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.

Soxgal 10.0

Last night NESN debuted Globe 10.0, hosted by Bob Ryan with special guest...Dan Shaughnessy! Now, I only caught a few minutes. But, who cares what Bob and Dan thing, when you can hear what I think! I wish they had done a "big finish" like PTI did. If you're going to copy the show, copy the show.

Is Mark Buehrle worth the price?

The rumor mill was swirling yesterday that the RSox were trading Lester and Ellsbury to the WSox for Buehrle and MacDonald. I was under my desk in the fetal position breathing into a brown paperbag. Now I know the wisdom behind proven talent over prospects, and Buehrle is a very good pitcher, he's a lefty, his career record is something like 100-70, he's durable. What we know about Lester is that he's been solid early in return, has struggled as of late, and was 7-2 with a high era and wasn't able to get out of the 5th a lot. But that doesn't matter. Because he's ours. He had us researching lymphoma and saying prayers and sighing relief when we finally got the good word in December. We want his next MLB start to be at Fenway, to an ovation I think will make Trot's and Dave's sound quiet. I am also completey in love with Ellsbury, who not only is from Oregon, where my cousins live, and him and I are facebook friends, so he, quite frankly, cannot be traded. Bad enough Craig Hansen deleted his facebook, but now I'll lose my other facebook friend? Not acceptable. Word has it the ChiSox leaked this trade, and that it was never even close. Anyway, I'd be willing to trade a top pitching prospect for Buehrle, but just one. The ChiSox are losing him after the season and he's saying he's signing with the Cards so we can't give up that great of a prospect for a three month rental.

When will Curt Schilling be back on the mound?

If I was the Red Sox, I'd keep him out at very least till after the All Star break, and even then I wouldn't rush him back. I'd hate to think the reason that Curt is so eager to get on the mound has something to do with his impending free agency.

Is Josh Beckett the best pitcher in the American League?

Well, here's the way I think of it. I LOVE Josh Beckett. We all know how I feel about him. That being said, I think Johan Santana is the best pitcher in the American League. When Santana is out there, you feel like you have a chance to see something really really special. When Josh is out there, I think I'm getting 7-8 strong and a run or two. When Santana is out there, I'm thinking I have a chance to see a no-no or better.

::hoping Joshua reads my blog, is angry, and throws a perfect game next time out::

Are the Red Sox being too careful with Jon Lester?

Jonathan Tyler Lester made his debut on July 10, 2006 at 22. Jonathan R. (why just the R baseball reference? I wonder if he has a hideous middle name? I'll get on it and report back) Papelbon made his debut on July 31, 2005 at age 25. If things hadn't gone completely shithouse with injuries and whatnot, then Lester would probably still be in Pawtucket just like any other player. And, I don't want this to come out the wrong way, but, if he hadn't gotten cancer, would we even be wondering about this? If he had just come up, gone 7-2, gone back down to Pawtucket and was down there now, would it matter? I don't think so.

Should the Celtics keep the #5?

If I was Wyc, I'd start off with a new coach and a new GM. For a GM, I want someone with a plan that can stick to it. And for a coach, I want someone firey who isn't afraid to scare the shit out of all the teenagers I have on my roster. I would be willing to discuss trades with Paul Pierce but not with Al Jefferson. If I keep the pick, I'd take one of the Florida kids in this order, Horford, Brewer, Noah. I would get rid of the cheerleaders. I would have used my millions to buy the naming rights of the Fleet/TD and just call it, The Boston Garden. Or, the Auerbach Auditorium, or something. And I'd buy bigger cups for the mixed drinks. Buckets actually. It's only fair for those who come to pay money to see my team and the Bruins.

What NBA Superstar will be traded this week?

None.

Will former BC Center Sean Williams be a first round pick?

Yes. He's stupid, but he's got nasty skills. He'll go in the first round.

Is the AL East over?

This kind of question is just loaded with bad karma. I think that the AL East is a very competitive division, and the Red Sox are lucky to be this far ahead of all the superb talent.

