Baseball Thinking

Who is the Red Sox catcher of the future?

2010-04-13T10:10:00.002-05:00

During the 2010 Red Sox spring training, there were open discussions regarding a contract extension for Victor Martinez. Many speculated that the catcher slash first baseman might sign an extension. When asked in February, Victor told the Boston Herald that he wants to remain in Boston. And his agent, Alan Nero of Octagon, told Gordon Edes of ESPN that even though he wants to stay, the Red Sox must pay him to stay. Martinez wants to be paid as a catcher. But do the Sox want him as a catcher?

As a catcher, Martinez has thrown out approximately 23% of base runners, below the average of 30%. In 2008, he did catch 37% of potential base stealers, but only 22 stolen bases were attempted against him, by far the lowest. In 2010, he is beginning the year in a 1 for 12 slump.

Defensively speaking, Martinez is not a very good catcher. The Sox feeling is that he might have one or two years left as a starting catcher and they are looking for him to become their 1B/DH. Very few teams will give a 32 year old catcher a large, multi-year contract. But Martinez wants to be paid as a catcher. Negotiations will become tense, for sure.

The Red Sox have no potential starting catchers in their minor league system. Dusty Brown is not the answer. They gave up the rights to George Kottaras and Milwaukee quickly (in minutes) plucked him off the waiver wire. Former farmhand Kelly Shoppach was recently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays and the Sox certainly could have used his services. Shoppach for Crisp – what a trade!

Moving forward, Martinez wants to catch and the Sox want him at first base. While negotiations will be honest, they will not be fruitful. Victor Martinez should sign with another team once his $7.7M contract expires at years’ end. Then who will the Sox sign to catch?

Gary Tanguy Fired from Sports Hub!

2010-04-05T13:54:00.001-05:00

There is a God!

A lot of times it seems like the inevitable is, well, inevitable. Sometimes the inevitable takes a lot longer than anticipated. On Friday, April 2nd, 2010, the inevitable arrived for Gary “Muffay” Tanguay. The beleaguered mid-day radio host of Tanguay and Zolak was fired from his cushy gig at the Sports Hub, Boston’s number one sports radio station (opinion, not fact). Tang Gay is now free to beat the meat with Pete “the meat” Shephard, who is also unemployed after being tanked by WEEI recently.

Tanguay will be replaced by Andy Gresh, which is the equivalent of going from a 1972 Ford Pinto to a 2002 pickup. Sports Hub program director Mike Thomas was irked that the story was leaked by brain dead intern Courtney Fallon, whose career in the Boston sports scene is over before it started. What a tool! She was ordered to remove the Tweets within the hour. She was also told to head directly to Mass General for a complete brain scan.

Although this can’t be verified, it is being reported that Scott Zolak, his former partner, is ecstatic that Tanguy has been replaced by his old friend Gresh. It isn’t that Zolak has refused comment; he just can’t stop laughing long enough to speak coherently. A going away party is being planned by the staff of the Sports Hub but it isn’t known if Tanguay has been invited.

Chad Finn, a paid blogger for the Boston Globe, (who closely resembles a middle-aged lesbian I once knew), wrote that Tanguay was devastated by the fact he was fired. Really? He received this information from a second brilliant Tweet from Fallon. (http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/articles/2010/04/03/tanguay_out_at_985_fm/ )

Apparently, Tanguay didn’t see this coming, but no one is surprised. Listeners tuned out months ago. His constant yells of “Jesus” and “Christ” on the air ruffled the feathers of many, including his superiors. His ignorance was clear. His character was weak.

His lack of vision became evident during his infamous broadcasts of college football games for Comcast SportsNet. During one college football game in 2009, Tanguay reported to viewers that it was third and short. Andy Gresh, who was his analyst, corrected him and told him it was third and eight. Unbelievable! During the same game, he reported the first two point interception in football history! Historic! After a UMaine football game, he reported that the head coach of the Black Bears bled green, even though the school colors are blue and white. Moronic! And when he reported that a team was going for it on fourth down, Gresh once again corrected him and told Tanguay that the team was actually punting the football. Brilliant! My question is what took so long in getting rid of this clown? Even though he is close to fifty years old and grew up in New England, he knows absolutely nothing about New England sports.

Best of luck, Gary, as you will need it.

What has happened to the New England Patriots?

2010-01-11T14:43:00.001-05:00

What has happened to this team? What has happened to Bill Belichick? And Tom Brady? Brady is 5-4 over his last nine playoff games. During a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Raven players caught three passes – from Brady. QB Joe Flacco only completed an additional 4 to Raven receivers! Seven completions, with 4 coming from the right quarterback. To put that in perspective, hours later, Arizona Cardinal QB Kurt Warner completed 29 of 33 pass attempts. He had more touchdowns (5) than incompletions (4). Warner almost had the same amount of incompletions to his receivers as Brady had completions to Raven players! This is not your fathers Patriots team. Yesterday, they were beat bad, like boys against men.

During the week leading up to the game, Belichick praised the season of Derrick Burgess. This resulted in snide comments and head shaking from the rest of the defensive corps as Burgess was the last guy BB should praise. Burgess was a no-show during the Ravens game, even though BB told us he thrived against the run. The Ravens ran for close to 250 yards of 50 plus carries. Do the math.

Bridge year has become a dreaded term in New England. Was the 2009 Patriot season a bridge year? I think not, as BB signed a bunch of mid-thirty has-beens, like Fred Taylor and Shawn Springs. This is a team with no clear direction, no firm leadership, and a lack of commitment (and talent) from the coaching staff. The Patriots resemble the St. Louis Rams, not a former champion. Pathetic.

What has happened to the New England Patriots?

2010-01-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

The beginning of the end of the New England Patriots

2009-12-07T10:18:00.002-05:00

What happened to the legendary New England Patriots? They are a just a shell of their former selves. During their Super Bowl win of 2001, they chose to be introduced as a team. Their roster consisted of relative unknowns, players with some athletic ability but mostly intelligence. Their defense was tough and they won the close games. What has happened?

During their dream run, they never lost two games in a row. That has changed. BB never made mistakes. Wow, has that really changed or what? Their defensive schemes were smart and difficult for the opposition to figure out. Not any more. They can’t get to the quarterback and their secondary gives up a ton of points to the worst offensive teams in the NFL. The offense had some surprises and made big plays. There is no guessing about the pats offense these days. They have become very one dimensional and there is no question who will receive the ball on offense. They were a team which got better as each month passed. Now they are the opposite, losing more games in November and December than they have for some time. They can’t win on the road, except London. They are as predictable as the tides. During the prime years, they didn’t beat themselves. They played sixty minutes of football and each player knew their job. Their secondary was outstanding.

This is now Patriots Lite. Gone is the mystique, the swagger and the results. BB is being second guessed by everyone, as well he should be. Guys with the name Banta-Cain and Guyton are the best players on defense. That alone is scary. These guys were barely bench players recently. This is the beginning of the end.

NESN ratings continue to slide

2009-10-28T13:54:00.003-05:00

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe and The Sports Hub recently wrote an article stating that New Englander's, as well as Red Sox management, have become complacent. He also asked New England to root for the Yankees in the World Series. LOL. Why would any true New Englander root for the Yankees? In any situation? When you are done reading this, check out the comments section to his article. Anyway, I wanted to express my views as to why NESN ratings are down and if there is real complacency as far as the Red Sox go.

NESN ratings are down for a few reasons. One, their format is very stale. Their pre-scripted pregame/postgame shows can be recited, word by word, by any Red Sox fan. They also have no real, live shows, like CNNSE. Every single word is scripted and stale. There is no off-the-cuff commentary and I find that boring. Every fan knows what will be discussed at 6:38 of any pre-game show. If Tom Caron has any skill and real historic baseball knowledge, I am not aware of it. I do know he is an excellent reader, though.

Two, we have become complacent as a Nation. The Sox are on the wrong side of the bell curve at this point. Real fans are shut out from games due to prices, wine and cheese, pink and corporate. Just try nailing down a Sox Pax when tickets go on sale. I used to have a fair chance of getting opening day tickets 7 or 8 years ago. I had a solid chance ten years ago and longer. Now, there are fewer tickets for me due to corporate big wigs and I can never, ever get them the first day they go on sale. Our ticket chances become reduced to lotteries and eBay. A real turn-off.

The initial attraction for the newer fans (corporate, pink, cheese, wine, and most girls) was the personality of the team. The Sox have lacked any type of specific personality over the past 2-3 years, which has reduced the initial attraction for the newbie’s, thereby reducing interest and the NESN audience. The Sox have become a team of well-behaved professionals with no visible character. NESN, a reflection and part of the Red Sox, has grown very stale. Add to the fact that the Celtics and Bruins are back playing winning sports dictates that the consumer dollar is spread out over 4 sports instead of 2. No longer is this just a Red Sox and Patriots town. If ratings are down for the Sox, then they are up for someone else.

Bingo night football fan kicked out of stadium

2009-10-27T08:20:00.005-05:00

This country is based on a solid foundation of principles. One of these principles is known as freedom of speech, where every American is allowed to express their opinion. This includes holding up signs at sporting events around the country.

During the recent Redskins against the Eagles, a man held up a sign which simply read “Bingo Night Football”. This was in reference to new offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis, who came out of retirement to lead the Skins offense. In retirement, he was performing volunteer work, which included calling bingo numbers to senior citizens and working with Meals on Wheels. During the ESPN telecast, announcer Mike Tirico mentioned this fact. The fan remains anonymous, but he was escorted from the stadium, asked to leave for such a harmless act.

What is wrong with this country? In no way did this fan violate any laws or violate any rules of the stadium. His sign was not offensive to anyone, except those who might have lost at bingo when Lewis was yelling out numbers. I think Skin fans should rally around this fan and support him. If every columnist and announcer in the country can make light fun of this, why can’t a fan voice his opinion if it isn’t offensive to anyone? I hope this fan comes forward and provides details of exactly what happened. The Washington Redskins also have a lot of ‘splaining to do. I smell a lawsuit in the making. Don’t you?

Tom Brady is on the wrong side of thirty ...

2009-10-25T00:02:00.000-05:00

What is the big deal about turning thirty years old? I am asking because I don’t know. I have heard lots of stuff, but haven’t lived it yet. Tom Brady is over 30. Is it a big deal to him? I think so, and here is why.

“Tom Brady sucks!”. I have actually heard that from some panicked fans. It must be true. Five games into the 2009 NFL season, he’s got 6 TD passes to go along with 2 INT’s. During 2007, he had 50 TD passes to go along with only 8 pics. His completion percentage is just below 62%, well below the 69% from 2007 but right along with his career average. He was below 60% two of the past three weeks. His QB rating is about an 86, right around his career average. So what is the big deal?

Tom Brady is 32, in his 10th season, a very long time for any football player. He is uncharacteristically missing wide open receivers, unlike the past. He has exploded at teammates on the sidelines, unlike the past. And he is married with children, unlike the past. Tom Brady is becoming normal.

But he is on the wrong side of thirty. This might be the best Tom Brady will ever be. Think about that. This could be the best he has to offer. And nothing more. Tom Brady is on the wrong side of thirty.

Gary "Tang Gay" Tanguay is not a truck guy

2009-10-23T15:50:00.005-05:00

Dear Gary “Tang Gay” Tanguay,

I hope your having a great day. It’s almost the weekend and its football season! I do want to express my frustration, however, at your “truck guy” commercial. Gary, I am a truck guy. I live in the butt-crack, rifle-rack six-pack state of New Hampshire. Originally from Massachusetts, I was forced to purchase a truck due to the local terrain, But Gary, I am a tall, big and strong man, traits you do not possess. The truck really suits me. Based on the daily spankings you receive on-air, I am just not buying you as a truck guy. When I hear your truck commercial on the radio, credibility is that last thought that crosses my mind. You are at the bottom of the sports talk food chain here in New England. You are the little kid everybody picks on. Among the horses in the Sports Hub stable, you are the Shetland pony.

So when I hear the radio spot announcing Tang Gay is a truck guy, I don’t buy it. Neither does the rest of New England. Perhaps you should do a commercial for Mini Cooper, Dodge Neon, VW Beetle or for the Toyota Rav4, a real chick’s ride. Ever think of doing an MG or Miata commercial? Perhaps you could do a voice-over for the Smart Car. It’s light, small, weak and picked on as well. The credibility just isn’t there for me. You sound very foolish explaining to the global community how cool you have become because you drive a truck. It’s like comparing you to John Madden. Gary, you are not a cool truck guy, regardless of what lies your family tells you.

In light of this, have yourself a great day and best of luck with your future endeavors.

Love,

The sports fans of New England

Mike Felger says "tits" on-air

2009-10-22T12:44:00.002-05:00

During the live broadcast Wednesday, October 21st, Mike Felger said “tits” during the Felger and Massarotti show on the Sports Hub. At first he was surprised when B Real, his producer, told him he couldn’t say that on air. When you work in the media, you must be 100% sure of all fine-able cuss words. That is part of the job. But he was genuinely surprised. So was I.

What is wrong with "tits"? I think it goes along with ass, which is acceptable on air. Ass can be used freely (as in Tang Gays case). Tits and ass. Ebony and ivory. Peaches and cream. They go together. So why is “tits” so offensive? Do you know what I find offensive?

