My Corner of Red Sox Nation

AMALIE BENJAMIN IS A GENIUS

2008-10-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ends up being Sox in 4...

I am pretty tired today, as Jim and I went to last night's 12 inning buzzkill. Seats were awesome, over by Pesky Pole. Rolled into our driveway about 3:30 am. I will post photos from Game 3 in a few days, I got a few awesome pix to share with you.

Next 2 days off to recover from the champagne, then our boys will head down to Tropicana to face the AL East Champs, Tampa Bay Rays.

I Love Soxtober, and I love that new guy out in left field.

FAITH FAITH FAITH

2008-10-05T08:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aiv5nZt4PY

JD Drew... Nancy Drew... whatever! c'MON 1 MORE TO GO!!!

Going to tonite's game with Jim and some of my co-workers. Driving all the way up there, just in case we win. I certainly don't want to leave the park in middle of celebration, because of fear of missing last train out!!! Look for me over by Pesky's Pole, I'll be the one with the Dunkin Donuts java in my hand!

KEEP THE FAITH, NATION!!!!!

2008-10-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

(Yep, that's me, up on the Monster for last Thursday's game!) 'Twas an anniverary present from my husband, it could be the MOST AWESOME gift EVER! thank you, Jim!!!

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO WISH THE SOX WELL TONITE, AS THEY TAKE ON THE ANGELS OF ANAHEIM.

The national press is not being very kind to our boys. I admit injuries are numerous and the Angels appear to have our number this year, with the Sox going 1-8 against them this year. But this is the postseason, people, and all logic is out the door...

I dont think about things like Bucky $#!$@! Dent these days, I think about the Bloody Sock, and being down 0-3 against the Yankees in 2004, but winning it all just the same. It was illogical then, and we can certainly be illogical now. That is why I love this sport so much. Look at it all on paper, and you think you know it all, but in the end, you might as well just burn the damn paper, because until the final out there are NO GUARANTEES!

Here are some predictions for ROUND 1 by those sports writers whose work I enjoy, as taken from Boston.com:

Boston Globe: Dan Shaughnessy and Adam Kilgore pick the Angels in five, while Bob Ryan, Nick Cafardo, and Tony Massarotti pick the Angels in four. Amalie Benjamin picks the Red Sox to win in five.

Tim Kurkijan, ESPN: Angels in five.

Ken Rosenthal, FOXsports.com: Angels in five.

CBS Sports staff: Danny Knobler, Eric Mack, Scott Miller, and Adriane Rosen all pick the Angels in 5.

Jose Mota, Yahoo! sports: Angels.

Yahoo! sports staff: Tim Brown predicts an Angels sweep, Jeff Passan picks Angels in four, and Gordon Edes likes the Angels in five. Steve Henson is the lone staff member going with the Red Sox, picking Boston to win in five.

Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register: Angels in five.

John Shea, San Francisco Chronicle: Angels.

Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News: Angels in four.

Harold Reynolds, TBS: Angels.

Mike Phillips, Miami Herald: Angels in five.

Ryan Fagan, The Sporting News: Red Sox in five.

Vegas Insider: Angels in four.

Amalie Benjamin seems to be the only homer on this list, picking the Sox in 5. She will either be deemed a genius, or an idiot. Hmmm... any bets?

2nd best... will it be enough?

2008-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

The Rays are really starting to iritate me.

I thought they would be out of the picture by now. The team that has a tough time getting 13,000 fans to come to Tropicana Field to root for them, is running away with the AL East. I really thought that they would have collapsed by now. But I have to say, I watched them again this weekend, and THEY STILL LOOK GOOD. They do the little things well; sac hits, good cutoff throws, smart baserunning. Plus they look like they are having fun, and having fun together.

What the hell happened? Each day, I catch myself checking the Rays' score, NOT the Yankees.

(OK, sometimes I still do look at the Yankees score, but mostly its to see if A-Rod choked into another one of his double plays with men on base in the 9th inning.)

I know the Yanks are like 12 1/2 games out now, but until they statistically CANNOT possibly make the playoffs, I will NOT say officially that they are done. Tho' I believe in my heart that their chances are nil. Especially since they are now on this 4 team, 10 game west coast road trip. The Angels are going to be tough!!!

I truly believe the Red Sox have enough stuff to take the wildcard. Theo's acquisitions with the Manny trade, and picking up Kotsay and Byrd have certainly panned out so far. Doesn't seem like we got an Eric Gagne- type bust this year. Jason Bay? I love him!!

But the key going into September for this team, will be the health of Josh Beckett. There is no doubt he carries a team in the postseason. We need him to pitch in the playoffs, and pitch well. It won't matter how awesome Pedroia or Youkilis are, if our pitching doesn't bring it to the next level.

YOU KNOW THIS GUY WILL SLEEP WELL 2NITE

2008-07-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

Tito must be the one guy so stoked that Manny is now 3000 miles away.

Now he can get back to managing the boys, and not have to worry about all the bull$#%!

Goodbye, Farewell, AMEN

2008-07-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

Have fun in Hollywood, Manny...

I have to say, that

Something isn't all right in the world right now.

The Red Sox pay the Dodgers $7 million, and give away two players to the Pirate, to dump Manny.

Green Bay offered today to pay $20 million to Brett Favre to just go away.

PAY MONEY TO NOT WORK????

If my boss is reading this, Donna, if you want to follow the trend, just give me a mere $2 million, and you will never see my behind again!

Just kidding; I'll be back to work soon...

ANYONE REMEMBER ME?????

2008-07-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

MY SABBATICAL HAS BEEN NICE... I AM NO LONGER POSTING THIS BLOG FOR MY LOCAL NEWSPAPER... I TOOK SOME TIME AWAY, BUT I HAVE NEVER STOPPED WATCHING THOSE BOYS FROM BOSTON!

FRIDAY THE YANKEES ARE COMING TO TOWN, IT WILL BE PAPI'S BIG HOMECOMING, AND BECKETT WILL FACE KING JOBA. JIM AND I WILL BE UP ON THE BUDWEISER ROOF WITH TRUCK DRIVER ED... LOOK FOR THE BIG BULLSEYE OUT IN RIGHT FIELD. YOU SEE IT, YOU WILL SEE ME!!!

Secured the Anchor and now ready to Sail

2008-02-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Did anyone doubt this deal would get done?

Terry's contract extension will give him up to $4 million a year with incentives.

Well deserved, I believe. Having to hand hold the likes of Manny, not giving up on guys like Pedroia, and Youkilis and Lugo, when other managers would have given them the boot. 2 world series rings within 4 years time.

He's been a very important piece of the Red Sox puzzle. He is smart enough to surround himself with other great supporting managers as part of his team (example: John Farrell, for one). And he is very good at handling the Boston media circus, he even makes it look easy.

I am so pumped this guy will be around for the next 3 years. Now we are ready to prepare for Japan!

Are Roger's Pants on Fire?

