Friday, October 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Tek
Photocredit: ErinCox Photomanipulation: Jaid
Guess what I did while I wasn't sleeping last night???
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wild Things
Congratulations Boston Red Sox. I love saying that at the end of the season. It's either Wild Card or Groovy Banner, it's ALL good!
12 years* 6 months ago the Sox opened in Japan against the Athletics. I thought then, that it was unfair to both teams to have to break camp early and play on a different planet. I felt like someone had stacked the deck against the Red Sox. With that kind of start {and the injuries} and the sensitivity that Dice K has to travel, I figured we, the Nation, had a good excuse if they failed to make the playoffs. The really weird thing is that I wasn't that worried. Truly, we own the wild card. It's a given. It's ours {if we go one step beyond, we get the groovy banner} It's a habit. You know, like Arod choking.I have been teased by a friend, all year about the DEVIL Rays. "Hey! When are they gonna die?? You said they would fold! What? Sox can't beat the Ray of sunshine??" ** The DEVIL Rays surprised me. But thanks to them, I can't even respect what they have accomplished as a team this season. Had they just played and talked about what a great feeling it is to be out of the cellar... Nope, what they had to do was get all uppity. Cocky. Smug. They beat us at the Trop and then played "Sweet Caroline" while the Sox Faithful filed out of that vile, sorry excuse for a ball park. They brought a knife to a fist fight. So, it comes down to one game. Am I worried? Nope. "We" played all season, hurt, tired, distracted and stayed in second place through it all.*** The DEVIL Rays season was an aberration. A cosmic mistake. For those of you following "Fringe"... a butterfly effect. I'm not worried. One game or another, we still playing in October. "Excuse me, Mr. Jeter? Can I carry that golf bag for you?"I really can't help but wonder, what if:
* It sure feels like it was 12 years ago! It has been a very long season.
** My ex friend survived his initial injuries and my court ordered house arrest would have ended on Monday, however... police say they know for a fact that my house was the last place he was seen alive... I might need some help with bail...
*** Second is the new first ;-)
****He has forgotten the bible school story of Sampson!
*****Last day of summer is in Novenbah! Fascist calandar
- Papi didn't hurt his wrist.
- Mike didn't hurt his hip.
- Tek didn't mess with his swing and slump.
- Drew didn't hurt his back.
- Buchholtz didn't implode
- Oki didn't lose his pitch location
- Lugo didn't tear his quad... stop laughing!
- Schilling didn't hurt his shoulder.
- Colon didn't hurt his back during interleague play... {and lose his everlovingmind in the process}
- Ellsbury didn't doubt himself out of identifying pitches.
- Timlin didn't cut his finger and hurt his knee after that
- Coco didn't cut his hair****
- Everybody didn't get the flu... and strep throat... and the flu again.
- Manny had just been Manny and not listened to "Boris the Spider".
* It sure feels like it was 12 years ago! It has been a very long season.
** My ex friend survived his initial injuries and my court ordered house arrest would have ended on Monday, however... police say they know for a fact that my house was the last place he was seen alive... I might need some help with bail...
*** Second is the new first ;-)
****He has forgotten the bible school story of Sampson!
*****Last day of summer is in Novenbah! Fascist calandar
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I Live For This!
Erin got up before the sun this morning and send me this picture of Jason Varitek. Looks like my voodoo doll is working. It's a rare treat to open your mailbox and see Tek in his familiar and endearing squat on second base. The side of the base that he is perched on says "I Live For This" Far out... so do I! Thank you Erin. I'm still smiling.
PS... click on the picture for a life size version.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Blackout
I missed the whole series against Baltimore. You know, the one where Tek hit a couple of homers and real nifty double? Uh-huh, that one. I was blacked out. Before you begin to wonder about just how much beer I was enjoying, let me be clear. MLB.COM blacked me out. Why? Because I live close enough to Baltimore to purchase a ticket and put my fanny in a seat. I went to Map quest and fed it the start and end info, this is what it spit out: Estimated Time: 8.0 hours 15 minutes Estimated Distance: 488.87 miles. I currently reside in North {Sweet} Carolina {Ba-Ba-Ba} tho, not by choice*. In fact, I live close enough to South Carolina, I could spit at it, and sometimes do. So, counting NC, Va, and driving through {i.e. all the way around!} D.C. Camden Yards is like 3 States away! 8 hours and 15 minutes, does not include, potty and fuel stops, food stops, detours, road {de}construction and all the the other crap that goes with 8 hour car trips. What it also does not take into consideration is THE TRIP BACK! THE TIME IT TAKES TO PLAY THE GAME AND THE FACT THAT I WILL HAVE TO DO IT 3 DAYS IN A ROW!!! I pay for Internet service, I pay to "watch every game, every day, everywhere" {that's what they say} in fine print it says "subject to black out". I understand that there is money to be made by having fans come out to the park. I understand that stations like FOX and ESPN want exclusivity rights to broadcast games. I'm OK with that. I'm not OK with being blacked out of nearly every game played on the East Coast. Oh yeah, you read that right. The teams I am blacked out for: Baltimore, Cincinnati, Washington DC and Atlanta. That is nearly every team on the Eastern Seaboard. The good news is, all of them but Baltimore are National League and they don't count until October. Here is how it works. MLB.TV takes my money and I get to watch my beloved Red Sox games on a small computer screen. Sometimes, the games are on ESPN, Fox or one of the Big 3 Networks. That is a BONUS! Yeah!! Sox on the big screen! Never mind the irony**
I'm still paying to watch online but it's OK, it's on the TV!! Only sometimes, FOX, ESPN, etc, buys the right to broadcast the game, but they don't air it. Or, they do, just not in my area. This falls under "regional broadcast". So, the last 3 days the Red Sox played in Baltimore and I {got to see preseason football, eeew} could not see it online OR on the TV because I live within driving distance to Camden Yards. :~)
Let's review: I'm paying {through the nose} for cable, Internet service and MLB.COM. I did NOT see the whole Baltimore series that I paid for twice because I was blacked out. Blacked out because Baltimore is within driving distance from where I live. Here, I'll draw you a picture:
Oh yeah, I'm pissed. Wouldn't you be?
*I'm not incarcerated or anything. I can leave when ever I want. It's just that we do, what we do, for those we love. Love brought me here. It could be worse.
** I have a pretty big TV, I have a fairly small monitor. 90% of my visual entertainment is baseball online, 10% is Lost, Grey's and CSI {and soon Fringe} on the television. Please note that all of these shows are on Thursday. WTF is up with that???
I'm still paying to watch online but it's OK, it's on the TV!! Only sometimes, FOX, ESPN, etc, buys the right to broadcast the game, but they don't air it. Or, they do, just not in my area. This falls under "regional broadcast". So, the last 3 days the Red Sox played in Baltimore and I {got to see preseason football, eeew} could not see it online OR on the TV because I live within driving distance to Camden Yards. :~)
Let's review: I'm paying {through the nose} for cable, Internet service and MLB.COM. I did NOT see the whole Baltimore series that I paid for twice because I was blacked out. Blacked out because Baltimore is within driving distance from where I live. Here, I'll draw you a picture:
Oh yeah, I'm pissed. Wouldn't you be?*I'm not incarcerated or anything. I can leave when ever I want. It's just that we do, what we do, for those we love. Love brought me here. It could be worse.
** I have a pretty big TV, I have a fairly small monitor. 90% of my visual entertainment is baseball online, 10% is Lost, Grey's and CSI {and soon Fringe} on the television. Please note that all of these shows are on Thursday. WTF is up with that???
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Jabba likes head...
