.
Showing posts with label Big Papi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Papi. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday, September 2, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
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 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. 
*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.
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.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
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.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
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)
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)
Monday, July 2, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Station this wagon
By Eric Wilbur, Boston.com Staff
Here’s a memo to all the front-running, bandwagon, pink-hat-wearing fans that have infiltrated ballparks from Seattle to Atlanta: Find another team.
It’s been a nice ride. But frankly, I can no longer take your nightly dominating presence at visiting ballparks, a plague of obnoxious team pride that has little to do with actually being a fan of the team.
I understand success breeds contempt, but rarely does it divide members of the same rooting interests, a fine line that is threatening to secede the true members of Red Sox Nation from the card-carrying yahoos.
I’m sure there were plenty of honest-to-goodness Red Sox fans packing Safeco Field last night, when Boston fell to Seattle, 9-4. But please. Not that many. The term Fenway West isn’t even relevant anymore because it seems every ballpark is Fenway these days.
San Diego? Fine. It’s clear that Southern California is a hotbed for Boston transplants, so it stands to reason that fans would pack the stands of Petco this past weekend. Granted it’s cheaper to fly to Baltimore and procure a ticket to Camden Yards to watch the Red Sox play than it is to attend a game in your own backyard.
But at the rate Red Sox fans are multiplying like Mogwais across the country, biologists are going to start studying the patterns of our New England breeding habits.
“You've seen them,” writes the Olympian’s Eliot Smith in a nice little rip-job on these poseurs. “Take a pseudo-sports fan and inundate them with the latest and greatest feel-good story, and they can be swayed. One day they're the world's biggest Mariners fan and the next they're all about the Red Sox, because they spent a summer ‘back East’ at the beach.”
That couldn’t possibly be more dead-on.
It has to be embarrassing for true Red Sox fans to attend a game far from the confines only to feel like he or she is sitting in those outdated, rickety, wooden seats facing the wrong way. Time once was that was a special feeling, a bonding across the nation with fellow fans who have either relocated or traveled with the team on summer vacation.
Now, those people have to be surrounded by wanna-bes and frauds who just want to join the crowd and be a part of “Red Sox Nation.” These are the people that will make sure you know that have “Tessie” programmed on a loop on their iPod, only to be replaced by the sure to be just as annoying “Gyro Ball.” These are the people who had to ask yesterday who this Rod Beck guy was. These are the people who purchase "Roush Fenway" sweatshirts. These are the people who think Jerry Remy was immediately succeeded by Todd Walker at second base. These are the people who notice you’re wearing Big Papi’s No. 34 on your T-shirt, but can’t understand why it reads “El Guapo.”
As one Red Sox fan living in exile in the Bay Area wrote recently:
”I first experienced it a few years ago when I started going to Oakland A's games at the Coliseum. I've gone to a lot of random games, but each year, I made it an effort to go see a Red Sox game in order to represent. During the first few years, there were fans and Boston ex-pats scattered throughout the stadium. When we bumped into each other at the food stand or in the seats, we'd give each other the knowing nod and continue on our business. During the playoffs in 2003, I remember vividly being the only Red Sox fan in my entire section. When we eliminated the A's, it was easily the scariest walk I've ever had to take from walking from the 500 level to the BART station.
“The 2004 World Series changed all that. During the next year, I went to the entire Red Sox series in Oakland and I was surprised that over half the fans were Red Sox fans. Honestly. They literally appeared overnight. It became harder to get seats. Suddenly, instead of being the only Sox fan in my section, my friends were usually the only A's fans. Instead of seeing green all around the stadium, there were significant patches of Red, Blue, and the occasional pink. Yes, pink. If anything, that was a smoking gun that we now had bandwagon fans. It's those damn pink hats. Who really wears pink baseball hats? Not to be a snob, but true fans don't wear that.”
Not to continue the snobbery, but Red Sox Nation has been infiltrated by these “fans,” an annoying band of gnats that populate cities across the nation, showing off their latest Boston garb to prove their overall intelligence in choosing to root for the Red Sox. As if we didn’t have enough of them in Boston proper, forcing many a true Red Sox fan to their couch or local pubs instead of Fenway, they plague visiting cities, only to find the nearest phone booth once Boston leaves town and change back into their hometown gear.
Smith echoed the sentiments of the above fan, reasoning that five years ago, this mass of Bostonian presence did not exist in Seattle. To try and figure this out, he perused last night’s crowd of Red Sox “fans” for an answer.
”’Seriously, the Red Sox are like, the universal language of the people,’ says Sarah, who came to Monday's game from Spokane with her friends Christina and Jodi - all transplants from Connecticut. ‘You want to root for them - especially here in Seattle, because the Mariners suck.’
See, that's what tends to irk non-Boston folks. For a team with a storied legacy of losing, Red Sox fans can be cocky. At least Yankees fans have the hardware to back up their boasting.
The universal language of the people? Methinks Sarah has been taking speech lessons from Dr. Charles. Seriously.
And really, is there anyone else to blame for the current hypocrisy that has deflated the true spirit of what once was Red Sox Nation than the Red Sox themselves? Nobody is decreeing the fact that the Red Sox shouldn’t want to market themselves to as many people as possible, to sell their product to however many millions that they can on a nightly basis.
But at some point, there comes a tipping moment, when the true fans become just plain tired of the cheese and wine crowd that has become the norm at a park once known more for hot dogs and suds. When the team becomes simply just an arm of city redevelopment, creating more high-priced condos in a city desperately in need of affordable housing, you can understand how some people get put out by their omnipresence in our world -- political, entertainment, and athletic. No matter in what lot we turn to, the Red Sox are there, like a reminding beacon that they now own your soul. Not a fan of NASCAR? You will be once the Red Sox get through with you.