Where does Ken Griffey Jr. rank on baseball's all time greats?

I hate to say this, but I don't know a ton about non-Red Sox baseball greats. But, I will say that I love Ken Griffey Jr. I think that he, when 100% healthy, is the best player I've ever seen. I also think that if he had been loading up on the HGH all these years, he'd be right there with our next question.

What if Barry Bonds was one of us?

If Barry Bonds was one if us, I'd root for him to tear his ACL every night. Since Barry Bonds is not one of us, I'll root for him to tear his ACL every night.

Onto the links...

*The Sox battled back continuously last night, but couldn't overcome the Mariners, as they lost 8-7. Kason Gabbard had an incredibly wild first inning. (He's still awful handsome).

*Amalie Benjamin has Mike Timlin trying to regain his old form.

*Old friend Trot Nixon remembers old friend Rod Beck.

*Christopher Gasper thinks that Nathan Vasher kind of screwed over Asante Samuel. (I love Nathan Vasher as a side note. I read a really cute article once on him and his mom).

Now, as for the article below, I want to add one thing. The Red Sox fans invade stadiums across the country. It's true. And I'm sure it can be very annoying for fans of other teams. That being said, it was a beautiful night last night in Seattle and one of the best young pitchers in baseball was on the mound against a team he one-hit last time out. And there were plenty of seats left. There is no reason why there weren't more Mariners fans there last night. So don't blame us for your own inadequacies.

The Ramblings...

*To lead off for this latest batch of ramblings, some words about everyone's favorite dirt dog, who I did not talk nearly enough about this week. (I hate when my job gets in the way of my blogging).

- Being there when Trot was introduced quickly moved its way into my favorite Fenway moments. I won't keep you wondering...

1. The Sox coming back against the Yankees on Red Auerbach night and Ok-a-jima coming in for the save.
2. Walk off against the Texas Rangers last July.
3. First Red Sox game. 1990, and the Sox clinched the pennate.
4. Trot coming home.
5. Mother's Day walk-off earlier this year.

- I didn't get to see it till the next day, but the little ceremony for Trot and Kathryn honoring them for their work on the Jimmy Fund was nice. Dr. Steinberg loves stuff like that.

- Trot mic'd up for NESN before the game and him asking everyone whose path he crossed, "How's your family?" (how great is he?)

- I loved how Curt and Josh stood at the back of the mound and waited for Trot to get his ovation both of the first two games. Very nice.

- I did not love how Jonathan made the 9th interesting. So, we all know how Jonathan now comes into Wild Thing, and then when he gets to the mound, Shipping up to Boston comes on. Well, I guess the Shipping up to Boston thing was also Dr. Steinberg's idea...the thought Wild Thing wasn't indimidating enough. I could not disagree more. I was the 2nd Yankees game @ the Fens this year, and when Wild Thing came on, everyone went absolutely nuts, then, the song ended when the batter came up, and everyone kept singing another line or two. That, combined with the best closer in the game and a 96 mile an hour fastball is intimidating.

*Mr. President of bush league and Mrs. Rodriguez took a walk around Boston Common yesteray. Mrs. A-Rod rushed to his side in Boston, and had dinner with him last night at Grill 23 before heading back to the Ritz. I'm sure the blond was his assistant. (be sure to click on the pictures in that last link).

*As for the Red Sox, I mean, could anyone have wished for anything more 50 games in? I don't think so. Everything is just going well. I'm sure we'll cross our rough patches, but this team is the real deal. (::dodging lightening bolts::)

*Just for the record, I am 11-4 this season. After starting out 0-2, I have rebounded nicely. Also, I am 6-0 in May. That my friends, is a .733 winning percentage.

*Shaughnessy says that Red would have liked A-Rod's yell against the Jays. No word on whether he would have liked the blond.

*Pat's had passing camp yesterday. They also announced Training Camp will start on the 27th.

I have missed that lovely gray cut off sweatshirt Bill.