Marty Foster is apparently on the Yankee's payroll. The home plate umpire did a bang up job of making sure the Yankees got the win last night. Marty Foster knew full well that Jabba The Hutt {I've noticed some people call him Jabba the Slut. This is inaccurate as NO ONE will have sex with the slug, so technically he is not a slut, but a slut wannabe} would get around to throwing at Kevin Youkilis' head. He should have issued a warning right at the beginning of the game, not after he threw a hard object 90+ mph at Youk's head. To me, it screams premeditated and conspiracy. Jabba should have been ejected as soon as Youk was knocked down. He wasn't but later, Mike Lowell was. Smell that? Stinks, don't it?
This is what Ian Browne wrote, in case you missed it:
BOSTON -- It was a subplot that could have faded quietly into the
night, Joba Chamberlain's perplexing habit of throwing baseballs that land high and tight on Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, or behind him.
But in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday night at Fenway Park, another chapter unfolded. For the fourth time since last August, Chamberlain fired a pitch that could have done a lot of harm to Youkilis if it had hit him. Instead, the up-and-in offering was dodged by Youkilis, who went sprawling to the dirt.
"Nobody wants the ball right there," said Chamberlain. "Nobody wants the ball in at 90 [mph], whatever it was. But at the end of the day, it's 1-0, and I'm trying to get a win and it's what you have to do. It's a 2-0 count and the game's 1-0, you think I want to lose the lead and put the lead runner on with those guys behind him? No shot."
Chamberlain wound up striking out Youkilis. The Yankees hung on for the 1-0 win.
Accident or not, Youkilis was clearly angered by Chamberlain's latest misfire. He was restrained by home-plate umpire Marty Foster, and both sides received warnings.
"Inside? It was at his head," said Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett. "Inside is the pitches I was throwing to Alex [Rodriguez]."
Those who wondered if Beckett might retaliate never got an answer, because the right-hander was removed before the top of the eighth.
"It worked out," said Beckett. "I had a lot of adrenaline going anyway. [Manager Terry Francona] had already pulled me from the game."
Youkilis did not speak to reporters after the game. Last August at Yankee Stadium, Chamberlain threw back-to-back pitches that went behind Youkilis. The hard-throwing righty was suspended for two games. Three weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, Chamberlain threw one up and in on Youkilis. All of those encounters brought heightened security to what occurred on Friday.
"It's unfortunate they gave a warning there for both sides," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "But I understand why they did it, and I understand why Youkilis is upset about it. But a 1-0 game, you are not going to hit the leadoff guy, that would just be crazy. But I understand why people get emotional."
Red Sox captain Jason Varitek was asked if it bothered the team that Chamberlain continues to throw those type of pitches at Youkilis.
"Of course it does, of course it does," said Varitek.
Sox third baseman Mike Lowell had the most rational view of all.
"I don't know how angry we are," Lowell said. "It could be a coincidence, because I really don't think 2-0 in that situation, up 1-0, you want to hit Youkilis. But it's actually four times. Back-to-back pitches in New York [last year] and another one [this year], and then this time. That guy throws hard. If anything, look at the replay, it's going right at his head. You're more concerned. One of them gets him in the head, it could be something very serious. I think that's more the concern than anger or the rivalry or anything like that."
Considering the type of command Chamberlain has, it is odd that all of his overly inside offerings against Boston seem to occur with Youkilis at the plate.
"He has great command until Youk gets in there," said Francona. "I don't know [if there was intent]. I would not have that that answer."
night, Joba Chamberlain's perplexing habit of throwing baseballs that land high and tight on Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, or behind him.But in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday night at Fenway Park, another chapter unfolded. For the fourth time since last August, Chamberlain fired a pitch that could have done a lot of harm to Youkilis if it had hit him. Instead, the up-and-in offering was dodged by Youkilis, who went sprawling to the dirt.
"Nobody wants the ball right there," said Chamberlain. "Nobody wants the ball in at 90 [mph], whatever it was. But at the end of the day, it's 1-0, and I'm trying to get a win and it's what you have to do. It's a 2-0 count and the game's 1-0, you think I want to lose the lead and put the lead runner on with those guys behind him? No shot."
Chamberlain wound up striking out Youkilis. The Yankees hung on for the 1-0 win.
Accident or not, Youkilis was clearly angered by Chamberlain's latest misfire. He was restrained by home-plate umpire Marty Foster, and both sides received warnings.
"Inside? It was at his head," said Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett. "Inside is the pitches I was throwing to Alex [Rodriguez]."
Those who wondered if Beckett might retaliate never got an answer, because the right-hander was removed before the top of the eighth.
"It worked out," said Beckett. "I had a lot of adrenaline going anyway. [Manager Terry Francona] had already pulled me from the game."
Youkilis did not speak to reporters after the game. Last August at Yankee Stadium, Chamberlain threw back-to-back pitches that went behind Youkilis. The hard-throwing righty was suspended for two games. Three weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, Chamberlain threw one up and in on Youkilis. All of those encounters brought heightened security to what occurred on Friday.
"It's unfortunate they gave a warning there for both sides," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "But I understand why they did it, and I understand why Youkilis is upset about it. But a 1-0 game, you are not going to hit the leadoff guy, that would just be crazy. But I understand why people get emotional."
Red Sox captain Jason Varitek was asked if it bothered the team that Chamberlain continues to throw those type of pitches at Youkilis.
"Of course it does, of course it does," said Varitek.
Sox third baseman Mike Lowell had the most rational view of all.
"I don't know how angry we are," Lowell said. "It could be a coincidence, because I really don't think 2-0 in that situation, up 1-0, you want to hit Youkilis. But it's actually four times. Back-to-back pitches in New York [last year] and another one [this year], and then this time. That guy throws hard. If anything, look at the replay, it's going right at his head. You're more concerned. One of them gets him in the head, it could be something very serious. I think that's more the concern than anger or the rivalry or anything like that."
Considering the type of command Chamberlain has, it is odd that all of his overly inside offerings against Boston seem to occur with Youkilis at the plate.
"He has great command until Youk gets in there," said Francona. "I don't know [if there was intent]. I would not have that that answer."
---Ian Browne
Sunday, June 29, 2008
33 Restaurant
Crusin' around the Internet today I came across a restaurant called 33. 
The logo is in red, even. Excellent! I encourage you to take a friend and try it out.
The menu rocks!
If someone would like to send me a gift card, this is what I'd like...
From The Bar: Raspberry Sangria
Starter: 1/2 doz Oysters 3 Ways*
Entree: Surf & Turf
Sides: Grilled Asparagus & Sautéed Foraged Mushrooms**
Dessert: Chocolate Beignets***
<---- Here is a map and you are very welcome. Boston is beautiful, but a stinker to get around, unless you know where your going. Even then, I wouldn't place any bets. I get lost just turning around in a circle. I'm serious. I have absolutely no sense of direction. Easiest thing to do is just hail a cab and give an address.
* I could actually make a meal out of just the starters.
**I wonder what the pay rate is for mushroom forager? I like to hunt shrooms, didn't know I could make a living at it.
*** Oh. My. God. I love beignets!
33 Restaurant & Lounge
The logo is in red, even. Excellent! I encourage you to take a friend and try it out.
The menu rocks!
If someone would like to send me a gift card, this is what I'd like...
