Anyone else having a hard time getting into the BoSox? Don't get me wrong, I still check the box scores every evening/morning to see if the Sox have made up ground on the Rays and I do watch more games than not but I'm having a hard time kicking it into gear. Given the fact that we're moving into the stretch playoff run, I need to turn that trend around soon.
Same problem with the Patriots. I'm not worried that they've now lost three straight pre-season games. In fairness, I'm more concerned with Tom Brady's foot injury than anything given the fact that we all know that the Pats fate remains firmly in the hands of Tommy B. I have started to engage with football ONLY because I've had to do my pre-season picks (I'm in three leagues this year - my brothers, Derek Showerman's and Peter Kim's).
I know that once the first real football game starts, I'll start to kick it into gear. I also know that as the nights get colder and we drift toward the end of September, my heart will start racing with every close late inning game. Maybe part of the issue is the fact that the Rays are the ones leading the AL East this year. I am happy for them but don't really see them as a real competitor... yet. The Yanks are the ones I like to loath and they've clearly been ravaged by injuries, poor investments and a general lack of team spirit this year. The Angels still don't scare me either. I know they have more arms and bats in their always competitive lineup but given their past October woes, I still don't see them advancing to the WS this year.
What do you think? I'm sure Mssrs. Cohen, Storer, Strout (John), Quinan, Humbarger (Halos fan), Person, Sukernek and Haslam have something to say. My bro-in-law, "Redfish" should also give us an NL pennant race update (he's a Marlins fan). Let's bring it in the comments!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Newest Arch-enemy, Brett Favre
Well, guess all you east-coasters are waking up today to the news that Brett Favre is now in our AFC East as a member of the NY Jets. I cant say how disapointed I am at this based on the fact that Favre has been a 'must-watch-and-root-for' player in my book for a long time, but now that he is a Jet, and I am a Dolphin fan, I must root against him, no matter what. No more hoping to see him pull one out in the end of a great game, I just want his Jet-ass to get slammed on the turf hard, and have a crappy time on Sunday and/or Monday nights. Lots of angles on this one, so chime in everyone on Bretts' Jets. Uggh.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wow
So as most of you probably already know, Manny is going to LA, and the Red Sox get Jason Bay in return. As part of the deal, the Sox had to give up Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss. Maybe I am living in the past, but this seems like a lot to give up for Jason Bay - I thinks fans aren't going to be super-psyched about this deal and I sort of feel sorry for Bay already. Bay has the same power as Manny, but does not have the career lifetime BA that Manny has. Plus to give up a power arm like Hansen - granted he has control issues, but he is still really young - plus Moss makes it appear that the Sox were pretty desperate to get rid of Manny. Maybe they were.
Maybe this is just sour grapes, but if they Yankees were the ones trading Manny, they would have gotten back Bay plus prospects, not given up prospects.
Maybe Manny had to go, but the Sox are going to miss that feared one-two (or should I say three-four?) punch of Ortiz and Manny. Oh well.
The King is dead. Long live the King.
Maybe this is just sour grapes, but if they Yankees were the ones trading Manny, they would have gotten back Bay plus prospects, not given up prospects.
Maybe Manny had to go, but the Sox are going to miss that feared one-two (or should I say three-four?) punch of Ortiz and Manny. Oh well.
The King is dead. Long live the King.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Best Albums
This is somewhat spawned from the previous posting on Yankee stadium, so not a total non sequitur. I was contemplating how much I hate the YMCA song and how appropriate the Yankees play it all the time. Being a positive person and not wanting to linger on such hate of the YMCA song, I thought "what are the best albums of all time - for me personally, not what are considered the best by all the world.{ For me, a great album is one I can listen to from beginning to end, singing or humming the words to each song, with little desire to forward on to the next one, not because I don't want to get to the next song, but because I am fully enjoying the current song. An album that you could listen to each day and not get tired of it. In short, an album where I fully enjoy each song as its own, not because it is a great song on one album. Three examples for me are the Weezer - Weezer (their 1st(?) album), the Smiths - the Queen is Dead, and Dave Matthews - Under the Table and Dreaming.