*A large continegent of media was there to catch Randy Moss. Mike Reiss's notebook has the players still shocked and saddened by the loss of Marquise Hill, and also talks about where Adalius Thomas will fit in with the linebacker corps. Karen Guregian also has the Pats dealing with losing Hill.

*Former Patriot OG Joe Andruzzi has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and has begun treatment at Dana-Faber in Boston. Thoughts and prayers for him.

*LeBron has taken over the Cavs / Piston's series, scoring 48 last night, and 29 of his teams last 30 points (what!?!). The Cavs now lead the Pistons 3-2 after starting off 0-2. If the Piston's lose, I'd like to ask the fine City of Detroit to not burn down the Ritz Carlton, and if the Piston's win, I'd like to ask the fine City of Detroit to not burn down the Ritz Carlton.

*Billy Donovan is jumping ship at Florida and heading to coach the Orlando Magic. I have a few problems with this. But mainly just one. All those kids on Florida should be free to transfer. You get recruited by the best coach in college basketball and then he rides off into the sunset. You should be able to, too. Either that, or all coaches who want to change jobs should have to sit out a season.

*One reason why fantasy baseball makes being a fan more and less fun all at once. Carlos Betran is going for an MRI today after he left the game last night following a collision. You can guess whose fantasy team Carlos suits up for.

(This is a real tragedy for my team. We are currently only 6 points out of 7th place {we're moving on up}. I had a good meeting with my pitching staff the other night, followed by them pitching 17 scoreless innings on Wednesday night. Manny is starting to come around, and now we have to deal with the injury bug).

*Former Celtics Assistant Coach Jim O'Brien has been named head coach of the Pacers. I always liked him. And his K-Mart suits.

*Good article by Pat Forde on the Arkansas AD Frank Broyles.

*An NFL study links concussions to depression. I'm shocked having multiple brain injuries and having your brain bleed can cause complications down the road. Really. I'm shocked.

*I feel really bad for the Steeler's coach who forwarded the porn. I mean, he's 61...a grandfather, and he said, "I'm not very good at these machines and I hit the wrong button". Poor guy, he's not very good at these machines!

*A list of other baseball players and their girlfriends. (Well not really)

*Tony Romo and Carrie Underwood through?

A source to the Enquirer said Romo had made the same request for space previously, but this time "Carrie thought that they were moving closer to a more committed relationship." Romo's latest move means the coupling is likely over, as "Carrie wants a firm commitment from Tony."

UPDATE: The NATIONAL LEDGER reports Ted Casablanca of E! Online is claiming Jessica Simpson is to blame for the breakup: "Tony invited (Jessica) to Dallas, and she’s going. Of course, he doesn’t want Carrie to find out." The two are reportedly "already spending lots of time together, as in entire weekends."

*I was reading "suggestions" for heckles today at boston.com, and here are a few of my favorites...

-Half your assets (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

-Where's your stripper?

-Stray-Rod

-Joslyn (the reported name of the girlfriend)

-Mine whenever there is a pop-up (obviously)

-Someone else suggested an uncomfortably long standing ovation. If we could get everyone together on this, I'd be a big fan.

-Someone else suggested a blond wig and taping one dollar bills to yourself. (love this one)

-Everyone else was saying we should stick with the classic, "Where is Roger?" but I think that has to be held out till we are going for the sweep. Then we can ask why Torre is holding Roger for the all important White Sox series.

*Okay, hopefully this extended blog update makes up for my week of slacking. I'll be at Fenway tonight for Wang @ Wake. Hopefully the knuckler will be dancing this evening. And if it isn't, can we at least bring Donnelly in in relief to throw one at A-Rod's rib cage?

Not much to talk about with no game last night. The Sox are in Dallas (bored, I'd imagine), and Dice-K is on the hill tonight. Everyone have a good weekend. I'll check in if anything big happens this weekend, otherwise, see you Tuesday.

Go Senators!

*LeBron almost beat the Pistons again. He takes the shot in game 1 and gets the foul call in game 2, this whole series could be different. Or, so I've been told. Haven't actually watched one minute.

*Youk is great.