Red Sox fans these days are a different breed, the true followers overshadowed by the bravado of the bandwagon fan, all the more boisterous in the case you might not have noticed their stark-white “Schilling” jersey, a forgotten tag revealed when they raise their arms in the air to scream at the top of their lungs for the starting lineup. “See? I’m a big fan.”
It’s been real, but you’re no longer wanted. The Red Sox sure want you though, as their coffers are certainly no worse for the wear thanks to your need to flaunt your racket. But what team will you turn to when the Red Sox aren’t winning? And what fans will the Red Sox turn to when all their true followers have become ultimately tired of being lumped in with this embarrassing group of loudmouthed frauds?
It’s not me. It’s you. So maybe it’s just best that you move along now.
By Eric Wilbur, Boston.com Staff
Here’s a memo to all the front-running, bandwagon, pink-hat-wearing fans that have infiltrated ballparks from Seattle to Atlanta: Find another team.
It’s been a nice ride. But frankly, I can no longer take your nightly dominating presence at visiting ballparks, a plague of obnoxious team pride that has little to do with actually being a fan of the team.
I understand success breeds contempt, but rarely does it divide members of the same rooting interests, a fine line that is threatening to secede the true members of Red Sox Nation from the card-carrying yahoos.
I’m sure there were plenty of honest-to-goodness Red Sox fans packing Safeco Field last night, when Boston fell to Seattle, 9-4. But please. Not that many. The term Fenway West isn’t even relevant anymore because it seems every ballpark is Fenway these days.
San Diego? Fine. It’s clear that Southern California is a hotbed for Boston transplants, so it stands to reason that fans would pack the stands of Petco this past weekend. Granted it’s cheaper to fly to Baltimore and procure a ticket to Camden Yards to watch the Red Sox play than it is to attend a game in your own backyard.
But at the rate Red Sox fans are multiplying like Mogwais across the country, biologists are going to start studying the patterns of our New England breeding habits.
“You've seen them,” writes the Olympian’s Eliot Smith in a nice little rip-job on these poseurs. “Take a pseudo-sports fan and inundate them with the latest and greatest feel-good story, and they can be swayed. One day they're the world's biggest Mariners fan and the next they're all about the Red Sox, because they spent a summer ‘back East’ at the beach.”
That couldn’t possibly be more dead-on.
It has to be embarrassing for true Red Sox fans to attend a game far from the confines only to feel like he or she is sitting in those outdated, rickety, wooden seats facing the wrong way. Time once was that was a special feeling, a bonding across the nation with fellow fans who have either relocated or traveled with the team on summer vacation.
Now, those people have to be surrounded by wanna-bes and frauds who just want to join the crowd and be a part of “Red Sox Nation.” These are the people that will make sure you know that have “Tessie” programmed on a loop on their iPod, only to be replaced by the sure to be just as annoying “Gyro Ball.” These are the people who had to ask yesterday who this Rod Beck guy was. These are the people who purchase "Roush Fenway" sweatshirts. These are the people who think Jerry Remy was immediately succeeded by Todd Walker at second base. These are the people who notice you’re wearing Big Papi’s No. 34 on your T-shirt, but can’t understand why it reads “El Guapo.”
As one Red Sox fan living in exile in the Bay Area wrote recently:
”I first experienced it a few years ago when I started going to Oakland A's games at the Coliseum. I've gone to a lot of random games, but each year, I made it an effort to go see a Red Sox game in order to represent. During the first few years, there were fans and Boston ex-pats scattered throughout the stadium. When we bumped into each other at the food stand or in the seats, we'd give each other the knowing nod and continue on our business. During the playoffs in 2003, I remember vividly being the only Red Sox fan in my entire section. When we eliminated the A's, it was easily the scariest walk I've ever had to take from walking from the 500 level to the BART station.
“The 2004 World Series changed all that. During the next year, I went to the entire Red Sox series in Oakland and I was surprised that over half the fans were Red Sox fans. Honestly. They literally appeared overnight. It became harder to get seats. Suddenly, instead of being the only Sox fan in my section, my friends were usually the only A's fans. Instead of seeing green all around the stadium, there were significant patches of Red, Blue, and the occasional pink. Yes, pink. If anything, that was a smoking gun that we now had bandwagon fans. It's those damn pink hats. Who really wears pink baseball hats? Not to be a snob, but true fans don't wear that.”
Not to continue the snobbery, but Red Sox Nation has been infiltrated by these “fans,” an annoying band of gnats that populate cities across the nation, showing off their latest Boston garb to prove their overall intelligence in choosing to root for the Red Sox. As if we didn’t have enough of them in Boston proper, forcing many a true Red Sox fan to their couch or local pubs instead of Fenway, they plague visiting cities, only to find the nearest phone booth once Boston leaves town and change back into their hometown gear.
Smith echoed the sentiments of the above fan, reasoning that five years ago, this mass of Bostonian presence did not exist in Seattle. To try and figure this out, he perused last night’s crowd of Red Sox “fans” for an answer.
”’Seriously, the Red Sox are like, the universal language of the people,’ says Sarah, who came to Monday's game from Spokane with her friends Christina and Jodi - all transplants from Connecticut. ‘You want to root for them - especially here in Seattle, because the Mariners suck.’
See, that's what tends to irk non-Boston folks. For a team with a storied legacy of losing, Red Sox fans can be cocky. At least Yankees fans have the hardware to back up their boasting.
The universal language of the people? Methinks Sarah has been taking speech lessons from Dr. Charles. Seriously.
