Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek with the fam waiting in line at Carrabba’s in Fort Myers . . . Sox rookie Brandon Moss meeting friends to catch a flick at the Regal 20 . . . Pitcher Jon Lester begrudgingly signing his old Pawtucket Red Sox cap offered up to him by a PawSox long-time season ticket holder now in possession of it . . .
I usually don't take my news from the Inside Track, however, Jon, you best not be signing things begrudingly until you are 18-4 with a 2.49 ERA. Do I make myself clear?
Showing posts with label Lester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lester. Show all posts
Monday, March 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I love us...
Finally got the Sox highlights on Sportscenter. Saw Lester's reception. Man I miss us.
PS. In North Carolina, they have these things called Palmetto beatles, a fancy name for cockroaches, and a lot of people have them, and we are currently working on killing the little mo-fo's, and I just spent a good 20 minutes at war with one, chasing him around my apartment with a spray bottle of "home defense". I finally was getting nervous I might miss the Sox highlights and had to go get a shoe. I will kill these bugs.
PPS. Michael Vick shouldn't have waited so long to plea. Always better to go first in these kind of things.
PS. In North Carolina, they have these things called Palmetto beatles, a fancy name for cockroaches, and a lot of people have them, and we are currently working on killing the little mo-fo's, and I just spent a good 20 minutes at war with one, chasing him around my apartment with a spray bottle of "home defense". I finally was getting nervous I might miss the Sox highlights and had to go get a shoe. I will kill these bugs.
PPS. Michael Vick shouldn't have waited so long to plea. Always better to go first in these kind of things.
Monday, July 23, 2007
A couple links on Jon Lester Day!
*I hate when, after a tragedy, someone says, "This kind of thing reminds you what really matters". As if something horrible needs to happen to remind me that baseball is just a game.
However, story is just horrific. The AA hitting coach of the Tulsa Drillers, Mike Coolbaugh, was struck in the head and killed during a game Sunday during a Texas League game, he was 35 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Mandy, two sons, Joseph and Jacob. His wife is due with their third child in October.
*"Reliever Joel Pineiro has been designated for assignment to make room for Jon Lester on the Red Sox roster, Terry Francona announced after the game. Pineiro is out of options, meaning the team has 10 days to release or trade the pitcher." From the Extra Bases Blog. I'm pretty surprised by this one, Pineiro seemed to be pitching better as of late. I think that we must have something in the works / almost complete for another bullpen arm. Also, we have 10 days to trade him, and the deadline is creeping up on us, so we'll see. Our overall team hotness factor was severely effected by this move.
*After giving all of RSN a collective heart attack with that head first slide, we hear he might be out till Wednesday. From Edes notebook,
"David Ortiz is still sore, Francona said, indicating he may miss more games. Ortiz said he might not be back before Wednesday.
"David has been examined and everything's fine in that regard," said Francona. "He's sore and stiff. I'm confident you'll see him in Cleveland at some point. I don't know which day."
*Let's all say a little prayer for old friend Alex Gonzalez, who has missed a lot of time this year with the Reds to be with his ill son.
Gonzalez still out: Shortstop Alex Gonzalez missed the seventh and final game he's permitted under the bereavement list rules to be with his ailing 10-month-old son, Johan, who is hospitalized in Cincinnati. Because he is not ready to return, Gonzalez is expected to be placed on the restricted list by the Reds on Saturday. It will enable the club to play with a full 25-man roster. There was no word on when Gonzalez might return. (from www.mlb.com)
*David Beckham played soccer for LA for the first time.
*Someone won the British Open.
However, story is just horrific. The AA hitting coach of the Tulsa Drillers, Mike Coolbaugh, was struck in the head and killed during a game Sunday during a Texas League game, he was 35 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Mandy, two sons, Joseph and Jacob. His wife is due with their third child in October.
*"Reliever Joel Pineiro has been designated for assignment to make room for Jon Lester on the Red Sox roster, Terry Francona announced after the game. Pineiro is out of options, meaning the team has 10 days to release or trade the pitcher." From the Extra Bases Blog. I'm pretty surprised by this one, Pineiro seemed to be pitching better as of late. I think that we must have something in the works / almost complete for another bullpen arm. Also, we have 10 days to trade him, and the deadline is creeping up on us, so we'll see. Our overall team hotness factor was severely effected by this move.
*After giving all of RSN a collective heart attack with that head first slide, we hear he might be out till Wednesday. From Edes notebook,
"David Ortiz is still sore, Francona said, indicating he may miss more games. Ortiz said he might not be back before Wednesday.
"David has been examined and everything's fine in that regard," said Francona. "He's sore and stiff. I'm confident you'll see him in Cleveland at some point. I don't know which day."
*Let's all say a little prayer for old friend Alex Gonzalez, who has missed a lot of time this year with the Reds to be with his ill son.
Gonzalez still out: Shortstop Alex Gonzalez missed the seventh and final game he's permitted under the bereavement list rules to be with his ailing 10-month-old son, Johan, who is hospitalized in Cincinnati. Because he is not ready to return, Gonzalez is expected to be placed on the restricted list by the Reds on Saturday. It will enable the club to play with a full 25-man roster. There was no word on when Gonzalez might return. (from www.mlb.com)
*David Beckham played soccer for LA for the first time.
*Someone won the British Open.
It's a strong man's game
On April 30th Jon Lester made his season debut for the Pawtucket Red Sox on a cold damp New England night. Tonight, the amazing comeback story comes full circle as Jon will be taking the ball for the big club tonight against those hard hitting Cleveland Indians. I am so excited for him and for all the people he has inspired this last year.
Is it 7:05 yet?
(also, I know I have been slacking, but I have all kinds of good stuff on the way, promise!)
photo credit goes to the Boston Globe
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.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Links Links everywhere!
*The Sox had a solid weekend in Arizona, although the bats are still quieter than I would like. Joshua dominated Friday, Julian took care of buisness, and Dice-K pitched good enough to win yesterday, says Jeff Horrigan. The Sox have today off, and get back at it on Tuesday they host the Rockies, and Soxgal.
*If you haven't read Curt's recap of his near no-no, please do so immediately.