2008-02-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia's definition of LIE:

"A lie is a type of deception in the form of an untruthful statement with the intention to deceive, often with the further intention to maintain a secret or reputation, or to avoid punishment. To lie is to state something one knows is false with the intention that it be taken for the truth by someone else. A liar is a person who is lying or who lies repeatedly..."

I can't wait for the Congressional meeting next week to be done and over with. The circus that has evolved over the last month is beyond ridiculous. Will this public hearing determine once and for all if Clemens was injected with HGH or steroids? Probably not.

Despite all the vehement denials, press conferences, interviews, etc. I still am very reluctant to believe Clemen's story that he is 100% innocent. McNamee may not be the smartest guy out there, but he had nothing to gain by lying to authorities about Clemens. Why would McNamee tell the truth about Pettitte and Knoblauch, but lie about Roger? Furthermore, it appears that his stories regarding Pettitte and Knoblauch WERE true and corroberated by both Pettitte and Knoblauch, so again, why lie about Roger?

It seems that every time either Roger's or McNamee's lawyers release a statement or evidence to the press, it doesn't seem to prove anything, it just makes both of them look desperate and pathetic. Nothing that Roger has said explains anything or refutes the fact that he may have taken steroids. I still don't understand why someone would shoot himself in the ars with lydocane, and I hope someone next week asks for a medical explanation. How does a numb butt help your aching joints anyway?

I guess it just bothers me, that this guy Roger is marching all over capitol hill, meeting independently with congressmen to tell his story. If it were you or I, do you really think any of them would have taken time out of their busy lives for us?

I suppose I am just skeptical, because as a sports fan, I have heard these denials before. Marion Jones was pretty adamant that she NEVER juiced. Now she is going to prison and has lost her olympic medals. Her husband did the same. I don't need to explain Barry Bond's situation. Remember Floyd Landis? You wont see him riding a bike in France anytime soon.

Is Roger just the next sports star in a long line of cheaters? Time will tell. I don't have a crystal ball, but if I were a betting gal.... well... let's just say the odds certainly aren't in Roger's favor right now.

Pitchers and catchers are reporting later this week. Finally!

Ouch! Curt's Shoulder Hurts!

2008-02-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Sounds like there is already trouble in paradise...

Curt's shoulder pain is back, and its more serious than his '07 injury. Boston Herald has reported that the Sox have even attempted to void his '08 contract because of it.

Schill definitely will not be ready for spring training and the start of the season. Some are even reporting that this may be a season long injury.

It must be bad news; Curt is keeping his mouth shut about it. Even Theo had no comment, when asked by the press today.

Funny how things go. Just yesterday I was contemplating a blog entry, about how there really isn't much excitement going into this season so far. No new, exciting players to discuss, no Santana. Coco, Lowell are both still here. Not too much has changed over last year, with the exception of a few bench signings like Casey and Kielty. Tavarez is still in the bullpen, much to his dismay, and we are still waiting to find out how much Youkilis will cost the Red Sox payroll.

Just 24 hours later, now Schill is a big, big question mark. He's the guy that brought me to tears in Game 2 of the World Series, as I was sure it was the last time I'd see him on the mound in a Sox uniform. The bloody sock, the reinvented old man who managed to find his way to pitch effectively in the post season. I was looking for a story, but certainly not one with BAD NEWS in it!

This just might be the opportunity that a guy like Clay Buchholz is looking for. Or Tavarez, if he doesn't get traded. I still worry about Tavarez in the bullpen.

Hey, has anyone heard from Tim Wakefield? How has he been feeling these days?

Offseason Blues, by Steve Pellikaan

2008-01-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Offseason Blues
by Steve Pellikaan ©
Published: Baseball Almanac (2003)

It's cold outside. The wind is harsh. There's snow upon the ground. You put on your coat, your gloves, your hat, And go toss the football around.

It's just not the same, though. The session is brief. In no time, you've gone back inside. You turn on the TV, or get on the net, In search of any news they can provide.

You look at the calendar and shake your head. The time is surely not short. You count up the months, the days, the hours, Until pitchers and catchers report.

You dream of Spring with the grass so green, And the temperature on the rise, When the fortunate few get together again, To seek that ultimate prize.

The holidays come and go. Your family takes pride, In the dinners over which they strove. While the turkey is cooking, a smile hits your face. You're reminded of another "hot stove".

The talk of free agents and trades being made Gives you hope for the upcoming year. You dream of the slugger, the pitcher, the coach That this year you'll get to cheer.

So, during this winter, when you're thinking of baseball, And it makes you want to groan. Cheer up. Fans like us can take solace In knowing we aren't alone.

Offseason Blues by Steve Pellikaan (published in Baseball Almanac)

16 Days Until Pitchers/Catchers report

2008-01-30T12:58:00.001-08:00

I wonder if this guy has taken his little black skivvy's and goggles off yet?

I hope none of you really believe that his dog chewed up the World Series ball. Think about it, he probably already had baseballs from each of the other series... so to have the WS one as well, makes for quite a nice package for a future little Papelbon to display on his/her mantle someday.

So today's big baseball story is that Johan Santana, as long as he agrees to the deal, will become a MET.

Not a Red Sox. Not a Yankee. A MET.

I would have loved to get this guy, but I don't think it was a must have, so I am honestly not that upset. We didnt have to give up Ellsbury, Lester, or any of our other premier prospects Especially I am not bothered, knowing he is going to the Other New York Team, in the national league, and not the Yankees. Pinstripers have to feel the sting today. Santana should do very well there, and I am grateful that now we don't have to hear Hank Steinbrenner each day release a statement "we want him" "we don't want him". My Met fan friends at work are so psyched. I have to say, I really felt their pain in October. So, so close, yet no cigar. Having to put up with us Red Sox fans every day this fall I am sure was very painful.

Isn't football over YET????

2008-01-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

gettin' a bit sick of Brady

we've got our own Boston dynasty

and pitchers and catchers are due to report

in only a few weeks! Time to blow the dust off of this ol' laptop, and start thinking BASEBALL 2008!

LETS GO SOX!

Hall of Shame, from Boston.com

2007-12-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

as taken from Boston.com:

Here's a list of most of the names Major League Baseball players listed in the Mitchell Report.

The following players were connected to steroids, either use or possession, in the report:

Lenny Dykstra David Segui Larry Bigbie Brian Roberts Jack Cust Tim Laker Josias Manzanillo Todd Hundley Mark Carreon Hal Morris Matt Franco Rondell White Andy Pettitte Roger Clemens Chuck Knoblauch Jason Grimsley Gregg Zaun David Justice F.P. Santangelo Glenallen Hill Mo Vaughn Denny Neagle Ron Villone Ryan Franklin Chris Donnels Todd Williams Phil Hiatt Todd Pratt Kevin Young Mike Lansing Cody McKay Kent Mercker Adam Piatt Miguel Tejada Jason Christiansen Mike Stanton Stephen Randolph Jerry Hairston Paul Lo Duca Adam Riggs Bart Miadich Fernando Vina Kevin Brown Eric Gagne Mike Bell Matt Herges Gary Bennett Jim Parque Brendan Donnelly Chad Allen Jeff Williams Exavier "Nook" Logan Howie Clark Paxton Crawford Ken Caminiti Rafael Palmeiro Luis Perez Derrick Turnbow Ricky Bones Ricky Stone

The following players were cited under "Alleged Internet Purchases of Performance Enhancing Substances By Players in Major League Baseball."