Gary Tang Gay and is constant negative connotation of Christ and Jesus. He uses the Lords name in such derogatory terms, yet it is accepted (well, not fine-able). I find it much more offensive when someone casually uses the Lords name in vain than when someone says “tits” or “ass”, or both! I haven’t been to church in years, besides the occasional wedding and funeral, so it is a stretch to call me religious. I have actually written to Gary Tang Gay and asked him not to use the Lords name in vain. He’s still a meat head when it comes to the derogatory use of words. But I have to side with Felger on this one. Why is “tits” a bad word these days?

Finally, a breathe of fresh sports talk air ..

2009-10-22T12:23:00.002-05:00

New England is famous for many things, but is often associated with sports and their fans. Markets have grown from our love of sports. One of those markets is talk radio. Well, we can now call it a market since there is more than one competitor.

In mid-August, the Sports Hub was launched, taking over the old Mix 98.5 signal. Finally, in New England, there is a station without static. The Sports Hub provides listeners the opportunity to voice and reflect without interruption or annoying .wav files. The Sports Hub is an intelligent alternative to “static station”. With a full lineup of familiar talent, the Sports Hub is gaining weekly in the ratings and providing intelligent listeners with the long-desired alternative to “static station”. Many stopped listening to “static station” long ago, for many reasons (stale?) Others tried to duplicate it but quickly fell by the wayside because it was an identical product. Finally, New England, global and local fans, has the alternative to “static station”. Finally, a format that cares. Best of luck, Sports Hub.

My wish list for Red Sox 2010 lineup ...

2009-10-15T00:02:00.002-05:00

Here is my wish list for the 2010 lineup of the Boston Red Sox. Leading off will be Tacoby Bellsbury, followed by Pedey, then VMart, Adrian Gonzales, Matt Holliday, Youkilis, Lowell, Drew and Alex Gonzalez. Lowell will be strictly the DH, with an occasional turn by Ortiz. Youkilis moves to third with Holliday in left. The Seattle Mariners land Jason Bay, forcing them to deal Felix Hernandez before he reaches free agency. They can’t afford both. The Red Sox send prospects including Buchholz, Casey Kelly and Michael Bowden. Thankfully, they send Papelbon as well. Papelbon still has market value, but his mouth (redneck bad teeth and all), along with a historically bad shoulder, paves the way for his departure from Boston. The guy is almost 30 but acts 19 years old. And he will go to the highest bidder when he is a free agent. The Sox then have some prospects left over to land Adrian Gonzalez.

Starting pitching on Opening Day consists of Lester, Beckett, Hernandez, Wake and Matsuzaka, that is if Dice-K doesn’t show up as the same bloated pig he was this year. (Oh, oh, is 2010 the year of the pig in Japan?) Lowell splits DH 60/40 with Ortiz, but Ortiz spends most of his last year in Boston on pine. Papi is only here to honor the final year of his contract before being nudged out of the picture by Theo at seasons’ end. Bard and/or Billy Wagner fill closing void. Wagner gets his 400th save while showing Bard the ropes.

Changes need to be made and this is a step in the right direction. This is my wish list for the 2010 season. And it is very doable!! Of course, if neither Gonzo or Holliday comes to Beantown, that might mean a late push for Chone Figgins, which would totally screw up the lineup!

Is Boston sports becoming mediocre?

2009-10-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Is Boston becoming a mediocre sports town? I would like to hear what you have to say about this.

The Boston Bruins could easily be 1-4. They were picked by many to be the top team in the NHL. It looks like they believe their own hype because they aren’t playing like the top team. The Patriots could easily be 2-3 or they could be 4-1. Are they just an average NFL team now? Is Tom Brady showing signs of aging? It certainly appears that way. The Sox were the second worse team in the playoffs, behind the Twins. Sure, they had 95 wins and all, but most of those wins were due to the home crowd, due to fans like me. Atlanta, Milwaukee, Florida and more had better road records and that is not a recipe for championship baseball. The Celtics are yet to be seen, but they could be the best team in Boston over the past 18 months, by far.

Is mediocrity taking over Boston? Or are we just spoiled?

Road Warriors They Were Not

2009-10-13T16:39:00.002-05:00

To the surprise of many, the Red Sox are out of the 2009 playoffs. To others, this was expected. I am the other.

For the umpteenth year in a row, the Sox were the toughest to beat at home. Whenever you win more than 50 games on your home turf, you should make the playoffs. But remember, half the games are on the road during the regular season, and more than half are played on the road during the playoff’s, unless you’re the Yankees. The Red Sox weren’t road warriors, they were road failures.

The Sox wish they could have played as well on the road as the Marlins (44 wins). They want to be the Brewers when it comes to road wins (40). They would die to have the success of the road warrior Braves (46 wins). They dreamed of Indian success (.272) when it comes to the road.

How much does the Green Monster play into the numbers? On the road, the Sox hit .257, were on base at a .340 clip and slugged just .414. At Fenway, they went .286, .365 and slugged .498 at home. Balls hit off the wall at Fenway became routine outs on the road.

It was no surprise, to some, that the Red Sox didn’t make it out of the first round. They were the second worse team in the playoffs, right behind the Twins. Every team playing in October has good pitching, but only a couple have the hitting of a championship team. The Red Sox were not one of those teams.

This week in Red Sox History

2007-03-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

In 1919, Babe Ruth intentionally missed the boat, the Arapahoe, as his teammates boarded and headed for spring training in the Tampa area. Ruth was in a salary dispute and joined the team several days later, utilizing the rail service. In 1997, the 25 foot Coke bottle was unveiled over the left field wall, remaining to this day. In 1961, Sears purchased a controlling interest in Ted Williams, Inc. John Michael Paveskovich appeared in Salem court to officially change his surname and that of his wife Ruth to Pesky (1947). Babe Didrikson started a 1931 spring training game for the Red Sox in Florida, against the Cardinals. She gave up three runs in the first inning. In 1926, manager Lee Fohl set up a system of warning bells for the bullpen and supplied the pitchers with the signals. Unfortunately, the other players got wind and played a few pranks, such as having pitchers warm up so long they were too tired to enter the game. Adam Hyzdu was traded – again. In 1911, the Red Sox shipped home 25 crates of oranges. Some witty, single women in the shipping area decided it was their chance to meet a ballplayer, so they composed letters “of their intentions” to their desired player. Most of the oranges arrived home to wives and mothers, who were not amused. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

This week in Red Sox History – March 11th – 17th

2007-03-12T08:08:00.000-05:00

Grady Little was named manager on 3/11/02. Ground breaking ceremonies took place on 3/12/1901 for the Huntington Avenue Grounds, the first home field for the Boston Americans. In 1937, the first ever radio broadcast to New England took place of the Yankee broadcast network (no relation to the team). In 1944, Cy Young tells the world his middle name is True, not Tecumseh. In 1943, the Sox participated in spring training at Tufts University, practicing indoors due to the weather, and practicing in Medford due to WWII. Kevin Youkilis was born on March 15th. Beware the Ides of March! In 1943, Ted Williams undergoes a hernia operation, threatening his training as an aviator cadet. On March 14th, 2000, the Red Sox pitched a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Pedro Martinez getting the start. Of course, it was spring training, so the stats weren’t entered in any record books. 1902 – It took the team just one year to raise ticket prices. It appears that this formula has been diligently followed by the Red Sox ever since! In 1980, Thomas Yawkey was elected to the Veterans Committee to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 1953, National League owners approve the move of the Boston Braves to Milwaukee, WI. In 1919, Babe Ruth missed the boat, the Arapahoe. He was in a contract dispute and had no plans on sailing down to Tampa for spring training. He settled a few days later and took the train down to meet his teammates. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowling)

More Changes for the Red Sox?

2007-03-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

What is different about the Red Sox this year? Let’s take a look. Terry Francona had more surgery during the off-season, so nothing has changed there. Gabe Kapler turned in his glove for a manager’s role. David Ortiz remains the same, even-keeled guy. JD Drew brings a whole new set of personality traits to the team. The Sox picked up another billion fans over the winter by signing Japanese players. Another new look to the bullpen. Curt Schilling is talking. Wait, that isn’t any different now, is it? Fresh faces are among the coaching ranks. Theo Epstein was married. Defense changed to offense. Closer turned to starter. Lead-off hitter falls to the bottom of the order. More updates to Fenway Park. New radio team. New radio network. No baseball on UPN. More annoying WB Mason commercials. More drama is surrounding Manny Ramirez again. As you look at it, the more things change, well, the more they stay the same.

Today in Red Sox History – March 8th

2007-03-08T09:03:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1979, pitcher Bill Lee said that “I’ve never smoked the stuff”, referring to marijuana, although in the past he did claim that he sprinkled the stuff on his buckwheat pancakes. Long live the Spaceman! In 1920, Cuban star Armando Marsans signed a contract with the Sox, but never played another game in the majors. Boston city councilor Isadore Muchnick announced that he would file a motion in three days, prohibiting the Red Sox from playing any games on Sunday unless all players received equal treatment. This was in 1948. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

Today in Red Sox History – March 7th

2007-03-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

In 1937, pitcher Wes Ferrell was drawn to the big lights of Hollywood as he passed a screen test with flying colors and even starred in a few plays. Hollywood, however, had a different opinion as they felt his southern drawl was too pronounced for the movies. In 1917, megaphone announcer Wolfe Jacobs signed up for duties at both Fenway Park and Braves Field. After battling shoulder problems, pitcher Juan Pena was released in 2003.

This Day in Red Sox History – March 3rd

2007-03-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

In 1945 Sam Lacy of Baltimore’s Afro-American wrote GM Eddie Collins explaining a way to facilitate the integration of Negro players in major league baseball. The Red Sox had a history-making decision to make, but failed in the opportunity to sign Jackie Robinson. In 1911, rainfall that averaged nearly six months total rain wiped out most of the Red Sox games in a ten day span. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

This Day in Red Sox History – March 2nd

2007-03-02T13:44:00.001-05:00

On this day in 2005, a large group went to the White House to be greeted by George Dub-Yah Bush, earning congratulations for the World Championship in 2004. Dick Wakefield of the Tigers bet Ted Williams that he would out-perform Williams in several stats. Williams won several thousand dollars in 1946. (Day by Day with the Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin).

Today in Red Sox History - March 1st

2007-03-01T10:01:00.001-05:00

Within an hour after suiting up for the first day of spring training, Ted Williams breaks his collarbone while diving for a ball. He doesn’t return to action until May 15th, 1954. Jimmy Collins, formerly of Boston’s National League team, is hired to manage and play third base for Boston’s brand new America League team in 1901. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

Today in Red Sox History – February 28th

2007-02-28T13:09:00.001-05:00

On this day in 2002, Dan Duquette was removed as GM, one day after John Henry officially became owner. Former manager and GM, Mike “Pinky” Higgins, was released from jail on this day in 1968 after killing one man and injuring three others with his car. The Sox sign Joe Wood, the son of Smokey Joe Wood, in 1944. He pitched only nine innings and left baseball with a 6.52 ERA. (Day by Day with the Boston Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin`)

This Day in Red Sox History – February 27thThis Day in Red Sox History – February 27th

2007-02-27T11:21:00.001-05:00

On this day in 2002, wire transfers were completed at 5:02AM, making John Henry principal owner of the Red Sox. In 1966, pitcher Earl Wilson stated he was refused entrance to two Winter Haven night clubs, inciting claims of discrimination. Matt Stairs was born on this day in 1968. Man, he’s old. (Day by Day with the Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

Red Sox History - February 26th

2007-02-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

This day in Red Sox history featured Jeanne Yawkey, who along with her husband Tom bought the Red Sox in 1933, passing away in 1992 at the age of 83. The Fourth District Court of Appeals threw out a lawsuit filed by Margo Adams against Wade Boggs. In 1935, the Yankees released Babe Ruth so he could sign with the Boston Braves. In 1911, it was reported that the Boston Red Sox would build a new ballpark. In 1912, Fenway Park opened. (Day by Day with the Red Sox, by Bill Nowlin)

Red Sox Charge Seat Fee’s for SRO Tickets.

2007-02-26T12:20:00.001-05:00

The Boston Red Sox, along with the rest of MLB, purchase the services of ticket agencies to disperse tickets to their home games. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky few to have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a New York Yankees game, or to Opening day. Not only was I selected, I was able to secure two tickets to Opening Day, something I haven’t missed in years. In the past, I’ve purchased tickets utilizing Sox Pax ticket packages, along with other packages, but lately it is next to impossible to acquire them. So, I received my two tickets, which are standing room only, commonly referred to as SRO. As I was completing the checkout process, I noticed that an extra fee was added. The “convenience fee for two seats” totaled five bucks. First, it is not convenient. Second, I have SRO tickets, which mean I have no seats. Why in the world was I charged a fee for a service I did not purchase? Ticketmaster and the Boston Red Sox have yet to respond to my messages. I have also contacted Hank Philipi Ryan from WHDH in Boston. While we should be used to the scalping, uh, convenience fee’s, they should either be dropped for SRO seats or renamed appropriately. Let me know what you think on this subject.

Theo, what is the game plan?

2007-02-16T09:05:00.000-05:00

Spring training is heating up in F-L-A. The players are shaking off the winter rust and they arrive and introduce themselves to old and new teammates alike. How is this edition of the Boston Red Sox shaping up?