*The Sox are now 40-22 on the season, and 9.5 up on the 2nd place New York Yankees, and 11.5 up on the last place Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
*After 6 weeks as #1 upon the ESPN Power Rankings, the Sox dropped to 2nd, with the Padres taking over the top slot.
*The Nuggets had a rough week, with J.R. Smith being thrown from a car during an accident and one of the passengers in the car having severe head injuries, and another Nugget DeeMar Johnson was tasered and arrested outside a night club.
*Julian Tavarez has his own cure to fix his own blister problem.
*Mike Reiss, as always has some good stuff.
*Chad Finn has a fun update. Including this tidbit via Peter Gammons:
"On April 20, Courtney Butcher of Worcester, Mass., a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, called her father, Jim, to talk about the Monster seats Jim had purchased for the family for the Sunday night game. Lowell was her favorite player. That night, right after Courtney talked to her father, she and three friends were killed in an automobile accident.
That Sunday night, Jim took his other children to the game. In the 4-HR inning, Lowell's shot went right to the Butcher family.The next day, a friend of the family called Sarah Stevenson of the Red Sox, who relayed the message to Lowell, and he signed a uniform with these words: "Courtney, May God Be With You, Rest in Peace." He also sent word to Jim Butcher that he would homer for Courtney. The wake was that Tuesday, April 24, and Lowell's uniform was draped over Courtney's coffin. That night, he homered against the Blue Jays."
*Jayson Stark ponders the question, is Curt Schilling the best pitcher to never win a Cy Young or pitch a no-hitter? I'm pasting the whole thing because I know not everyone has ESPN Insider.
Random thoughts, as we ponder the unique interleague magic of Rockies-Orioles:
IS CURT SCHILLING THE BEST PITCHER NEVER TO WIN A CY YOUNG OR PITCH A NO-HITTER?
Watching that Shannon Stewart single whoosh past Alex Cora on Thursday, I was struck by this thought: Can anyone think of a great pitcher who has done more specializing in the near-miss than Curt Schilling?
He has never pitched a no-hitter, but he has thrown three one-hitters. And among active pitchers only Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina (four apiece) have thrown more.
Schilling also has never won a Cy Young. But he has finished second three times. Among active pitchers, only Johnson, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine have more top-two finishes in the Cy voting than Schilling. But those guys have combined for 21 Cy Youngs, to Schilling's zero. In fact, according to baseball-reference.com, Schilling has the highest award-share voting score of any pitcher in history who has never won a Cy Young.
So if it sometimes seems as if all his great years have been trumped by someone else's great years, it's because they have.
He has won 20 games three times -- all of them in seasons when at least one other pitcher in his league won 20. He has struck out 300 hitters in a season three times -- two of them in years another pitcher in his league whiffed 300. And he has finished in the top three in his league in ERA nine times -- but never won an ERA title. So is timing everything in life, or what?
Have a nomination for some other great pitcher in the last 40 years (the era spanning the awarding of Cy Youngs in each league) who has never pitched a no-hitter or won a Cy? Send it along to uselessinfodept@yahoo.com. We can do a ranking in a future blog of the best pitchers ever in this funky category.
*My favorite blogger not named Schilling has updated a few times recently, Mr. Curtis Granderson. He has all kinds of good stuff.
*How did this guy only get a mild concussion and a sprained ankle?
*Lester is coming up to Fenway to throw with John Farrell and figure out a plan for the next few weeks.
*This Arizona columnist talks about how Curt is a jerk for not talking to them on Friday, because he owed it to the fans. A few things here:
- In the column, he says that Curt was traded to the Red Sox. He signed as a free agent. Maybe he doesn't want to talk to idiots.
- He also says he owes it to "the fans". The highest attendence in Arizona history was...Saturday night against the Red Sox? With Julian Tavarez starting? They didn't even sell out the clinching game of the World Series? I wouldn't worry too much about those "fans".
*Roger Goodell's myspace.
*If you haven't read Curt's recap of his near no-no, please do so immediately.
*The Sox are now 40-22 on the season, and 9.5 up on the 2nd place New York Yankees, and 11.5 up on the last place Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
*After 6 weeks as #1 upon the ESPN Power Rankings, the Sox dropped to 2nd, with the Padres taking over the top slot.
*The Nuggets had a rough week, with J.R. Smith being thrown from a car during an accident and one of the passengers in the car having severe head injuries, and another Nugget DeeMar Johnson was tasered and arrested outside a night club.
*Julian Tavarez has his own cure to fix his own blister problem.
*Mike Reiss, as always has some good stuff.
*Chad Finn has a fun update. Including this tidbit via Peter Gammons:
"On April 20, Courtney Butcher of Worcester, Mass., a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, called her father, Jim, to talk about the Monster seats Jim had purchased for the family for the Sunday night game. Lowell was her favorite player. That night, right after Courtney talked to her father, she and three friends were killed in an automobile accident.
That Sunday night, Jim took his other children to the game. In the 4-HR inning, Lowell's shot went right to the Butcher family.The next day, a friend of the family called Sarah Stevenson of the Red Sox, who relayed the message to Lowell, and he signed a uniform with these words: "Courtney, May God Be With You, Rest in Peace." He also sent word to Jim Butcher that he would homer for Courtney. The wake was that Tuesday, April 24, and Lowell's uniform was draped over Courtney's coffin. That night, he homered against the Blue Jays."
*Jayson Stark ponders the question, is Curt Schilling the best pitcher to never win a Cy Young or pitch a no-hitter? I'm pasting the whole thing because I know not everyone has ESPN Insider.
Random thoughts, as we ponder the unique interleague magic of Rockies-Orioles:
IS CURT SCHILLING THE BEST PITCHER NEVER TO WIN A CY YOUNG OR PITCH A NO-HITTER?
Watching that Shannon Stewart single whoosh past Alex Cora on Thursday, I was struck by this thought: Can anyone think of a great pitcher who has done more specializing in the near-miss than Curt Schilling?
He has never pitched a no-hitter, but he has thrown three one-hitters. And among active pitchers only Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina (four apiece) have thrown more.
Schilling also has never won a Cy Young. But he has finished second three times. Among active pitchers, only Johnson, Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine have more top-two finishes in the Cy voting than Schilling. But those guys have combined for 21 Cy Youngs, to Schilling's zero. In fact, according to baseball-reference.com, Schilling has the highest award-share voting score of any pitcher in history who has never won a Cy Young.