Was just curious if other people had such albums that they would recommend - even though such a question may be outdated in this day and age of downloading music.
Was just curious if other people had such albums that they would recommend - even though such a question may be outdated in this day and age of downloading music.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Into the Belly of the Beast
I've been to many ballparks. By far, Fenway and Wrigley are my favorites for many reasons, but the primary reasons are the passion of the fans and the aura, tradition and old school feel. It wasn't for a Red Sox game, but last night I attended my first game at Yankee Stadium. Here are some anecdotes and thoughts from the game. First, my view from the seats, upper deck behind home plate, a great spot to see balls and strikes:
- The park looks a thousand times nicer and more intimidating on TV. In reality it's just a big, cold ballpark with awful infrastructure.
- It is painfully clear why a new park is needed. The place sucks - in an emergency, there is no way I could ever get out when sitting in the upper deck. The advertising is old, tired and consists mostly of translucent panes backlit with fluorescent lights.
- The scoreboard is old and there are no replays shown. This was annoying when a very controversial "safe" call was made at 1B.
- The sound system is atrocious. I was stupefied by this - is it that hard to wire speakers around the park? They only have one stack of giant speakers in a pile atop the center field bleacher wall. I think my fraternity house had the same stack in the basement for parties back in the day.
- I've heard much about the field dimensions and how they are no longer the House that Ruth Built. The center and LF wall configurations are just plain odd to look at, and the fans seem so far away from the game.
- The field was in horrible shape. The grass had been worn down from the all-star game and looked like my backyard after a 4-year-old's slip-n-slide birthday party.
- The lighting is weird - all those lights shine on the field but there are pockets of darkness covering the fans. It made it look cloudy even at night.
- The ballpark frankly looks tired. The hallways look like a dirty subway station. The place has just been neglected over the years and it shows. It really makes me appreciate the Fenway ownership and what they have done to invest in the infrastructure, down to details like getting rid of the trough toilets.
- My buddy Larry who brought me is a season ticket holder and has been for 12+ years. 5 years ago, the seats were $18. Today they are $60. In the new park they will be at least $100 and have TVs and waitress service.
- One tradition I kinda liked - in the first inning the right field bleachers chant each NYY fielder's name until they wave or acknowledge them in some way - even when the pitcher is about to throw. I also liked that Jeter has a recording of the old announcer still announce his name when he comes up to bat.
Sure, I'm biased, but I did want to see the park before it gets replaced. Now that I've been? Good riddance.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Worst All-Star Performances of All Time
With apologies to RedFish, here is an interesting post on worst All-Star Performances of all time. Uggla's 3 error game was tops for position players, but not worst all time, if you can believe it. Anyway, enjoy. http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2008/7/16/573012/worst-all-star-performance
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
15 Minute Post
I'm a little pressed for time these days but wanted to get up a quick post on BigP. I've got 15 minutes to do it so please ignore the typos and lack of coherent sentences. Today's topic is a quick assessment of the Sox at mid-season (I know they officially have a few games to go before the All Star break but we're pretty close).
What am I missing?
- I like what I see so far. Great starting pitching (I mean REALLY great starting pitching). For the first time in years, they actually have a reliable number 5. They are also getting quality innings from youngsters Lester and Masterson which is a huge plus. If DiceK can get over his early inning walks, he could easily pitch 240 innings and be somewhere in the 20-6 range. Can't believe Wake is still cranking along - that guy is $$!
- Defense (minus Lugo's occasional naps at short) has been equally stellar. The outfield in particular has been lights out. You have to go back to the days of Dewey Evans, Fredd Lynn and Jim Rice to recreate the speed, agility and hitting that we're getting today with msrs. Ellsbury, Drew, Crisp and Manny (who really is where he should be these days i.e. DH).
- Hitting has been solid but timely hitting has been sorely missed. Credit this to a little bad luck and a lot to Ortiz being out of the lineup. Although the rest of the Sox have done a stellar job hanging in there (Drew, Lowell, Pedroia and Youk in particular), Ortiz being out of the lineup has had a ripple effect. It would be a huge boost to get him back in the lineup post All Star break. I know, I know, tell you something you don't know already.