And really, is there anyone else to blame for the current hypocrisy that has deflated the true spirit of what once was Red Sox Nation than the Red Sox themselves? Nobody is decreeing the fact that the Red Sox shouldn’t want to market themselves to as many people as possible, to sell their product to however many millions that they can on a nightly basis.
But at some point, there comes a tipping moment, when the true fans become just plain tired of the cheese and wine crowd that has become the norm at a park once known more for hot dogs and suds. When the team becomes simply just an arm of city redevelopment, creating more high-priced condos in a city desperately in need of affordable housing, you can understand how some people get put out by their omnipresence in our world -- political, entertainment, and athletic. No matter in what lot we turn to, the Red Sox are there, like a reminding beacon that they now own your soul. Not a fan of NASCAR? You will be once the Red Sox get through with you.
Red Sox fans these days are a different breed, the true followers overshadowed by the bravado of the bandwagon fan, all the more boisterous in the case you might not have noticed their stark-white “Schilling” jersey, a forgotten tag revealed when they raise their arms in the air to scream at the top of their lungs for the starting lineup. “See? I’m a big fan.”
It’s been real, but you’re no longer wanted. The Red Sox sure want you though, as their coffers are certainly no worse for the wear thanks to your need to flaunt your racket. But what team will you turn to when the Red Sox aren’t winning? And what fans will the Red Sox turn to when all their true followers have become ultimately tired of being lumped in with this embarrassing group of loudmouthed frauds?
It’s not me. It’s you. So maybe it’s just best that you move along now.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Somebody's got a case of the Mondays...
I wake up this morning at 6:45 and am incredibly tired. Exceptional tired. Unable-to-pick-my-big-head-of-the-freaking-pillow tired. I roll back over, even though the bus comes at 7:00, and of course, wake up at 7:10 (on my clock, which is about 10 minutes fast). Now I have missed the bus and am going to be late. I decide I’ll take the car, drive to Wellington and take the T. I brush my teeth, throw on a shirt, skirt, and flip flops, and run up the stairs. I get into the kitchen, and happen to glance at the clock on the stove. 6:15. I had, apparently, woken up at 5:45 (which, no wonder I was so tired), and then thought I had turned off my alarm in my sleep, which, I had not, and in reality, was ready almost a full hour earlier than I needed to be. So, I went back down stairs, climbed into bed and reset my alarm for 6:55, because at least now I was all dressed and ready to go. I hate Mondays.
Anyway, how about those Red Sox. I’d like to thank the Giants for stopping by, it was great to see them and they are more than welcome back anytime. How about that poor little 22 year old Matt Cain who has given up two runs (both solo home runs) his last two starts and has lost both games. I think Manny is about to go on one of his Manny tears, and I think it’s going make me regret trading him for Jake Peavy. Both the Sox and the Sox Stalkers got Curt on the hill tonight. I also have Kelly Johnson on my team, so let’s have Curt pitch 8, and only give up 3 hits, all solo HR’s to Kelly Johnson. Also, I’d like Mr. Papelbon to close it out.
Just a few links…
*Bob Ryan likes our team. Me too Bob.
*David Ortiz had a cool Father's Day gift. (I hope my dad doesn't read this one).
*Nick Cafardo posted a letter he wrote about Larry Whiteside.
*Chad Finn is clever. I highly recommend the live blog from Friday's Sox / Giant's game.
*Donnelly is going on the DL and Manny DelCarmen is taking his spot.
Bring on Mr. Schilling and the Braves please.
::depressed I'm not in Atlanta today::
Anyway, how about those Red Sox. I’d like to thank the Giants for stopping by, it was great to see them and they are more than welcome back anytime. How about that poor little 22 year old Matt Cain who has given up two runs (both solo home runs) his last two starts and has lost both games. I think Manny is about to go on one of his Manny tears, and I think it’s going make me regret trading him for Jake Peavy. Both the Sox and the Sox Stalkers got Curt on the hill tonight. I also have Kelly Johnson on my team, so let’s have Curt pitch 8, and only give up 3 hits, all solo HR’s to Kelly Johnson. Also, I’d like Mr. Papelbon to close it out.
Just a few links…
*Bob Ryan likes our team. Me too Bob.
*David Ortiz had a cool Father's Day gift. (I hope my dad doesn't read this one).
*Nick Cafardo posted a letter he wrote about Larry Whiteside.
*Chad Finn is clever. I highly recommend the live blog from Friday's Sox / Giant's game.
*Donnelly is going on the DL and Manny DelCarmen is taking his spot.
Bring on Mr. Schilling and the Braves please.
::depressed I'm not in Atlanta today::
Friday, June 15, 2007
When I was, eh, maybe 15 years old, I saw in interview with Barry Bonds and Steve Sax (I think that’s his name), and I was appalled by how arrogant, how condescending, and how rude Barry was. Then, Steve asked Barry who the greatest player to ever play the game was, and Barry replied, “I am, how can I possibly play this game if I thought anything different.” So let me get this straight Barry, the game is only worth playing if you’re the best? Well, if you are the best, then what is the point of everyone else playing too? I think every other major league ball player should probably just pack up and go home. And leave you to play with yourself, all your friends (0), and all your rings (0). Forgive me Mr. Bonds, but I think the mark of a great player is the ability to make his team better, himself better, and to win a championship. Sure, you need the stats, but more importantly, you should want the ring. That makes Tom great, it makes Papi great, it’s what made Bird great and it’s what made Ray ride off into the Rockies for a chance to hoist the cup above his head. I don’t hate Barry because of the stories of him cheating on his wife, cheating on his taxes, and of course, cheating on baseball. What bothers me the most about Barry isn’t any of those 3 things. It’s the fact that he’s a stuck up asshole. And that, is why I would boo him if I was one of the lucky 90,000 to see him at Fenway this weekend. I don’t hate him because he’s a cheater, but because he’s a dick.