Rick Ankiel David Bell Paul Byrd Jose Canseco Jay Gibbons Troy Glaus Jason Grimsley Jose Guillen Darren Holmes Gary Matthews Jr. John Rocker Scott Schoeneweis Ismael Valdez Matt Williams Steve Woodard

The following players were linked through BALCO:

Benito Santiago Gary Sheffield Randy Velarde Jason Giambi Jeremy Giambi Bobby Estalella Barry Bonds Marvin Benard

Say it Ain't So, Geo...

2007-12-13T12:55:00.000-08:00

The Mitchell report is due out in a few hours...

rumor has it that there are 60-80 current and former players named in the report, some of whom are MVPs, All Stars, and Cy Young winners... all with ties to steroid and HGH purchases, deliveries, and injections...

Sounds like every team in MLB will have someone named.

WHAT A SAD DAY IN BASEBALL... I will wait until the report is out, read what I can of it, and then give you my take.

until then, we wonder... who on the Red Sox will be named? I betcha we will be shocked...

Yeah! It's Official! Iron Mike is BACK

2007-11-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!

Red Sox Nation can finally

breathe a sigh of relief...

Our Man, Iron Mike, MVP

has all but signed a deal with a little

blue pen.

Looks to be 3 years, $37.5 million. Sounds like once A-Rod went fishing back to the Yankees

and a deal between them became imminent, talks with the Yankees disappeared, and Theo's offer became the best one out there for Lowell.

The Sox gave Mikey a Monday deadline for this offer, and he took it.

I am really, really psyched.

Thou Shalt not Lie... or ye Shall be Indicted

2007-11-16T03:40:00.001-08:00

So at the end of the day, it isn't the Steroids themselves that

will destroy Barry Bonds... its a fundamental thing that we

all are taught as young children... don't lie.

Don't lie to the Government... that is a biggie. Because eventually,

someday, someway, Big brother will figure it all out and you

will be indicted.

For Barry, it's 5 counts of perjury and obstruction of justice. So

maybe, just maybe, there is enough out on the table against him,

that Bonds will finally just go away from the game of

baseball, and just leave us all alone? Please?

The other big news... A-Rod will be going back to the Yankees.

10 years, $275 million.

2 weeks ago, Yankee fans everywhere hated him (again.) Today, at least for now, he once again their hero. Ugh. I know his bat in the regular season is what makes this guy among the best players of my lifetime. But I must admit, I am thrilled we can't pursue him any longer. I didn't want him in a Red Sox uniform in '08, or for the next 10 years for that matter. Now I have one less thing to worry about. A lot can happen in 10 years. 10 years is obscene. They better hope this guy is never plagued with injuries, because this is a long time to pay a lot of money.

More later...

Kevin Youk recent Fundraiser at Mohegan Sun

2007-11-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

I didn't have the $500 necessary for a sole ticket to this benefit dinner, "Crackin' It Up", unfortunately. But just knowing my guys were right in my neighborhood, almost within touching reach... Aarrgh! so close, yet so, so far.

Here is an article, regarding the comedy and angst during the fundraiser dinner, held Saturday night as a kickoff for Kevin Youkilis' charity, "Hits for Kids", held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2007/11/12/sox_spouses_take_a_hit_for_charity/

wow, from what I can tell by this dialogue, even our favority baseball players live on Venus, while we ladies are on Mars, eh?

You can learn more about Kevin's newest fundraiser, by going to:

http://www.youkskids.org/

now what is going on with Mikey Lowell?

I don't like how this looks...

2007-11-12T15:24:00.000-08:00

(taken from NYDailyNews.com)

The rumors out there are KILLIN' me, I am not afraid to tell you. But if Theo and the Gang think that Lowell is too old for a deal greater than 3 years, why on EARTH would you even consider this guy for 10? Remember, he is only 1 year younger than Iron Mikey.

If we aren't going to get it done to keep Lowell, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can we stay away from this cancer?

It will make me physically ill, to see this guy in a Red Sox uniform. He is a tremendous individual ballplayer who, from my corner of Red Sox Nation, shows no appearance that he gives a crap about anyone else around him. I don't want a player like this. We've got enough dramas with all the Manny bein' Manny stuff, the last we need is a self-centered, egomaniac who will bring ZERO TEAM CHEMISTRY to the table. FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS TO BOOT!

Hello! Name ONE YANKEE PLAYER that has publically come out in A-Rod's defense, since Boras' leak during Game 4 of the WS. I can name at least 5 Sox players, who have publically stated they want Lowell to come back. But Not one Yankee. Zilch. Zero. Nada.

I don't care if A-Rod will someday surpass all the hitting records. Me smells a rat, I tell ya.

PEDROIA the DESTROIA... Rookie of the Year

2007-11-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Dustin Pedroia, 2007 AL Rookie of the Year

And, of course... while we celebrate our favorite Rookie...

Today is a day
to remember our Veterans, as well.

Fun irony, isn't it???

Happy Veterans Day!!

Are We Being Spin-Doctor-ed?

2007-11-09T10:33:00.001-08:00

Reports are coming from the Sox camp that Theo has made a "strong" offer to our MVP, Iron Mike Lowell. Sounds like 3 years, in the neighborhood of $12-15 million/yr.

While I admit, that seems like a pretty good offer, and I LOVE MIKE AND WANT HIM BACK, I have a feeling that this may not be strong enough. Mike is a smart guy, and I am sure he believes he can get a 4th guaranteed year, or even a 5th, from someone else. Maybe even from those DA*M Yankees. This is likely the last long term contract that Lowell will be negotiating, and from a business standpoint, he'd be silly not to at least entertain other options.

I just get the feeling that the Red Sox are using buzz words in their press statements, like "strong", to give us all the impression that Theo and the Gang are doing their best. And then, if Mikey walks for a better contract, they can say they tried their hardest, in hopes of avoiding an inevitable mutiny. C'mon! In their hearts, the front office HAS to know that there are teams out there already that will be willing to give this guy 4 or 5 years. I'm no GM, but I can see this pretty clearly, can't you?

It's common knowledge that most ALL OF RED SOX NATION wants this guy back. His own teammates have publicly come out in support of resigning Lowell. I can only imagine the reactions from fans, should Lowell walk away. It will be like village men, chasing Shrek and Fiona with their pitchforks and torches, only instead of Shrek and Fiona, it will be Tito and John Henry.