From The Bar: Raspberry Sangria
Starter: 1/2 doz Oysters 3 Ways*
Entree: Surf & Turf
Sides: Grilled Asparagus & Sautéed Foraged Mushrooms**
Dessert: Chocolate Beignets***
<---- Here is a map and you are very welcome. Boston is beautiful, but a stinker to get around, unless you know where your going. Even then, I wouldn't place any bets. I get lost just turning around in a circle. I'm serious. I have absolutely no sense of direction. Easiest thing to do is just hail a cab and give an address.* I could actually make a meal out of just the starters.
**I wonder what the pay rate is for mushroom forager? I like to hunt shrooms, didn't know I could make a living at it.
*** Oh. My. God. I love beignets!
33 Restaurant & Lounge
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Pot Calls Kettle Black...
I watched video last night of Youk and Manny being Varitek. They were goofing on Tek and Casey's batting stance. Youk has one of the bounciest and wiggliest batting stances I have seen. So it was really funny to watch him trip on somebody else. Manny too. They mimicked Sean Casey's left leg going up like a stork and Tek's right leg {he was batting lefty} sliding in and out. His bat making circles over his head and the adorable way he takes a deep breath and hopes like hell, he makes contact. I wish they had a dugout cam nestled in the corner of the screen. We miss a lot of really funny stuff, because they always seem to be showing something unrelated to baseball. Or worse, they cut away for some ridiculous interview with a complete nobody. This seems to happen a lot when Jason is at bat. "Let's go to the studio!" Let's not.
Screen Capture Captain...
Say that 3 times fast...
Tek shaves himself out of a hitting slump.
I love the scruff, buy if a shave and a haircut is all it takes.
Sooner is better than later. Tek reached base three times last night. He was 3 of the10 left on base.
He looks sexy in green. And red and blue and...
Tek shaves himself out of a hitting slump.
I love the scruff, buy if a shave and a haircut is all it takes.
Sooner is better than later. Tek reached base three times last night. He was 3 of the10 left on base.
He looks sexy in green. And red and blue and...
Friday, June 27, 2008
Who's on First...
I swear I can't listen to this without hearing "Youks on first"? For the youngsters out there... This is one of the best baseball routines ever written. Enjoy!
Friday, June 20, 2008
All Of The Above...
I saw this poll on the Red Sox website. To quote a friend "SERIOUSLY?" How do you pick just one and possibly more important, why is this list so short? The most important question for me is... Where the hell is Jason's name?
So long Schil...
It was announced today that Curt Schilling will have season ending surgery on his shoulder. It is quite possibly the end of his career... with the Red Sox.
You know Schill. If there is even the slightest chance that he can throw again next year, he will talk someone into paying him to do it.
I wish him the best of luck with his surgery and I hope he heals well. I'll miss him. He and Tek are the two most prepared players in baseball.
BWI...
Blogging While Intoxicated.
On Friday nights I like to watch Soxball. I buy some beer and I get into a comfy chair and cheer on the boys in Red Sox. It's a great way to end the week. Rain delays are not a good thing on Friday nights. I might get drunk before the delay is over.
Tonight the Boys wear green in honor of the Celtics. They did what we asked and "beat L.A." Keven Millar bet against the Celtics. I fear he has been away from home for entirely too long. It's OK tho, he won't do it again. He lost and had to use "Ice Ice Baby" for his at bat song. How humbling... Not only does it have some of the stupidest lyrics I have ever heard. The music is a total ripoff of Queen/Bowie "Under Pressure" Hmmm, irony. How fitting. Come home Kev, we miss you.
Kevin Cash will catch for Wake tonight. Oh dear. The more I see Cash, the more I miss Belli. I guess Cash wants kids someday. He catches Wake sidesaddle. I'm not going to do my whole "I hate Cash" rant. Go back to the older posts to read it.
Hoo-ray! It's time for baseball! Looks like it won't be a rain out after all. Go Sox~
Tonight the Boys wear green in honor of the Celtics. They did what we asked and "beat L.A." Keven Millar bet against the Celtics. I fear he has been away from home for entirely too long. It's OK tho, he won't do it again. He lost and had to use "Ice Ice Baby" for his at bat song. How humbling... Not only does it have some of the stupidest lyrics I have ever heard. The music is a total ripoff of Queen/Bowie "Under Pressure" Hmmm, irony. How fitting. Come home Kev, we miss you.
Kevin Cash will catch for Wake tonight. Oh dear. The more I see Cash, the more I miss Belli. I guess Cash wants kids someday. He catches Wake sidesaddle. I'm not going to do my whole "I hate Cash" rant. Go back to the older posts to read it.
Hoo-ray! It's time for baseball! Looks like it won't be a rain out after all. Go Sox~
To Catch A Thief...
Jacoby Ellsbury broke the club record of 31 rookie steals last Sunday... twice. He stole second to get 32 and then decided 3rd base looked like it had a better view of home plate, so he stole it too. My mother once told me "No one likes a thief". Mom was wrong. I like Jacoby just fine. "Wheels" Ellsbury is a fun guy to watch on both offense and defense. I really enjoy watching games that both Jacoby and Coco play together. Yesterday Sean Casey got a steal. Laugh, I'll wait.
Jacoby is definitely our "DT" {designated thief} but I'm all for the Manny's and Casey's who feel like taking a run at 2nd base. It looks like fun and to tell you the truth, if I was standing on first base I'd think about it too. To be real, if I'm on 1st base you can bet that security is not very far behind.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Newish
Today I'm putting up a couple of new{ish} pictures. The 1st one, Papi and Tek is from last year. That's the "ish" one. The second is one I took yesterday.... thus, newish. I have been sick for a couple of days, so all I really want to do is sleep. Goodnight.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Educating Granny
Today I celebrated Fathers Day a day early. My parents and Grandparents {as well as all my brothers and sisters} are all dead. I like old people, they make me laugh, think, and feel a strong sense of gratitude for what the "Greatest Generation" did for the "Baby Boomers". That's me, I came in at the end. Also, I think it's important for children to have old people in thier lives. So today, my son and I celebrated Fathers Day {and Mothers Day} with a couple of old folks we know and had a wonderful day. I cooked dinner for them while we all watched the Red Sox game. We moved the dining room table into the living room so that we wouldn't miss any of the excitement. Boy, was there some excitement! By the end of the game {and desert} we converted an 81 year old woman into a Red Sox fan. I had help. Wake, Youk, Mike, Jacoby, Coco...
She didn't know a whole lot about baseball, except that you can really piss of your son when you throw out his cards. She said this was the first game she ever actually sat down and watched, with someone who could explain what was happening, without telling her to shush! My son is 10 and is, like his Mom, a Sox fan through and through. He had a great time showing of his knowledge, and admitting that he was learning a lot as well.
Granny was was amazed that so many people were yelling Youk's name, away from Fenway. This, in fact, continues to amaze me as well. She thought Manny had "beautiful hair!" Coco had a gorgeous smile. She didn't understand how Wake could throw the ball so slow and still they missed it. We explained the knuckle ball. Because we DVR'd the game we could show it to her in slow motion. The thought Pedroia "much to small to play with those big men, he might get hurt". Pap looked ferocious! Lowell was "a real looker!" When the Sox hit back to back homers to stay in it, I thought the excitement and the stress of the bottom of the inning might kill her. I didn't need to worry, she was hooked!
I wore one of my Tek shirts today. About half way through the game she asked about him. "I see his name on your shirt and you and Gage have talked about him all day. Is he one of those men that have had their numbers painted on the wall?" "Yes", I said. "But not yet." We explained Varitek. Tomorrow she wants to come over to watch the game with us again, because she wants to see the god. I may have gushed a little. I hope he is well enough to play. I bet he hopes so too.