So if it sometimes seems as if all his great years have been trumped by someone else's great years, it's because they have.
He has won 20 games three times -- all of them in seasons when at least one other pitcher in his league won 20. He has struck out 300 hitters in a season three times -- two of them in years another pitcher in his league whiffed 300. And he has finished in the top three in his league in ERA nine times -- but never won an ERA title. So is timing everything in life, or what?
Have a nomination for some other great pitcher in the last 40 years (the era spanning the awarding of Cy Youngs in each league) who has never pitched a no-hitter or won a Cy? Send it along to uselessinfodept@yahoo.com. We can do a ranking in a future blog of the best pitchers ever in this funky category.
*My favorite blogger not named Schilling has updated a few times recently, Mr. Curtis Granderson. He has all kinds of good stuff.
*How did this guy only get a mild concussion and a sprained ankle?
*Lester is coming up to Fenway to throw with John Farrell and figure out a plan for the next few weeks.
*This Arizona columnist talks about how Curt is a jerk for not talking to them on Friday, because he owed it to the fans. A few things here:
- In the column, he says that Curt was traded to the Red Sox. He signed as a free agent. Maybe he doesn't want to talk to idiots.
- He also says he owes it to "the fans". The highest attendence in Arizona history was...Saturday night against the Red Sox? With Julian Tavarez starting? They didn't even sell out the clinching game of the World Series? I wouldn't worry too much about those "fans".
*Roger Goodell's myspace.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
As the great Meatloaf once said, "2 out of 3 ain't bad"
I was an angry Red Sox fan last night. It may have been the 4 raw teas I chugged when I got home. It may have been that the Yankees tend to do that to me, it could be the fact that I have Wakefield on my fantasy team too. Mainly, I think it is that I hate watching him pitch for my real team, then I have to deal with him sucking for my fantasy team too. And it's not just the 6 runs, it's also the fact that games seem to take forever when he pitches, and that the knuckleball isn't that exciting to watch. I would much rather roll the dice (no reference to Dice-K intended) with Gabbard, Lester, or even one of the really baby babies. I'm tired of watching high knuckleballs dance their way right out to the upper deck of Yankee Stadium. (that, and I think everytime I see Tim out there I get flashbacks to a year...four years ago...didn't get out of bed for a week...don't want to talk about it).
Anyway, got Julian tonight. Hopefully he has some momentum going form his last start.
(I want Lester okay, I'm done with Wake, done with Julian...give me the lefty please).
Anyway, got Julian tonight. Hopefully he has some momentum going form his last start.
(I want Lester okay, I'm done with Wake, done with Julian...give me the lefty please).
Monday, May 21, 2007
So long Atlanta, hello Big Apple.
Hello MFY, so we meet again. It’s nearly June and the Red Sox are (get ready, breathe in, breathe out) 10 and a half games up on the 2nd place Yankees and Orioles, and…drum roll please, only 1 and one half game out of last place. See Devil Rays fans (all 3 of you), there is hope for you yet!
Anyway, two months in and heading into the 3rd Yankees series of the season…here are some of my thoughts:
*I don’t want Karma to take this the wrong way, but it almost seems like it’s going too easy. I mean, I’m a Boston fan, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. (all while hoping it doesn’t).
*Dr. Charles Steinberg is really responsible for Papelbon having “Shipping up to Boston” play when he gets to the mound? And here I was so excited that he loves that song. (and another thing, I hate people called doctor that aren’t actually the people you want working on you when you drop from a heart attack or something…If I ever get a doctorate of History or something, I am not having people call me doctor...).
*Who would have thought that the two players in the biggest slump after two months would have been the corner outfielders? I have full faith that Manny is going to come around. As for Mr. Drew, he best get his little bat going or he’s going to start hearing something from the crowd…and they aren’t saying, “Moovers”. He has gotten a free pass thus far because the team has been winning…wait for the first home sweep Mr. Drew when your 0-4 just won’t be cutting it.
*I picked up Coco for the Sox Stalkers. I know, I know…it’s going to get ugly.
*Mr. Varitek is swinging the bat quite nicely lately wouldn’t you say?
*Lugo hasn’t quite won me over yet. I’m not saying he won’t, I’m just saying he hasn’t.
*I’m looking forward to Roger leaving a game after 2 and a third and 6 runs with “tightness” in his groin or some other wussy injury. Are you sure the problem isn’t the stick you have up your ass?
*The thought of Mike Timlin coming out when it matters makes me very nervous.
*Brendan Donnelly is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Which one are you going to get?
*Lester pitched 3 innings of one hit ball the other day in Ottawa....(yes, Chris / Steve / Conor…I love Canada).
*After seeing Kason do well, having Kyle Snyder pitching well, and knowing Lester is waiting in the wings, I just want to remind Theo…”You can NEVER have too much pitching. YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH PITCHING”.
*I miss Alex Gonzalez. I just do.
*Eric Hinske is a great time. How about he was AL Rookie of the Year. And now he’s a 4th outfielder. Well actually tied for 4th outfielder with Wily MO.
*Mike Lowell is simply en fuego. Not to mention so handsome.
*The more I see of Kason Gabbard, the more I like him. I want to know what the logic was going with Jason with a K. Think we can get Tina on this one?
*I absolutely have a crush on John Farrell. I was telling my mom why I love him yesterday at lunch, and she goes, “Wait, who are you talking about? That older guy on the TV? All the Red Sox to choose from and you love him?” I mean, I love all the Red Sox. But, any man that has my pitching staff in first in most categories is going to get my love…that’s all I have to say. (if Katie can have a crush on John Fox…John Farrell is open game.)
*Dice-K hasn’t walked anyone in the past two starts…and he’s pitched 9 and 8 innings, respectively. Giddy-up.
*I’m sure even Theo is surprised how great Okajima is.
*Three players on the MFY seem remotely interested right now, some guy who used to have long hair that plays center that will not be referred to by name, Posada, and Jeter.
*How many more saves does Mo have in that arm? More importantly, how many blown saves against the Red Sox does he have left?