So the Giants come riding into town with their ace, Barry Zito on the hill, we got our fifth starter who may or may not be certifiably insane. What I do know, is that we score runs for Julian, and that Zito has absolutely destroyed my fantasy team this season. So we just lost a series to a bunch of kids wearing royal purple and with names you’ve never heard of. It’s time for the Sox to get their bats going, time for us and them to get our mojo back, and time to get up, dust the dirt of our knees, and get ready to boo Barry Bonds till our throats burn. Listen here Fenway Faithful, I’m expecting all 36,000 of you to boo till you can’t breathe, I want you to be exhausted by booing. I don’t want you to be able to speak till Tuesday. Got it?
We, of course, have another fantastic reason for having sore throats tomorrow, that, of course being Mr. David Roberts, author of, “The Steal”, one of the greatest, if not the greatest chapters in Red Sox history. My life is basically separated into two sections, BS, (before steal), and AS (after steal). Before Steal I had Crunch and Munch poured on me at Yankee Stadium, where I had to listen continuously to old men with bad teeth shout, “Nomar “No Rings” Garciappara” at me every 8 minutes in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, I had to hear “19-18”! I had to lay in bed for a week in 2003 coming to the realization that it was, in fact, entirely likely that it was not happening in my lifetime. After Steal anything was possible, the greatest comeback in the history of sports, curses could be broken, the Red Sox could not be denied, and bandwagon Yankee hats disappeared. And those that remained saw an entire Nation decked out in World Series Champion gear.
As the great, if not annoying, Kevin Millar once said, “Don’t let us win one!”, and he was right. One was all it took. All it took was the steal led to the hit which led to Papi’s home run which led to Curt on the mound with a bloody sock, which led to Johnny’s home runs which led to Petey leaving it all on the mound, to Timmy finding redemption in the late innings, to a sweep and to a duck boat parade 86 years in the making. But none of it happens without the steal.
So the Giants come riding into town with their ace, Barry Zito on the hill, we got our fifth starter who may or may not be certifiably insane. What I do know, is that we score runs for Julian, and that Zito has absolutely destroyed my fantasy team this season. So we just lost a series to a bunch of kids wearing royal purple and with names you’ve never heard of. It’s time for the Sox to get their bats going, time for us and them to get our mojo back, and time to get up, dust the dirt of our knees, and get ready to boo Barry Bonds till our throats burn. Listen here Fenway Faithful, I’m expecting all 36,000 of you to boo till you can’t breathe, I want you to be exhausted by booing. I don’t want you to be able to speak till Tuesday. Got it?
We, of course, have another fantastic reason for having sore throats tomorrow, that, of course being Mr. David Roberts, author of, “The Steal”, one of the greatest, if not the greatest chapters in Red Sox history. My life is basically separated into two sections, BS, (before steal), and AS (after steal). Before Steal I had Crunch and Munch poured on me at Yankee Stadium, where I had to listen continuously to old men with bad teeth shout, “Nomar “No Rings” Garciappara” at me every 8 minutes in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, I had to hear “19-18”! I had to lay in bed for a week in 2003 coming to the realization that it was, in fact, entirely likely that it was not happening in my lifetime. After Steal anything was possible, the greatest comeback in the history of sports, curses could be broken, the Red Sox could not be denied, and bandwagon Yankee hats disappeared. And those that remained saw an entire Nation decked out in World Series Champion gear.
As the great, if not annoying, Kevin Millar once said, “Don’t let us win one!”, and he was right. One was all it took. All it took was the steal led to the hit which led to Papi’s home run which led to Curt on the mound with a bloody sock, which led to Johnny’s home runs which led to Petey leaving it all on the mound, to Timmy finding redemption in the late innings, to a sweep and to a duck boat parade 86 years in the making. But none of it happens without the steal.
So, Barry is going to stand in tonight, 9 home runs shy of one of the most hallowed records in baseball, and have boos rain down upon him, probably a battery or two, and some nasty chants tossed in his general direction. And a 3rd/4th outfielder, blessed with speed, hustle, a cheerful demeanor and not much else out will stand in and have a reception worthy of a king. I can’t wait to hear what the Fenway Faithful has for Barry tonight, but even more than that, I can't wait to hear the Faithful give a much deserved "Hello" to a deserving old friend.
Welcome home Dave!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
36-15!?!?
*Someone is going to be in the dog house.
*Trot Nixon deserves the tip of a dirty hat. The only other time I've heard applause that loud was when the Sox came back against the Yankees and Okajima got the save earlier in the year. It was awesome.
*The Sox right now, it appears, can do no wrong. Josh Beckett came back from his 15 days on the DL and got his MLB leading 8th victory.
*Roger Clemens will not make his first start against the Sox, and the Red Sox are skipping Tavarez's start to align their rotation against the Yanks. It will be Wang and Wake Friday, Moose and Schill Saturday, and Andy and Joshua on Sunday. Tavarez's next start will be against the A's on Monday, with Matsuzaka taking the ball the following day. (Also in there it says Ortiz took BP yesterday, but his hammy is still bothering him.)
*Trot Nixon deserves the tip of a dirty hat. The only other time I've heard applause that loud was when the Sox came back against the Yankees and Okajima got the save earlier in the year. It was awesome.
*The Sox right now, it appears, can do no wrong. Josh Beckett came back from his 15 days on the DL and got his MLB leading 8th victory.