By the 2nd inning Granny had a pad of paper and pen and was writing down the batting order and their positions. By the end of the 8th, she wanted to know where she could get a hat. While the Sox congratulated themselves on a hard win, she was giving me a list of Red Sox items she wanted me to order off the Internet and a handful of cash. As she was leaving, she told me her son was a Yankee fan. My job is complete. The Nation got a little bigger.
Tomorrow I will show her the Red Sox website. Let her pick out what she wants before the game starts then, we will continue her indoctriNATION. Gage thinks it's a great idea to show her the ALCS and World Series videos. She is missing Papi, Manny,{being Manny} Tek and Dice K because of injuries and illness.
Today she got to see Jacoby steal 2 bases. That was enough to give him the most stolen bases by a rookie since 1908. Wow. He also leads the Major League in stolen bases, that's everybody.
I thinks she's a little bit in love with him, but aren't we all? She saw Sean Casey get the giggles after introducing his team mates. She's a little in love with him too...
I realize that I am probably just as excited about tomorrows game as she is! For her sake, I hope our boys hit lots of home runs {Granny really likes to see them fly!} and we steal a few bases {she likes to see Jacoby fly too}. Beckett starts tomorrow, I really hope we don't kill her.
She didn't know a whole lot about baseball, except that you can really piss of your son when you throw out his cards. She said this was the first game she ever actually sat down and watched, with someone who could explain what was happening, without telling her to shush! My son is 10 and is, like his Mom, a Sox fan through and through. He had a great time showing of his knowledge, and admitting that he was learning a lot as well.
Granny was was amazed that so many people were yelling Youk's name, away from Fenway. This, in fact, continues to amaze me as well. She thought Manny had "beautiful hair!" Coco had a gorgeous smile. She didn't understand how Wake could throw the ball so slow and still they missed it. We explained the knuckle ball. Because we DVR'd the game we could show it to her in slow motion. The thought Pedroia "much to small to play with those big men, he might get hurt". Pap looked ferocious! Lowell was "a real looker!" When the Sox hit back to back homers to stay in it, I thought the excitement and the stress of the bottom of the inning might kill her. I didn't need to worry, she was hooked!
I wore one of my Tek shirts today. About half way through the game she asked about him. "I see his name on your shirt and you and Gage have talked about him all day. Is he one of those men that have had their numbers painted on the wall?" "Yes", I said. "But not yet." We explained Varitek. Tomorrow she wants to come over to watch the game with us again, because she wants to see the god. I may have gushed a little. I hope he is well enough to play. I bet he hopes so too.
By the 2nd inning Granny had a pad of paper and pen and was writing down the batting order and their positions. By the end of the 8th, she wanted to know where she could get a hat. While the Sox congratulated themselves on a hard win, she was giving me a list of Red Sox items she wanted me to order off the Internet and a handful of cash. As she was leaving, she told me her son was a Yankee fan. My job is complete. The Nation got a little bigger.
Tomorrow I will show her the Red Sox website. Let her pick out what she wants before the game starts then, we will continue her indoctriNATION. Gage thinks it's a great idea to show her the ALCS and World Series videos. She is missing Papi, Manny,{being Manny} Tek and Dice K because of injuries and illness.
Today she got to see Jacoby steal 2 bases. That was enough to give him the most stolen bases by a rookie since 1908. Wow. He also leads the Major League in stolen bases, that's everybody.
I thinks she's a little bit in love with him, but aren't we all? She saw Sean Casey get the giggles after introducing his team mates. She's a little in love with him too...
I realize that I am probably just as excited about tomorrows game as she is! For her sake, I hope our boys hit lots of home runs {Granny really likes to see them fly!} and we steal a few bases {she likes to see Jacoby fly too}. Beckett starts tomorrow, I really hope we don't kill her.
Proud To Be An American....
Congratulations David Ortiz. Big Papi took an oath to uphold and defend. He's been doing it all along, he just got around to making it official. I'm really proud to call the big guy an American. He won't say who he's voting for. I don't know where he stands politically, I admire that in a ball player.
Papi is a great guy. He can make you smile just by being there. For me, he need not do anything, his presence is reassuring enough. So, lets see. Who is next?
Papi is a great guy. He can make you smile just by being there. For me, he need not do anything, his presence is reassuring enough. So, lets see. Who is next?
Time is dead! Long live instant...
I am against instant replay in baseball. I like looking at it and bitching when my team gets robbed. I like looking at it and gloating when the other team gets robbed. I do not like taking the decision out of the hands of humans and giving it to machines. Did no one see "I, ROBOT"? 
MLB wants faster baseball. I was under the impression that baseball was supposed to be a slow game. You know, summertime. The dog days and lemonade. Get home when the street lights come on. Hot dogs, beer, crackerjacks and baseball. Not in a hurry to be anywhere. Some sports where meant to be fast. Ice hockey comes to mind, basketball, football is supposed to take an hour but it takes 6. Thank God they have instant replay to speed up that game!
Instant replay will ruin the 'Grand Old Game' in a way that steroids never could or will. When you give the decision on a disputed call to some yoyo in a satellite truck in the parking lot, you take away a huge part of what makes those whoopsies baseball. Managers running onto the field to defend their player. Spitting out their tobacco or bubblegum to better pronounciate the second name of the umpires' "mother". Kicking dirt and throwing bases. Some of my fondest memories are of managers doing just this. Then there are the bench clearing brawls that can bring a nun running from the bathroom with her knickers around her ankles.
They want instant replay only for blown calls on home runs. Does anyone seriously believe that it will begin and end there? We will have to stop and go to the video tape every other pitch because it was too high to be a strike or too far outside or he didn't touch the bag or, or, or!
You can't put toothpaste back in the tube. If instant replay is allowed in baseball, we will be telling our children about "this game they used play called baseball, sorta like this game but not really". It won't be the same. We will have lost that part of the sport that keeps us true and dear fans coming back for more.
The title of this post is a quote from Erma Bombeck, baseball fan and writer. If you have never heard of her, Google. She was brilliant.
MLB wants faster baseball. I was under the impression that baseball was supposed to be a slow game. You know, summertime. The dog days and lemonade. Get home when the street lights come on. Hot dogs, beer, crackerjacks and baseball. Not in a hurry to be anywhere. Some sports where meant to be fast. Ice hockey comes to mind, basketball, football is supposed to take an hour but it takes 6. Thank God they have instant replay to speed up that game!
Instant replay will ruin the 'Grand Old Game' in a way that steroids never could or will. When you give the decision on a disputed call to some yoyo in a satellite truck in the parking lot, you take away a huge part of what makes those whoopsies baseball. Managers running onto the field to defend their player. Spitting out their tobacco or bubblegum to better pronounciate the second name of the umpires' "mother". Kicking dirt and throwing bases. Some of my fondest memories are of managers doing just this. Then there are the bench clearing brawls that can bring a nun running from the bathroom with her knickers around her ankles.
They want instant replay only for blown calls on home runs. Does anyone seriously believe that it will begin and end there? We will have to stop and go to the video tape every other pitch because it was too high to be a strike or too far outside or he didn't touch the bag or, or, or!
You can't put toothpaste back in the tube. If instant replay is allowed in baseball, we will be telling our children about "this game they used play called baseball, sorta like this game but not really". It won't be the same. We will have lost that part of the sport that keeps us true and dear fans coming back for more.
The title of this post is a quote from Erma Bombeck, baseball fan and writer. If you have never heard of her, Google. She was brilliant.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday The 13th.... I could really use a drink.