*I really can’t believe how unlucky a team can be with all the come backers and broken bones and pulled muscles and whatnot…As Basegirl said today, “I think Marianne might be right when she said that Mystique and Aura have been replaced by Karma. And Karma's a bitch.” Karma, if you could do me a favor and save one more come backer for this older fellow, he’ll be wearing 22, you could probably find him making out with Andy Pettitte before the game, maybe shooting some HGH into his ass. You know, if you don’t mind. Otherwise, just keep up what you are doing. Thanks again!
*One non-MFY related word…The whole fate of the Celtics franchise for the next 10 years rest on the shoulders of Tommy Heinsohn and a bucket full of ping pong balls. (Also, if we get #2, take Durant, and then trade him, I’m burning down the Fleet Center…Take note of that Mr. Ainge).
Anyway, two months in and heading into the 3rd Yankees series of the season…here are some of my thoughts:
*I don’t want Karma to take this the wrong way, but it almost seems like it’s going too easy. I mean, I’m a Boston fan, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. (all while hoping it doesn’t).
*Dr. Charles Steinberg is really responsible for Papelbon having “Shipping up to Boston” play when he gets to the mound? And here I was so excited that he loves that song. (and another thing, I hate people called doctor that aren’t actually the people you want working on you when you drop from a heart attack or something…If I ever get a doctorate of History or something, I am not having people call me doctor...).
*Who would have thought that the two players in the biggest slump after two months would have been the corner outfielders? I have full faith that Manny is going to come around. As for Mr. Drew, he best get his little bat going or he’s going to start hearing something from the crowd…and they aren’t saying, “Moovers”. He has gotten a free pass thus far because the team has been winning…wait for the first home sweep Mr. Drew when your 0-4 just won’t be cutting it.
*I picked up Coco for the Sox Stalkers. I know, I know…it’s going to get ugly.
*Mr. Varitek is swinging the bat quite nicely lately wouldn’t you say?
*Lugo hasn’t quite won me over yet. I’m not saying he won’t, I’m just saying he hasn’t.
*I’m looking forward to Roger leaving a game after 2 and a third and 6 runs with “tightness” in his groin or some other wussy injury. Are you sure the problem isn’t the stick you have up your ass?
*The thought of Mike Timlin coming out when it matters makes me very nervous.
*Brendan Donnelly is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Which one are you going to get?
*Lester pitched 3 innings of one hit ball the other day in Ottawa....(yes, Chris / Steve / Conor…I love Canada).
*After seeing Kason do well, having Kyle Snyder pitching well, and knowing Lester is waiting in the wings, I just want to remind Theo…”You can NEVER have too much pitching. YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH PITCHING”.
*I miss Alex Gonzalez. I just do.
*Eric Hinske is a great time. How about he was AL Rookie of the Year. And now he’s a 4th outfielder. Well actually tied for 4th outfielder with Wily MO.
*Mike Lowell is simply en fuego. Not to mention so handsome.
*The more I see of Kason Gabbard, the more I like him. I want to know what the logic was going with Jason with a K. Think we can get Tina on this one?
*I absolutely have a crush on John Farrell. I was telling my mom why I love him yesterday at lunch, and she goes, “Wait, who are you talking about? That older guy on the TV? All the Red Sox to choose from and you love him?” I mean, I love all the Red Sox. But, any man that has my pitching staff in first in most categories is going to get my love…that’s all I have to say. (if Katie can have a crush on John Fox…John Farrell is open game.)
*Dice-K hasn’t walked anyone in the past two starts…and he’s pitched 9 and 8 innings, respectively. Giddy-up.
*I’m sure even Theo is surprised how great Okajima is.
*Three players on the MFY seem remotely interested right now, some guy who used to have long hair that plays center that will not be referred to by name, Posada, and Jeter.
*How many more saves does Mo have in that arm? More importantly, how many blown saves against the Red Sox does he have left?
*I really can’t believe how unlucky a team can be with all the come backers and broken bones and pulled muscles and whatnot…As Basegirl said today, “I think Marianne might be right when she said that Mystique and Aura have been replaced by Karma. And Karma's a bitch.” Karma, if you could do me a favor and save one more come backer for this older fellow, he’ll be wearing 22, you could probably find him making out with Andy Pettitte before the game, maybe shooting some HGH into his ass. You know, if you don’t mind. Otherwise, just keep up what you are doing. Thanks again!
*One non-MFY related word…The whole fate of the Celtics franchise for the next 10 years rest on the shoulders of Tommy Heinsohn and a bucket full of ping pong balls. (Also, if we get #2, take Durant, and then trade him, I’m burning down the Fleet Center…Take note of that Mr. Ainge).
Monday, May 7, 2007
Surprise Surprise, Roger is a Yankee. I really didn't see him signing with the Astros again as they continue to get worse each year. And I never really saw him coming back here either. So the Yankees have the Rog, which, I'm not sure I could have ever been completely comfortable rooting for him anyway ever.
Roger is going to be making 4.5 million a month…
Or, $640,857 a start
Or, $107,142 per inning (if he averages 6 innings per start like last year)
Or, $35,174 per out.
That is just plain sick.
*Carl Pavano went and saw his BFF Dr. Andrews and is probably going to require season-ending elbow surgery.
*Lester is with the Sox and is going to be playing catch Tuesday in Toronto.
*The other day I was saying that the Futures at Fenway game was actually at Fenway. But it isn't, its being played at McCoy. Why do they call it that? I guess NESN is broacasting the game, but couldn't someone have come up with a better name for it?
*Red Sox fans...um, aren't amused.
*Rob Bradford's blog is awesome.
*Bruce from Boston Sports Media makes a good point here:
"Still officially "off" today, but couldn't help but post on this horrific misrepresentation in the Boston Globe today.
From the "and the media wonders why people hate them so much" category:
Dan Shaughnessy today:
After the Sox beat the Twins in Minneapolis yesterday, Schilling was asked his reaction to the Rocket's re entry into the Yankees clubhouse. Ever the blowhard, Schilling declared, "We don't need him" -- a comment of stupefying arrogance that is sure to come up a couple of million times between now and the end of the 2007 postseason.