When Theo Epstein arrived prior to the 2004 season, he added Curt Schilling to his roster and won a championship, based mostly on the team he inherited. The plan for 2005 was to basically retain the same core team. While they went to the playoffs, they were no match for the mighty Chicago White Sox. The organization took a left turn in 2006, opting for the defensive approach while stocking up on pitching. We know how that turned out. Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globed accurately termed the meltdown of the summer as a nuclear winter. So what is the team approach for 2007? They stocked up on pitching, acquiring a couple aging relievers and winning the bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka. (Matsuzaka has conducted more interviews than Trot Nixon did in 13 years, and he hasn’t thrown a pitch in the MLB). They finally signed injury prone JD Drew for ridiculous money. And they also signed Theo’s man crush, Julio Lugo. Are you ready for a torrid bro-mance between these two? Defense has been thrown out the window. Power is back. Pitching seems to be back. Will the championship be back?

See you later, alligator ...

2006-10-02T08:38:00.000-05:00

And now, the end is near. Wait a minute. The end is now. After three successive trips to the post season, the season is over - now - for the Red Sox. Is it over for Theo Epstein as well? He spoke as if he is coming back. But he still hasn't signed his contract. I would not be surprised if he did not come back, and it wouldn't bother me at all. When he became GM before the 2003 season, he was handed a playoff caliber team. The 2003 team was one of the best offensive baseball teams in history. He was handed that team by former GM Dan Duquette. While the 2004 team won it all, it wasn't quite as good as the previous team, but very good nonetheless. Each year Epstein added his own touches, resulting in a team that finished third in the AL East. The teams went backwards each year. Minnesota didn't go backwards. Oakland didn't go backwards. The Red Sox, and their 120 million dollar payroll went backwards. Is Theo good for this team and city? Will he be around in 2007? Stay tuned because it is going to be a bumpy off season.

The Boston Red Sox Are Boring

2006-06-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

The 2006 edition of the Boston Red Sox are a very boring team. And as the stats show, they are an average team. During the off season, GM Theo Epstein decided to build around pitching and defense, letting some of the team’s accomplished hitter’s walk away. Thus far, pitching and defense means boring. And their pitching is average on the good days. There is nothing exciting on the field about these guys, and I hear that the locker room resembles a morgue. Not a spark.
Over the past few years, the Red Sox organization would create television commercials for ticket opportunities, always updating the spots with the most recent game clinching moment. There just haven’t been any of those this year. For weeks, these commercials highlighted Mark Loretta’s walk off homerun on Patriots Day. That’s been it for excitement. Kevin Youkilis provided a game winning homerun against the Tigers recently, but brief glimmer will not make the ads because it was an away game. They are as stagnant as pond scum.
The defense is outstanding, currently the best in the majors. But defense doesn’t sell tickets. And with the much heralded pitching staff being mediocre at best, the excitement level at Fenway has been sucked from every fan.
Over the past few seasons, fans hoped the team could rally from being down a few runs in the late innings. Today, that simply isn’t the case. If the Sox are down a couple runs in the late innings, the fans start flocking out onto Yawkey Way and televisions around the country experience heavy amounts of channel changing. For the first time in years, I have switched off the game is they are behind, searching for a repeat of the Boston Legal episodes I have missed.
No excitement. No personality. Nothing. This edition of the Boston Red Sox are boring.

Matt Clement Should Head To The DL

2006-06-02T14:01:00.000-05:00

The ten million dollar man is pitching like a bust. Matt Clement should head to the DL. And he should head to the DL for emotional reasons, not physical. Since getting hit in the head by a line drive in Tampa on July 24th, 2005, he has been a .500 pitcher (7-7), with an ERA around 6.00. This pales in comparison to the All-Star caliber numbers he started his Red Sox career off with (11-4, 4.43). He is hurting.
If you have seen his last few starts, Clement is clearly afraid of the ball. In each of his last three starts, the Sox medical staff have made trips to the mound due to awkward landings after delivering a pitch. The landings are a product of his secondary brain activities kicking in to protect him. He is clearly afraid of the baseball.
The Red Sox should do the right thing and put him on the DL so he can correct his emotional and mental struggles. Matt Clement has been a stand up guy and hasn’t blamed the head shot for his recent woes. The brass must take the necessary steps to assure the well being of their ten million dollar pitcher, especially for his long term health.

Does 120 Million Pay for Mediocrity?

2006-05-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

Since the start of the 2000 season, the New York Yankees have spent 1.07 billion dollars on their players. Think about that. That is in the billions, not millions. The figure doesn’t include the tax penalties, but does include, however, the 2006 season. Even one billion dollars (think of Austin Powers with his pinky finger in the corner of his mouth) can’t buy a Major League Baseball championship.
That brings us to the 2006 edition of the Boston Red Sox. While the combined salaries have decreased over the past two years after reaching a high of 127 million in 2004, the Red Sox have remained competitive, winning almost the same amount of games in 2005 (95) as the Cleveland Indians (93), although the Indians had less than 1/3 the salary ($41,000,000) the Red Sox had. Does 120 million (current payroll) buy a mediocre team?
As of this writing, the Sox were tied for 1st in the AL East with the Yankees, one game ahead of the surging Toronto Blue Jays ($71,000,000). They have the 3rd best record in the AL behind Chicago ($102,000,000) and Detroit ($82,000,000), just ahead of Texas ($68,000,000). They currently stand 6th in Major League Baseball, behind the upstart Cincinati Reds ($60,000,000) and the St. Louis Cardinals ($88,000,000). So with the second highest payroll in MLB, the Sox currently have the 6th best team. Shouldn’t this type of cake buy a better team, such as the number one team?
The Red Sox started off their first week in fine fashion, establishing the early AL East lead with a 6-1 record. Since then, they are barely above being a .500 team, going 15-13. Shouldn’t that kind of cake buy a team better than .500? I love cake, by the way.
Long gone are the high scoring Sox from the previous 3 years, when they were near or at the top of most offensive categories. They are now a middle of the road offense who can’t hit in the clutch. The Sox are 19th in MLB with runners in scoring position and 21st in batting with the bases loaded. One hundred and twenty million clams doesn’t buy clutch, I guess. All this displays is mediocrity.
The current edition of Red Sox Nation is based on pitching and defense. As advertised, the defense has been spectacular, ranking first in MLB. The pitching has been decent, but they have similar stats the 2005 team had during the same time period last year. Again, middle of the road, nothing spectacular, and certainly not worth $42,000,000 that has been spent on 12 arms. The Seattle Mariners ($87,000,000) and Oakland Athletics (62,000,000) have similar pitching records with less payroll commitments.
So where does that leave us? To date, we love our one hundred twenty million dollar team that is playing .500 ball. Is it true that only mediocrity can be purchased for such a large amount of money? Or is it money unwisely spent. The remaining 75% of the season should answer these questions. Stay tuned, Red Sox Nation.

Ramblings from the Nation – Around MLB

2006-05-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly looking to trade Kevin Millar. Millar, who spent the past 3 years with the Boston Red Sox, has been slumping at the plate to start the season, hitting at a .218 clip with a .320 OBP. I can’t seem to justify this, but I think Millar would be a great bench player for the Red Sox. He is incredible in the locker room, still has a little pop, but definitely lacks defensively. I think he would be more valuable than Dustin Mohr (.176/.243). And while JT Snow was brought in for defensive purposes, Kevin Youkilis has been the man. But JT does provide a left-handed bat. I’d rather have a bench duo of Stern/Millar than Harris/Mohr. What do you think?
Former Sox shortstop Edgar Renteria is riding a 25 game hitting streak to being the season with the Atlanta Braves, hitting .340. I think everyone is Boston is quietly happy for his success. While he struggled in Boston, he is known around MLB as a solid guy. Keep it up, Edgar.
Nomar Garciaparra is riding a nice little hitting streak for the LA Dodgers. Last week he hit a game winning grand slam, then followed it up with two game winning hits on consecutive nights. I happened to catch his wife, Mia Hamm, on an edition of Cold Pizza earlier in the week, and she said he isn’t getting too high during the good times or too long during the pressing times. He has been a pleasant surprise for the Dodgers after spending the first couple weeks on the DL.
While Barry Bonds is attempting to tie Babe Ruth for second on the home run list, the San Francisco fans don’t seem to care too much, as they have failed to sell out during the past three games.
Former NH Fisher Cat Russ Adams has been bench in Toronto by manager John Gibbons. He has errors in 4 consecutive games. Some in the organization feel it’s strictly mechanical, but Russ hasn’t adjusted. Here’s hoping the former Manchester, NH, resident finds his way soon.
Methuen, MA, and Northeaster star first baseman Carlos Pena is in the Yankees organization. There is reportedly a clause in his contract that allows him to be released if he isn’t called up to the show by a specified period. The Chicago Cubs are in dire need of a solid defender with some pop. Carlos would make a good fit.
Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi is nervous about sending out left Josh Towers for his next start, given his 0-7 record and 10.09 ERA. Towers is out of options and is getting shelled each time out. JP is scouring rosters looking for a replacement.
Former Sox centerfield Johnny Damon broke an 0-11 slump against his old team. He feels that the fans were “vicious” upon his return to Fenway. Boo-freakin’-hoo.
Randy Johnson is old. Period.
David Ortiz snapped a 2-24 slump, going 4-4 against Mike Mussina and the Yankees on Wednesday night.
David Riske is on a rehab assignment in Pawtucket, while Cocoa Crisp was pushed back another week due to the flu. David Wells continues to progress.
If your going to the Texas Rangers series over the weekend, make sure you check RedSox.com prior to traveling. The forecasts aren’t conducive to playing. Learning from their mistakes during the cancelled Yankees game last week, the Sox will be more proactive with the fans for upcoming cancellations.

YaHoo!! WEEI Loses Broadcast Rights To Most of Red Sox Games!

2006-05-09T18:09:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! I read an article in the Boston Globe sports pages that made my day. After years of broadcasting Boston Red Sox games, WEEI will no longer carry all of the games. Beginning in 2007, the bulk of the games, along with the pre and post game shows, will be broadcast on WRKO. Yahoo!! And if you reside in southern or central New Hampshire, you know exactly what I’m talking about. WEEI is a sports format, weak AM radio station in Boston. In an effort to expand their range, they have launched sister stations in Worcester, MA, and RI. Unfortunately, their expansion never included NH, where the number of MA transplants are staggering. It is next to impossible to receive the station clearly in this state unless you are standing on top of a 1,000 foot high hill or live in a house made of aluminum. I have often emailed the radio station asking why they wouldn’t expand up here. They responded that I could listen to the station on the internet, but have you ever tried to weed wack your lawn while holding a laptop? I almost wacked my power cord. It’s next to impossible. I remember driving to Portland, ME, to take the ferry to Novia Scotia. I had WEEI on the radio before tucking it away into the ferry. When I drove the car off the next morning, WEEI was still the selected channel on my radio, and I was in Novia Scotia!! Another country! Man, I was ticked off. WEEI promised they would not head to the greener pastures of satellite radio. Too bad, as I would have become a subscriber.
So, looking forward to 2007, WRKO will broadcast 132 games, leaving WEEI to the remaining 30 games. I think (and the Sox said it would NOT be confusing to the fans) that WEEI will broadcast Friday games, morning games, afternoon games (except weekends), and games which fall on a blue moon. Nevertheless, everyone in southern and central NH will be able to receive the broadcasts, without having to continuously search the radio bands when driving through different towns, hoping there is somewhat of a fuzzy signal of an affiliate station licensed to carry the game. Yahoo!!

Ramblings from the Nation – Toronto Blue Jays

2006-05-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Fresh of the series sweep against the New York Yankees (yes, technically, according to MLB rules, the Sox won the series, via the sweep), the Blue Jays come into town for their second visit. The Jays have won 4-6 so far. JP Riccardi has done a decent job rebuilding this club, although questioned for the big contracts of unproved closer BJ Ryan and AJ Burnett, who is once again on the DL. Many of the baseball experts feel the Jays are winning like the Red Sox did during their championship year of 2004. Time will tell…..Josh Beckett faces Doc Halladay in the series opener Wednesday…..Beckett has given up 12 runs in the past 4+ innings…..Halladay has gone 6-0, with a 2.01 ERA, over his past seven starts against the Sox and Yankees…..Shea Hillenbrand is OK after colliding with Gary Sheffield at first base last week. Shef has been out of the lineup ever since, and might make a trip to the DL with a bad wrist…..Troy Glaus was in a 6-39 skid until he went 4-5 and 4 RBI against the Orioles Monday. Why couldn’t he continue the slump until after he left Fenway? He comes into Fenway with 8 HR’s and 22 RBI…..For the Sox, these are games 7 & 8 of the 19 game series…..10 players from the Manchester Fisher Cats, the AA team of the Jays, have made the big league roster. The latest additions this year are Casey Janssen and Steve Andrade. I watched Janssen’s first MLB start and he did pretty good against the Orioles. He is 0-2, with a 6.30 ERA. Another former Fisher Cat, Steve Andrade, a member of the 2005 team, was recently called up by the Kansas City Royals, making him the 11th Fisher Cat to make the bigs, first with another team….Pitcher Jason Frasor was optioned to AAA…..Reliever Scott Downs returned recently from the bereavement list and is back in the pen…..