*Roger Clemens will not make his first start against the Sox, and the Red Sox are skipping Tavarez's start to align their rotation against the Yanks. It will be Wang and Wake Friday, Moose and Schill Saturday, and Andy and Joshua on Sunday. Tavarez's next start will be against the A's on Monday, with Matsuzaka taking the ball the following day. (Also in there it says Ortiz took BP yesterday, but his hammy is still bothering him.)
Friday, May 4, 2007
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?
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?
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
*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.
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Monday, April 2, 2007
It's the hap, happiest season of all...
As if you didn't already know, the Red Sox and Curt Schilling open their season tonight against The Kansas City Royals and Gil Meche. Personally I try to make it my rule in life to never trust anyone named Gil.
Obviously a ton of preview articles today. I'll list them out in order of my favorites, along with my favorite part, incase you don't have time to read all 23 like I do.
Beckett chills: Boston's ace-in-waiting has discovered a comfort zone following difficult 2006 season, by Rob Bradford. "I had been a part of a lot of different things, but that is totally different," said Beckett of the opener. "Fenway Park. First game of the season. Boston, Massachusetts. Everybody is pretty excited. I remember warming up and thinking this is right up there with Game 6 of the World Series. It had the same feeling" (hands down the best article out there today)
Kevin Gray on Baseball: Finally, the real thing, by Kevin Gray (obvioulsy) Winter came much earlier when the Red Sox didn't make the playoffs last fall, and it seemed to last forever as they painstakingly formed a team for 2007. So tell your boss quitting time is 4 p.m. because the season is finally here.
Really. Congratulations. You've made it.
Sit back and enjoy another 162 games (at least) of excitement, disappointment and unscripted drama that is Red Sox baseball.
Renewed optimism: After disappointing season, Sox rebuild in hopes to regain glory, by Jeff Horrigan. “If we stay healthy, I’m pretty sure this is going to be a hell of a year,” David Ortiz said. (weee!)
Kingpin: Ortiz is hoping to remain the Sox' main man, by Gordon Edes. He is coming off arguably the greatest season by a Red Sox slugger, but David Ortiz is not at a loss for words when asked what he possibly can do for an encore in 2007. "What I always do," he said, flashing an expanse of teeth that alerts his listener this would be no swing and a miss. "Kill the ball!"
Opening Day fever: As ancipation bubbles near and far, Sox set to bow in, Dan Shaughnessy. Enjoy the ride. Just remember that the Red Sox no longer belong to New England. They are North America's team. They are Japan's team. This is the year the Nation goes global.
On the doorstep of a new season, by Jon Couture. Baseball is a 162-game soap opera in New England. It's charming and beautiful, even if it does spawn the fake controversies of sports radio, dating reality shows and spangle-covered Sox hats that would make your grandpa cringe. And it's long, so very long.
A world apart: Red Sox’ popularity, influence has risen to global proportions, by Tony Massarotti. “People talk about Ohio State fans and Michigan fans, and I’ll put our fans up against any of ’em in college sports or professional sports,” Dee said. “There’s no greater affection that people have for their teams than our fans (have for the Red Sox). Red Sox fans want people to know they’re Red Sox fans.”
Matsuzaka, fans on learning curve, by Michael Silverman. “I know during the game, many fans will be cheering for me and supporting me 100 percent as a professional baseball player, it is natural,” Matsuzaka said. “It is important to take care of them. I know Boston fans are very passionate fans. I would like to feel their passion at the Fenway ballpark very soon.”
Manny: Enjoy 'em while you can, by Gerry Callahan. Manny is the lone Hall of Famer on your ’07 Sox. We know he’ll ask to be traded at some point, and we know the Red Sox won’t trade him. They’ll put up with him because he’ll put up the numbers, and then 19 months from now, they’ll say goodbye. And down the road, the Sox will put together an extravagant event to celebrate Manny Ramirez’ incredible career. And they’ll know, in their hearts, there will zero chance of Manny showing up.
All About The Setup, by Jeff Goldberg. "We know that Pap this year has more backup than he had last year. Now we've got a lot of different options. We've got a lot of good pitchers. I think we're OK with that," Brendan Donnelly
X-factors mark start, by Sean McAdam. The starting rotation is better and deeper. The prodigal closer has returned to his customary spot at the back end of the bullpen. The lineup features a new leadoff hitter and improved protection for the middle of the lineup.
But as the Red Sox begin their 2007 season here this afternoon, they’re not a perfect bunch. For the Sox to end the New York Yankees’ decade-long dominance at the top of the American League East, some questions will first have to be answered.
Change(up) of plans: New pitch, ’08 for Curt, by John Tomase. On the one hand Curt Schilling has absolutely nothing to prove. He’s a six-time All-Star, two-time World Series winner and one of the best big game pitchers of this or any other generation. On the other hand, Curt Schilling has absolutely everything to prove. He’s 40 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and a borderline Hall of Famer.
Royal Start: Play Ball! Schilling, Sox Ready, by Bill Ballou. Schilling will start, definitely, and if things go well enough, Papelbon will finish.
A few other things:
*Curt has a new Q & A.
*The New York Mets beat the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals last night. (my brother watched the game with me and goes, wait, the Cardinals won the WS? I thought the Tigers did. If no one remembers the World Series, did it really happen?
Jose Reyes is probably the most exciting player in MLB.
Carlos Beltran has a cannon of an arm.
I love Tom Glavine (and I once met him at the mall).
I don't trust Chris Carpenter one bit. Ace my ass.
*If you've got a billion dollars lying around you can buy the Cubs.
*Celts beat the Cavs last night. Honestly, they don't really get how this lottery works do they?
*D-Wade is going to try to practice today.
