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?***

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

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.

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

Well, that explains that...

Retired Numbers
Of 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

The Rundown...

Jason Varitek 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 rehab
game 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!

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 has
already 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...

This must be New Math. The Rays numbers just don't add up. This is a screen cap of the line score for Sox/Rays game last night. The game was exciting but I was distracted trying to do the math. I decided I was over my vodka limit and copied the score to figure out this morning. I'm sober now but the math is still off.

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!

Baseball Is Life...

Baseball is poetry, dance and fluid emotion. It is ecstasy and anguish. Both work and play. Baseball turns men into boys and boys into men. Baseball is blind to race and nationality it crosses all barriers and moves boundaries. Baseball is a time machine, enabling us to travel into the past and future. It is shock and awe, a comedy and a mystery. Baseball give us reason to dream, to believe, to strive and achieve. It creates friendships and enemies. It forgives but never forgets. Baseball can make a man a hero, a legend a god. Baseball creates memories that will last forever. It produces laughter and tears. Baseball is a socially acceptable addiction. Thank God, because Baseball Is Life.