Dudley Dooright, I Mean Mirabelli,Saves The Day

2006-05-01T18:52:00.000-05:00

Dudley Dooright, I Mean Mirabelli,Saves The Day

Over this past off-season, in an effort to shore up the porous Red Sox defense, general manager Theo Epstein traded fan favorite Doug Mirabelli, the primary backstop for knuckle baller Tim Wakefield, to the San Diego Padres for steady second baseman Mark Loretta. Once the deal was announced, this guy was immediately worried. While Loretta is a fine player, the loss was great. As most Sox fans know, catching the fluttering knuckle ball is no steady task. Just ask All-Star catcher Jason Varitek. He has struggled mightily behind the plate when Wake pitched. And as Sox fans have witnessed, Josh Bard went straight to catcher’s hell. He already had 10 passed balls so far, which would have led to a major league record if he continued to catch. Along comes Dudley Dooright. Dougie was traded back to the Red Sox Monday and flew all day in an attempt to make the game against the Yankees, which Wakefield was pitching. Plans were in the works to get him to the game as quickly as possible, including landing a helicopter on local buildings, police escorts, and I think the Concord was even mentioned. Just like a NY script, Mirabelli arrived at Fenway Park around 7PM, minutes before the start of the game. He received a police escort to the players parking entrance, and exited the state owned vehicle already wearing his familiar number 28. As he exited, fans applauded on Yawkey Way. He went into the locker room, spoke to Wake, and put on his spikes. He received a thunderous ovation when he first took the field, and an even louder one as he took his first AB of the game. Here he comes to save the day!!

Ramblings from the Nation – Tampa Bay Devil Rays

2006-04-27T19:33:00.000-05:00

The Red Sox are in need of some offense. In the AL, they are 10th in BA, HR’s,Total Bases, Slugging, 11th in Runs, Hits, SB’s,13th in Triples, while 4th in GDP’s. When the Sox win scoring 8 or more runs, which has happened only 3 times, they have scored 1 run in the three subsequent games. When the pitching goes south, the team can’t win the slugfests once popular with this team…..The bottom 4 hitters in the lineup strikes fear in the eyes of Little Leaguers everywhere, but not pro players…..The Tampa Bay organization is having a tailgate party for fans Saturday afternoon, beginning at 3PM…..Mark Loretta needs a day or two off, as his average has fallen from .260 to .230 since his Patriot Day heroics…..Is it me, or does it seem if the opposition scores 2 or more runs early, the Sox have absolutely no chance of winning?.....Josh Beckett is looking pretty ordinary lately, while Tim Wakefield has been the teams best pitcher, although he is 1-4…..Devil Ray prospect Delmon Young, brother of Tiger Dmitri Young, whipped his bat at a replacement umpire after being ejected in a game vs. Pawtucket. He could have cause serious injury. Stick a fork in him….The Rays have had their share of injuries as Jorge Cantu, Rocco Baldelli (he lives on the DL), Aubrey Huff & Julio Lugo are all out of the lineup….Carl Crawford is back in the lineup after missing time due to the death of his grandmother…..The early returns show that the Reds got the bargain of the year in offloading Wily Mo Pena and acquiring Bronson Arroyo, who is off to a 4-0, 2.34 start. Bronson began last year 5-0…..Red Sox hitters are making # 4 and 5 starters look like # 1’s…..Infielder/outfielder Ty (Cy) Wigginton is a streaky player, and he is on an offensive hot streak right now. Defensively, he sucks though, committing two errors in one inning last week at Fenway…..Jerry Remy offered free merchandise on his website the other night. The site had so many hits that it crashed – died…..Beers are on me .....

Ramblings from the Nation - Cleveland Indians

2006-04-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

The Boston Red Sox open a 3 game series against the Cleveland Indians Tuesday and they will not face C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia, injured on opening day when pitching against the Chicago White Sox, is currently on a rehab assignment and will not return to the lineup until the first week of May. He threw 67 pitches in a simulated game in KC Saturday and reports are that everything went fine…..Coco Crisp returns to Cleveland after his off-season trade to the Red Sox (for Andy Marte and Guillermo Mota). Unfortunately, he is still on the DL for the next few weeks…..Indian manager, and former Sox catcher, Eric Wedge, missed a game April 17th to be with his wife during the birth of their first child, a son…..General Manger Mark Shapiro has done a fantastic job in his three years on the job, taking over a crumbling empire from former GM John Hart and building a contender, all with a payroll of 57 million bucks…..The Indians thought they upgraded their shaky middle relief, but that hasn’t been the case thus far…..Reliever Steve Karsay has been demoted to Triple A Buffalo…..Seemingly not missing a beat from last season, the Indian’s offense ranks near the top in the AL…..Despite several promotions, fans are not swarming to Jacob’s Field, even though Cleveland fields a top team…..The Tribe had six sellouts all of last season, one being on the Coco Crisp bobble head giveaway…..The Indian’s are coming off a ten game swing, going 4-6, including losing the last two games to a Royal’s team that had lost ten straight…..

Ramblings from the Nation - Toronto Blue Jays

2006-04-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

The Red Sox spent their off-season loading up on pitching and defense. And so far, the stats support that. Gone are the days of bashball and errors. The name of this year’s game is the opposite. Heading into the weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays, the Sox find that they no longer are near the top of most offensive categories. They are 9th in the league in BA (.264), have the 3rd most strikeouts, 11th in runs scored, 12th in home runs and 9th in total bases. Toronto is near the top in most offensive categories. But as the pitching stands, the Sox are leading the ways in several categories. They are 1st in the AL for team ERA (3.78), 1st in starter wins, tied for 1st in complete games, 1st in saves, near the top in walks and strike outs and 2nd in runs allowed. The current edition of the Red Sox is the polar opposite of the past three years. Let’s see how this translates with the fans over a complete season……Lot’s of former Florida Marlins greeting each other in Toronto, as Josh Beckett, AJ Burnett, Alex Gonzalez, Mike Lowell…..Jays outfielder Vernon Wells, no relationship to the pork bellied, gimpy kneed, trash talking porker pitcher the Sox employ, is having another sensational season. Fresh off of winning another gold glove, manager John Gibbons went so far as calling him a future AL MVP. Only time will tell…..Former Sox third baseman Shea Hillenbrand is in the midst of a slump. The extremely impatient hitter has only one walk so far…..Johnny Damon’s face imprint can still be seen embedded in the centerfield padding. Rumors are swirling that his hit has cause him to stutter even more. That is so sad for the New York media…..Former Manchester Fisher Cat is off to a solid start at second base. Another former Cat, Gustavo Chacin, beat the Red Sox at Fenway last week. Chacin had 16 wins for the FisherCats in 2004, during their championship run…..Josh Towers has started 0-3, with a 9.24 ERA…..Former Jay Derek Bell was busted for cocaine recently. He just couldn’t keep off that pipe…..

Ramblings from the Nation – Tampa Bay

2006-04-17T19:35:00.000-05:00

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays come into Fenway for a three game series beginning Tuesday at 7:05. The Rays are 7-6, two games behind Boston in the AL East. The pitching match ups are as follows: Casey Fossum (L) vs. Matt Clement (R); Curt Schilling (R) vs. Doug Waechter (R); Tim Wakefield (R) vs. Scott Kazmir (L). The Rays swept the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. Tampa Bay has shown patience at the plate, leading MLB in walks. Carl Crawford will face Matt Clement Tuesday, nine months after hitting a stinging line drive that hit Clement in the head. Clement faced Tampa Bay on August 29th and received the W in a 12-3 Sox win at Fenway. Casey Fossum is in his second season with the Devil Rays, after a one year stint with Arizona. He is just 28, but seems as if he’s been around a lot longer. Jonny Gomes is off to a hot start, hitting .300, with 5 HR and 14 RBI. Third baseman Ty Wiggington is also warm, hitting .293 with 5 HR and 13 RBI. Tim Wakefield is 7-0, with a 3.18 ERA vs. Tampa since 2003. The current Sox lineup has hit Fossum at a .241 clip, Waechter at a hit happy .339 pace and Kazmir at .214. “Three Dog” is the new nickname for Crawford, given for his propensity for the triple. He had 19 during the 2004 season, 15 in 2005, and already has one this year. Jorge Cantu has 1 HR and 8 RBI, while batting .258 thus far. He is coming of a fine performance in the World Baseball Classic. The Rays have hit 19 home runs in their first 13 games, a record for their franchise. That puts them 3rd in the AL. In comparison, the Sox have hit only 12 (thrid from the bottom in the AL). On the other end of the spectrum, the Sox has a staff ERA of 3.96, good for 2nd in the AL, while the Rays have a combined 5.84 ERA, next to last in the AL. Six of the 7 Devil Ray victories have been of the come-from-behind variety. Keep an eye on Russell Branyan, who is hitting .364 3/7 against Matt Clement.

Ramblings from the Nation - Seattle

2006-04-14T18:41:00.000-05:00

Opening Day was perfect, in every sense of the word. There was one bizarre finding, though. I was daydreaming during some of the ceremonies and happened look up at the rafters, wondering why they didn’t paint some of them. As I was gendering, I noticed a noose hanging from one of the aforementioned rafters. I pointed this out to several paying fans who all agreed that it was pretty spooky. I have attached the picture for your viewing pleasure…..The Seattle Mariners are in town, and the Sox hope to take 3 out of 4 from them. Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz have excellent numbers against all of the Seattle starters…..Don’t forget that Monday’s game is an eleven o’clock start, as it is Marathon Monday, as well as Patriot’s Day, in MA…..Itchiro Suzuki is off to a slow .238 start for the Mariners…..Old friend (or foe?) Carl Everett has signed with the Mariners for 2006 and fired some shots across the bow of the Chicago White Sox organization. While he has always been pretty much high maintenance for each team he has played for, he consistently puts up some solid numbers year in and year out…..Every hit Ramirez has is of the single variety…..Mark Loretta is quietly struggling, while Kevin Youkilis has been better than average at first base….Kevin Millar is hitting home runs again for the Orioles.....Enjoy the holiday.

Ramblings From The Nation - Opening Day

2006-04-12T17:50:00.000-05:00

Opening Day was a blast. Fenway Park is looking pretty spiffy and the weather couldn’t have been better. Of course, I spent a portion of the game with a gang of professional 12 ounce curlers. How early to these people start drinking?.....It was nice to see pitching coach Dave Wallace hobble his way around the dugout before the game. He left soon after. Shea Hillenbrand received a nice ovation when introduced before the game. After the game, his teammates told him that Beckett was jawing over the fact that Hillenbrand started to trot to first, thinking it was ball four. The former third baseman then threw out a few expletives in the direction of Beckett from the visitors locker room…..I thought the fans gave Keith Foulke the appropriate response as he was introduced, as I hardly heard a boo….I saw Carl Yastrzemski before the ballgame chatting it up with the parking attendants. I instantly flashed back to my early teen years when I delivered the Sunday Globe to his home. What an a-hole. More on that later…..I hope the fans display some patience with Wily Mo Pena…..Adam Stern is quick, but he can’t sing at all…..Jerry Remy has a small bald spot on the back of his head…..Lucky Larry Lucchino was very gracious with a lot of the fans before the game, flashing his championship ring around….I stood in an area on the third base line that was used as a beer counter in the past. There is a noose hanging from the rafters. More on that later as well. Imagine paying close to one hundred dollars for parking? Some vendors require that you assume the position over the hood of your vehicle and take it like a man……Bronson Arroyo is tied with David Ortiz in home runs. Why can’t we get hitters like that?

Pre-Opening Day Notes

2006-04-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

Josh Towers starts Tuesday's game for the Toronto Blue Jay's, with Gustavo Chacin and Ted Lilly rounding out the series. Towers held the Sox to a .258 AVG last year. For 2005, he led Toronto pitchers in ERA, Wins, BB's, WHIP & innings in 2005. David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Alex Cora and Kevin Youkilis are the only Sox to hit better than .300 against Toronto last season. Mark Loretta, Mike Lowell, JT Snow, Alex Gonzalez & Wily Mo Pena have never faced Towers or Chacin. Most of the Sox from the 2005 season have had decent success, up and down the lineup, against Chacin. The World Series and AL pennant flags have been relocated and placed above the press box and below the Fenway Parks sign. Opening ceremonies will include the gigantic flag unfurling from the green monster, as well as a flyover. I am very excited to see the changes made to Fenway, the fifth year for improvements. More to follow.