What Shilling actually said (AP Story):
"It would have been nice to have him, but we didn't need him. We DON'T need him," Red Sox ace Curt Schilling said. "It's May, a long way to go, but I like the way this team is comprised right now. This team has incredible makeup, it's got great chemistry and I feel like we were a legitimate World Series contender without him, so it doesn't change my mind."
If there's any "stupefying arrogance" going on here, it's from Shaughnessy. This is exactly the kind of twisting of quotes and misrepresentation that the Boston sports fans have come to loath and despise from the knights of the keyboard. While admittedly most writers don't stoop to this level, writers like Shaughnessy poison the readers against all their colleagues."
*As if I didn't already love Gabe enough, this is from Peter Gammon's blog. "Someday, Gabe Kapler will manage the Boston Red Sox. He is starting in Greenville (South Atlantic League) on a five-year program to learn his trade and eventually get the Sox job when and if Terry Francona retires. This is what you need to know about Kapler. He approached one of his players, Zak Farkes, who happened to go to Harvard. "What is the best book you've read in the last year?" Kapler asked Farkes, knowing he is a voracious reader. Farkas identified the book, and Kapler told him he wanted to read it to better understand his player."
*Peter King as a new MMQB.
Roger is going to be making 4.5 million a month…
Or, $640,857 a start
Or, $107,142 per inning (if he averages 6 innings per start like last year)
Or, $35,174 per out.
That is just plain sick.
*Carl Pavano went and saw his BFF Dr. Andrews and is probably going to require season-ending elbow surgery.
*Lester is with the Sox and is going to be playing catch Tuesday in Toronto.
*The other day I was saying that the Futures at Fenway game was actually at Fenway. But it isn't, its being played at McCoy. Why do they call it that? I guess NESN is broacasting the game, but couldn't someone have come up with a better name for it?
*Red Sox fans...um, aren't amused.
*Rob Bradford's blog is awesome.
*Bruce from Boston Sports Media makes a good point here:
"Still officially "off" today, but couldn't help but post on this horrific misrepresentation in the Boston Globe today.
From the "and the media wonders why people hate them so much" category:
Dan Shaughnessy today:
After the Sox beat the Twins in Minneapolis yesterday, Schilling was asked his reaction to the Rocket's re entry into the Yankees clubhouse. Ever the blowhard, Schilling declared, "We don't need him" -- a comment of stupefying arrogance that is sure to come up a couple of million times between now and the end of the 2007 postseason.
What Shilling actually said (AP Story):
"It would have been nice to have him, but we didn't need him. We DON'T need him," Red Sox ace Curt Schilling said. "It's May, a long way to go, but I like the way this team is comprised right now. This team has incredible makeup, it's got great chemistry and I feel like we were a legitimate World Series contender without him, so it doesn't change my mind."
If there's any "stupefying arrogance" going on here, it's from Shaughnessy. This is exactly the kind of twisting of quotes and misrepresentation that the Boston sports fans have come to loath and despise from the knights of the keyboard. While admittedly most writers don't stoop to this level, writers like Shaughnessy poison the readers against all their colleagues."
*As if I didn't already love Gabe enough, this is from Peter Gammon's blog. "Someday, Gabe Kapler will manage the Boston Red Sox. He is starting in Greenville (South Atlantic League) on a five-year program to learn his trade and eventually get the Sox job when and if Terry Francona retires. This is what you need to know about Kapler. He approached one of his players, Zak Farkes, who happened to go to Harvard. "What is the best book you've read in the last year?" Kapler asked Farkes, knowing he is a voracious reader. Farkas identified the book, and Kapler told him he wanted to read it to better understand his player."
*Peter King as a new MMQB.
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?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Being the die-hard Sox fan that I am, me, Kate, Amy, Paul and T went down to Pawtucket Friday for Lester's first AAA start. It was a great time (except it was freezing), and we had sweet seats 5 rows behind home plate. Lester looked great, didn't give up any runs and hit 96 once, and 94 a few times on the gun.
2/3 ain't bad...
Actually, 2/3 is pretty sweet.
*In case you were under a rock this weekend, the Sox took 2/3 from the Yankees.
*Bob Ryan says that despite protests from Cora, he is making a case to take Pedroia's job.
*Seth Mnookin has an entry where he says why he doesn't like Jay Payton and Kevin Millar, and also says that Doug Mirabelli is a jerk. Interesting.
*This Sox / Yanks recap has Tavarez going over and giving Lester a big hug.
Tavarez talked about how he went up to Jon Lester recently, when Lester was throwing on the side at Fenway Park. Lester has valiantly battled back from cancer and figures to take his spot in the rotation. "I gave him a big hug," Tavarez said. "I said, `I'll see you soon. Be better. You're going to be fine.' He's a kid. He has a big future."
*Josh Hancock, who came up with the Sox and made his first ML start with the Sox was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. The news hit some of the Sox who came up with him especially hard.
"It was kind of shocking when I found out today," said Youkilis. "It was really tough, just more of a shock. I'm still shocked right now. It's just a sad story. I haven't really heard what the whole details are of the whole thing. It hasn't really hit home yet. To all of his family and his friends out there, you just have to say a prayer for them and hope they handle it all right. The St. Louis Cardinals lost a good pitcher today."
*The Patriots officially acquired Randy Moss yesterday in exchange for the 4th round pick that they got from the 49'ers when they sent their 2007 1st round pick to the 9'ers for their 1st round pick in 2008 (which, hopefully they suck next year). Anyway, here is what I think about Moss and Meriweather. Moss is going to make 6 million dollars less to play for the Patriots last year, he is a future Hall of Famer, and he ran a 4.29 and a 4.30 in the 40 for Bill the other day. He was the best WR available, especially for a 4th round pick. If he doesn't work out, we release him, and if he does, then him and Stallworth are our 1 and 2 recievers, aka, nasty.
I think that Oakland had to get rid of him because they have a young coach, and couldn't risk Moss fucking with him. I'd like to see Moss try to do something like that with Bill. He won't. In Mike Reiss's article above, Bob says he trusts Belichick and Pioli. And why wouldn't he? I'm with Bob on this one, when in doubt, take the best player available, and assume that your coaching and leadership will be able to get them into place. I, personally, can't wait for the first time Randy comes across the middle in practice and Rodney or Tedy lay them out for good measure. You know, just to let him know who is in charge.