I'm a die-hard Red Sox fan; as as such, like many of you, I get wwaaaaayyy too emotional about these guys. My heart screams out, "MIKE!! TAKE THE HOMETOWN DISCOUNT! YOU SAID YOU LOVE IT HERE... WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?"

But, I am also a realist. 4 or 5 years, as much as I love this guy, isn't a smart business decision for the Red Sox. It's only smart for Mike Lowell. Today, I feel the emotion of another World Series ring in hand, which causes me to wonder why you'd want to mess up the current mix of players. That's today. In 3 years, when Mikey is a little older, and his swing is a little slower, and his back and knees are a little more tender, having the extra 15-16 million for less production for an additional 1-2 years won't be so smart. No matter how good looking and nice I think he is over there at third base!

Hey, I could be wrong; maybe Mike will bite at the 3 year offer, and come back to Fenway. I've misjudged many things that have happened so far in this short off-season:

I cried like a baby when Schill left the mound in Game 2 of the WS. I was SURE it was his last time in Boston in a Red Sox uniform... I was Wrong.
I expected Torre back, and Cashman fired. I expected Mattingly in, and Joe Girardi a longshot... I was wrong, wrong, wrong, and wrong on all 4 counts.

So hey, I could certainly be wrong again. Maybe. Let's hope I'm wrong, anyway!

Pix to Pass time, while we Wait for the Mikes to Sign

2007-11-07T12:42:00.001-08:00

I have been looking at lots of people's blogs over the last 2 weeks, and of all the pictures I have seen, this one, from Dirty Watah, is my favorite. Talk about calling the kettle black. I mean, it takes one to know one, eh? On the Dirty Watah blog, the caption simply read, "And so do you, Sir."

The rest of the pictures below are from my friend Amanda, whose son Morgan got interviewed by Hazel Mae. Thanks for giving these to me, Amanda. I hope your and Morgan's hands aren't too tired from signing all those autographs!

The crowd at City Hall was HUGE!

Here's Morgan, hammin' it up with Hazel

Dude, you have NO idea how many guys

out there would KILL to be in your spot

at that moment...

Tito, our wonderful leader

Wake, now signed, sealed and delivered.

I admit, I am getting a bit sick of the Dropkick

Murphys, and I DON'T think they

should get World Series Rings, but I still can't

help but smile when

Papelbon is in ANY photo.

Captain Jason, my hero.

Sorry it's not a better shot of our MVP

but give Morgan a break, he's only

12 years old, and besides, he just got

touched by Hazel Mae... wouldn't that

make your hands a bit shaky????

I can't get enough of the World Series

Champion signs.

Oh yeah, the newly posted 2007

Champion sign... looks SO GOOD!

Rumor Has Truth to it... Curt is back

2007-11-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

8 million base salary

another 2 million, weigh in incentives (to keep him honest with his weight)

3 million in innings pitched incentives

and... (yeah right) a 1 million bonus if he gets at least 1 Cy Young vote in 2008.

So at the worst, we will get a #4 or #5 starter for $8 million, or he will keep himself together, kick some butt and we will get the same Schill that we had in 2007.

Not too shabby! Glad to have you back again, Curt. Its all in your corner now! Take a look at this contract, in his own words, from the 38pitches blog, click the link below:

http://38pitches.com/2007/11/06/done/

The best part is the last sentence of his blog entry. It's what's REALLY on all of our minds...

Rumor Has it....

2007-11-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

(picture courtesy of Boston Herald)

That Curt Schilling will likely be back next season.

Things are still in the works, but according to

Curt, barring some crazy, unforeseen situation,

he and the Sox will come to agreement on a

1-year deal, allowing him to finish his career

with the Boston Red Sox.

Sounds like the terms will be an incentive

based program, though no details are

confirmed or available yet.

I think this is a good thing. There will be alot of youth

on this pitching staff, and a veteran like Schill

will be a good role model. And it's only a 1 year

deal anyway.

Hopefully, we will get some good information

regarding Mike Lowell today. It's been pretty

quiet regarding Lowell, which always makes me

nervous. The good news is that he

hasn't filed for free agency yet, so it can't

all be that bad, behind closed doors...

More later, as things develop...

Hot Stove News - John Farrell to return

2007-11-02T13:19:00.001-07:00

Great, great news in Red Sox Nation today... it has been announced that John Farrell will be returning as Red Sox pitching coach next year.

Earlier this week, rumor had it that the Pittsburgh Pirates wanted him as their new manager. But he has since turned down their offer to interview, to stay here in Red Sox Nation.

YES! He isn't a good guy, he is a GREAT one. A bit overqualified, if you ask me. Afterall, he went from Director of Player Development in Cleveland, to Pitching Coach with us. I wonder what the string is, that is keeping him here. It has to be more than just Tito being a great guy and good friend to work with... Maybe the front office has bigger plans for him down the road?!?

So great to hear. Glad to keep you here, John.

The Talk Show Tour Begins

2007-11-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Now that our Guys are celebrities, the Late Night Talk Show Tour begins...

Papelbon was on "The Late Show, With David Letterman" yesterday. It was a pretty funny interview. For those who couldn't manage to keep their eyes open last night, to watch it for yourself in real time, click on the link below, taken from Boston.com:

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/10/papelbon_on_let.html?p1=MEWell_Pos4

Yes, he did say he wouldn't mind if A-Rod played on the Red Sox, but the press has totally taken it out of context. He said it because then that way he wouldn't have to pitch to A-Rod anymore.

Nothing more should be made of that statement. Please.

Friday, Manny will be on "The Tonight Show, with Jay Leno". That ought to be pretty good. I have to say, other than the few Tina Cervasio post game interviews, I have never seen Manny have a sit down. I plan to watch it, as this is such a rare occurance.

Also on Friday after the Tonight Show, Big Papi will be a guest on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien". Conan is hysterical. It should make for a funny interview as well.

Man, and I thought the reason they held the Rally so soon, was so the guys could go HOME. Hmmm...

I hope to post my friend Amanda's Rally photos tomorrow. Sorry for the delay, but with Halloween happening, I had duties to attend to, and candy to collect.
You should see them tomorrow night. Thanks.

Dan, Amanda and Morgan...15 minutes of Fame

2007-10-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing that Dan and Amanda from my workplace got permission from their bosses ahead of time to go to today's Red Sox celebration... because they are now celebrities!

click on this link at NESN.com, and under the video section, look at the video entitled, " Skipping School to Celebrate Title". Amanda and her son Morgan and Dan are interviewed for about 1:20 seconds.

Her son's sign said, "My mom is a real Sox fan, she let me skip school!"

Good for you guys, I am so psyched for you! Even Gordon Edes got in on the fun!

http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/

I tried to upload it into here myself, but I think I can't because it is NESN property... sorry guys, you have to click on this link, the old fashioned way!!!

So soon? Geez, you just got here!

2007-10-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

NY Yankee radio personality John Sterling said it best:
"Well, Suzyn, they say all good things, unfortunately must come to an end."