- Other than the occasional brain fart (like leaving Hanson in last week against the Rays after he's walked two straight batters on 9 pitches), I love Francona more and more each day. The guy totally gets this club and his balanced approach (don't get too high or too low) has really helped. Who would have thunk it when the Sox hired him back in 2004.
- Congrats to the DRays who have been lights out the first half of the season. I honestly wish them well (as long as they don't keep sweeping the Sox) but I have one word of caution to their bandwagon fan base - 2003 Baltimore Orioles. Remember them? They were white hot during the first half of the season but forgot there was a second half to play (maybe Roberts stopped taking steroids during the second half). I still like the Sox chances...
What am I missing?
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Can you believe it? The Rays!
The Rays??? Swept by the Rays!.No, folks these are not the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of old. As we just saw, they are very good, very very good. Some great young players, Evan Longoria, BJ Upton, Carl Crawford with a good blend of seasoned vets like Carlos Pena and Eric Hinske (remember him). And the pitching staff, Kazmir, Shields, Garza, and even Sonnanstine. They are loaded and given the youth could be trouble for years to come. The minor league prospects are among the best in baseball according to Baseball America with arms to rival our kids. Don’t forget, they’ve traded away Elijah Dukes and Delmon Young (got Garza back), too. I don’t know about you, but Evan Longoria looks better than Eva! I think even Tony Parker is jealous!
I feel bad for Rocco Baldelli and all of his injuries, but if he was healthy, it just wouldn’t be fair. I think their inexperience will hold them back this year, but this team looks like it could be a force for years to come. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad we’re playing the old has-beens in the Bronx now.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Chum
Bits and pieces from the Redfish:
*It was supercool that Paul Pierce finally become a "household name" among basketball fans during the Celts impressive championship run last week, as many of the basketball people I know who follow the Western Conference had never really seen him play except for the occasional hi-lite on ESPN. All of the serious fans of the Spurs, Rockets, and Lakers I spoke with were very impressed with Pauls overall game. Finally, they know what Ive been talking about when I would tell them about Pierce, memories of my witness to many dozens of after-work, late-nite rebroadcast Celtics games during the 'Twan' years while living in Boston, (or when I could get a ticket for $20.00 or less out in front of the Fleet Center minutes after tip-off and move to the lower section because there were plenty of empty seats), watching Paul dribble between multiple defenders while taking it to the hoop so fluid and effortlessly, and wonder how such a big, seemingly un-graceful-looking guy could actually be so damn smooth. The Truth is now known nationwide. I know it goes without saying that we are all proud of PP and the Celts, and privileged to have been able to see such a great player year in and year out, good teams or bad, but Im surprised that it took nearly a week, and a Floridian living in Austin, Texas, to even mention the Celts 17th championship win on our blog.
*Any one of you sports fans out there who dont yet own at least a 42 inch hi-def TV are REALLY missing out. Run out fast and get one- basketball, baseball, football, and hockey all look incredible in hi-def. Heck, it even makes golf fun to watch. Face it, you are gonna get one eventually, so it might as well be sooner rather than later. Start saving your pennies now and you'll have one by the World Series
*I find it interesting that the national media are SO in love with the Rays, while leaving Hanley, Dan Uggla, and my Florida Marlins out of the loop, even though the Fish are still hanging around, just 1 game back of the Phillies in the NL east. And while the Rays are in a much tougher division than the Marlins, Florida is staying afloat with a $22 million payroll, half the payroll that the Rays have.
*No matter how good the Cubs seem right now, the Cubs are still the Cubs, and they will eventually blow it again.
*Is anyone watching the College World Series? Me neither. (But I would be only if Florida State U. were still in the tournament, speaking of which, BIG props to FSU alum JD Drew for knocking the crap out of the ball lately.)