The last time I was online was FRIDAY May 2nd. Ironically, that day was not much better than this one. For the last month everything I own, except a suitcase and my Sox hat, has been in a storage unit sitting in a half dozen inches of water. Wait, it gets worse... The owner of said unit, refuses to set things right. I lost a lot of furniture that I had replaced after Hurricane Katrina. I'll call him out in a few, lets move ahead a bit, the game starts soon.
THE GAME! Today will be only the second game I have seen in over a month. I missed a no hitter. I missed Manny's 500. I missed Iron Mike's 4 bagger last night. I missed the Red Sox, I really missed Tek!
Lucky for me I know a crazy chick up in Auburn, Ma. that shares my love of all things Varitek. Kim sent me text messages with score updates, highlights and and bragged a lot. I love her for that :-) Thanks Kim, you rock!
I've been living in a basement for over a while I waited for the people living in my new "house"* to move into their new "house" so that I could move into their old "house" since I had already moved out of my "house". If I wrote that right you are on your way to the kitchen to find a beer. Be a doll and bring one for me, please? I could really use a drink. {* my new house is a duplex, my old house was an apartment and the previous tenents of my duplex are doing MUCH better than I am}
Today, Friday the 13th, I got cable and I'm back online. The day started out pretty good for a cursed day. I woke up late, forgot to put the carafe on the warmer to catch the coffee. After my cold shower {water heater didn't} I mopped caffeine off the floor, resisting the urge to find a straw. Then things got bad... Where is my beer? I said please. The cable jerk that "installed" my Internet {we all know who really installed my cable. When they hand you an Ethernet cable and say with a smile "all you have to do is plug it in" tell them to bend over} neglected to give me my master password and user name. That's OK I found a way around that for now. The problem is the book I keep all my user names and passwords is missing. It's in the house, somewhere. I only just found the bag with my clean panties and socks. Moving is fun, huh? I could not for the life of me, remember my Google user name and password! How am I supposed to remember all of that? I think we should use our Social Security numbers for our user names. It's not like everyone doesn't know it anyway. When I signed up for cable, she rattled off my social for me to verify and told me the last 4 digits are my pin number!
I got sidetracked, sorry. The point is the cable jerk "installed" cable, DVR and Internet, spewed the directions on how to use all of them in under 3 seconds and was down the road when I thought to say "WTF did he say?" My child took the the remote for the Cable and DVR and told me he would explain it to me after I've had a beer and calmed down a bit. We have a lot of catching up to do, but not right now. I'm going to drink a few and watch a Red Sox game... at last, I'm in my happy place and all is well in my world {for now}.
THE GAME! Today will be only the second game I have seen in over a month. I missed a no hitter. I missed Manny's 500. I missed Iron Mike's 4 bagger last night. I missed the Red Sox, I really missed Tek!
Lucky for me I know a crazy chick up in Auburn, Ma. that shares my love of all things Varitek. Kim sent me text messages with score updates, highlights and and bragged a lot. I love her for that :-) Thanks Kim, you rock!
I've been living in a basement for over a while I waited for the people living in my new "house"* to move into their new "house" so that I could move into their old "house" since I had already moved out of my "house". If I wrote that right you are on your way to the kitchen to find a beer. Be a doll and bring one for me, please? I could really use a drink. {* my new house is a duplex, my old house was an apartment and the previous tenents of my duplex are doing MUCH better than I am}
Today, Friday the 13th, I got cable and I'm back online. The day started out pretty good for a cursed day. I woke up late, forgot to put the carafe on the warmer to catch the coffee. After my cold shower {water heater didn't} I mopped caffeine off the floor, resisting the urge to find a straw. Then things got bad... Where is my beer? I said please. The cable jerk that "installed" my Internet {we all know who really installed my cable. When they hand you an Ethernet cable and say with a smile "all you have to do is plug it in" tell them to bend over} neglected to give me my master password and user name. That's OK I found a way around that for now. The problem is the book I keep all my user names and passwords is missing. It's in the house, somewhere. I only just found the bag with my clean panties and socks. Moving is fun, huh? I could not for the life of me, remember my Google user name and password! How am I supposed to remember all of that? I think we should use our Social Security numbers for our user names. It's not like everyone doesn't know it anyway. When I signed up for cable, she rattled off my social for me to verify and told me the last 4 digits are my pin number!
I got sidetracked, sorry. The point is the cable jerk "installed" cable, DVR and Internet, spewed the directions on how to use all of them in under 3 seconds and was down the road when I thought to say "WTF did he say?" My child took the the remote for the Cable and DVR and told me he would explain it to me after I've had a beer and calmed down a bit. We have a lot of catching up to do, but not right now. I'm going to drink a few and watch a Red Sox game... at last, I'm in my happy place and all is well in my world {for now}.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Manny Speaking Manny...
“I’m going to get 50 steals!”
Manny Ramirez declared, after yesterday's all new episode of the 'Manny Being Manny Show'. He blatantly stole second base.
In classic Manny fashion, he decided that the game against The Tampa Bay Satan Rays, {and the last 20 straight games} were not quite bizarre enough for his long time viewers. Manny made it so and was kind enough to autographed it for us.
“If you want to see the car, sometimes you’ve got to let the car go,”
Ramirez said.
“It made me feel like I was back in high school.”
We love you Manny...
*** am i the only one who can't afford the gas to let the car go?***
Manny Ramirez declared, after yesterday's all new episode of the 'Manny Being Manny Show'. He blatantly stole second base.
In classic Manny fashion, he decided that the game against The Tampa Bay Satan Rays, {and the last 20 straight games} were not quite bizarre enough for his long time viewers. Manny made it so and was kind enough to autographed it for us.“If you want to see the car, sometimes you’ve got to let the car go,”
Ramirez said.
“It made me feel like I was back in high school.”
We love you Manny...
*** am i the only one who can't afford the gas to let the car go?***
UNCLE!!!
I have been reading through this article, trying to decided how best to interpret, and sum it up for you. It is written so well that I would like you to read it word for word. Without my influence. Amalie Benjamin is the author her contact info follows her story.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Perhaps this is the end. With the news that Jon Lester will be flip-flopping with Daisuke Matsuzaka this week, Lester taking the start Tuesday, Matsuzaka Wednesday, that might just be the final bit of fallout from an epic week of flu medicine and roster moves and pregame scratches of starting pitchers.
Or that fallout could be the five-game losing streak the Red Sox take into their three-game series with the Blue Jays. Between the illness that affected the team, especially the starters, and the injuries to David Ortiz (bruised right knee) and Sean Casey (right hip flexor), the roster has been decimated, leading to 10 moves since last Tuesday.
"The crazy part is everyone's been on flu medication, so I've been Nurse Ratched all week," head trainer Paul Lessard said. "Medication time . . . "
It all started last Sunday when Jason Varitek started feeling ill. He didn't miss a start that day, since knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was on the mound, but the catcher wouldn't appear in another game until late in Friday night's matchup with the Rays. Josh Beckett caught the illness, perhaps leading to the stiff neck that ended his chances of starting Tuesday. Then it hit Manny Delcarmen and Matsuzaka, not to mention a host of staff and coaches.
"There were a handful of guys that were awful, [Varitek], Daisuke, Beckett for a couple days; they were sitting in the doctor's office, which is in the very back corner of the room," Lessard said. "You really have to look for it to find the place. So they weren't allowed to play with the other children till they were better."
But it wasn't only the flu-like symptoms. Or, at least, that wasn't the only reason for the coughing and congestion that made the clubhouse a place ripe for a plague.
"The problem was there were a lot of guys with allergy symptoms as well," Lessard said. "The timing of it - if you noticed the cars last week on Ipswich [Street, outside Fenway Park], there was a film of pollen when we left the stadium. So between the guys with the flu and the guys with allergy symptoms, it was probably 80 percent of the team had something with symptoms."