Now that the Red Sox Parade has ended, and the fans have filed into their cars and jammed onto the Mass Pike, we have to wonder if the magic ride will soon come to an end for Curt Schilling.

Curt has made it very clear that he wants to play one more year, preferrably as a Red Sox. Theo made it very clear in April that he wouldn't make that commitment until he saw how Curt's year would pan out. And, with Curt being 40 years old, I really agreed with Theo on this one.

Had you asked me 2 months ago if I thought Curt would be back, I'd have said no. And maybe this is the emotional fan in me, but today I am hoping that they find a way to keep this guy around for another year.

C'mon, guys, its only 1 more year. Curt has redefined himself, you saw for yourself. He isn't a power pitcher anymore, he is one of those finesse guys now. It's all about control and location and ball movement now.
Sure, he's probably going to need some time off in the middle of the year to rest. But he might have 2-3 years like that left in him. Maybe they can find a way to offer him a contract that is incentive based on performance or something. He's a proven commodity in the postseason. Maybe he'll take a pay reduction?

I think that Curt sees some writing on a wall out there on Yawkey Way. On his blog, 38 pitches, his most recent entry is long, heartfelt, and full of appreciation and gratitude. Someone who thinks they are coming back doesn't just pour out their emotions like that. Click here to read his very thoughtful blog post:

http://38pitches.com/2007/10/29/2007-world-series-champions/

As I have stated in earlier blogs, I am a fan. I am not a coach, or manager, or GM. My emotions can be seen from the moment I write a word, or the minute you look at my face. You'd think as a Communications Major, I would have figured out how to hide all that nonverbal stuff. I guess I'd never make it as a full time poker player. And because I am a fan, my emotional investment in this team is HUGE. My heart says keep him, while I know that it is probably the right thing to do to let him go.

So Curt, I know the next week will be pretty important to you and your family. I wish you the best of luck, and hope whatever happens, is the best scenario for you and your family. Maybe next year, I'll see you back in Fenway, in a Sox uniform, on the mound. And if you are, you will hear me as I scream your name, clap for you, and support your work out there. And if I see you up there, and your clothes are a different color with a new logo, don't worry, I will still tip my hat off to you, as you will always be the guy with that damn bloody sock.

THANKS FOR THE RIDE, RED SOX!!!

2007-10-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

(made by Ray Shaw, taken from Boston.com photoshop)

Hey, Red Sox Nation!!! How good do YOU feel today?

Has this World Series win transformed Pawtucket into the baseball Mecca? Should it be renamed, the Harvard School of Baseball Development?

EACH MEMBER OF THIS TEAM MADE A CONTRIBUTION, TOP TO BOTTOM

Terry Francona - I should never doubt Terry Francona's decisions again. He didn't give up on Pedroia early in the year, when the rest of us had written him off. Tito let Manny milk his oblique injury through September, even when Manny looked fine to the rest of us. Tito also took Okajima out of commission for a rest at September's end. Right at a time when we felt we needed him most. Youk, too. Why? The Yankees had pulled to within 2 games, we thought the goal was to win the AL East, get the best record and have home field advantage. You see, the difference between being a fan and being a good manager, is the good manager can look at the big picture, and keep silly emotions out of it. Tito ignored public sentiment, and stepped off the gas a bit. And because of this, the Sox went into the postseason well rested, and ready to play.

Theo - All GMs are going to make good acquisitions, and bad ones. For instance we all agree Josh Beckett/Mike Lowell, Okajima were great acquistions. We also can acknowledge Gagne, and maybe even Drew, were bad ones. The biggest pat on the back goes to Theo and Player Development. Pedroia, Paps, Youkilis, Delcarmen, Lester, and Ellsbury are all EXCELLENT examples of eyeing good prospects out there, signing them and having faith in them. We are so lucky that we can now benefit from these decisions.

Starting Pitching - Beckett is the ace he was projected to be, and more. Dice-K, despite his 1 inning implosions, came through in the World Series when it counted. Curt Schilling certainly helped his resume during the postseason. A guy who last week seemed borderline Hall of Fame material, now seems a viable HOF candidate, worthy of consideration. Lester's Cinderella story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever heard of the word, "cancer". And kudos to Wakefield, who could have been selfish and kept his injury quiet, so he could pitch in the World Series. Instead, he graciously stepped aside, for the benefit of his team and his teammate, Jon Lester.

The Pen - Delcarmen, Boston's Own, who, under the radar, matured to become a solid middle relief pitcher. Timlin, the Leader of the Pack, who often makes us forget his age when he steps onto the mound. Okajima, the surprise of the year, was once descrbed as the guy from Japan signed to keep Dice-K company. What a foolish mistake, to believe that! And of course, Papelbon. I don't just love this guy because he can dance, sing, and pound down beers like water. Papelbon stepped up when we needed a closer, and proved to everyone that the closer role is exacly where he belongs.

The Infield - Lowell - MVP, Mr. Double. The man behind the team, whose presence and personality brings these guys together. No one wants to see him go, particularly to see him in a pinstripe uniform. Let's hope the sides can come to an agreement, and we resign this bulldog. My only fear is he punched a few TOO MANY clutch hits this year, and will expect a 5 year deal. Lowell is one of my favorites, but I don't see the Red Sox willing to agree to a 5 year deal when he is already 34 years old. Pedroia - Rookie of the Year, offensive and defensive power. So awesome that we have him locked long term. Captain Jason Varitek orchestrated the game with finesse. Maybe he didn't bat .300, but he did get key hits, and he kept the pitching staff to the game plan, successfully. And Youkilis is the guy the Yankees hate. What's not to love about Kevin? OK, maybe he sweats too much, but so what? He's got BAT!

The Outfield - Manny - Some days I want to punch him, other days I want to hug him. I will take his poor communication skills and awkward baserunning, in exchange for that bat of his in 2008. Drew - The big contract that flopped, $14 million dollar man, will suddenly get a pass, with his playoff production. We will long remember his grand slam in the ALCS Game 6, and hit .300+ average in the postseason. Ellsbury - he looks like Damon, but plays like Ellsbury. He is our new Rockstar. Unfortunately for Coco, having a great glove just isn't enough, when there is a 22 yr. old named Ellsbury in your rear view mirror.

The bench - Kelty - the guy who was just happy to be picked up by any team this year. Make no mistake; he left his fingerprint on this World Series, hitting the game deciding home run on his first pitch as a pinch hitter in Game 4. He is the Dave Roberts of 2007.

In the coming days, there will be some many stories to tell about this team, and I, as usual, will not be at a loss for words! Our season in '07 has ended, but prep for '08 has just begun. And don't forget, pitchers and catchers are reporting to spring training in about 14 weeks!