*Last but not least, the feckin' Yankees are in the rear-view mirror again, lurking only 5 games back of our beloved Sox with a long season to go, not to mention the aforementioned Rays and their winning ways, breathing down our ass-crack right now, and here we go again. Lots of drama in the coming months, so grab a clam-basket and a frappe from the Clam Box on Wallaston Beach, and get ready for a wild ride and an exciting summah in the AL East…
So says the RedFish
*It was supercool that Paul Pierce finally become a "household name" among basketball fans during the Celts impressive championship run last week, as many of the basketball people I know who follow the Western Conference had never really seen him play except for the occasional hi-lite on ESPN. All of the serious fans of the Spurs, Rockets, and Lakers I spoke with were very impressed with Pauls overall game. Finally, they know what Ive been talking about when I would tell them about Pierce, memories of my witness to many dozens of after-work, late-nite rebroadcast Celtics games during the 'Twan' years while living in Boston, (or when I could get a ticket for $20.00 or less out in front of the Fleet Center minutes after tip-off and move to the lower section because there were plenty of empty seats), watching Paul dribble between multiple defenders while taking it to the hoop so fluid and effortlessly, and wonder how such a big, seemingly un-graceful-looking guy could actually be so damn smooth. The Truth is now known nationwide. I know it goes without saying that we are all proud of PP and the Celts, and privileged to have been able to see such a great player year in and year out, good teams or bad, but Im surprised that it took nearly a week, and a Floridian living in Austin, Texas, to even mention the Celts 17th championship win on our blog.
*Any one of you sports fans out there who dont yet own at least a 42 inch hi-def TV are REALLY missing out. Run out fast and get one- basketball, baseball, football, and hockey all look incredible in hi-def. Heck, it even makes golf fun to watch. Face it, you are gonna get one eventually, so it might as well be sooner rather than later. Start saving your pennies now and you'll have one by the World Series
*I find it interesting that the national media are SO in love with the Rays, while leaving Hanley, Dan Uggla, and my Florida Marlins out of the loop, even though the Fish are still hanging around, just 1 game back of the Phillies in the NL east. And while the Rays are in a much tougher division than the Marlins, Florida is staying afloat with a $22 million payroll, half the payroll that the Rays have.
*No matter how good the Cubs seem right now, the Cubs are still the Cubs, and they will eventually blow it again.
*Is anyone watching the College World Series? Me neither. (But I would be only if Florida State U. were still in the tournament, speaking of which, BIG props to FSU alum JD Drew for knocking the crap out of the ball lately.)
*Last but not least, the feckin' Yankees are in the rear-view mirror again, lurking only 5 games back of our beloved Sox with a long season to go, not to mention the aforementioned Rays and their winning ways, breathing down our ass-crack right now, and here we go again. Lots of drama in the coming months, so grab a clam-basket and a frappe from the Clam Box on Wallaston Beach, and get ready for a wild ride and an exciting summah in the AL East…
So says the RedFish
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Off Topic: Best Place for Fried Clams in New England
So I had a hankering for some fried clams today. I normally go to Woodman's when I'm looking for fried seafood. Today I decided to see if maybe I was missing out on something better. Yelp always has good restaurant suggestions. I also could have looked on Zagat's. Instead, I decided to "crowdsource" my fried clam choice by asking my friends on Twitter.
Interestingly enough, Woodman's came up several times as the fried clam joint of choice validating what I already assumed. However, I did got several other great recommendations, one of which I decided to try (Farnham's in Essex). It's hard to say whether or not it was better -- although my wife said that she still prefers Woodman's -- but the fried clams were definitely good. They were a little different in the sense that the batter was drier/more floury but crispy and accompanied by plenty of fries/onion rings. My one fear is that Farnham's would not be able to deal with tons of people in the thick of the summer like Woodman's can but maybe they change things up when they get busy.
Either way, I now have a bunch of seafood places I'm looking forward to trying. See below for some great recommendations (sourced from my friends on Twitter). I left in names so if you decide to try a place out and you like it/hate it, you know who to thank. If we missed any other "must try" seafood places, please leave 'em in the comments.
Interestingly enough, Woodman's came up several times as the fried clam joint of choice validating what I already assumed. However, I did got several other great recommendations, one of which I decided to try (Farnham's in Essex). It's hard to say whether or not it was better -- although my wife said that she still prefers Woodman's -- but the fried clams were definitely good. They were a little different in the sense that the batter was drier/more floury but crispy and accompanied by plenty of fries/onion rings. My one fear is that Farnham's would not be able to deal with tons of people in the thick of the summer like Woodman's can but maybe they change things up when they get busy.