Rodney had this to say...
"When Corey Dillon came in, everyone thought he was an outlaw. He proved otherwise. When I came in, everyone thought I was an outlaw, ruthless. I think I proved that otherwise. Let's get a chance to know the guy before we make any judgments. If he comes in and is selfish, there are going to be problems. But if he has the right attitude, it will be huge for us. I've always said, if he comes in, doesn't work hard, and acts like a prima donna, it's not going to work. But if he puts the team first and works hard, he has the talent to do special things for us. It comes down to the small things, and buying into what we're all about here."
As for Meriweather, he did stomp that guy in the Florida International brawl, and he may have once fired shots back when someone was shooting at him, but, he's only 22 years old, kids make mistakes, and I mean, who hasn't stomped on someone and fired return shots? I mean, really now. He hits nasty and was the best safety available...And in the AFC Championship game we were one stop / big hit away from winning our 4th ring, so, maybe he'll be able to bring that big hit if Rodney goes down again.
When does training camp start? Because I am very excited.
*Dan Shaugnessy has an incredibly predictable column about how the Patriots can no longer pretend to be morally superior to other teams. I didn't see this one coming a mile away, Dan. I like that Dan quotes Joe Buck in this. The irony is not lost on this girl.
*The Steeler's have a new mascot, who I think looks just like the custodian from the Simpsons. Yes? No? All I know is if I'm an 8 year old, I am not going near that guy.
*In case you were under a rock this weekend, the Sox took 2/3 from the Yankees.
*Bob Ryan says that despite protests from Cora, he is making a case to take Pedroia's job.
*Seth Mnookin has an entry where he says why he doesn't like Jay Payton and Kevin Millar, and also says that Doug Mirabelli is a jerk. Interesting.
*This Sox / Yanks recap has Tavarez going over and giving Lester a big hug.
Tavarez talked about how he went up to Jon Lester recently, when Lester was throwing on the side at Fenway Park. Lester has valiantly battled back from cancer and figures to take his spot in the rotation. "I gave him a big hug," Tavarez said. "I said, `I'll see you soon. Be better. You're going to be fine.' He's a kid. He has a big future."
*Josh Hancock, who came up with the Sox and made his first ML start with the Sox was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. The news hit some of the Sox who came up with him especially hard.
"It was kind of shocking when I found out today," said Youkilis. "It was really tough, just more of a shock. I'm still shocked right now. It's just a sad story. I haven't really heard what the whole details are of the whole thing. It hasn't really hit home yet. To all of his family and his friends out there, you just have to say a prayer for them and hope they handle it all right. The St. Louis Cardinals lost a good pitcher today."
*The Patriots officially acquired Randy Moss yesterday in exchange for the 4th round pick that they got from the 49'ers when they sent their 2007 1st round pick to the 9'ers for their 1st round pick in 2008 (which, hopefully they suck next year). Anyway, here is what I think about Moss and Meriweather. Moss is going to make 6 million dollars less to play for the Patriots last year, he is a future Hall of Famer, and he ran a 4.29 and a 4.30 in the 40 for Bill the other day. He was the best WR available, especially for a 4th round pick. If he doesn't work out, we release him, and if he does, then him and Stallworth are our 1 and 2 recievers, aka, nasty.
I think that Oakland had to get rid of him because they have a young coach, and couldn't risk Moss fucking with him. I'd like to see Moss try to do something like that with Bill. He won't. In Mike Reiss's article above, Bob says he trusts Belichick and Pioli. And why wouldn't he? I'm with Bob on this one, when in doubt, take the best player available, and assume that your coaching and leadership will be able to get them into place. I, personally, can't wait for the first time Randy comes across the middle in practice and Rodney or Tedy lay them out for good measure. You know, just to let him know who is in charge.
Rodney had this to say...
"When Corey Dillon came in, everyone thought he was an outlaw. He proved otherwise. When I came in, everyone thought I was an outlaw, ruthless. I think I proved that otherwise. Let's get a chance to know the guy before we make any judgments. If he comes in and is selfish, there are going to be problems. But if he has the right attitude, it will be huge for us. I've always said, if he comes in, doesn't work hard, and acts like a prima donna, it's not going to work. But if he puts the team first and works hard, he has the talent to do special things for us. It comes down to the small things, and buying into what we're all about here."
As for Meriweather, he did stomp that guy in the Florida International brawl, and he may have once fired shots back when someone was shooting at him, but, he's only 22 years old, kids make mistakes, and I mean, who hasn't stomped on someone and fired return shots? I mean, really now. He hits nasty and was the best safety available...And in the AFC Championship game we were one stop / big hit away from winning our 4th ring, so, maybe he'll be able to bring that big hit if Rodney goes down again.
When does training camp start? Because I am very excited.
*Dan Shaugnessy has an incredibly predictable column about how the Patriots can no longer pretend to be morally superior to other teams. I didn't see this one coming a mile away, Dan. I like that Dan quotes Joe Buck in this. The irony is not lost on this girl.
*The Steeler's have a new mascot, who I think looks just like the custodian from the Simpsons. Yes? No? All I know is if I'm an 8 year old, I am not going near that guy.
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.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The links...
Dice-K is sadly a memeber of the Tim Wakefield school of run support. Overall he looked good though...Daisuke could have very easily gotten out of the 4th with the questionable call with Veronon Wells safe at first after Mike Lowell's throw, and, if that sharp grounder to Lugo had been hit to Gonzales instead of Lugo it's a double play. (Lugo's been good mostly with the D though). (also, I'm really starting to fall for J.D. - until the first pulled hamstring anyway)
It's okay though, I can't think of a better place for Dice-K to get his second win than this Sunday @ Fenway against the MFYankees.
*Devern has looked like the real thing so far for the PawSox.
*Edes's notebook has Gabe Kapler forgetting to put Lester on the scorecard the other day, and the pitcher had to miss his start. He ended up throwing a simulated game instead.