Please continue to visit me at this website from time to time, to keep up on the latest and greatest in Red Sox Nation. For those of you who have come here via the Norwich Bulletin website, bookmark me, so you can continue to read this blog, once the Bulletin and ended my tenure. I am at

http://soxnationgirl.blogsport.com/

Tomorrow is the parade in Boston. While I won't be able to make it, (AARRGGGHH!) Amanda our roving photographer and HUGE Red Sox Fan (I mean that she is a faithful fan, I am NOT insinuating that she is physically big...). She and a few others will be making the Pilgrimage tomorrow and will have lots of photos to share on this blog in the next few days.

What a great ride this has been. I have had so much fun, and this blog has made it more special. Thanks, guys, for making the Summer of 2007 one to remember for a lifetime.

WORLD CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN!

2007-10-29T03:53:00.001-07:00

(Photos courtesy of boston.com)

This will never grow old!

more after work!

Are we on the brink of a Championship?

2007-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

(photo by J.Redman, from flickr)

Is this it?

Is tonite the night?

Who will be the hero...

a rookie, or a veteran?

Today I feel like a little kid, waiting to go to Disneyland. We just got in the car, and I know its still a long drive, but the adrenaline is so up there, I can feel my heart beating inside my chest. I can't wait until I get there, and and soon as we do, I don't know what I want to do first.

Last night's Rockie comeback to within 1 run showed us all that those boys from Colorado still have a pulse. Don't slow dwn now, Red Sox! Great job, Dice man! Went to a great Halloween party last night, and what made it even greater, was that the hosts put a HUGE flatscreen TV in the party, for all the Sox fans to watch the game. Funny watching people boogying down to disco music, while, a mere 30 feet away, others are clapping for Dice-K.

Bullpen made my heart skip a few beats, how about yours? Thank goodness that Theo had the right brains this year to not give up or give away the likes of Dustin Pedroia, Papelbon, Youkilis, or Jacoby Ellsbury. Do you realize that none of them make more than 495,000 or so? So for $2 million, we have 4 awesome guys. Unbelievable.

See you all later, after tonite's Game FOUR!

Up 2-0, Is this The Last Homestand for #38?

2007-10-26T14:59:00.001-07:00

(taken from my camera, just before it died!)

Great great game, Sox fans!

It was are ol' veteran against a rookie Jimenez, who only came into the big leagues in August.

Jimenez was good, but Curt pitched BIG, only giving up 1 run. His pitch choices were very deliberate, and he found his way around the corners of the plate. The highest mph that I recall is 1 at 92, and a couple at 91. Most of Curt's fastballs were around 86-88 mph.

I have to say, with our lead 2-0, I am afraid that this may have been Curt's last game in Fenway as a Red Sox. This makes me very sad. The crowd was very aware of this fact, as well. As Tito came out of the dugout to give Curt his farewell, the place exploded. Roaring applause, and appreciation for the guy with the once bloody sock.

One guy put this sign out there, for Curt to see. Aw, awfully cute, isn't he? Come to find out, FOX thought he was pretty cute as well. A few people have called me to tell me that they saw my husband on TV (pictured above), and McCarver made some remarks about Schill, while my husband held this sign. Jim, I hope you are enjoying that 15 minutes of fame!!!

seems like Curt just got here, remember when we all laughed at this dunkin donuts ad?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbdP679fk9w

Once Curt left the mound, the game quickly turned into the battle of the bullpens, with our 2 reliables being the one-two punch we needed to take this win, and keep the Colorado bats at bay. Okajima pitched flawlessly, striking out 4, and giving up no walks and no hits in 2-2/3 innings.

Paps did what we all expected him to, and more. The best was when he picked off Holliday at first, for a very very important 3rd out in the 8th. When Paps came out of the bullpen with 2 outs in the 8th, you just got the sense that IT WAS ALL OVER. The place was electric.

And just as a final footnote to the evening...

what is the deal with J.D. Drew? Did somebody wake him up or something? Just who is the guy with blond hair in right field, wearing #7, and what did he do with the Drew we've had all year long?

King Joshua I

2007-10-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, did the Red Sox CRUSH those Rockies last night, or what?

Once again, Josh Beckett came out to the mound with the intensity and focus of a legend. Offensively, the Red Sox were just off the charts, from Pedroia's first swing, to the final out. Anyone who thought that the Rockies having 8 days off would not affect them, certainly are second guessing themselves after last night's drought.

We've got to keep this intensity as we head into Game Two. Tonite, Curt Schilling will take the mound, on 4 days of rest. He will face a young and relatively unknown Jimenez, who was only called up to the majors in August. I hear that his fastball has got some phenominal heat, but his control isn't always there.

Jim and I are heading up to the park tonite, to what is likely my last visit to Fenway this season. I am hoping it will be a pilgrimage to remember, in a good way of course!!

Will it be Curt's last outing in a Red Sox uniform?

I hope to have some interesting photos for you in the next couple of days.

GO RED SOX!

Does ANYONE know who Colorado is?

2007-10-24T14:04:00.001-07:00

Boston.com has a funny video, interviewing fans in the city, to see what they know about tonite's opponent, the Colorado Rockies.

Seems like no one knows, or even cares that they don't know Bo about Colorado.
Click below:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1214055317/bclid1267577916/bctid1267577847

I'm Optimistic... but still Cautious

2007-10-24T13:11:00.001-07:00

Pennant flag, flying high over the Prudential Building, downtown Boston

(Globe Staff photo, taken by David L. Ryan)

We took the AL East,

Rallied from a deficit to take the AL Championship...

Our next mountain comes from Colorado.

I've never been one to go by how a team looks on paper, to determine whether I think they are going to win. Time and time again, in the playoffs, if you just look at that alone, it does NOT guarantee the win.

Just ask the Yankees. On paper, they looked like their offense was going to CRUSH their way into October. Instead, they got crushed themselves.

The Rockies? Who, other than Rockies fans themselves, would have thought THEY would make it into the postseason, nevermind the WORLD SERIES. Had you told me in May that the Rockies would be in the Series, I would have laughed at you. But not anymore.

The Sox start the World Series tonite (I still get all goosebumpy when I write those words!) at Fenway, against the Colorado Rockies. Josh Beckett vs. Jeff Francis 8:23 pm. Here are the matchups, and Postseason performance by position:

1B Youkilis, .425 Avg. vs. Helton, .154 Avg.
2B Pedroia, .286 Avg. vs. Matsui, .310 Avg.
3B Lowell, .333 Avg. vs. Atkins, .185 Avg.
SS Lugo, .229 Avg. vs. Tulowitzki, .179 Avg.
Catch Varitek, .243 Avg. vs. Torrealba, .320 Avg.
OF Ramirez (.400), Crisp (.161) Drew (.306) vs. Holliday (.286), Taveras (.167), Hawpe (.304)
DH Ortiz, .387 Avg. vs. Spilborghs, .300 Avg.

tonite's pitchers: Beckett (1.17 ERA) vs. Francis (2.13 ERA)

Beckett will definitely set the tone for this series, once again. If he plays his game, and we win, it will take the wind out of the young Rockie club. Afterall, the Rockies have won their last 21 out of 22 games, and have had 8 days of rest. Coming into the World Series, their confidence level has been off the charts. Every game they have won since early September was a MUST WIN game for them. How can they not feel like Supermen, with a run like theirs?