Either way, I now have a bunch of seafood places I'm looking forward to trying. See below for some great recommendations (sourced from my friends on Twitter). I left in names so if you decide to try a place out and you like it/hate it, you know who to thank. If we missed any other "must try" seafood places, please leave 'em in the comments.
- beaucolburn: @astrout if north of Boston counts, I'm a Woodman's guy. In town, Summer Shack in Back Bay is pretty good.2 minutes ago
- dpitkin: @astrout my favorite fried clams Aunt Carries http://www.auntcarriesri.com/ & woodmans http://www.woodmans.com/
- beckiparkhurst: @astrout, Browns is the best. BEST. http://tinyurl.com/6mbfux (expand)
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- RobertCollins: @astrout Sounds good Aaron - Perhaps a Clambake for the next @mzinga BBQ-like gathering... Looking forward to post
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- gradontripp: @astrout Most of the places I can think of closed now. I like the Barking Crab.
about 1 hour ago - RobertCollins: @astrout Love to find the results of this one - I still hike up to Woodmans in Essex - http://www.woodmans.com or LobsterHut in Plymouth
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- tamarwallace: @astrout Farnham's in Essex. They catered my rehearsal dinner! http://tinyurl.com/6z2g82
- about 2 hours ago
)
Friday, June 13, 2008
One for the Pantheon
No question last night's Celtics comeback from down 24 points in the first quarter will go down in history as one of the greatest games in Boston sports lore. But how often do we get to know that as the game is happening?
I sat on the edge of my couch and didn't move for 3 hours. In the 2nd quarter, the C's showed signs of life - I was hopeful that they could cut the lead to less than 10 before the half, but a half court 3 at the buzzer left the Lakers up 18. Everyone knows the Celtics own the third quarter, so I stayed up. I had no idea it would be to witness history.
Watching the Celtics chip away was excruciating - with each block, each Posey 3 pointer, each time Van Gundy pointed out no one has come back from a deficit that big, you start to think, "Could this be it?" It was like watching Lester's no-hitter, or Ortiz come up in the bottom of the 9th against Rivera. There is a magic in the game as it is happening that just can't be scripted, except in basketball it's more drawn out over a couple of hours.
As much faith as anyone should have in the Celtics at this point, they are playing the Lakers - in the first half the Lakers were the same team that shut down San Antonio and was undefeated at home previously in the playoffs. Kobe didn't score a point in the first half, and his team was dominating. In the third quarter I got superstitious - didn't want to change my position on the couch, didn't answer the phone, didn't soothe my 1 year old after I woke him up with a "YES!!!" when the Celtics cut the lead to single digits just after 11pm EST. With all the chest thumping from the Lakers this series, there is no team that has played with more heart than the Celtics in that next hour. Ray Allen played 48 minutes and looked like he could do a triathalon after the game. All I could think after the game was, "I can't believe what I just witnessed."
Not sure where this will fall in history. The Celtics need to close out the series for it to mean anything, but I get to say this once again - what a time to be a Boston sports fan.
(Interesting side note - if the NBA had actually started the game at a decent time most of the eastern seaboard could have seen this game finish. When does Stern acknowledge a 9pm start time is ridiculous?)
I sat on the edge of my couch and didn't move for 3 hours. In the 2nd quarter, the C's showed signs of life - I was hopeful that they could cut the lead to less than 10 before the half, but a half court 3 at the buzzer left the Lakers up 18. Everyone knows the Celtics own the third quarter, so I stayed up. I had no idea it would be to witness history.
Watching the Celtics chip away was excruciating - with each block, each Posey 3 pointer, each time Van Gundy pointed out no one has come back from a deficit that big, you start to think, "Could this be it?" It was like watching Lester's no-hitter, or Ortiz come up in the bottom of the 9th against Rivera. There is a magic in the game as it is happening that just can't be scripted, except in basketball it's more drawn out over a couple of hours.