Ramblings From The Nation - Baltimore

2006-04-07T16:52:00.000-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, the acquisition of Kevin Millar by the Baltimore Orioles didn't drive up ticket sales. The attendance for the second game of the season at Camden Yards was a little above 16,000, while the next day was even worse. The announced attendance was 13,194. That should be short lived, though, as the Red Sox visit Baltimore and bring along a band of merry marauders. Call is RSN South, one of my favorite trips of the year.....I think Miquel Tejada is going to have a monster year, with decent protection in the lineup and the soap opera from last year behind him. This is a guy who, prior to last year, averaged 123 RBI/year over the previous 5 season.....Speaking of the soap opera, does anybody know where Mr. Viagra, Rafael Palmeiro, is hiding? I hope he remembered to take those earplugs out, where ever he is.....Manny Ramirez was burning chalk running to first on a single in the 4th inning. I wonder if he pulled a Roger Clemens and put Icy Hot on his cockadoodle doo. It was refreshing to see Manny hustle like that.....Still don't understand the signing of Rudy Seanez. He's got an career ERA over 4, and that is mostly in the pitcher friendly NL. He was already with Boston before and didn't impress. He's done nothing so far, and looks mean. LOL. I am not impressed with the so called strength of ours - the bullpen. In close games, Terry Francona goes to Mike Timlin and Jonathan Papelbon. In blowouts, he uses the rest of the pen.....Wily Mo Pena was the only position player who didn't get into the 14-8 blowout of the Orioles. Hmmmmmmmm. Conspiracy theorists, you may begin.....It took only 17 pitches for the Sox right fielders to produce 4 outs. Willy Mo Pena swung and missed at 4 straight pitches before taking the fifth, inspiring a Bronx cheer from Red Sox fans in Baltimore. He swung and missed at the next two. Trot Nixon replaced him when his next AB came up and didn't fare much better.....Speaking of Papelbon, how much respect has he earned from Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett over the past few days? I got in trouble tonight for now switching the laundry around. ;-)

Ramblings from the Nation

2006-04-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

I saw Pedro Martinez pitch on ESPN Thursday night and he looks fat…..I also saw Kevin Millar hit a double, arriving safely,barely, as the ball came into second. He looks fat…..I am in baseball heaven as Comcast is showing a free preview of MLB InDemand, offering a twenty dollar savings off the normal 179 normal price. What a deal…..What is it about the Oakland Athletics and their uniforms? Even the pip squeeks of MLB look like they have morphed into the Hulk as soon as they put one on. I should add a few to my wardrobe…..There was a young man from Nantucket…..As I watch Thursday Night Basball on ESPN, I came up with an idea. Each of us should donate a buck and buy Chris Berman a couple oxygen tanks. Whenever a sentence lasts more than 4 seconds, he is gasping for every last breath. He is fat.

Ramblings From The Nation

2006-04-06T18:19:00.000-05:00

Here are some idle thoughts from a man who has too much time on his hands. I will work for food. Is Red Sox plural or singular? Keith Foulke said all the right things after taking a seat while watching Jonathan Papelbon close out the game in Texas. He said that he was a Red Sox and would do anything to help the team to win. This annoys me. I need to know what the proper terminology for players who refer themselves as a Red Sox. Red Sox “sounds” plural, but is it? To say you are a Red Sox sounds incorrect. What is correct? Red Sock? If you have the answer, please email me….. I got fired up when Josh Beckett got fired up, who in turn fired up Curt Schilling, which fired up Papelbon. I was fired up……. Trot Nixon’s cap is in mid season form, already wrinkled and dusted …. The Yankee’s weaknesses were on display in Oakland as the defense committed three errors and the bullpen wilted in a 9-4 loss to the Athletics. Johnny Damon throws like a girl ….. David Ortiz hit into two DP’s for only the fourth time in his career ….. Manny Ramirez is off to a slow start, going 1/10…..Tim Wakefield’s catcher, Josh Bard, treated Wake’s pitches as if the ball carried the bird flu…..Former prospect Hanley Ramirez drove in 3 in his second game with the Marlins….. …..During the 5th inning of the Texas game, I started to wonder if Foulke could successfully close out the game. This was on my mind until the bottom of the 8th, when Papelbon began his warmups. I was ascared…..I watched the blooper show featuring Jerry Remy and enjoyed it…..Tom Caron from NESN has new specs and has removed the go-t.....Joanie loves Chachi.

It’s Clear About Nomar Garciaparra

2006-04-06T16:27:00.000-05:00

I read the MLB news notes recently and found a tidbit that was far too common. Dodger first baseman, Nomar Garciaparra, found his way back to the DL on Opening Day. It appears he pulled a rib muscle the day before, swinging away. I don’t claim to be a member of the medical profession, but I find it curious that all of his muscles seem to be detaching themselves from the bones in his body. My, what could this be related too? Bad bone structure? Not enough milk mustaches? Maybe soccer training with Mia? Call me skeptical, but I think, and I am going way out on a ledge here, but it might be, could be, possibly be related to the juice. Yes, that juice. As I mentioned, I am not a medical professional, nor do I play one on TV. Let’s just call it a hunch. NESN (New England Sports Network) recently had a show featuring Jerry Remy bloopers, and Nomah was in one of them. He was a skinny shortstop, really skinny. In literally weeks one winter, he put on 35 pounds of muscle and adorned the cover of SI. Hmmmmmmmm. Call me skeptical.
Don’t get me wrong, I was with all of you screaming “Nomah” at Fenway. I still have his 1999 All Star shirt stashed away in my extensive sports collection. But come on. You can’t feel bad for this man. How bad can you feel for a guy who’s made more than 50 million clams during his career? What did he spend this money on? I think it’s “clear”. This is the same guy who reportedly turned down 60 million smackers at the end of the 2003 season. What a bonehead move that was by his agent, Arn Tellem. Irrational thinking. He will never come close to that figure as his career winds down exponentially. He has played in only 143 games since the end of the 2003 season.
One distinctive moment that stands out for me is during a Sox/Yankee’s game in 2004, the same night when Derek Jeter and Garciaparra defined who they are. That moment happened on a warm July evening at Yankee Stadium, in a 13 inning masterpiece. You know the game. During the 12th inning, Derek Jeter raced from the shortstop position into foul territory, diving into the stands to make a catch and coming up bloody. That same evening featured a sulking Garciaparra sitting in the dugout, refusing to pinch hit for his manager. That is the lasting memory I will have of Garciaparra, as he was traded 30 days later to the Cubs. And yes, he missed almost half of that season due to his wrist injury.
The next time, if there is a next time, Garciaparra is on a televised ballgame, take a close look at him. Watch his bat speed. See if you can hear the hissing as his nostrils flare or see the tiny horns growing out of his head. And when he swings, listen to hear what pops out next. As the roid investigation continues, we should see his name crop up once or thrice. The truth is clear.

Will The Patchwork Infield Work For The Sox?

2006-04-06T15:53:00.000-05:00

The Boston Red Sox spent a portion of their offseason on their infield, concluding with a complete turnover of each base and shortstop. No longer with the team are Kevin Millar, Billy Mueller, Edgar Renteria & Tony Graffanino. Instead, these positions are manned by Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell, Alex Gonzalez & Mark Loretta, respectively. And it appears that this is a short term fix. Lowell is signed for two seasons, while the rest are working on one year contracts, which sets us in motion for a completely different infield to start the 2007 season. But will this patchwork infield do the job?
Lowell’s struggles at the plate last season are well documented. During the first 75% of spring training, he continued to struggle. During the past 2 weeks, however, he has stepped up to the plate – literally. The third baseman has been swinging a good bat, despite many reports that his bat had slowed considerably. But there is no question that he can still play the hot corner as well as anybody. Will he be the guy that averaged almost 25 HR’s and 95 RBI over the 2000-04 seasons? Or will he be the post-roid guy who connected just 8 times last season? Gonzalez is considered to be the best MLB shortstop who hasn’t won a Gold Glove. As this may be the case, he is considered an offensive liability. He is trying to rediscover the stroke he established in 2002-2003, when he hit 41 HR’s and 156 RBI during that span. But that was pre-roid. The good news is that he can be hidden at the bottom of the batting order. Loretta brings a career .301 batting average, along with the ability to move the runners over, to Fenway Park. He also had a poor 2005 season, but that was due to injury. And then there is Youk. Fan favorite Youkilis is playing a new position. How much will this, and the fact that he is now an everyday starter, play into his production? RSN is hoping that their defensive skills can overshadow the possibility of poor offensive production. Time will tell. And the 2007 season should field a new infield as well.

How Are The Former Red Sox Players Doing So Far?

2006-03-27T18:56:00.000-05:00

I was curious as to how some former Red Sox players were performing with their new teams, so I did some research. According to Juan C. Gonzalez of the Sun Sentinel, former farmhand Hanley Ramirez has been named the starting shortstop for the Florida Marlins, as well as batting leadoff. I hope it lasts for Ramirez as the Marlins have his counterpart, Robert Andino, waiting in the wings. Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe has reported that former Sox first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach failed to win a spot on the St. Louis Cardinals roster, being sent down despite hitting over .300 during the spring. Bronson Arroyo was greeted rather rudely in his Reds spring premier, giving up 6 runs and 7 hits in five innings. While Arroyo said he “wasn't pleased with the results” he felt strong in the first couple of innings. We wish Bronson the very best of luck with his new team. Derek Lowe has been lights out during the spring, putting a smile of the face of new Dodger manager, Grady Little. After his first season with LA was filled with controversy, Lowe seems to have his head screwed on straight. Well, for the time being, anyway. His numbers have been impressive going 2-1/3.71/17IP/14H. Let’s see if he stays the course. Edgar Renteria is batting .333 with 3 HR’s and 8 RBI. I’ve read this his fielding has been decent as well. Former third baseman Billy Ballgame Mueller is hitting .382 with the Dodgers this spring, connecting for 3 HR’s and 10 RBI. Mike Myers is 1-1 with a 2.71 ERA with the Yankee’s. Kevin Millar is hitting .289 with 1 HR and 7 RBI with the Orioles. Johnny Damon is hitting .438 in very limited AB’s with the Yankee’s since returning from the WBC. Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher for the past 4 seasons, Doug Mirabelli, continues to have a hot spring with the San Diego Padres, hitting .423 with 3 HR’s and 9 RBI. His teammate, Mark Bellhorn, hasn’t been as hot, hitting at a .182 clip with 1HR and 4 RBI. Another Padre, Alan Embree, is struggling as well, with a record of 0-2, ERA of 6.75, giving up 13 hits in 6+ innings. Pedro Martinez was surrounded by media and scouts alike for his first spring training appearance. He’s only thrown 3 innings thus far. Ball hog Douglas Mientkiewic is the hottest of the hottest, off to a .487 clip with 1HR and 14 RBI. Considering how anemic the Sox offense has been this spring, some of these guys look pretty good. As the infamous sports idiot for WBZ in Boston would say, “Why can’t we get players like this?”

Ramblings from the Nation

2006-03-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

Terry Francona confirmed that high maintenance, Baby Huey’ish southpaw David Wells will be left out of the starting rotation until mid-April. The Red Sox have a couple of off days in the early going and don’t have a need for five pitchers. Wells, of course, isn’t happy. When is this person, who is in constant need of a babysitter, ever happy? While he has been a decent pitcher, he is a pimple on the ass of progress for the Sox organization, as he’s been for every team he’s pitched for.

Tony Graffanino and Dustin Mohr has been nothing short of ultimate professionals as both are lame ducks for their positions. Tony became expendable with the signing of Mark Loretta and the same for Mohr with the signing of Wily Mo Pena. Graffanino has been placed on waivers by the Sox, but started the game on the same day. If he garners any interest from other teams, the Red Sox will pull him off waivers (revocable) and work out a trade with the interested party. According to ESPN, Philly is interested in Mohr, but he could be put on waivers as well. More athletes should act like these two professionals.

The Dodgers released Korean first baseman Hee Seop Choi and the Sox quickly picked him up. By this signing, the Sox seemed to have lost some confidence in Mike Lowell. According to several sources, Lowell’s bat speed isn’t where it should be. This could pave the way for Kevin Youkilis to move back to third base and have both Choi and JT Snow manning first. If Lowell improves, the Sox could send Choi down to Pawtucket as he does have one option remaining.

Speaking of the Dodgers and first basemen, there are whispers of concern for Nomar Garciaparra. While he has been pretty steady defensively at his new position of first base, some are concerned about his hitting. He has been below .200 most of the spring and has yet to show signs he is coming out of offensive funk.

And yet another first baseman has been released, this time by the Detroit Tigers. Slugger Carlos Pena ran out of time with the Tigers as they have decided to get younger at first. Pena, who was born in the Dominican and raised in Haverhill, MA, is a sentimental favorite in New England. Personally, I would love nothing more for the Sox to pick him up and allow him to steady the ship in Pawtucket. He still has a little upside potential and would be realitevely inexpensive for the Sox. He is steady defensively, is a pure first baseman, which is a position the Red Sox are still fuzzy on. Let’s go, Theo, sign the hometown boy and let’s see what he can do.

Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe was correct when he told me he would be surprised if Juan Gonzalez ever put on a Sox uniform. The agent for Gonzalez hasn’t heard from him and is worried about his well being. The Red Sox haven’t heard a word from Juan Gone. He was supposed to report to camp 10 days ago. Rheal Cormier is rumored to be coming back to Boston for a third stay. The Red Sox are still holding out hope that Roger Clemens will come back to Boston this year. He is currently tied with Cy Young for first all time on the Red Sox pitching victories list.

Ramblings from the Nation

2006-03-20T21:35:00.000-05:00

Overall, this has been a pretty quiet spring camp for the Red Sox, but there are a few things that just don’t sit right with me. David Wells called Terry Francona an idiot the other day. According to ESPN, Wells, referring to a meeting the two had, said "What went on in that office should have stayed there in that office and it shouldn't have come out to you guys," Wells told The Hartford Courant in Saturday's edition. "So he's the idiot for saying that like that, not me, because I didn't interpret it like that." What is wrong with Flubber? This is a guy who demanded a trade, decided that the trade wasn’t in his best interests and rescinded the request, is on a schedule to make millions of dollars, then calls his boss an idiot. Like many Red Sox fans, I have grown wearing of the man child, the Baby Huey in a uniform.
*Give Tony Graffanino some credit. He is a man without a team and been nothing but the ultimate professional. When the Sox offered him salary arbitration right at the deadline, Graffanino was relieved to know he was coming back to be the second baseman for the 2006 season. The Sox, sans Theo, then traded fan favorite Doug Mirabelli to the Padres for Mark Loretta, effectively making Tony-Graf the lame duck. I don’t understand this whole process. Loretta will be an asset in the lineup, Tim Wakefield already misses Mirabelli and we have a surplus of infielders. I just don’t get it.
*Good news for Terry Francona as he received an extension on his contract and will no longer be one of the lowest paid managers in professional baseball. Long overdue and well deserved.
*Some are reporting that Theo Epstein has been invisible during spring training in an attempt to keep away from the spotlight.
*Kevin Millar (.306 BA), Edgar Renteria (.364 BA) and Derek Lowe (3.0, 0.69 ERA) are all having excellent springs with their new teams. The Yankee’s are concerned about the shoulder of Johnny Damon, who is having a rough spring. Former AL MVP Juan Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox, but the chances are slim that he will ever be on the major league roster. Opening Day is around the corner.