And, while their story is the stuff dreams are made of, the Sox have business to finish. Beckett's first loss this year was at the hands of the Rockies, who came here the second week of June. Colorado won that series 2-1. I'm sure Beckett remembers Atkins, who hit a grand slam against him.

Still, I think the Sox have the edge, and will win this all in 6. We've been in first all year long, and its time to seal the deal.

If they lose, will I be upset? Sure, I will be disappointed. But not upset. I am so, so proud of these guys. They have made this summer unforgettable. My family has spent the last 6+ months with these guys, about 170 afternoons and evenings, to be exact. While some parents and their kids might have been watching Extra or Wheel of Fortune, we were tuned in to NESN night after night. Ask my 6 year old Jon what happened on Mother's Day. He might not remember that really cool beaded necklace he made for me, that made me cry when it fell apart 2 days later. But Jon can tell you that on Mother's Day the Red Sox beat the Orioles that afternoon, and they called it a Mother's Day Miracle.

These 40 guys are a permanent part of our lives. No matter what happens. And when they win it all, my family will be there together to celebrate.

Stage is Set... Soxtober vs. Rocktober!!!!

2007-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of boston.com)

Here's your AL Rookie of the Year, getting it done in Game 7.

Congratulations to our beloved Red Sox, who can now call themselves Champions of the American League, 2007! What a great series this turned out to be, eh? To come back to Boston, down 3 games to 1, and then comeback to clinch it all, at home in front of 36,000+ of your friends. So, so sweet in so many ways.

Where to begin?

Beckett. Series MVP Josh Beckett is certainly making a name for himself in October. 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA this postseason so far. This award is well deserved. We HAD to have a win in Game 5, and he put it on his back and made it happen. Ex-girlfriends, flying tribe towels, tightened backs, none of this would deter his focus. He is our most valuable player, because without his unfaltered command, we might never have made it back to Boston.

Boston Offense at Home. Boston outscored the Tribe 30-5 in the last 3 games. The beauty of it, was that it wasn't our waiting for Manny and Papi. Others stepped up, just as was done all year long. Youkilis was HUGE, going into game 7 he was batting .478 for the ALCS, and by the time he hit that 2 run homer, he was batting an incredible .500. Papi finished .292. Manny, .409. After a slow start, Pedroia proved why he is deserving of AL's Rookie of the Year. His bat electrified games 6 and 7, finishing game 7 with 5 RBIs, which included a double and HR.

Schilling and Dice-K. Games 6 & 7 needed 2 starters who could offer good command. Schill exceeded my expectations, going 7 innings. And Dice-K, while lasting only 5 innings in game 7, only had 2 earned runs, and found himself able to get out of a tough 5th inning. It was a great improvement to his 4- 2/3 innings contribution in Game 3.

Cleveland left their bats back in Cleveland. Travis Hafner batted .148 and struck out 12 times. Grady Sizemore only went 3 for 17 in the last 5 games. Overall, the Indians hit only .176 with runners in scoring position, the last 3 games. Sabathia and Carmona stuggled BIG TIME during the ALCS. They combined for an 0-3 in 4 starts, with a combined ERA of 12.67.

Is the Cleveland 3rd base coach Joel Skinner currently on our payroll? Something tells me he may be sending out his resume during the off season, as his decision to hold Kenny Lofton at third base in the 5th was a disasterous mistake for the tribe. Franklin Gutierrez' single went over 3rd base, into foul territory and bounced into short left. To Skinner, it looked like it might bounce back torwards Lowell or Lugo. So he stopped Lofton in his tracks, as Manny jogged towards the ball. There is NO DOUBT IN MY MIND that Lofton would have been safe.

I must admit, it wasn't until Pedroia's double cleared the bases, that I finally relaxed last night. With the Indians this series, a 1 or 2 run lead seemed never enough. Both sides slowly chipped away, never backed down. Once Pedroia broke it open, then I knew the Championship was within our grasp. Must be the old Sox fan in me. It seems I am always waiting for the bad break to happen. Someone to drop a ball, or throw wildly, causing runs. Or a bad call by an ump, or something like that.

But this time, for once, one of those things DIDN'T happen. We took a lead, and kept it. And pitched our guts out, and crushed the ball.

AND WON.

Way to go, guys. Make sure you pack those winter hats for Game 3, fellas. It's been snowing in Colorado and we, once again need to be ready.

Fenway Park Pix from 10-20-07 WIN

2007-10-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the place to get tickets on gameday, as Jim
and I walked by I did see a transaction taking place.
There were about 40 people waiting in line at the time.

As a reminder to all, the legacy of Curt
Schilling is replicated by this fan...

Here is another guy showing off his
Curt Schilling "bloody sock".

I simply kept my socks on, as we hung out on
Yawkey Way, watching everyone mill into the stadium.

Definitely a good vibe, really packed, too! Lots
of people wearing their red shirts and jackets.

On the other side of where Rem-Dawgs is, the Fox
people set up a broadcast tent, similiar to that of NESNs.
The crowd around the NESN booth, as always, was
Jammed, but as you can see here, no one gave a crap
about the Fox people. Tim Mc-who?

Here you go, Sox Nation, as you requested, Jacoby
Ellsbury, in the lineup, his first time up to bat in
the postseason. A few pitches in, and he will get a single.

2 nice neighbors, holding my sign.

Great to see Trot in right field, weird that he isn't
wearing #7. Trot was never booed the whole
evening, unlike my last game vs. the Angels, where
Guerrero was taunted all night long.

Bill Mueller tossing out the ceremonial 1st pitch.
They did a really great job of trying to get the crowd
pumped for the game, using alot of '04 references,
including this former 3rd baseman!

This guy from Canton, CT in front of me, wishing Joe
Torre well. On the back of his sign, was written,
"RESIGN MIKE LOWELL". Amen to that!

Great reference to the Lofton/Beckett confrontation
from Game 5. Beckett Killed Kenny.
You can see by the signs, that Kenny Lofton's face
is in the Kenny cartoon. Hilarious!

Trot caught a flyout by Mike Lowell, and
tossed it into the crowd. My husband
would have caught it, if it weren't for
this guy's old timer's glove.

Jim had a fun time... he is tall, so he can see the
action pretty well... unlike little 'ol me...

here was my view of the action. Being 5"3, I
spent most of the night standing on my chair,
or in front with the Canton guy's wife.

J.D. Drew, game 6 hero. So now that
he hit a grand slam, do we still call
him Nancy Drew?

Stats say it all. Thanks, Curt for a great outing.

Shot of the crowd behind me. The Sox requested that
we all wear red shirts, as you can see, the row
behind me apparently did NOT get the memo.

Manny running out a base hit. It happens so
rarely, that I had to snap a shot of it, for my kids.