As much faith as anyone should have in the Celtics at this point, they are playing the Lakers - in the first half the Lakers were the same team that shut down San Antonio and was undefeated at home previously in the playoffs. Kobe didn't score a point in the first half, and his team was dominating. In the third quarter I got superstitious - didn't want to change my position on the couch, didn't answer the phone, didn't soothe my 1 year old after I woke him up with a "YES!!!" when the Celtics cut the lead to single digits just after 11pm EST. With all the chest thumping from the Lakers this series, there is no team that has played with more heart than the Celtics in that next hour. Ray Allen played 48 minutes and looked like he could do a triathalon after the game. All I could think after the game was, "I can't believe what I just witnessed."
Not sure where this will fall in history. The Celtics need to close out the series for it to mean anything, but I get to say this once again - what a time to be a Boston sports fan.
(Interesting side note - if the NBA had actually started the game at a decent time most of the eastern seaboard could have seen this game finish. When does Stern acknowledge a 9pm start time is ridiculous?)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Celtics - Lakers anyone still feeling that feeling ?
Just stumbled across a funny article on ESPN about finding L.A. area "Celtic haters"...
Some pretty funny quotes by celebs, players and regular folk like us (just from the wrong coast) about the existing hatred of the Celtics in Los Angeles.
For those of us who were fortunate to live through the 80s basketball heyday in Boston
as Celtics fans there is certainly as much animosity still felt for them.
Here is the link and a nice youtube flashback reminder ..
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=alipour/080610
Take this... Mr Lakers Assistant Coach / horned rimmed jackass**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ
**I think Bill Simmons touched on this in one of his recent articles about how James Worthy shoved Rambis out of bounds to prevent retaliation, but while watching it repeatedly what struck me as more bizarre than knocking your own teammate down, was Bird actually helping Rambis back to his feet... so much for thinking that it was "old school ball" back then.
Some pretty funny quotes by celebs, players and regular folk like us (just from the wrong coast) about the existing hatred of the Celtics in Los Angeles.
For those of us who were fortunate to live through the 80s basketball heyday in Boston
as Celtics fans there is certainly as much animosity still felt for them.
Here is the link and a nice youtube flashback reminder ..
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=alipour/080610
Take this... Mr Lakers Assistant Coach / horned rimmed jackass**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ
**I think Bill Simmons touched on this in one of his recent articles about how James Worthy shoved Rambis out of bounds to prevent retaliation, but while watching it repeatedly what struck me as more bizarre than knocking your own teammate down, was Bird actually helping Rambis back to his feet... so much for thinking that it was "old school ball" back then.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Really?
Sorry Im a day late, but hopefully not a dollar short. Decided to start at the top again because I cant believe that anyone in RedSox nation wouldnt mind having that P.O.S. Bonds, with all of his baggage, actually put on a Red Sox jersey and represent this team and franchise. I mean, as I sit here and type, he is being accused of 15 felony charges of lying to a grand jury while trying to save his ass and tainted legacy. Do the Sox really need this kind of attention all summah'? I can see it now on all the national news channels, Barry Bonds name being deservedly dragged through the mud, with photos and footage of him swinging the bat and avoiding the cameras and questions, all while wearing a RedSox jersey. A jersey that should demand a good bit of class, integrity, and good character in order to wear it, none of which Bonds possesses. I mean, what if they win the World Series? Would you really want Bonds' crap legacy and only ring to be forever linked to the RedSox and their history? And the last thing the Sox need are babysitters for a 40 year old guy in the clubhouse. I mean, c'mon...Manny and Mike Lowell dont need that crap.
Can the Red Sox be so desperate? Can the fans be so desperate? Is signing Bonds really the right thing to do? I would hope not. Besides,in any 'key situation', opposing teams intentionally walk Bonds anyway.
Give me an update as to whats being said around the watercooler in Boston as to the general feeling of Bonds joining the Sox a few days after the idea was brought up. Is it really a possibility, or just talk? Say it aint so, Theo.
Can the Red Sox be so desperate? Can the fans be so desperate? Is signing Bonds really the right thing to do? I would hope not. Besides,in any 'key situation', opposing teams intentionally walk Bonds anyway.