Wily Is Lookin’ for Mo’re – Trot’s Swan Song

2006-03-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

Wily Mo Pena was traded to the Boston Red Sox for guitar strumming and fan favorite Bronson Arroyo on Monday, March 20. RSN is displeased that another rock star is gone, but the end result could be more positive, providing that Wily Mo spends more than a year in the Sox organization. Pena has a substantial upside at 24 while Arroyo could be peaking at age 29. This deal appears to signal the end for Trot Nixon, the lame duck right fielder. Nixon, 31, is in the final year of his contract. He has been prone to physical breakdowns over the past 4 years. Pena is in line to take Trot’s job, and not just against left handed pitchers.
Wily Mo is looking to become an everyday player, and he will challenge the hygienically
challenged Nixon for the right field position. Pena possesses decent speed, an above
average gun, and cleanliness, a trait the current right fielder has been struggling with for
several years. Nixon elevated the term dirt dog to a whole new level in his years with the
Sox, as evidenced in his not so clean uniform. He often resembled a homeless man who
pulled an old Sox uniform out of the trash. Nixon also occasionally provided very
awkward moments rambling on about his religious beliefs way too long for the casual
viewer. Thanking the Lord is one thing, but providing a sermon during an interview
is just, well, awkward.
Nixon was a high draft pick as a teen and used his father, Dr. Nixon, as his contract
negotiator. But he really never lived up to the hype following an extremely slow
development period in the Sox’ farm system. Once he became an everyday player, he
was often injured and his chronicled struggle against lefties was infamous. The signing of
Pena officially marks the beginning of the end for Nixon. His days are numbered.
Wily Mo could be the next Big Papi, but probably not. From what I hear, he has an
incredible work ethic, wants to learn more, and will work hard to achieve that. Being
from the Dominican, he is familiar with Ortiz and other Latin players. I for one am excited that Wily Mo is here. Trot, on the other hand, has been pointed to the exits.

BooYah Sverige

2006-02-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

Ramblings on the blog are usually dedicated to the great sport of baseball. But since it's early in spring training and nothing unusual is going on (Manny showing up late isn't unusual), I want to take a couple minutes to share my Olympic experience.
No, I have never participated (when will they introduce Olympic remote-controlling?), but I am a big fan of the Olympics, the only time when the world stops to take it all in. I wish we could capture the Olympic spirit on a daily basis. And I wish the North American hockey teams captured it as well. These Olympics have proven to the world that the continent which invented the sport is no longer among the best. The highly touted teams from both genders have mostly failed in their attempt at Olympic glory. The Canadien women are exempt, as they had an easy time beating Sweden for the gold, albeit without facing the US women. The US men could only win one game out of six, while the Canadian team was shut out in 3 games, including the clincher against Russia. Nary a North American citizen will compete for any medals in hockey. How could this happen?
Pride. Passion. Determination. These three common components were displayed by each team that beat up team NA. Russia lost their first game, but have been unbeatable since. Slovakia has been amazing. Even the Swiss team won more games than team USA. I'll give you a kudo if you can name 3 players from the Swiss team, no googling allowed. While the European teams seem to play great team defense, they also play an offense the way an offense is supposed to be played. As team NA continued their tradition of dump and chase hockey, team Europe carried the puck over the blue line, setting up many scoring chances. While team NA counted of their physicality, team Europe evaded that strategy by beating them to the puck. While team Europe remained composed during critical times of the game, team NA fell apart by commiting penalities, breaking down defensively, and losing their cool. These games were exciting. If you weren't a hockey fan before the Olympics, you should be now. The bad news is that each player soon returns to the watered down NHL, with dump and chase hockey back in the forefront. My wife will not miss my chants for the Swedish teams. BooYah Svayyah (Sverige) has been echoing in my house each time the Swedes made a goal or won a game. I like to tell people that I am Swedish, but only third generation. That provides me with a backup team when the hyped up US teams/individuals fail. It's been working for twenty years and I have no intention of changing.
So what does this mean for hockey on the world stage? Only time will tell. But if team NA wants to make an impact in Vancouver in 2010, then a new approach must be taken. Bring on the WBC.

Red Sox get a Kix out of their Cocoa Crisps

2006-02-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

The Red Sox are fruity for their Fruit Loops. Er, Count Chocula. Or was that Cocoa Crisp? Either way, they love the sugary sweet guy from Cleveland they acquired in January. Don’t be confused with Crispix from Cincy, Cream of Wheat from Toledo or the cousin to the first, Crispix w/Wheat & Rasins. The Red Sox were 100% Bran sure they’d get him by dangling the Product 19’s of their farm system, Triples Andy Marte, and Kelly Shoppach, and possibly, Manny DelCarmen. Guillermo Mota convinced Cleveland that his arm was nothing more than Shredded Wheat (spoon size), but took him anyway. What a Kix in the crotch that was to the Sox when Cleveland first rejected him. Captain Crunch, also known as general manager Mark Shapiro, wanted to Frosted Flake the deal with more inticing Corn Pops. I was 100% Natural Bran against sending DelCarman. I thought the deal was Just Right Crunchy Nuggets with the proposed Sweeties already on the table. Holy Great Grains & Pecan! Cleveland without Cocoa Crisp is like Cornflakes without the milk. The accepted deal was Just Right Fruit & Nutty! Manny DelCarmen shouldn't be the second coming of Special K, but he’s got the Smacks to deliver. And while Cocoa Crisp is a Basic 4 tool player, giving up DelCarman would come back to haunt them. Imagine Cleveland facing the Sox in August and DelCarmen throwing so hard the ball looks like Fruity Pebbles. Here's hoping that Crisp can help win it all by hitting Apple Jacks in Clusters. Cheerios to the Indians post season dreams. That’s Life. The Sox go on to win the series and once again adorn a Wheaties Box. So while I watch the Sox this summer with my Honey Comb, when she’s not turning Trix, we will be going Fruit Loopy over Golden Crisp, Oatmeal Raisin Crisp, Rice Krispy, or whatever his name is. That's if the season doesn't quickly turn to Maypo.
The Total Whole Grain Flake,
Tommy Donovan from Hooksett

Virtual Reality?

2006-02-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

Acquiring tickets for the Boston Red Sox has developed into a chore as of late, especially for the average Joe like me. It wasn't that long ago that I could easily attain these now prized ducats. But lately, that is simply not the case.
Have you tried gettin' them recently? It's a task that usually requires several pc's, phones and friends. Not to long ago I could purchase my tickets via telephone, relatively easy I might add. Pick up the phone, speak with an operator, and I was set for the season. Opening day tickets are the toughest in town, but with work, they were attainable. Along with the dawn of the information highway, online ticket sales became the way of life. And with the Internet were new perks, such as ticket packages for an entire season, ranging from 4 games to the entire schedule. Being the savvy Internet veteran that I am, purchasing what I needed was a piece of cake. I always got the packages I desired, as well as the seating locations I wished for. As it got a little more difficult, I threw a couple more pc's into the mix.
"Welcome to the Java Virtual Waiting Room". That is the lovely greeting online fans have come to memorize while waiting in a virtual line. (For some reason, that guy who was in front of me kept ignoring me!) What the hell is a virtual waiting room and how does it work? I know that there is way too much cutting of lines in this room. I was online right at 10Am during the last rush of sales and finally got through at 4PM!! Five computers constantly refreshing every 30 seconds and that was the best I could do!! My friend went out for the day, logged on at 7:30PM and got the tickets she wanted!! Yes, I eventually got through and received 4 games, all standing room only. My friend got actual seats! And it took her 4 minutes! I didn't grant her cut-sies. Did you? The online purchasing for MLB ticket sales needs a facelift. While I have learned to be patient with the wait, I usually end up at the back of the line. I missed Opening Day last year for the first time in many years. Mucho years. I know, it's not fair. Since the Red Sox have been taking my name and info for many years, you'd figure they would offer me the opportunity to purchase a few games before the general public gets their stab at it. Send out a letter, an email, something .. something. In the meantime, I'm starting to work out again in preparation for next years' sales. No one is going to cut the line on me again.

It's Deja Vu All - Over Again ....

2006-01-26T16:26:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, January 24th, Brookline native Theo Epstein was named General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He will report directly to Larry Lucchino and will also hold an executive position as well. Theo feels he has the credentials to bring a World Series championship to the city of Boston. Wait a minute. This sounds vaguely familiar. Didn’t the Red Sox already hire a GM with a similar name a few years ago? And wasn’t he from Brookline? And didn’t he bring a championship to the city of Boston? Hey, wait a minute. Would some please help me remove the wool from my eyes?
Theo was name, again, as GM of the Sox. Man, what about those other two guys, Ben & Jerry? That was their names, no? Ben & Jed are proud NH boys who did an admirable job “filling in” while Theo went on his self-imposed sabbatical last Halloween, ducking the media wearing a gorilla suit, no less. But talk about getting diss‘d. Here boys, the job is yours until …..And to make matters worse, owner John Henry told the media on Wednesday that he was shocked that Ben & Jed were not introduced as interim managers. He was under the impression this would be the case but someone who really runs the show on Yawkey Way decided that Henry’s idea would be nixed. Is this guy really qualified to own this team? He feels, at times, that he is not.
Back to Theo. What did he learn from his 10 week timeout? He stated that he initially left due to a “fundamental disconnect” ranging from baseball issues to simple matters. No one within the organization would provide juicy details on this matter, which was the wise choice. I don’t think anybody wants to hear the details of the latest spat between me and my significant other. But the answer was so vague that we are left guessing at this point.
So, the issues are solved Theo? They must have been pretty severe for Theo to leave almost 5 million dollars on the table. Why couldn’t these issue’s be resolved prior to Theo tip-toeing out the door dressed as a primate? And will Theo bail on the team once again if someone in the organization makes a decision he doesn’t agree with? As the world turns, stay tuned ….

Theo is back - Or did he ever leave?

2006-01-22T20:57:00.000-05:00

On Friday, January 18th, the Boston Red Sox announced that former GM Theo Epstein would rejoin the organization in an unspecified role. Details of the announcement will be expanded upon the following week. So what does this mean for the state of Red Sox Nation?
Good question. The hometown team currently has two GM's in place. It is getting very crowded at the top of the food chain on Yawkey Avenue. Until more details are revealed, the rest of us will keep guessing what the next step is. Since his sudden and shocking Halloween departure in a gorilla suit, the faces of the team are no longer. JD is now JCNY, opting for the big bucks. Mueller and Millar are donning new uni's next season, along with Edgar Renteria, Mike Meyers, Doug Mirabelli & Chad Bradford. John Olerud retired. The Sox have picked up a slew of new players while still short on two key positions. Theo will have to re-introduce himself to the turnover. Many in the baseball community question how many of the former players would have stayed if Theo were on board. And how many of these deals would have actually been made? The one deal he promised to work on, involving David Wells, is still right here, awaiting his return like a puppy waiting for it's master.
The brass seems to have made several rash decisions over the hot stove season with no apparent game plan in place. Theo has become the master of plan A,B, C, D, &E, while the men hired to fill his once vacant shoes show no such thoughtful planning. With only weeks to go before the beginning of spring training, fans are still guessing to see who their starting shortstop and centerfielder will be.
Will Theo restore order to The Nation. If anyone can, Theo can. He has made some challenging and bold transactions during his brief 3 year tenure, some not working out at all. But he has made those decisions. And the coming weeks should tell us if he still has it after a self-imposed 3 month sabbatical. Welcome back, Theo. Well, did you ever leave?
(Photo courtesy Bostondirtdogs.com)

Everything is fine in the world of Remdawg.