*The Patriots and Seahawks preseason game in China was cancelled. I'm glad, but probaby not as glad as Bill. (Peter King also has some other notes)
*Florida is trying to go back to back tonight.
So here we are, finally. After a season that ended with losing 5 games in one weekend to the MFY, with David having heart problems and Lester needing chemotherapy. Finally, after an offseason made too long by a 3rd place finish, a tease of an AFC Championship game, no 4 rings in 6 year talk, no parades, and Peyton Manning everywhere you freakin' turn. After all the Dice-K bidding, signing and plane tracking, J.D. Drew not really signed but signed contracts, Trot in an Indians uniform, Manny missing and showing, Curt talking (and learning Japanese), Todd Helton, Papelbon's shoulder, and closer-by-committee panic attacks. Finally, after a spring training that never seemed to end and that mattered a little too much because of another teams inability to get a first down when it counted. Finally after all the waiting, it's time for the games to count. Play Ball!
Obviously a ton of preview articles today. I'll list them out in order of my favorites, along with my favorite part, incase you don't have time to read all 23 like I do.
Beckett chills: Boston's ace-in-waiting has discovered a comfort zone following difficult 2006 season, by Rob Bradford. "I had been a part of a lot of different things, but that is totally different," said Beckett of the opener. "Fenway Park. First game of the season. Boston, Massachusetts. Everybody is pretty excited. I remember warming up and thinking this is right up there with Game 6 of the World Series. It had the same feeling" (hands down the best article out there today)
Kevin Gray on Baseball: Finally, the real thing, by Kevin Gray (obvioulsy) Winter came much earlier when the Red Sox didn't make the playoffs last fall, and it seemed to last forever as they painstakingly formed a team for 2007. So tell your boss quitting time is 4 p.m. because the season is finally here.
Really. Congratulations. You've made it.
Sit back and enjoy another 162 games (at least) of excitement, disappointment and unscripted drama that is Red Sox baseball.
Renewed optimism: After disappointing season, Sox rebuild in hopes to regain glory, by Jeff Horrigan. “If we stay healthy, I’m pretty sure this is going to be a hell of a year,” David Ortiz said. (weee!)
Kingpin: Ortiz is hoping to remain the Sox' main man, by Gordon Edes. He is coming off arguably the greatest season by a Red Sox slugger, but David Ortiz is not at a loss for words when asked what he possibly can do for an encore in 2007. "What I always do," he said, flashing an expanse of teeth that alerts his listener this would be no swing and a miss. "Kill the ball!"
Opening Day fever: As ancipation bubbles near and far, Sox set to bow in, Dan Shaughnessy. Enjoy the ride. Just remember that the Red Sox no longer belong to New England. They are North America's team. They are Japan's team. This is the year the Nation goes global.
On the doorstep of a new season, by Jon Couture. Baseball is a 162-game soap opera in New England. It's charming and beautiful, even if it does spawn the fake controversies of sports radio, dating reality shows and spangle-covered Sox hats that would make your grandpa cringe. And it's long, so very long.
A world apart: Red Sox’ popularity, influence has risen to global proportions, by Tony Massarotti. “People talk about Ohio State fans and Michigan fans, and I’ll put our fans up against any of ’em in college sports or professional sports,” Dee said. “There’s no greater affection that people have for their teams than our fans (have for the Red Sox). Red Sox fans want people to know they’re Red Sox fans.”
Matsuzaka, fans on learning curve, by Michael Silverman. “I know during the game, many fans will be cheering for me and supporting me 100 percent as a professional baseball player, it is natural,” Matsuzaka said. “It is important to take care of them. I know Boston fans are very passionate fans. I would like to feel their passion at the Fenway ballpark very soon.”
Manny: Enjoy 'em while you can, by Gerry Callahan. Manny is the lone Hall of Famer on your ’07 Sox. We know he’ll ask to be traded at some point, and we know the Red Sox won’t trade him. They’ll put up with him because he’ll put up the numbers, and then 19 months from now, they’ll say goodbye. And down the road, the Sox will put together an extravagant event to celebrate Manny Ramirez’ incredible career. And they’ll know, in their hearts, there will zero chance of Manny showing up.
All About The Setup, by Jeff Goldberg. "We know that Pap this year has more backup than he had last year. Now we've got a lot of different options. We've got a lot of good pitchers. I think we're OK with that," Brendan Donnelly
X-factors mark start, by Sean McAdam. The starting rotation is better and deeper. The prodigal closer has returned to his customary spot at the back end of the bullpen. The lineup features a new leadoff hitter and improved protection for the middle of the lineup.
But as the Red Sox begin their 2007 season here this afternoon, they’re not a perfect bunch. For the Sox to end the New York Yankees’ decade-long dominance at the top of the American League East, some questions will first have to be answered.
Change(up) of plans: New pitch, ’08 for Curt, by John Tomase. On the one hand Curt Schilling has absolutely nothing to prove. He’s a six-time All-Star, two-time World Series winner and one of the best big game pitchers of this or any other generation. On the other hand, Curt Schilling has absolutely everything to prove. He’s 40 years old, entering the final year of his contract, and a borderline Hall of Famer.
Royal Start: Play Ball! Schilling, Sox Ready, by Bill Ballou. Schilling will start, definitely, and if things go well enough, Papelbon will finish.
A few other things:
*Curt has a new Q & A.
*The New York Mets beat the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals last night. (my brother watched the game with me and goes, wait, the Cardinals won the WS? I thought the Tigers did. If no one remembers the World Series, did it really happen?
Jose Reyes is probably the most exciting player in MLB.
Carlos Beltran has a cannon of an arm.
I love Tom Glavine (and I once met him at the mall).