Give me an update as to whats being said around the watercooler in Boston as to the general feeling of Bonds joining the Sox a few days after the idea was brought up. Is it really a possibility, or just talk? Say it aint so, Theo.
How about Shef?
How's that for a left-handed bat? More importantly, he's nuts, and we need more lunatics, especially while Ortiz is out. This uber-fantasy baseball stuff they're putting on the field is nice, but I want some personality, too. My preference will always be to bring back Millar, but I'd settle for Sheffield. Or Carl Everett.
I am encouraged by Crisp calling the [Devil] Rays "girls," however.
I am encouraged by Crisp calling the [Devil] Rays "girls," however.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Bonds?
I recently saw mention on the Hardball Times - www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/should-the-red-sox-sign-bonds/ - that there is discussion from the Sox baseball fandom on signing Barry Bonds. I believe that Mr. Epstein would not make this transaction, for the simple reason that he knows that the fans at Fenway would vilify Bonds. The Sox should be able to withstand Big Papi being out for the month, especially with the current state of the AL East. I can't believe there is seriously any discussion from the Sox brass on making this signing.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Do the Right Thing
Remember that movie from the early 90's? It's not essential that you do - but the title of that movie seemed apropos for this post given the number of times people DON'T do the right thing these days.The "thing" of which I speak is the act of giving back Manny Ramirez's 500th home run ball on Saturday, something which may have cost the brothers Woo from Nahant, MA, $500,000. Yes, you're reading that number correctly - that's the sum of money that Eddie Murray's 500th HR ball fetched 12 years back. And no, the Woo brothers aren't Manny haters. They are just good all around guys.
When I first read this story in the Boston Globe on Sunday, I turned to my wife and said, "you know, stories like this give me faith in mankind." I truly meant that. Once in a while, it's nice to see someone just do something nice vs. what's in their best financial/personal interest.
Ironically, Manny has more money than God (well, maybe not that much, but at $20 million/year, you get the picture) so many people might say, "screw him. If he wants the ball, let him pay me!" Instead, the Woo brothers opted to give the ball back to Manny saying simply, "this is his accomplishment."
What I love about the ending of this story is that Manny has decided to "Pay it Forward" (couldn't resist using another movie title here) by agreeing to auction off his 500th HR ball and then donate the proceeds to charity. Wow! Another story that restores faith in mankind? You betcha. Just another case of Manny being Manny.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday Musings, May 30
A lot going on in the sports world right now yet I feel like other than the Celtics, I've been mostly unplugged. That seems to happen to me especially when the Sox are on the left coast and I can't stay up to watch the late night games in their entirety. Let's hope that being on the right coast cures some of the Sox batting woes (they've faced some decent pitching but they've also been asleep at the wheel when it comes to timely base hits). Oh yeah, and Timlin didn't help their cause the other night.
On to the musings...
As always, comments are welcome! Happy weekend.
On to the musings...
- Anyone else a little bit excited about the fact that the D-Rays are in 1st place in the East? We know this won't last (think Baltimore a few years back) but it's fun while it's happening. Yes, I'd obviously like seeing the Sox in first place more but this is kind of like seeing your kid brother whom you've competed with your whole life (him losing most of the time) scoring two goals in a big soccer game or him making the varsity baseball team as a freshman. It feels good in a "I won't let on that I'm proud of you but I am" kind of way. Too bad their fans still don't care.
- Celts could REALLY use a win tonight. Not that I don't think they could win in game 7 in the Gah-den but given the Lakers win last night and the fact that they've already played two 7-game series, them tired legs could use a week-long rest. Here's my prediction - if Rip sits tonight for D-troit, the C's win a squeaker. If Rip plays meaningful minutes, C's lose by 8. Let's hope Rip sits.
- Anyone ready for football season to start? I didn't think so.
- The Sox have a good problem right now in the fact that they have too much starting pitching. Back in 2005, they found themselves in the same situation and proceeded to screw themselves by trading away Bronson Arroyo. This hurt when Schilling/Wells went down early with injuries. What's nice is that we have two studs in Colon and Masterson waiting in the wings so that when DiceK suffers a sore shoulder, we don't miss a beat. This will only get better/more interesting when Schilling comes back in mid to late August.