2005-09-01T19:01:00.000-05:00

Everything is fine and Jim dandy in the world of the Remdawg. Jerry Remy is as popular as any player on the Red Sox roster. The former Boston second baseman is the color analyst on Red Sox broadcasts, has his own theme restaurant located outside the walls of Fenway, Remdawg’s, and has a very popular website, The Remy Report. While most former players fade away into obscurity, Remdawg star is waxing. If you ask any baseball fan in New England who the Remdawg is, they will tell you. If you watch the Sox broadcasts on NESN and UPN38, you have found yourself laughing along with Jerry and his broadcasting partner, Don Orsillo. Ask the more astute fan who wore number 2 for the Red Sox and they will tell you. Red Sox Nation is in love with Jerry Remy.
Gerald Peter Remy was born in Fall River, MA, in June of 52. He grew up in the neighboring town of Somerset, MA. After a stellar athletic career at Somerset High, the Anaheim Angels picked him in the 8th round of the 1971 Amateur draft. He made his major league debut April 7, 1975. Jerry was traded to the Sox December 8, 1978. He quickly became a fan favorite with his speed, hustle, and determination. Shortly after his retirement in 1985, he coached in the minor leagues before joining the television media in 1988. He has been a staple for NESN, the television home of the Boston Red Sox.
Since teaming up together in 2001, Remy & Orsillo are possibly the best television baseball broadcast crew in the business, which an audience that reaches around the world. Born out of the Remdawg celebrity is a funky green beanie baby type critter, Wally the Green Monster. Jerry faithfully takes the wannabe monster lizard on the road and even had a custom case built for him. A loyal fan built the pint size green cotton ball a high quality Adirondack chair. And after the 2004 championship season, a miniature replica of the World Series trophy and ring was created for Walter, as he is affectionately called by Remy. Jerry brings a sense of humor that lightens up the games. He has appeared on TV with mustard drippings on his shirt, has worn dew rags on the air, regularly butchers promo’s for advertisers, and has Orsillo and Red Sox Nation on the verge of tears from laughing so much. During a recent broadcast he hid some donuts from a hard working intern for twenty minutes (a friend called him “fresh” because of this). Simple but funny stuff. His quick wit, along with the ability to laugh at himself, make him an icon. Through television, he touches each and every fan. Gone are the days when we turn off the television audio and turn on the radio. Fans around the world have never enjoyed listening to Red Sox baseball more than they do now. His winning personality makes watching a winning team more enjoyable than ever.
This date in baseball history: 1890 On Labor Day at Washington Park, Brooklyn wins three games against Pittsburgh in the first tripleheader ever played. The Bridegrooms beat the visiting Alleghenys, 10-9, 3-2 and 8-4. 1906 In the longest game in American League history, the Philadelphia beats the Red Sox in 24 innings, 4-1. Both starters go the distance as A's hurler Jack Coombs bests Boston's Joe Harris. 1918 Due to World War I, the major league regular season is originally scheduled to end today, but the owners decide to play through Labor Day (September 2). The Browns want the Indians fined and believe the Cleveland should forfeit two games for refusing to play on the extended dates (September 1 & 2). 1945 Phillies outfielder Vince DiMaggio ties a major league record hitting his fourth grand slam of the season. 1958 Cardinal moundsman Vinegar Bend Mizell beats the Reds,1-0. The Southpaw, who is from Vinegar Bend, Alabama, establishes a National League record by walking nine batters without giving up a run. (Photo courtesy Boston.com/Historical data courtesy National Pastime).

Let's put things in perspective.

2005-08-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

I have met few people who haven’t enjoyed taking in a baseball game at historic Fenway Park. It’s an experience that everyone should immerse themselves in during their lifetime. Occasionally we experience such life changing events that put our daily habits and joys on hold. Times like these tend to shift and re-align our priorities, actually putting them back into their proper order. Today’s event is the heart wrenching catastrophe that hit the southern part of the country in the form of Hurricane Katrina. Watching helplessly from afar we have witnessed tragedy on a grand scale. Never before has this country grieved from a natural disaster of this magnitude. As we surf around the various news outlets, we are presented with a plethora of heart wrenching stories due to earth’s wind, water & fire. With despair on the faces of those being rescued from the tops of their homes, our hearts want to jump into action and do whatever possible although we are so far away. We feel the need to be right in the midst of the rescue efforts, hoping to save a life that otherwise might expire. Our good sense tells us that while we can’t immediately assist, our prayers will have to suffice until our goodwill takes place using the recommended methods, such as donating canned foods and clothing. Entire families and their material possessions have washed away with the outgoing tide, while we still have ours. It doesn’t seem fair. As we lay our heads down on our dry pillows this evening, pause for a moment and reflect on how good we have it today, right now! May God be with all the victims.

If Tommy was being Tommy ...

2005-08-29T20:16:00.000-05:00

The signature theme to the 2005 Red Sox is Manny being Manny. Sure, it might have been cute for a week or so, but come on, are we going to tolerate this BS? If Tommy was being Tommy, Tommy wouldn't have a job, family, or much of the life he is accustomed to. For example, during a recent game at Fenway Park, Manny Ramirez ducked into the manual scoreboard out in left field. For some reason, he thought there was going to be a pitching change. It turns out the Manny had to “relieve” himself. He barely got his fly up as Wade Miller was delivering a pitch to the plate. Manny being Manny. If Tommy was in a work meeting and ducked into the closed to wizz in a coffee cup, needless to say Tommy would be standing on the outside looking in. During another mental lapse by number 24, he failed to hustle down the first base line in a close game in Kansas City. What initially appeared to be an easy double play turned into a closer play. Manny was out but the play would have been a lot closer had he actually hustled down the first base line. If Tommy was working on a key project at work, a project that could result in a potential profit for the company, and Tommy decided that he wasn’t going to put any effort in the project, once again, Tommy would be on the outside looking in. If Tommy said he needed a day off during the deadline of an important project, Tommy would find that he would eventually have many days off in a row. Remember that Tommy isn’t making 20 million dollars per year. Tommy’s salary is around $19, 990, 000.00 less, give or take a couple bucks.
If Tommy can’t get away with this erratic behavior in the real world, then why would Manny Ramirez be able to get away with this act in Boston, a town known for it’s unparalleled worth ethic? Is it due to his charming, even unctuous public manner? Sometimes the consensus totally baffles me. Sure, Manny might be a boy in a man’s body, but I personally think he could be a poster boy for ADD. Has anyone in the Red Sox organization actually checked this childman for this condition. Tommy has a strong feeling that Manny will be Manny in another town next year. Well, Tommy is going back to being Tommy, as I work the world in an effort to establish my own millions!
This date in baseball history: 1934 Tiger Schoolboy Rowe, after sixteen consecutive victories, finally loses. The A's chase him after seven innings in a 13-5 final. 1948 In St. Louis, Jackie Robinson hits for the cycle, drives in two runs, scores three times and steals a base helping the Dodgers to beat the Cardinals, 12-7. 1965 Giants centerfielder Willie Mays breaks former Pirate Ralph Kiner record for home runs in the month of August when the 'Say Hey Kid' connects for his 17th round tripper in an 8-3 victory over the Mets. 1966 At Candlestick Park, the Giants' home in San Francisco, the Beatles play their last concert. The 'Fab Four' will never perform in public again. (Historical data courtesy National Pastime/Photo courtesy ESPN)

Yankee's Suck? I don't think so.

2005-08-25T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today the executive branch of the Boston Red Sox announced that any t-shirts that deliver a little schadenfreude at the cost of the New York Yankees will not be tolerated. Yes, I read Dictionary.com today and found that to be a really cool word. What this means is that any shirt with the New York team name and/or team member, followed by the words suck, swallow, etc, will not be tolerated. Any fan attempting to enter Fenway Park with a shirt of this type will be asked to remove it and turn it inside out. I would love to be an attendant at the gate and spring this news to Jennifer Garner! Hubba hubba hubba!! While walking outside today I witnessed a couple rather large flies hovering over some dog poop. Having the attention span equal to my daughter's while she's on the computer, my mind strayed and focused in on this everyday happening of nature. One would guess that after thousands of years some teenage fly in his late teens, on his way to an Ivory league school, would rebel and say “Dude, this is so wrong!” That being said, how many times have you been to Fenway and heard the crowds chant “Yankees suck”, among other truculent verbiage? When the Sox visit the house that Ruth built, it is not uncommon to hear similar chants, including the very popular 1918. Dude, that is so wrong! I have witnessed vendors hawking their 5 dollar shirts (and not the good quality Champion shirts, but the type that rips after the first wash!) before and after Sox/Yankee games. And we have all seen the vendors selling Yankee Suck shirts after the Bronx Bombers beat us! If they suck and beat us, then how bad were the Red Sox? The Sox don’t suck. The Yankee’s don’t suck. Both teams have performed very well over the past ten years, haven’t they? Hmmmmm….
That being said, this announcement should be met with a positive response. The Sox brass are being very proactive with their initiative to create a more family oriented experience at Fenway Park. Fans will still shout epitaphs at various Yankee players from now until eternity. I embrace the idea that young children, perhaps attending their very first MLB game, will no longer have to read the various slurs on t-shirts. I encourage every fan to think twice before purchasing or wearing one of these shirts. I wish that the boss of the Yankees, George Steinbrenner, would release a similar press release discouraging fans from wearing similar shirts at Yankee Stadium. I’d love to know how you feel about this. Do you feel this violates our freedom of speech? Do you disagree with the announcement? Are you a vendor who will be making a couple grand less per game? Please click the comment button below and let me know.
Today in baseball history: 1984 "They shouldn't try to compare Dwight to Sandy Koufax or Nolan Ryan or anyone else because there is no comparison. They should be comparing the others to Dwight." –Davey Johnson, as Met manager – and this was before crack was invented! 1922 In spite of a fourth inning lead of 25-6, the Cubs need to hold on to defeat Philadelphia 26-23 as the Phillies leave the bases loaded in the ninth. The total amount of runs, 49, is the major league mark for most tallies scored in one game. 1956 Prior to the Old Timer's Game at Yankee Stadium, shortstop Phil Rizzuto is asked to consult with general manager George Weiss and manager Casey Stengel concerning a player move necessitated by reacquiring Enos Slaughter from the A's. After making several suggestions about who should be cut from the squad, the veteran infielder is told by Weiss he is the player about to be let go. 1967 Twins' Dean Chance throws his second no-hitter of the month defeating the Indians 2-1. On August 5th he threw five perfect innings in an abbreviated game against the Red Sox. 1985 Met phenom Dwight Gooden becomes the youngest (20 years, 9 months. & 9 days) pitcher to win 20 games in a season. Bob Feller was a month older when he accomplished the feat in 1939.(An arrest warrant has been issued for Dwight after he fled police while allegedly drunk.
Go Sox! (Photo courtesy Yankee Hater (go figure), stats courtesy National Pastime)

Kevin Millar did what?

2005-08-24T17:07:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of putting together a little su'um su'um about Anthony Nomar Garciaparra and had to put it aside when Kevin Millar did something he hasn't done in almost 3 months. Yes, he DID hit a home run! It was barely a long ball as it grazed off the left field foul pole. Talk about squeaking one in. With a slight breeze coming out of the south, well, it would have been just another loud strike. As soon as he connected his eyes lit up like deer in the headlights. I am pretty sure he asked the Kansas City first baseman, Mike Sweeney, how to run the bases because he hadn't done that in a long time. Unlike HR hitters like David Ortiz, he literally flew around the bases like he was chugging to stretch a single to a double. And he was as graceful and coordinated as a two legged antelope! As he was running the bases, there was scrambling in the dugout. Manager Frito Francona was instructing everybody to take a seat and give Kevin the silent treatment when he came back into the dugout. I'm pretty sure Millar was keen to it because as he jogged down the steps of the dugout, he placed his batting helmet on backwards and covered his eyes. For a few seconds his teammates ignored him, until the 230lb captain of the Sox, catcher Jason Varitek, jumped on his back as he was walking by. If the homerun didn't wake up Millar, the monkey on his back did. I have been a fan of Kevin Millar ever since he was taken off an airplane headed for Japan and was literally bought for cash from the Florida Marlins in 2003. He has been such a great teammate everyone in the Red Sox organization. He has had some big hits for the Sox during his 3 year stay in Boston. And we all know how much he has struggled in 2005. Francona has stuck with him during much of the season, to the dismay of many in The Nation. With the emergence of veteran John Olerud, Millar was delegated to ride the pine over the past 3 days. During an interview on WEEI Wednesday afternoon, Francona stated he had spoken with Millar and that Kevin would continue to be a positive influence in the dugout. That characteristic of Kevin Millar is invaluable. So hang your cups high for tonight we toast Red Sox first baseman, Kevin Millar! May you hit a homerun in every at bat!!
This date in baseball history: 1905 In Philadelphia, the Cubs defeat the Phillies in 20 innings, 2-1, with Ed Reulbach going the distance for Chicago. 1940 In the Tigers 12-1 victory at Fenway Park, Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams pitches the last two innings against Detroit allowing one run on three hits. 1941 A rag tag group of five musicians, dubbed the Dodger SymPhony, by announcer Red Barber, make their Ebbets Field's debut. This band, none of which could read music, perform their zany antics at all evening and weekend games. 1951 A thousand fans behind the Browns dugout are given yes and no signs to vote on decisions to be made by the coaching staff. Owner Bill Veeck's idea appears to work as his team beats the Phillies, 5-3. 1963 The Little League World Series is televised for the first time . With ABC's Wide World of Sports providing coverage of the championship game, Grenada Hills (CA) beats Stratford (CT), 2-1. (Photo courtesy MLB / Historical data courtesy http://www.nationalpastime.com/)

The Tale of the Irish Pekka.