Which, of course, didn't make it simple to fill out a roster. Especially in a three-game series in which not one of the three starters actually pitched as scheduled.
When Beckett was scratched from his Tuesday start against the Angels, the Sox called up David Pauley from Pawtucket (replacing Joe Thurston, designated for assignment). Pauley took his turn, then promptly was returned to Triple A. Matsuzaka fell next. He was scratched Wednesday, as the Sox called upon Lester to throw a day early. Craig Hansen was brought up from Pawtucket - and took the loss.
Thursday brought a new starter, this one up from Double A. Justin Masterson pitched exceptionally well, but the bullpen lost the game and Masterson got a ride back to Portland for his troubles. Bryan Corey was returned to the 25-man roster in the empty slot.
The last move? Because the team already was low on infielders, with Mike Lowell and Alex Cora on the disabled list and an extra pitcher on the roster, Casey was put on the DL Saturday, swapped for Pawtucket's Brandon Moss. Even Curt Schilling got sick, keeping him in Boston during the Sox' trip to Tampa.
It's enough to make a general manager dizzy.
"There were a lot of moves this week, but it was probably more manageable than it looked from a roster standpoint," Theo Epstein wrote in an e-mail. "We had to keep shuffling a fresh extra pitcher onto the roster to keep up, but that was made easier because [Jed] Lowrie was essentially filling two roles - extra middle infielder and extra corner infielder. We were able to go to a 13-man pitching staff for a while without leaving our position players too exposed."
Privately, after winning Pauley's start against the Angels, the Red Sox wondered how they were doing it. Amid the onset of the flu symptoms and injuries to key members of the team (not to mention Ortiz's deep early-season slump), there was no reason they had won six straight. But that all came to an end very soon. And the team hasn't won since.
"These things happen, so you deal with it," manager Terry Francona said. "If you deal with it well, you'll handle it. If you start doing that 'Woe is me' stuff, that's not going to help anybody. So we don't."
Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Perhaps this is the end. With the news that Jon Lester will be flip-flopping with Daisuke Matsuzaka this week, Lester taking the start Tuesday, Matsuzaka Wednesday, that might just be the final bit of fallout from an epic week of flu medicine and roster moves and pregame scratches of starting pitchers.
Or that fallout could be the five-game losing streak the Red Sox take into their three-game series with the Blue Jays. Between the illness that affected the team, especially the starters, and the injuries to David Ortiz (bruised right knee) and Sean Casey (right hip flexor), the roster has been decimated, leading to 10 moves since last Tuesday.
"The crazy part is everyone's been on flu medication, so I've been Nurse Ratched all week," head trainer Paul Lessard said. "Medication time . . . "
It all started last Sunday when Jason Varitek started feeling ill. He didn't miss a start that day, since knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was on the mound, but the catcher wouldn't appear in another game until late in Friday night's matchup with the Rays. Josh Beckett caught the illness, perhaps leading to the stiff neck that ended his chances of starting Tuesday. Then it hit Manny Delcarmen and Matsuzaka, not to mention a host of staff and coaches.
"There were a handful of guys that were awful, [Varitek], Daisuke, Beckett for a couple days; they were sitting in the doctor's office, which is in the very back corner of the room," Lessard said. "You really have to look for it to find the place. So they weren't allowed to play with the other children till they were better."
But it wasn't only the flu-like symptoms. Or, at least, that wasn't the only reason for the coughing and congestion that made the clubhouse a place ripe for a plague.
"The problem was there were a lot of guys with allergy symptoms as well," Lessard said. "The timing of it - if you noticed the cars last week on Ipswich [Street, outside Fenway Park], there was a film of pollen when we left the stadium. So between the guys with the flu and the guys with allergy symptoms, it was probably 80 percent of the team had something with symptoms."
Which, of course, didn't make it simple to fill out a roster. Especially in a three-game series in which not one of the three starters actually pitched as scheduled.
When Beckett was scratched from his Tuesday start against the Angels, the Sox called up David Pauley from Pawtucket (replacing Joe Thurston, designated for assignment). Pauley took his turn, then promptly was returned to Triple A. Matsuzaka fell next. He was scratched Wednesday, as the Sox called upon Lester to throw a day early. Craig Hansen was brought up from Pawtucket - and took the loss.
Thursday brought a new starter, this one up from Double A. Justin Masterson pitched exceptionally well, but the bullpen lost the game and Masterson got a ride back to Portland for his troubles. Bryan Corey was returned to the 25-man roster in the empty slot.
The last move? Because the team already was low on infielders, with Mike Lowell and Alex Cora on the disabled list and an extra pitcher on the roster, Casey was put on the DL Saturday, swapped for Pawtucket's Brandon Moss. Even Curt Schilling got sick, keeping him in Boston during the Sox' trip to Tampa.
It's enough to make a general manager dizzy.
"There were a lot of moves this week, but it was probably more manageable than it looked from a roster standpoint," Theo Epstein wrote in an e-mail. "We had to keep shuffling a fresh extra pitcher onto the roster to keep up, but that was made easier because [Jed] Lowrie was essentially filling two roles - extra middle infielder and extra corner infielder. We were able to go to a 13-man pitching staff for a while without leaving our position players too exposed."
Privately, after winning Pauley's start against the Angels, the Red Sox wondered how they were doing it. Amid the onset of the flu symptoms and injuries to key members of the team (not to mention Ortiz's deep early-season slump), there was no reason they had won six straight. But that all came to an end very soon. And the team hasn't won since.
"These things happen, so you deal with it," manager Terry Francona said. "If you deal with it well, you'll handle it. If you start doing that 'Woe is me' stuff, that's not going to help anybody. So we don't."
Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com
Exhausted Beckett Speaks Out...
“There’s nothing you can do,” said Beckett. “Tito’s hands are tied. It’s going to be nice to get Mike Lowell back pretty soon..”
(MLB) makes the schedule and it’s not just the 20 games in a row we play — 8 o’clock getaway games in Oakland. There’s not enough [complaining] and moaning that goes on to get it changed. I don’t know what we can do“That’s what strings guys out,” he said. “It’s tough playing 20 in a row, anyway, but whenever you get Sunday night baseball here and Sunday night baseball there, it’s at 8 o’clock and you don’t get home until 5 in the morning. Then you’re right back out there the next day.” Beckett (2-2) struck out a career-high 13 and walked one in seven innings for the Red Sox, who have lost five straight. He allowed two runs, one earned. And four hits. Beckett struck out the first five batters he faced.
(MLB) makes the schedule and it’s not just the 20 games in a row we play — 8 o’clock getaway games in Oakland. There’s not enough [complaining] and moaning that goes on to get it changed. I don’t know what we can do“That’s what strings guys out,” he said. “It’s tough playing 20 in a row, anyway, but whenever you get Sunday night baseball here and Sunday night baseball there, it’s at 8 o’clock and you don’t get home until 5 in the morning. Then you’re right back out there the next day.” Beckett (2-2) struck out a career-high 13 and walked one in seven innings for the Red Sox, who have lost five straight. He allowed two runs, one earned. And four hits. Beckett struck out the first five batters he faced.
I'll take 'Getting to Know The Monstah' for $500.00, Alex.
Son's of Sam Horn Wiki page. {SOSH}
Nearly everything you ever wanted to know about Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox and baseball in general.
I find this page absolutely fascinating. When ever I wonder over there, I lose big chucks of time out of my day, er um, night. No... day.