I don't trust Chris Carpenter one bit. Ace my ass.
*If you've got a billion dollars lying around you can buy the Cubs.
*Celts beat the Cavs last night. Honestly, they don't really get how this lottery works do they?
*D-Wade is going to try to practice today.
*The Patriots and Seahawks preseason game in China was cancelled. I'm glad, but probaby not as glad as Bill. (Peter King also has some other notes)
*Florida is trying to go back to back tonight.
So here we are, finally. After a season that ended with losing 5 games in one weekend to the MFY, with David having heart problems and Lester needing chemotherapy. Finally, after an offseason made too long by a 3rd place finish, a tease of an AFC Championship game, no 4 rings in 6 year talk, no parades, and Peyton Manning everywhere you freakin' turn. After all the Dice-K bidding, signing and plane tracking, J.D. Drew not really signed but signed contracts, Trot in an Indians uniform, Manny missing and showing, Curt talking (and learning Japanese), Todd Helton, Papelbon's shoulder, and closer-by-committee panic attacks. Finally, after a spring training that never seemed to end and that mattered a little too much because of another teams inability to get a first down when it counted. Finally after all the waiting, it's time for the games to count. Play Ball!
Here is what everyone has been waiting for: My Red Sox slanted, East Coast biased, Yankee hating MLB preview
American League East
Boston Red Sox (how could I pick any other way? My name isn’t Red Sox Gal for nothing)
New York Yankees (I don’t the Blue Jays have the arms to beat them)
Toronto Blue Jays (but they do have Burnett and Halladay)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Some solid bats, no pitching...Carl Crawford is nasty)
Baltimore Orioles (Hey, Kev. How’s the basement treating ya?)
American League Central
Detroit Tigers (got some nasty young arms)
Minnesota Twins (bummer about Liriano)
Cleveland Indians (they are 1 Keith Foulke short - probably going to cry )
Chicago White Sox (I don’t know much about them)
Kansas City Royals (55 mil for Gil?)
American League West
Los Angeles Angels (ORLANDO!)
Oakland Athletics (Can we wait till Billy Beane wins a WS before we call him genius?)
Texas Rangers (still no pitching)
Seattle Mariners (Ichiro, you’ll LOVE Boston!)
Divisional Playoffs
Boston over LAA, 3-1
MFY over Detroit, 3-2
American League Championship Series
Boston over MFY, 4-3
AL MVP: David Ortiz, Boston
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana, Minnesota
AL Rookie of the Year: Diasuke Matsuzaka, Boston (is he even eligible? I don’t care)
National League East
New York Mets (Carlos Beltran will hit 79 home runs)
Philadelphia Phillies (I love Ryan Howard)
Florida Marlins (and Miguel Cabrera)
Atlanta Braves (good young arms that aren’t quite ready yet. Andruw Jones would look very handsome in a Red Sox uniform. And Coco would look great in um, any other uniform)
Washington Nationals (they’ll be great in um, 2010?)
National League Central
Chicago Cubs (300 mil should buy you the division right?)
Milwaukee Brewers (Ben Sheets is going to have a huge year)
St. Louis Cardinals (they were never that good to begin with)
Cincinnati Reds (I hope Ken has an injury free year)
Houston Astros (R$o$g$e$r or no R$o$g$e$r)
Pittsburgh Pirates (um, they get to root for Jason Bay at least)
National League West
Los Angeles Dodgers (Hey Nomar)
San Diego Padres (Hi Dave, also to say I have a crush on Jake Peavy would be putting it mildly)
San Francisco Giants (I hope Barry Bonds tears an ACL or two)
Colorado Rockies (keep Todd Helton please)
Arizona Diamondbacks (Randy’s old)
Divisional Playoffs
Chicago over New York, 3-2
LA over Philadelphia, 3-1
National League Championship Series
Los Angeles over Chicago, 4-2 (the wait will have to continue. It’s worth it though Chicago)
NL MVP: Alfonso Soriano, Chicago
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy, San Diego
NL Rookie of the Year: Chris Young, Arizona
World Series
Boston over Los Angeles, 4-2 (like I could pick it any other way)
I'll be back later with the links and some thoughts from last night Mets / Cards game.
American League East
Boston Red Sox (how could I pick any other way? My name isn’t Red Sox Gal for nothing)
New York Yankees (I don’t the Blue Jays have the arms to beat them)
Toronto Blue Jays (but they do have Burnett and Halladay)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Some solid bats, no pitching...Carl Crawford is nasty)
Baltimore Orioles (Hey, Kev. How’s the basement treating ya?)
American League Central
Detroit Tigers (got some nasty young arms)
Minnesota Twins (bummer about Liriano)
Cleveland Indians (they are 1 Keith Foulke short - probably going to cry )
Chicago White Sox (I don’t know much about them)
Kansas City Royals (55 mil for Gil?)
American League West
Los Angeles Angels (ORLANDO!)
Oakland Athletics (Can we wait till Billy Beane wins a WS before we call him genius?)
Texas Rangers (still no pitching)
Seattle Mariners (Ichiro, you’ll LOVE Boston!)
Divisional Playoffs
Boston over LAA, 3-1
MFY over Detroit, 3-2
American League Championship Series
Boston over MFY, 4-3
AL MVP: David Ortiz, Boston
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana, Minnesota
AL Rookie of the Year: Diasuke Matsuzaka, Boston (is he even eligible? I don’t care)
National League East
New York Mets (Carlos Beltran will hit 79 home runs)
Philadelphia Phillies (I love Ryan Howard)
Florida Marlins (and Miguel Cabrera)
Atlanta Braves (good young arms that aren’t quite ready yet. Andruw Jones would look very handsome in a Red Sox uniform. And Coco would look great in um, any other uniform)
Washington Nationals (they’ll be great in um, 2010?)