- Is hockey season over yet?
- Can we find a better option for late inning set up/back up closer than Timlin? I love Mike and he has done wonderful things for the Sox but he really is done at this point.
As always, comments are welcome! Happy weekend.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
They're the good team
It’s a rare treat when the Red Sox come to Seattle. The scheduling gods have seen fit to only bring the Sox out just twice a year. Usually, there is a series in May and then late July. So this week, the boys are in town. Monday night I went to the game with my kids. If you haven’t been, Safeco is a great place to see a game: spacious, great seats, all facing the action, wonderful bathrooms, great variety of food, easy parking and freeway access. But of course we don’t have the history of Fenway.
Anyhow, it was a great night for a game. One of the first things that we noticed was that there was a lot more Boston blue and red in the stands than Seattle colors. It seemed like the Sox fans were ready to take over Safeco. And who could argue. Just look at the records and you see, there is nothing to get excited about for Seattle. As Seattle Times columnist Larry Stone wrote, “The Red Sox will be easy to pick out at Safeco Field: They're the good team.” Throughout the game, Sox fans were cheering like crazy. Every “Let’s Go Red Sox” was echoed by Mariner fan silence. It really felt like we outnumbered them. The only thing the M’s fans cheered for was the cartoon hydroplane boat races on the big screen. For those that are dying to know, Oberto’s Beef jerky green won again.
Still Monday’s game had the makings of a good one. Crafty old Colon was making his comeback against Mariners ace and young stud, King Felix Hernandez. And the two pitchers didn’t disappoint, a bonafide pitchers duel through 7. Colon’s line was very encouraging: 7IP, 84 pitches, 59 for strikes, just one ER, and 4 K’s. And of course, there was Ichiro’s catch of the year when he robbed Varitek of at least a double. Ichiro made a Willie Mays like grab with his back to home plate and bounced off the wall. The 8th inning was great as Hernandez was left in too long and the Red Sox small-balled their way to 4 runs with the big blow being little Dustin Pedroia’s ground rule double to score the go-ahead run. And at the end, the Mariners had their 7th straight loss. It really was easy to tell the good team. And it felt like we were at home. I just wish they came more often.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Head vs. Heart
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, who hasn’t heard and been excited by the Jon Lester no-hitter story? What an uplifting story. Who wasn’t proud of the kid? And here in the Pacific Northwest, the story has even more relevance, since Lester is from the area. I was especially proud for having the vision and foresight to pick up young Lester in my fantasy baseball league. What a genius, the next Theo they would say! Ok, would you believe the next Bill James. All right, the next Lou Gorman. And I am not too embarrassed to admit that I play fantasy baseball. It’s kind of like a comfortable old shoe. I’ve been doing it for so many years, it helps me to focus more on baseball and get to know more of the players.
What I am embarrassed to admit to, is that my General Manager genius was short-lived. In my league, the transaction deadline is the day before. So in over-thinking, I cut Lester the day of the game to make room for another pitcher who would start on Tuesday in my quest to maximize my total starts for the week. The theory was that I could flip the 2 pitchers, maybe throw in Joe Blanton in the middle and generate 3 extra starts. Enough to win strikeouts and wins for the week. Who can refute that logic? Even Mike Gimbel would go agree. Maybe the analogy to Gorman, was correct after all. Maybe, the Duque. So who was the stud, that I had to have, had to drop the Sox pitcher for? Dustin McGowan pitched a good game, and lost, but not a no-no, not even close. 6 1/3 innings, 2 earned runs, 4 BB, 4 K and a big L. Not 9 IP 0 H 0 ER 2 BB 9K and a W. Not even close. Now here’s where it will get ugly. Tomorrow when waivers clear on the hottest pitcher in baseball, what do you think the chances are that I will get him back? Exactly, can you say Dustin McGowan?
The popular adage is when it’s Head vs Heart, the smart thing to do is go with your head. Be rational, not emotional, they say.Well maybe that works in Vegas, but I'm changing the rule, When it’s Head versus Heart, the Heart Wins…and it’s more fun that way.
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