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki/index.php/Fenway_Park
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Nearly everything you ever wanted to know about Fenway Park, the Boston Red Sox and baseball in general.
I find this page absolutely fascinating. When ever I wonder over there, I lose big chucks of time out of my day, er um, night. No... day.
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki/index.php/Fenway_Park
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Well, that explains that...
Retired NumbersOf all the great players that have worn a Red Sox uniform, five of these men have earned the honor of having their numbers retired by Boston. Besides Jackie Robinson, whose number was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997, only Bobby Doerr (1), Joe Cronin (4), Carl Yastrzemski (8), Ted Williams (9), and Carlton Fisk (27) have seen their numbers posted on the right field façade above the right field grandstand. The Red Sox employ a rather strict policy on retiring uniform numbers; to be considered, you need first to have played a minimum of ten years with the team and you must also be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. At one point, there was also a requirement in place that a player had to finish his career with the Red Sox, but that rule was dropped after Fisk was elected to the Hall in 2000.
The Sox also use to place the numbers in the order that they were retired;
after Yastrzemski had his number retired in 1989, the numbers went 9-4-1-8Somebody pointed out that the sequence might be interpreted as September 4, 1918 - the day before the first game of the 1918 World Series, which witnessed the last world championship won by Boston before they finally tasted victory again in 2004. This change also occured after number 27 was retired. (Thanks to loyal reader Rex B. from Maryville, TN who pointed out this feature!)
This article was borrowed from Fenwayfenatics.com
Excuse me, your freudian slip is showing...
It has been pointed out to me, that I am much to harsh on Kevin Cash. My initial reaction was, "so what?" 
I checked myself and instead asked "Why shouldn't I be? He's playing 'Red Sox Ball' badly, much more is expected of him." Busted. I did say "so what". So what? He is playing badly! Anyway, it was pointed out to me that he is probably scared out of his ____ mind.
Ah, well... when I look at it that way, I suppose I could forgive one of two of his mistakes. The problem is, he has made so many!
It is painfully obvious that, defensively, Kevin Cash is not ready for Fenway Park or any other major league field. I am admitting that he has a lot of potential. But he isn't ready yet. I don't think I will never be able to accept him behind the plate for the Red Sox. There is just no way Cash could ever come close to what Jason Varitek does behind home plate.
Jason Varitek is the best catcher in Major League Baseball. Some of you will recognize that sentence as an opinion.
The rest of us will forgive your naivete. I do, in fact, feel very sorry for the man that tries to fill Tek's shoes. Did you suddenly and completely understand the term "carbon footprint"? Say it with me... "far out"...
Our catchers are nowhere near the performance level needed to play at Fenway. I'm absolutely for letting them take turns, sitting on the Red Sox bench so they can take notes and gain some experience, no question.
Overall, I like the look of our future Sox.
Jed Lowrie is impressing the hell out of me, but I can't wait to see Mike Lowell back in the lineup. I heard someone call him the "George Clooney of baseball."
I swear on my sox hat, I am not making this up. I wonder if it was George Clooney, himself, that started calling Mike that. Another member of this household openly questions whether if it was, in fact, actually "started by Lowell, to look like it was started by Clooney" stating "I bet he's got a lot of time on his hands." If it is Mike that made it up, I forgive him. I'm sure the combination of ADD and Pawtucket has him searching for ways to amuse himself, until his return. I'm not unequivocally stating that Mike Lowell has ADD. I'm unequivocally stating that all men have ADD.
Yes, they do... Don't argue, you won't win.
I'm already thinking Clay Buchholz and Hall of Fame in the same sentence... anyone care to mark my words? It is as if Jason Varitek has assembled Clay Buchholz out of parts he collected from legends and myths. I imagine Tek walking past a wall of retired numbers, his hat in hand, collecting their offering in order to build a pitcher. A legend made to order.OK, I'll stop...
I keep seeing Jacoby being Coco and I'm thrilled with that, because if we lose Coco Crisp, we're going to need another Coco Crisp... How on earth can we possibly trade Coco?
I'm sure this has been thought through by smarter and
more ruthless people, that I. It seems to me that with a man named Coco Crisp,talent, and heart to go with it, you
would want to keep such a recognizable brand within the RSO. I
realize that I don't know the ins and outs of a Coco deal, but I do know disrespect when I see it.
I love to watch Jacoby Ellsbury play and he is a huge asset to the team.
But, he is a rookie. I think Jacoby should be a back up and not a starter this year. Don't get me wrong, he'll earn his spot on the sacred grounds. But in the mean
time, he should be taking notes and giving the guys a day off.
It's pretty obvious I'm partial to the
veterans. They gave me two, of the most thrilling and meaningful moments of my life...
I waited a fair amount time, for my boys to show me their rings and give me a banner. They were kind enough to do it twice. I love them for that.
Contact Jaid @33
I checked myself and instead asked "Why shouldn't I be? He's playing 'Red Sox Ball' badly, much more is expected of him." Busted. I did say "so what". So what? He is playing badly! Anyway, it was pointed out to me that he is probably scared out of his ____ mind.
Ah, well... when I look at it that way, I suppose I could forgive one of two of his mistakes. The problem is, he has made so many!
It is painfully obvious that, defensively, Kevin Cash is not ready for Fenway Park or any other major league field. I am admitting that he has a lot of potential. But he isn't ready yet. I don't think I will never be able to accept him behind the plate for the Red Sox. There is just no way Cash could ever come close to what Jason Varitek does behind home plate.
Jason Varitek is the best catcher in Major League Baseball. Some of you will recognize that sentence as an opinion.
The rest of us will forgive your naivete. I do, in fact, feel very sorry for the man that tries to fill Tek's shoes. Did you suddenly and completely understand the term "carbon footprint"? Say it with me... "far out"...
Our catchers are nowhere near the performance level needed to play at Fenway. I'm absolutely for letting them take turns, sitting on the Red Sox bench so they can take notes and gain some experience, no question.
Overall, I like the look of our future Sox.
Jed Lowrie is impressing the hell out of me, but I can't wait to see Mike Lowell back in the lineup. I heard someone call him the "George Clooney of baseball."
I swear on my sox hat, I am not making this up. I wonder if it was George Clooney, himself, that started calling Mike that. Another member of this household openly questions whether if it was, in fact, actually "started by Lowell, to look like it was started by Clooney" stating "I bet he's got a lot of time on his hands." If it is Mike that made it up, I forgive him. I'm sure the combination of ADD and Pawtucket has him searching for ways to amuse himself, until his return. I'm not unequivocally stating that Mike Lowell has ADD. I'm unequivocally stating that all men have ADD.Yes, they do... Don't argue, you won't win.
I'm already thinking Clay Buchholz and Hall of Fame in the same sentence... anyone care to mark my words? It is as if Jason Varitek has assembled Clay Buchholz out of parts he collected from legends and myths. I imagine Tek walking past a wall of retired numbers, his hat in hand, collecting their offering in order to build a pitcher. A legend made to order.OK, I'll stop...
I keep seeing Jacoby being Coco and I'm thrilled with that, because if we lose Coco Crisp, we're going to need another Coco Crisp... How on earth can we possibly trade Coco?
I'm sure this has been thought through by smarter and
more ruthless people, that I. It seems to me that with a man named Coco Crisp,talent, and heart to go with it, you
would want to keep such a recognizable brand within the RSO. I
realize that I don't know the ins and outs of a Coco deal, but I do know disrespect when I see it.
I love to watch Jacoby Ellsbury play and he is a huge asset to the team.