National League Central
Chicago Cubs (300 mil should buy you the division right?)
Milwaukee Brewers (Ben Sheets is going to have a huge year)
St. Louis Cardinals (they were never that good to begin with)
Cincinnati Reds (I hope Ken has an injury free year)
Houston Astros (R$o$g$e$r or no R$o$g$e$r)
Pittsburgh Pirates (um, they get to root for Jason Bay at least)
National League West
Los Angeles Dodgers (Hey Nomar)
San Diego Padres (Hi Dave, also to say I have a crush on Jake Peavy would be putting it mildly)
San Francisco Giants (I hope Barry Bonds tears an ACL or two)
Colorado Rockies (keep Todd Helton please)
Arizona Diamondbacks (Randy’s old)
Divisional Playoffs
Chicago over New York, 3-2
LA over Philadelphia, 3-1
National League Championship Series
Los Angeles over Chicago, 4-2 (the wait will have to continue. It’s worth it though Chicago)
NL MVP: Alfonso Soriano, Chicago
NL Cy Young: Jake Peavy, San Diego
NL Rookie of the Year: Chris Young, Arizona
World Series
Boston over Los Angeles, 4-2 (like I could pick it any other way)
I'll be back later with the links and some thoughts from last night Mets / Cards game.
Monday, March 19, 2007
David
Hey everyone. I hope everyone had a great weekend and a better showing than I did on St. Patrick's Day. I'm afraid I killed too many brain cells this weekend to write anything even remotely witty, so instead, here is another David video. I was at this game, about 5 rows back from the Sox on deck circle with Steve. Probably my favorite live Sox game experience. Say it with me now...PAPI, PAPI, PAPI.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Still not Friday...amazing
Okay, I'm bored with spring training and no nothing about basketball, so I'm going to let the Red Sox post for me today. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Spring Training...
"In the East baseball and the teams are a way of life. In New England you have Catholicism and Red Sox Baseball, and not necessarily in that order." Curt
"I live for that kind of challenge. I love for the fans to expect a lot from me, because I expect a lot from myself. That gets me going, when they expect a lot from you. I set my goals real high. I figure if I set my goals real high and don't reach them, then you're still going to accomplish a lot." Jonathan
"Josh Beckett told me I'm a natural hitter . . . I was born to hit," Dice-K
"I said to Matsui-san, 'I'm sorry to bother you right before your game.' He said, 'Don't worry about it. Thanks for coming over to say hello.' He wished me good luck so I wished him the same and said thanks." Dice-K
"Far and away the most underappreciated and overlooked post season performance I’ve ever been around. I know Foulkie took alot of heat for things he said in the 2005 season, right or wrong it had an enormous impact on how fans have treated him. Keith Foulke, in my opinion, was so far and away the MVP of the 2004 season that the runner up was not even in sight. Manny and David had phenomenal post seasons, DLowe was magic, but when all was said and done Keith Foulke was the reason, beyond any other player, play or game, that we won. Keith didn’t like the media, and there were things he said that if you didn’t hear them in person, but got them second hand, could sound a lot worse than they were intended. I am not sticking up for him, he doesn’t need me for that, but the guy was as money as anyone I’ve ever played with in the biggest games of his life." Curt
"It’s hard to find a player like Manny. When you go out there, Manny’s got to be one of the best hitters in the game, no doubt about it. It’s hard to trade Manny because of his salary. It’s hard to get somebody when you trade Manny. That’s what’s been the problem…get what you deserve. Manny is still crazy I’m still babysitting him. Same thing,” David
That's all for now kids, I finally got my youtube account working, so I might have some youtube favorites up later. If I missed a quote, put it in the comments section.
"In the East baseball and the teams are a way of life. In New England you have Catholicism and Red Sox Baseball, and not necessarily in that order." Curt
"I live for that kind of challenge. I love for the fans to expect a lot from me, because I expect a lot from myself. That gets me going, when they expect a lot from you. I set my goals real high. I figure if I set my goals real high and don't reach them, then you're still going to accomplish a lot." Jonathan
"Josh Beckett told me I'm a natural hitter . . . I was born to hit," Dice-K
"I said to Matsui-san, 'I'm sorry to bother you right before your game.' He said, 'Don't worry about it. Thanks for coming over to say hello.' He wished me good luck so I wished him the same and said thanks." Dice-K
"Far and away the most underappreciated and overlooked post season performance I’ve ever been around. I know Foulkie took alot of heat for things he said in the 2005 season, right or wrong it had an enormous impact on how fans have treated him. Keith Foulke, in my opinion, was so far and away the MVP of the 2004 season that the runner up was not even in sight. Manny and David had phenomenal post seasons, DLowe was magic, but when all was said and done Keith Foulke was the reason, beyond any other player, play or game, that we won. Keith didn’t like the media, and there were things he said that if you didn’t hear them in person, but got them second hand, could sound a lot worse than they were intended. I am not sticking up for him, he doesn’t need me for that, but the guy was as money as anyone I’ve ever played with in the biggest games of his life." Curt
"It’s hard to find a player like Manny. When you go out there, Manny’s got to be one of the best hitters in the game, no doubt about it. It’s hard to trade Manny because of his salary. It’s hard to get somebody when you trade Manny. That’s what’s been the problem…get what you deserve. Manny is still crazy I’m still babysitting him. Same thing,” David
That's all for now kids, I finally got my youtube account working, so I might have some youtube favorites up later. If I missed a quote, put it in the comments section.
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