Gabe Kapler, who was willing to go to the low minors to learn how to manage, was caught by one of the game's technicalities, and it cost Jon Lester the third of his four scheduled rehabilitation appearances. Kapler's team, the Greenville Drive in the Single A South Atlantic League, played a game Saturday night that was suspended in the top of the second inning. When play resumed the next day, Kapler inserted Lester into the game in the fourth inning. But after Lester warmed up, umpires informed Kapler that Lester was not on the lineup card -- which Kapler evidently had not updated from the day before -- so Lester was not allowed to pitch. He threw a 75-pitch simulated game instead, and will make one more start for Greenville, Sox manager Terry Francona said, before a decision is made on his next step. "He took it real hard," Francona said of Kapler. "He texted me in between games. He really felt bad. I think it was more of a misunderstanding than him whiffing on something."
*The Patriots added Tory James at cornerback. He's been very durable over his career, something that the Pat's DBacks have not been in recent years. Mike has a scary tibit in his report:
The addition of James gives the Patriots more flexibility entering the April 28-29 draft. It also adds another layer of depth at cornerback, a position at which the Patriots have two players who have not officially signed their tender offers, Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.
Samuel, a starter who was assigned the franchise tag, recently expressed his displeasure with the progress of contract negotiations. Gay, a restricted free agent, visited with the Jets last week but has not been presented an offer sheet. NFL clubs have until Friday to sign restricted free agents such as Gay to offer sheets.
The Patriots currently have only Willie Andrews, Ellis Hobbs, Eddie Jackson (recovering from ACL injury, likely out until October), and Chad Scott under contract at cornerback. Safety Eugene Wilson is also an option at the position.
That is a very small amount of reliable corners without Gay and Samuel.
*The Celtics season mercifully comes to an end tonight. Peter May has 3 reasons to be sad it is over and 3 reasons to be happy.
My favorite is number #2:
2. The Lottery is May 22
This is unacceptable. We've had this date circled since Christmas, and now that the season is over, we still have more than a month to wait and no games to distract us from what looms as the most critical day in recent Celtics history. Seriously. The MIT guys have plenty of time to come up with every conceivable combination that will help the Celtics, but what are the fans going to do in the interim? There will be endless chatter as to what the Celtics should do should they win the whole thing. Danny Ainge says it won't be the end of the world if Boston doesn't get a top two pick. Do you believe him?
It's okay though, I can't think of a better place for Dice-K to get his second win than this Sunday @ Fenway against the MFYankees.
*Devern has looked like the real thing so far for the PawSox.
*Edes's notebook has Gabe Kapler forgetting to put Lester on the scorecard the other day, and the pitcher had to miss his start. He ended up throwing a simulated game instead.
Gabe Kapler, who was willing to go to the low minors to learn how to manage, was caught by one of the game's technicalities, and it cost Jon Lester the third of his four scheduled rehabilitation appearances. Kapler's team, the Greenville Drive in the Single A South Atlantic League, played a game Saturday night that was suspended in the top of the second inning. When play resumed the next day, Kapler inserted Lester into the game in the fourth inning. But after Lester warmed up, umpires informed Kapler that Lester was not on the lineup card -- which Kapler evidently had not updated from the day before -- so Lester was not allowed to pitch. He threw a 75-pitch simulated game instead, and will make one more start for Greenville, Sox manager Terry Francona said, before a decision is made on his next step. "He took it real hard," Francona said of Kapler. "He texted me in between games. He really felt bad. I think it was more of a misunderstanding than him whiffing on something."
*The Patriots added Tory James at cornerback. He's been very durable over his career, something that the Pat's DBacks have not been in recent years. Mike has a scary tibit in his report:
The addition of James gives the Patriots more flexibility entering the April 28-29 draft. It also adds another layer of depth at cornerback, a position at which the Patriots have two players who have not officially signed their tender offers, Asante Samuel and Randall Gay.
Samuel, a starter who was assigned the franchise tag, recently expressed his displeasure with the progress of contract negotiations. Gay, a restricted free agent, visited with the Jets last week but has not been presented an offer sheet. NFL clubs have until Friday to sign restricted free agents such as Gay to offer sheets.
The Patriots currently have only Willie Andrews, Ellis Hobbs, Eddie Jackson (recovering from ACL injury, likely out until October), and Chad Scott under contract at cornerback. Safety Eugene Wilson is also an option at the position.
That is a very small amount of reliable corners without Gay and Samuel.
*The Celtics season mercifully comes to an end tonight. Peter May has 3 reasons to be sad it is over and 3 reasons to be happy.
My favorite is number #2:
2. The Lottery is May 22
This is unacceptable. We've had this date circled since Christmas, and now that the season is over, we still have more than a month to wait and no games to distract us from what looms as the most critical day in recent Celtics history. Seriously. The MIT guys have plenty of time to come up with every conceivable combination that will help the Celtics, but what are the fans going to do in the interim? There will be endless chatter as to what the Celtics should do should they win the whole thing. Danny Ainge says it won't be the end of the world if Boston doesn't get a top two pick. Do you believe him?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I'm currently working on a Texas recap (and it is harder than you'd think because of some um, blackout issues), but in the mean time, here are just a few links...
*BSM had all the links from Opening Day and Matsuzaka Mania.
*The AP is reporting all charges against the Duke lacrosse team are going to be dropped.
*I read this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution yesterday (one of my favorite airport newspapers) yesterday. Hank Aaron will not attend any kind of ceremony for Barry Bonds.
*Jeff Francour had 5 RBI's yesterday. I knew I should have picked him for at least one of my fantasy teams!
*Jon Lester had another strong start in Greenville.
*Peter King's MMQB had some good Pats and Sox stuff.
*This is kind of a nice story about how a bunch of Brewer's fans came out to cheer on the Indians who are playing some games in Miller Park b/c Cleveland is covered in snow.
I'll be back later with some Opening Day pictures, Patriot pictures, and whatever I can remember from Texas.
*BSM had all the links from Opening Day and Matsuzaka Mania.
*The AP is reporting all charges against the Duke lacrosse team are going to be dropped.
*I read this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution yesterday (one of my favorite airport newspapers) yesterday. Hank Aaron will not attend any kind of ceremony for Barry Bonds.
*Jeff Francour had 5 RBI's yesterday. I knew I should have picked him for at least one of my fantasy teams!
*Jon Lester had another strong start in Greenville.