*Sean McAdam says the Sox have three weaknesses...J.D. Drew, the bullpen, and CF.

*Did A-Rod apologize to Pedroia? Does anyone care?

*John Smoltz got his 200th and denied Tom Glavine the chance to move closer to 300.

*NFL security is offering to help Virginia in the Vick dog fighting case.

*Things got fiesty in Florida last night between the Marlins and Phillies.

*Jeter passed Joe Dimaggio on the all time Yankee hit list. That's crazy.

*Josh Hancock's dad is suing the restaurant that he says, "overserved" his son. I don't think it's the bar's fault, I think it's Josh's fault, but I'm sure his dad is angry and I really can't blame him here.

*I can't believe Nick Saban did something scummy. That seems so unlike him.

*Brett Myers hurt his shoulder last night. Karma's a bitch.

A bone to pick with SG...

The NBA from LVP to MVP, Part I

By Bill Simmons Page 2

First, the good news: We'll forget the lackluster regular season once the NBA playoffs kick off with a barrage of spectacular matchups, assuming everything breaks correctly. I don't need to sell you on the Spurs-Nuggets, Lakers-Suns or Cavs-Heat battles, but a Jazz-Rockets series works for any true basketball fan, and you don't like sports if you can't get excited for Nellie's run-and-gun Warriors battling his old Mavs team, or Toronto laying its feel-good season on the line against New Jersey and Public Enemy No. 1 (Vince Carter).

First of all, I am so sick of reading about SG's take on basketball I could poke myself in the eye. Secondly, I hate when columnists say stuff like, "you don't like sports if you can't get excited for Nellie's run-and-gun Warriors battling his old Mavs team, or Toronto laying its feel-good season on the line against New Jersey and Public Enemy No. 1 (Vince Carter)." Okay then, I thought up until now, that I liked sports, but, seeing I could not possibly care less about this and probably wouldn't watch the whole series if someone was paying me $100.00, then, well, so be it. You caught me SG, I don't like sports.

some random afternoon things...

This is a pretty funny article about a Red Sox fan who ran the marathon with Yankee garb.

Joey Crawford was suspended for the rest of the season.

And just incase someone hasn't seen it yet...



Also, I did the ESPN draft calculator 8 times or so today, and got Oden once, Durant once, and Noah 6 times.

Un-freaking-believeable

Finally Friday!

Thoughts while wondering how I went wrong picking Oral Roberts over Washington State...

*Tank Johnson was sentenced yesterday to 120 days in jail for violating his probation. He was also sentenced to 80 days house arrest, which, he has already served. What exactly do you have to do to get house arrest? Because, quite frankly, I'm down. I have been meaning to organize my closet, there are a ton of netflix on my list that I haven't had time to watch, some books I'd like to read. I'd also like to learn a language. I'd also probably take up video games and rent the a few seasons of 24.

*Sports Guy kept a running diary of yesterdays games. I know a lot of people get down on SG, but I still love him. Just want to let that be known.

*"Hey Kids, Do Drugs" How do people get to be so stupid? Honestly.

*Curt has a post, Why the Media Sucks. I have often said that I wish Curt would stop talking and just play, ect. That being said, his blog helps me get through the long day in the world of Customer Service.

*Some English guy bought a 4 dollar ticket for a horse race and won 1.4 million dollars. To the track we go!

*Sammy Sosa made the 40 man roster.

*I had VCU on my bracket. I feel pretty good about myself.

*BC won. Had them too. I think I should let everyone know that when I was the assistant coach of Paul's basketball team, we were none other than the BC Eagles. I was mainly in charge of calling players to remind them about practice, buying pizza, and cleaning skinned knees. Very important job.

*Holy Cross takes on Southern Illinois tonight. I obviously have to root for the kids that might love Worcester like I do. (actually, no one loves Worcester like I do).

*Phil Kessel won another shoot out for the B's last night. Kid's nasty.

*The Patriots are getting ready for the draft by working out some college kids.