But, he is a rookie. I think Jacoby should be a back up and not a starter this year. Don't get me wrong, he'll earn his spot on the sacred grounds. But in the meantime, he should be taking notes and giving the guys a day off.
It's pretty obvious I'm partial to the
veterans. They gave me two, of the most thrilling and meaningful moments of my life...
I waited a fair amount time, for my boys to show me their rings and give me a banner. They were kind enough to do it twice. I love them for that.
Contact Jaid @33
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Rundown...
Jason V
aritek was in last night's starting lineup. Hoo-Ray! And not a moment to soon! I think I have been very clear how I feel about the
"usurper". Tek is slowing getting better after suffering {in every sense of the word} from the
flu. Or as it has been widely reported "flulike"
symptoms. Ok, let's go there, but just for a minute. He had the FLU. You have "fluelike" symptoms when you have the flu. I have no idea why "they" keep saying "flulike". I can only imagine that we have, as a society, become so extremely politically correct, that we can't say FLU without offending someone who is suffering from a cold, or sore throat or sore
muscles? Seriously? Are we there already? God God, Y'all!
Last night was Tek's first full game since game last Saturday, against
Texas. He came in to pinch hit in the ninth inning in Friday's game. He was
a sight for sore eyes. I was amazed at how much more fluid the game is with
Tek catching. I was again, reminded of just how much we will miss him when
he hangs them up. I wonder if the massive hole he leaves in the bullpen,
the clubhouse and behind the plate will ever be sufficiently filled. I'm
betting the answer is a great big hell no.
aritek was in last night's starting lineup. Hoo-Ray! And not a moment to soon! I think I have been very clear how I feel about the"usurper". Tek is slowing getting better after suffering {in every sense of the word} from the
flu. Or as it has been widely reported "flulike"
symptoms. Ok, let's go there, but just for a minute. He had the FLU. You have "fluelike" symptoms when you have the flu. I have no idea why "they" keep saying "flulike". I can only imagine that we have, as a society, become so extremely politically correct, that we can't say FLU without offending someone who is suffering from a cold, or sore throat or sore
muscles? Seriously? Are we there already? God God, Y'all!
Last night was Tek's first full game since game last Saturday, against
Texas. He came in to pinch hit in the ninth inning in Friday's game. He was
a sight for sore eyes. I was amazed at how much more fluid the game is with
Tek catching. I was again, reminded of just how much we will miss him when
he hangs them up. I wonder if the massive hole he leaves in the bullpen,
the clubhouse and behind the plate will ever be sufficiently filled. I'm
betting the answer is a great big hell no.
David Ortiz was scratched from last nights starting lineup due to a
bruised right knee. He was hurt diving into first base attempting to beat
out a double-play grounder in the final inning of Boston's 5-4, 11-inning
spectacular loss to the Rays on Friday night. He will also miss today's
game, the last of the 3 game stand. Boston has lost the the first 2 with
Tampa and has now lost 4 in a row. Boston is tied for first place with
Baltimore. Tampa Bay is now only one game behind Boston. New York and Toronto are 2.5 and 4.5, respectively.
Kevin Youkilis set a new major league record for first basemen when
he fielded his 1,701 consecutive chance without an error in the
seventh, recording the out on Eric Hinske's grounder to second. The old mark of 1,700 was set by Stuffy McInnis from May 31, 1921 to June 2, 1922.
Youkilis' last error at first came on July 4, 2006, a span of a major
league-best 205 games.''It's not a big deal,'' Youkilis said. ''Winning ballgames is my biggest concern.''
J.D. Drew was the DH last night, Papi's knee is banged up.{see above} Drew had a bizarre two-out infield single in the first inning. He broke his bat, and the barrel forced first baseman Carlos Pena to move toward second to avoid it. By the time Pena got first, J.D. was able to beat second baseman Iwamura's throw to the base. Way to go, Drew!
Dustin Pedroia went 0-for-4, his hitting streak ends 14 at games. Matching
his personal best. Even when he isn't hitting the ball, I love to watch his
swing. But for Pete's sake, hit the ball!
Mike Lowell and his sprained left thumb went 1-for-4
in his second rehabgame with Triple-A Pawtucket. He could be back with the team Tuesday. It will be good to see him again. I miss that big handsome grin and those bushy brows. I'm ready to see him do some flying, Ala Coco.
Sean Casey
hurt his right hip when he was running around bases. He
started, stopped and started again. A muscle in his hip, objected and now
his is on the 15-day disabled list. So Boston recalled 1B-OF Brandon Moss
from Pawtucket. Welcome back!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
His Honor, Mayor Casey
Sean Casey is called "The Mayor" and for good reason. He is one of the friendliest and most personable players in baseball. He is, it seems loved by all. I believe he was born to wear red sox. Sean's goofiness and easy smile hasalready endeared him to Red Sox Nation. He agreed to a one year, $800,000 contract to spell Youk at first and also "got a trip of a lifetime {Japan} thrown in".
Casey is a 3 time All-Star. Not bad, huh? He played 11 years with the Cincinnati and a couple in Pittsburgh and Detroit. But what he really wanted to do was direct. No, I'm kidding. Casey wanted to be on a winning team. “I’m at a stage in my career where I really wanted to come to a place where I had a chance to win,” he said. “Playing first base, you get a feel for what the guys are like. I remember playing them {Red Sox} last year in Detroit, thinking, ’What a great bunch of guys.” He's right. We do have a great bunch of guys, and now he is one of them. “That was the first time in my career I was like, ‘This is what people must feel here,” he said. “In Boston, they have that feeling a lot.” He said "It seems like Game 7 of the World Series every night,” Casey said. “When I was coming in here as a visiting player, I always thought it would be cool to hear that on the home side.” Now he does and with his climbing popularity he will be hearing it even louder. Welcome to Boston, Mr. Mayor.
A Second Look...
Just one of the many, many reasons we love Manny. Not that any of us needed another reason.
YOOOOUUUUUUUK!!! With attitude! I love this picture of Youk. I'm guessing that the photographer was probably a Yankee fan or a Fox Sports announcer. They are equally annoying.
This is the way all Red Sox games should be.Welcome Back Captain Varitek
Our fearless leader has finally returned! Not a moment to soon either. Rookies and banged up veterans did their damnest to hold on to the lead in the Al East. All told, they did an outstanding job against Texas and LAA. I got a chance to see the kids play and get to know their personalities somewhat. But, please God, give us back our Red Sox! It's just not Red Sox ball without Varitek, Beckett, Lowell, Cora, Dice K, Crisp, Schilling, and on and on...
I'm so happy that Tek is back. It was so frustrating for me to see Cash play such a sloppy game.
I dislike Kevin Cash so much I'm beginning to see him in Yankee pinstripes. He has done a good job, offensively. But behind the dish he's a train wreck. Granted, the best way to catch a knuckle ball is to wait for it to stop rolling and pick it up. Cash seems to think it's the only way. He was scouted as a player who was offensively weak but tight on defense. Pfffft yeah, right. Give us Dougie!
"Pedroia the Destroya" continues his hitting streak and is putting up monstrous numbers!
He has become Big Papi's "Mini Me". Dustin has now tied his personal best with 14 consecutive game hits. With a trash mouth and a huge bat, how can I not love this kid?
His on base percentage is 386 and a slugging average of 476. He has a batting average of .340 Wow.
Raise your hand if you are happy that our little "Timex" is wearing Red Sox.
He's got himself trophy for Rookie of the Year. If he doesn't win a gold glove this year, you know the vote was rigged.
I came across this picture of Dustin at "Us Versus Them" I bet it makes you giggle!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