2005-08-23T17:26:00.000-05:00

Today it was announced that the NHL Nashville Predators signed goaltender Pekka Rinne. I know it isn't baseball related and I think it is kinda funny. If you do the unmentionable and mouth his name while you are reading it, you will smile. Next, say his name out loud. Then yell his name. Now make believe he is Irish and call him O'Pekka! If that doesn't make you smile, nothing will. On to baseball.
When the Red Sox finish the ten game road trip they are wrapping up in Kansas City, they will begin the stretch run with 24 of the remaining 36 games at home. This portion of the schedule has been well publicized since the schedule was released last year. The key is if they take advantage of it. Sixteen of the final 36 games are against teams with sub .500 record. Of those remaining 20 games, six are against New York, 4 against Oakland & 3 against the Angels and Blue Jays. Against the sub .500 teams, this year the Sox are 17-12. Against the remaining teams, the 2005 Red Sox are 17-20. The Blue Jays have had their number all year by taking 8 of 11 so far. The New York Yankees have 16 home/20 road games remaining once they finish their series with the Toronto Blue Jays. Twenty-one of the 36 remaining games are against sub .500 teams. Against those teams, the 2005 edition of the Yankee's are an incredible 13-19, including a 3 game sweep at the hands of the Royals. The Sox are 7-6 against the Yankees, and the remaining teams are 11-4. At first it appears that the Sox have the clear edge to win the American League East, but other tangibles have to be factored in. How a team is currently playing, how hot the starting pitching has been, injuries, which team will mail it in as the season comes to a close are all factors that can't be determined at this time. Even so, the Sox must realize that they are in the driver’s seat and control their own destiny. Win the games you are supposed to win and don't scoreboard watch, well, at first anyway! Go Sox! This date in baseball history: 1906 At American League Park in Washington, D.C., the White Sox win their 19th consecutive game beating the Senators, 4-1. 1936 The Indians' seventeen-year-old rookie pitcher, Bob Feller makes his first major league start striking out the first eight batters he faces. 'Rapid Robert' will finish the game with 15 strikeouts as Cleveland beats the Browns, 4-1. 1952 Bob Elliot of the Giants is tossed from the Cardinal game for protesting a strike two call and his replacement, Bobby Hoffman, is also thrown out for arguing the third strike of the same at-bat. 1982 Gaylord Perry of the Mariners is ejected from the game for applying a foreign substance to the ball. Although the right-hander has been suspected for years of loaded up the baseball, it is the first time he has been caught by the umpires. 1989 Cincinnati manger Pete Rose agrees to a lifetime suspension from baseball due to allegations of betting on baseball. (Historical data courtesy http://www.nationalpastime.com/. Photo courtesy kotisivu.dnainternet.net/ dnamaali/mokke.html)

Offseason: A need for a first baseman.

2005-08-22T17:26:00.000-05:00

Today is an off day for the Red Sox but not for the bloggers of Red Sox Nation. "There are no off days in baseball!". Well, the movie line was similar to that, except funnier. I would like to take this opportunity to look past the coming week & playoff races. I would like to address the first base situation for the Red Sox. I'd like to take a look at who's available, beside me, next year. For some reason, the Boston brass refuses to return my calls. There are several free agents that will become available, as well as the possibility of a trade. Let's take a look at who's out there. In no particular order, there is Kevin Millar, Paul Konerko, Dimitri Young, Tino Martinez, Scott Hatteberg, Erubiel Durazo, Travis Lee, Eduardo Perez, Julio Franco, Wes Helms & Doug Mientkiewicz. Millar will not fetch much in the market and should be offered a minor league deal, maybe even with the Sox. Personally, I feel he can make at least &16, 200. If you go to a comedy club and get pinched for two fins, well, that is what Millar is worth, at least, for 162 games. He can keep the team losey goosy with his sense of humor. Hopefully he will provide the ultimate punch line when he finds his stroke. Mientkiewicz (spell checker loves this name) has been here, done that. Besides, he just might take his ball and go home. Konerko has publicly stated that he enjoys the pressure free environment of playing for Chicago's 2nd favorite ball club. East coast ball is too stressful for him. Good for him. Young has been displaced at first by Chris Shelton and Carlos Pena. Besides, his best years are behind him and he can't lay off the Scooby snacks. Martinez might not play again in 2006, and if he does, he'll probably be spraying lemon pledge on the Yankee's bench. Julio Franco, that freak of nature. He will turn 48 before the end of the 2006 season. Your not sure if this guys' gonna be alive on a day to day basis. I believe his minor league teammate was Satchel Paige. ;-) Wes Helms? Who cares? Actually, who cares about the rest of them? If I was allowed one vote, I would suggest the local boy, Carlos Pena. He has been riding the shuttle between Detroit and *****. First, he can be acquired in a trade and come relatively cheap. He is steady at first, showing flashes of brilliance, but also bumbling the occasional routine play. He has HR power, especially when fed an off speed diet. He knows the strike zone pretty well and doesn't get cheated on swings. His beautiful left handed stroke is made for Fenway's right field. The problem pitch for him is a hard fastball, which he has trouble connecting. Well, so don't I! With the strong Boston lineup, he could in the 7 or 8 hole, where there is no pressure. He is not an All-Star, he is not a household name, but he is a true first baseman who provides an upgrade over every player Boston has auditioned there over the past few years (Ortiz, Millar, Petagine, Youk & Olerud). He has played ok when coming home to Fenway, and has hit some memorable HR's. If memory serves me, he has had multiple HR games against the Sox. He could be acquired for some picks or minor leaguers. Of course the minor leaguers would be players we have never heard of and hope to never hear from again, unlike Jeff Bagwell. This sounds like a great idea, or total lunacy. Perhaps the Sox brass might listen to me after all!
This day in baseball history: 1886 Louisville's Chicken Wolf hits a game-winning home run thanks to a stray dog tearing at Reds' Abner Powell's pant leg causing the center fielder to miss the ball. Damn dogs. 1939 At Comiskey Park, the Yankees win their first night game in franchise history as the Bronx Bombers defeat the White Sox, 14-5. 1965 Juan Marichal thinks Johnny Roseboro throws too close to his head returning the ball to Sandy Koufax and attacks Dodger catcher with his bat. The Los Angeles backstop suffers cuts on the head during the 14-minute brawl. 1989 On a 96 mph fastball, A's Rickey Henderson swing and misses to become Nolan Ryan's career 5000th strikeout. The 'Ryan Express' strikes out 13 and gives up only five hits, but loses the game to Oakland, 2-0. (courtesy http://www.nationalpastime.com/) Photo courtesy MLB.

Six weeks till Sunday.

2005-08-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

Six weeks till Sunday. MLB is officially in the stretch run. The dog days of August are coming to an end. The race for the playoffs unofficially begins today. Six weeks from today, Sunday August 21st, the regular season will end. All MLB teams will play in October this year. Every single one of 'em. But only 8 will be able to play after October 2nd. The final six weeks will determine who is invited to baseballs' second season. In the AL, along with the 3 division leaders, there are an additional 5 teams in the hunt for the final playoff spot, while the NL has seven teams within 5.5 games of the last spot. These final six weeks of the season should be memorable as no one is guaranteed a shot at the World Series Championship. Some division leaders are looking over their shoulders as well. The Boston Red Sox have failed to put away the New York Yankee's, even with the well documented pitching woes plaguing the Yankee's. Boston holds a slim 3 game lead and has 6 games remaining with the Yankee's. Boston's Little League defense has allowed the dreaded NY team to remain in the race. The Oakland A's are the feel good story of the year, but have faltered lately and are 2.5 games behind the LA Angels. The National League's version of the feel good story, the Washington Nationals, are also stumbling and 1.5 games off the wild card pace. I don't know anyone living in this country who doesn't want to see the Nat's in the playoffs. Each team plays 162 games for a reason, and that reason is now clearer. The push for the playoffs can be more exciting than the playoff games themselves. Less hype with more excitement. But this is what every ball player wants - the chance for a shot at the championship. Anything can happen once a team reaches that first milestone. This is one of the great components of the American pastime. Only six weeks till Sunday. Let the games begin!
... This day in baseball history: 1902 Joe McGinnity of the National League's Baltimore Orioles is thrown out of the league for punching and spitting at an umpire. Due his popularity, 'Iron Man Mike' will be quickly reinstated; 1908 On the third try, Senator Gabby Street catches a ball thrown from the top of the Washington Monument. Scientists estimated the 555-foot drop the ball traveled had a force between 200 and 300 pounds; 1931 Babe Ruth becomes the first major leaguer to hit 600 career home runs as the Yankees defeat the Browns, 11-7; 1947 The first Little League World Series tourney is held at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. With a .625 team batting average, the hometown Maynard Midgets easily win the tournament, 16-7; 1986 Spike Owens becomes the first major leaguer in 40 years to score six runs in a game as the Red Sox rout the Indians, 24-5.

The LA Angels are a bunch of crooks.

2005-08-20T13:08:00.000-05:00

If Orlando Cabrera steals a base, and nobody is in Angel Stadium of Anaheim (that is the name this week, isn't it?), does anybody hear it? Someday that will be explained to me. OC, who had 15 steals coming into the 8/19 game against the Red Sox, had been caught stealing just twice this year. In his career, he has 112 SB's and has been caught 32 times, good for a 77% success rate. He led off the bottom of the 8th with a single. Erstad popped out to Edgar Renteria. Mike Timlin was now on the mound for the Sox and paid no attention to the speedy Cabrera, who promptly stole second base. Manager Frito Francona intentionally walked Vlad Guerrero. This move would come back to haunt the tired looking Francona. Before you could say "hey, these guys are stealing bases", OC & Vlad successfully completed a double steal, ending up on 2nd and 3rd. The Boston defense looked mildly surprised as the runners didn't even draw a throw from All-Star catcher and Sox captain Jason Varitek. Although I am not a professional MLB manager or coach, nor do I have pipe dreams of being as such, I was pretty aware that stolen bases were in order. The Angels are 2nd in SB's in MLB, just one behind the mighty Mets. Why, oh why, didn't the baserunners draw any attention from the pitcher, catcher, and more importantly, the coaching staff of the Sox? Didn't Frito Lay Francona know that the Angels love to run the bases? Didn't he get the slightest inkling that this might be a remote possibility? What was going through his head after walking Guerrero? No signs from the dugout. No attention from the Sox battery. Double steal, base hit, game tied. Oh why, oh why didn't Tito properly react? To his credit, the Sox did come back to win it in the 10th, and Francona was let off the hook. Imagine the reaction if they had lost the game? In some circles, my view of Terry Francona appears negative. The human tendency leans towards negativity. I can't help it! I am just a concerned fan with forward thinking. Will Boston win the AL East? Will the Yankee's win it? Will the Sox even make the playoff's? No one can answer these questions, and with Francona at the helm, the answers lean towards the negative. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

I am a fan, that's what I am.

2005-08-19T13:39:00.000-05:00

I consider myself a true baseball fan, a definite Red Sox fan. I catch almost every game on tv. I listen to spring training games on the radio or MLB.com. I have been to most of the Opening Day Sox games since I was 12. (It's getting tougher to get tickets since the 'wine & cheese' crowd have taken the good seats - the Sox are 'in'.). During Thursday nights game against the LA Angels, I had a decision to make. Should I begin yelling at the game on tv (again)? Or should I change the channel and not wake up the kids? It was a west coast game, it was late. I changed the channel for the first time this year, and hopefully the last. What could make such a diehard fan do such an despicable act? Consider this. Manny Ramirez and Edgar Renteria collectively earn 30 MILLION dollars this year. In the same inning, both failed to bend over to stop balls on the grass. This resulted in two errors, extra outs for the Angels, and a very bad loss for the team, the Red Sox team. Renteria couldn't bend over to catch a ball thrown by Mirabelli in an attempt to throw out the would be base stealer Orlando Cabrera. The ball went under his glove, resulting in a two base error. Later in the same inning, Ramirez couldn't bend over to stop a ball coming straight at him. It rolled all the way to the fence, resulting in another 2 base error. The inning continued, the Sox lost 13-4. I refuse to watch this much money play with so little heart and desire, will & determination. Yes, I turned off the game. I have to admit that I turned it back a couple times just to get an update on Tim Wakefield, who left the game after taking a line drive off his ankle. He is fine. The Sox are still in first place. I don't' know how, but they are. Frito Tito Francona turned his head like nothing happened. A lot of coaches would have benched these two for such lack of effort in the field. Alan Trammel did this same thing a couple games ago. I couldn't yell this late in the evening. I couldn't scare the dogs this late in the evening. The good news is that it counts as one game in the standings. We live to play another day. For how long, who knows? If the fielding continues like this, Renteria and Ramirez will be watching the post season on their respective couches.

Millar is the man!

2005-08-18T20:12:00.000-05:00

It is well documented that Kevin Millar is having his struggles this year, both offensively and defensively. He is in a well publicized home run drought, not going yard since early June. This is amazing since he is a player who has earned his living with his offense. A troubling stat is how he performs with a runner on second base. Before the All-Star break, Kevin hit .083 with 2 HR's and 3 RBI's, half his current home run total. He has heated it up a bit after the All-Star break hitting .375 to date, with 3 RBI's. With runners on second and third, the numbers get even uglier. Before the All-Star break, Kevin had 10 AB's. He had just 3 RBI's and batted a woeful .100. After the break, he is .000. Whoa. Also, when there are two outs in the inning, Millar is hitting just .143 since the break.

I am a big Millar fan, but his prolonged slump, as well as his fielding woe's, have shortened my patience. Sitting down for a good week might do the job, as well as bolster his chances of landing a contract for 2005, since he in the final year of the 3 year contract. He does have the ability to carry a ballclub when he's hot, but that has yet to happen. Perhaps he is on the cusp of attaining a sore back? Carry us Kevin, carry us to the playoff's and to the promised land once again!!!