*Peter King's MMQB had some good Pats and Sox stuff.
*This is kind of a nice story about how a bunch of Brewer's fans came out to cheer on the Indians who are playing some games in Miller Park b/c Cleveland is covered in snow.
I'll be back later with some Opening Day pictures, Patriot pictures, and whatever I can remember from Texas.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Texas in 8 freaking days...
I am sorry for the delay this morning, I was booking a car for Texas! I just need to get out of this state in a hurry. And see the Red Sox play real life games that count. I cannot wait.
Anyways, here are some thoughts while wondering when I can find a weekend to go visit Gabe and Jon.
*Craig Hansen was demoted to AAA. And here I was thinking I was going to have a MLB facebook friend. Damn it. Manny Delcarmen went with him.
*Jeff Horrigan has some more on Dice-K's "struggles".
*Bryan Corey and his 1.50 ERA couldn't fit on the Red Sox roster.
*Lester's going to hang out with Gabe in South Carolina for a bit. Also, he was placed on the DL with Timlin and Clement.
*The current roster looks like this:
PITCHERS (12): Daisuke Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Jonathan Papelbon, Julian Tavarez, Brendan Donnelly, Josh Beckett, Hideki Okajima, Joel Pineiro, J.C. Romero, Kyle Snyder, and Javier Lopez.
CATCHERS (2): Jason Varitek and Doug Mirabelli.
INFIELDERS (6): David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Julio Lugo, Mike Lowell, Alex Cora, and Kevin Youkilis.
*Mike Reiss has some goodies.
*Brian Billick loves AD.
*Marvin Lewis doesn't think AD is that great at safety.
*A nice story about Matt Greinke, pitcher for the Royals.
*The MLBPA is going to file a grievence on behalf of old friend Todd Walker who was cut by the Padres.
*A Mariner's minor leaguer Chris Minaker studied Stanford athletes for steriods and got some pretty interesting results for his thesis paper.
*Are Harvard Athletics racist?
*Juan Pierre is buying Grady Little a motorcyle in exchange for his #9.
*Carl Pavano is the Yankee's Opening Day starter.
hehe
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Is it Friday yet?
Ever wake up in the morning and think, I would really like a white Russian right now? (no? me neither.)
This has already been a super long week. Maybe it is because I know the awesomeness known as St. Patrick's Day is almost upon us. I'm tearing my room apart to find my shamrock earrings tonight.
Anyway, I'm getting bored with Spring Training and while I watch March Madness, I don't know anything basketball or the players playing the tourney. I am doing four pools this year, one with school friends, a facebook one, a work one, and a family one. I picked Texas as the National Champ in the first two, but I might pick a different one in the other two, just to keep my interest incase Texas gets bounced in the first round.
*Anyway, onto the links...
*Jordan's furniture will refund your money if the Red Sox win the World Series. I feel like this is bad karma, I mean, the Red Sox winning the WS and a free couch that I bought in March!
*Jonathan Papelbon killed 4,402 ducks this off season. Papel-blog said it well, so I'll let her take it from here, "Okay, let's go back to this duck hunting thing for a second. The PM points out, 4,402 ducks, 145 days in the off-season, so that's what, 30 ducks a DAY? Does he think he's going to need to feed himself for the long New England summer? Does he tear off their heads with his teeth before starts? If he does, I'm totally fine with that, I'm just curious."
I don't really understand how one finds enough time to kill 142 ducks a day, or what you would possibly do with that much duck.
Anyway, that article has all kinds of quality quotes, including these beauties,
"There are a couple of places in Mississippi we hunt that are big flurries for ducks," Papelbon says. "It's my happy spot."
"I live for that kind of challenge," Papelbon says. "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."
"As for the ducks, Papelbon says he grills them, gives some away to friends and stocks his freezer with the rest.
Says it takes him two minutes to clean a duck, "if that."
Says it takes another two minutes to dress the duck for the freezer.
Or, about the same time it takes him to undress a hitter."
Says it takes him two minutes to clean a duck, "if that."
Says it takes another two minutes to dress the duck for the freezer.
Or, about the same time it takes him to undress a hitter."
*A bunch of Sox including Papelbon, Lester, Delcarmen, Gabbard, Hansack, Kyle Jackson (I have a crush on him), Edgar Martinez, David Pauley, Kottaras, Pedroia, Brandon Moss and David Murphy got new contracts.
*A-Rod wants to finish a Yankee, but he's going to let the fans decide. Apparently he thought they were saying, "Moooovveerr" this whole time.
*O's upped Brian Roberts for another two years.
*Rob Bradford's blog (aka, my favorite) says that the Red Sox are talking to the Giants about Armando Benenitez, who, we all know was very good when we were grade school. I don't know how I'm going to be able to take not having Papelbon in the pen. I had gotten used to having the 9th go smoothly and I'm not ready to go back. As for Julian "Manny's Best Friend" Tavarez, I feel like you need a certian badass Foulkeish demeanor to close, and while he thinks he's a bad ass, I don't think he is actually a bad ass, who knows? maybe that will be enough. That being said, I'll leave you today with a story. Last August in Tampa, my fellow SoxStalkers and I had found our way into the lobby of the hotel. We sat down and noticed a lanky gentleman standing at the front desk saying things like, and room 202, they want an 8 A.M. wake up call, and room 203, they want a 9 A.M. wake up call, and room 204, they want a 9:30 A.M. wake up call, AND then this gentleman turned around, and it was none other than Julian Tavarez. (aka, the guy his teammates made go down to the lobby to set up their wake up calls).
Monday, March 5, 2007
Lester takes the mound...
Jon Lester returned to the mound today and threw 8 pitches in one inning of work, retiring all three batters he faced in the "B" league game this morning. Lester had this to say after the game. "Command was great. I went away when I wanted to go away and went in when I wanted to go in. I was in the general vicinity [with] all my pitches. I don't know what the velocity was. It felt good. We'll just build from here and hopefully get stronger as camp goes on, and if the velocity isn't there, hopefully it will build back up to normal ... I don't think the treatments are a factor right now. I'm still building it back up from the offseason, but I think I'm right about at 85 or 90 percent, getting close and starting to feel a little more comfortable with my body and how things are flowing."
So great!
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