*From Buster Olney's blog, "Brad Lidge was banged up. The Red Sox are closely tracking Lidge, among other relievers this spring, because of concerns about their own bullpen. Heard that the Astros have indicated they have no interest in trading Lidge. If they ever did change their minds, however, you know this: The Red Sox would have to seriously overpay to get him, because the cost of good relief pitching has skyrocketed.

What's a fair price for Lidge? You could assume that the Astros might start by demanding top outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury, insisting on someone like Craig Hansen, and wanting even more than that."

First of all, they are my two Red Sox facebook friends, so that is just okay. Second, Lidge? Are we thinking about the same guy here? Third, Theo trades Jacoby and he is dead to me.

Fourth, well, for my fourth reason I'll turn it over to John Tomase's blog post from yesterday, "Just got two of the latest media guides off the presses and both are amusing for obvious reasons. The Reds media guide features a giant photo of Bronson Arroyo – looks like there’s life after Boston after all — while the Pirates guide has a color photo of Freddy Sanchez, the former Red Sox farmhand who won the 2006 National League batting title.

Looking at the respective covers, it’s hard not to recall Theo Epstein’s line from last July — “I traded half of the National League All-Star team.”

Don't forget a young kid with nasty stuff who pitched a no hitter and the NL Rookie of the Year! Good work!

(maybe I'm still bitter because I was "removed" from standing next to Theo by a giant man wearing a Cecil Fielder shirt.)

Eh, let's hope today goes by quick!

In about one week, Barry Zito (right, incase you couldn't tell), went from being one of my favorite non-Red Sox to one of my least favorite people on earth. How the Mighty fall.

Again with a late entry! My four readers are going to riot! (but the Barry and Barry was worth it right?)

The first spring training game is tomorrow! Curt is on the mound, and according to the Globe, the line-up looks like this:

1. Julio Lugo, SS

2. Kevin Youkilis, 1B

3. David Ortiz, DH

4. Jason Varitek, C

5. Mike Lowell, 3B

6. Wily Mo Pena, RF

7. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

8. David Murphy, LF

9. Jacob Ellsbury, CF

I'm excited for some real / fake games to get started. I'm also excited to see my friend, Jacoby Ellsbury (I hate when people call him Jacob, I mean, that is probably what he goes by, but how many people do you know called Jacoby? Me, just one. And by friends, I mean, we are facebook friends. Yes, I am that creepy. As if you had any doubt).

I have a couple Manny things to say. First, I think that the questioning of Manny's agents yesterday was completely immature (calling him a 12 year old and a meal ticket). Aren't these guys supposed to be professional writers? How about calling Manny, "your biggest client" or "immature". I think that that was rude and unnecessary. As for Manny coming late, I wouldn't really care if he showed up April 1st. I just don't want to hear about it any more.

Dear Boston Globe Sports Section Photographers and Editors,

I understand that Diasuke Matsuzaka is a big name / face at Spring Training this year. I truly do understand this, I even already bought my shirt. However, I would like to remind you that there are other players at camp. When I browse through the daily gallery and am greeted by 25 Dice-K pictures followed by 3 of other players, it makes me pound my head on the computer. Some more Beckett please. (And Mike Lowell) (and the minor leaguers I am still getting to know) (and more Beckett).

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Love,

Amanda

Onto the links...

The Sheff won't cooperate with MLB's steriod investigation. I wonder why. I'm going to miss all the tools at Yankee Stadium with their chef hats. On a scale of 1 being not clever and 10 being very clever, that is at least a 2. My favorite Yankee Stadium tradition (aside from Liam trying to murder that MFY fan on the way out), has always been the, "Hip Hip JORGE". That always puts a hop in my step. (a hop towards an opening to jump out of).

Rob Bradford's blog continues to dominate. You should read it.

Shaun Livingston dislocated his knee. It's on Youtube if that's your kind of thing. Ouch. *Random training room story. I only saw this once on a basketball player, and it was pretty much the gory-est thing ever. Second only to the dislocated shoulder.

Charles Barkley vs. Dick Bavetta

Sir Charles and the worlds oldest ref are going head to head in a race all star weekend.