Can you see the large crowd, standing on the
Budweiser sign? Never saw that before.
Man, They are getting pretty creative at making up
places to charge for seating in this park. I heard
that all of the Monster and Bud seats were corporate
sponsors, so even if you WANTED to stand there,
it was next to impossible.

SOX WIN, 12-2.... GAME 7 SUNDAY NITE!
GAME OVER, TIME TO GO HOME!

Sox Win, 12-2... We See Another Day

2007-10-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Giddy-up!

A great game, and a great win by our guys. Key hits by guys you least expect, and big pitches from the guy who somehow always manages to come up BIG when it's all on the line.

Schilling: 7.0 Innings pitched

6 Hits, 2 Runs, 0 Walks, 5 Strikeouts You couldn't ask for anything better from this guy.

And Drew? Wow, Grand Slam in inning one, and we never looked back. Drew has been pounded all year long for being the continual third out, Mr. Groundout. Last night, he was the ultimate hero. 5 RBIs on the night. Is he our Mark Bellhorn of 2007?

Funny, I had just told a few people behind me, when there were two outs, bases loaded, and Drew was up that at my house right at that moment, I would be headed for the bathroom.

CRACK!!!

Wha? I look out in center field, as Sizemore watches Drew's ball fly into the stands. I was surely wrong.

Were you like me? I see Gagne warming up in the pen, and I immediately look at the scoreboard. Sox up 12-2. Hmmm... if Gagne comes out onto the mound to pitch the ninth...

Is a 10 run lead big enough?

I was glad to see the fans in the stadium supporting this guy. I know everyone had a lump in their throats, but each kept the negative vibes to themselves. And Gagne came through, without giving up a run, and exited with his head held high.

Like my sign said last night, "They may have a tribe, but we have a NATION." And we still have the FAITH.

I've got some pictures from last night, that I plan to post here later on today, before...

I am so psyched to say....

before TONIGHT'S GAME. Game 7. Bring it on!

Ha Ha's While we Wait for Tonite's Game....

2007-10-20T08:33:00.001-07:00

Are you as sick as I am of those "This is October" commercials on Fox?

Saturday Night Live did a pretty good spoof of those Dane Cook ads recently, and I found a clip of it
Youtube for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy as we wait for our Boys to take the field... GO CURT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7lDaNhR4K4

We Still Have a Pulse...

2007-10-19T12:58:00.003-07:00

(photo courtesy of norwichbulletin.com, from AP)

BECKETT, BECKETT, BECKETT, BECKETT

We needed him to deliver, and boy did Beckett deliver BIG.

8 innings, 11 Ks, 1 ER.

Has the pendulum now swung in our direction? Last night, we saw offense from more than just

Manny, Papi, and Lowell.

Youk was HUGE

Pedroia busted out of his slump, and hit the ball hard.

Lugo came up with a key bunt

Yup, Even Drew came up with a great hit.

This sudden offensive surge is a big deal. We just haven't seen it since we arrived in Cleveland. And now, with the series at 3-2, we head back to Fenway, and try to get the next 2 games under our belts. It is still do-or-die, but I definitely feel like there's some more life in this ballclub.

Schill is going to need all the support he can get from his offense. And Curt needs to pitch at least 6 solid innings. No mistakes. Look for me down by the Pesky Pole. I'll be the Sox fan making LOTS OF NOISE!!!

Oh yeah, and for those of you out there who still want your voices heard regarding Jacoby Ellsbury, there is a new site out there, to sign a petition which will go to Tito, requesting that Ellsbury play in Coco's place on Saturday night. Here is the website:

http://www.startjacoby.com/

Hurry! Sign up before that petition goes out! Leave your comments, too!

Coco went o'fer again last night. Couldn't even lay down a bunt. C'mon Tito! We can't do any worse!

Goodbye, Torre...

2007-10-19T12:30:00.001-07:00

photo taken from NYPost....

Well, the era has ended, and the dynasty is officially over.

Its a shame, really. This guy brings the Yankees to the postseason 12 times in a row, and it isn't good enough. The Yankee office looks like a bunch of bafoons, the way I see it.

$200 million in 2007 gave Torre a boatload of injuries, subpar pitching, a 45 yr old dinosaur, and at least one egomaniac who doesn't know the meaning of the word team. Those are the tools that Torre had to work with this year. The fact that the Yankees turned it around in the second half like they did, is deserving of Manager of the Year.

Hey, I'm not shedding any tears for the man. Torre, too, made a ton of money being a Yankee. $7 million this year alone. That's at least $6,9xx,xxx+ more than I made with my daytime job. But I do have a tremendous amount of respect for the guy, I think he is a proven ballclub leader, who presents himself with dignity and class.

Torre leaving is good for those people who do not root for the Yankees. You think things were messed up in '07? I have a feeling that this is going to be a long-term project.

Belly on up to the bar, Yankee fans. You guys are going to need a drink...

Draw Your Faith from '04, Sox Nation

2007-10-18T12:14:00.001-07:00

Last night, I needed some pick me up...

something to remind me that all is OK
and that there is still hope.

I watched a movie. One that, if you haven't seen, you should.

It's called Reverse of the Curse of the Bambino. It's a documentary which details the struggles of the Red Sox, from the 1919 sale of Babe Ruth, through the magical season that was 2004. It's told from the perspectives of Red Sox fans; some famous, some not. Details of where they were, how they felt, what they did during those times of pain and times of joy that were the summers of '67, '78, '86, 2003, 2004.

I've seen it before, and love it so much, I had to watch it again. It fueled me with the passion and promise that we can't, and shouldn't give up.

Here a little summary on it, that I took from netflix: http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Reverse_of_the_Curse_of_the_Bambino/70021270?strkid=1362448693_3_0

If you are looking for a little positive Mojo... take an hour or so out of your busy life and watch it. It's a good story.

*******************************************
Hey, I've been thinking.... maybe Ellsbury isn't playing because as a Native American, he is offended by the Cleveland logo.

OK, you're right that IS a stretch. Sorry.

The Fat Lady is Currently Gargling...

2007-10-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Beware... once she starts to sing, consider this season OVER.

Bad luck? Maybe. Line drives, typical base hits, were hit smack at Indian fielders. A ball hit just to the right of Wakefield, that he deflects, costing a double-play. That one sinker that just didn't sink, turning into a 3 run homer.

Honestly, though, I don't buy that it's about luck.

These Cleveland Indians, so far, are simply outplaying us. Their lineup is hitting from top to bottom, 1-9. Cleveland boasts a different hero every day. We are only getting production out guys 2-5. Their halfway decent pitchers are playing like they are Cy Young winners. ours can't get past the 4th inning. Their bullpen guys are lights out. Some of our bullpen guys are playing as if there are no lights on in the field.

The thing about the postseason, is that it will magnify your flaws. We can't avoid the fact that there is great inconsistency in our lineup. How comfortable are you when there are two outs, somebody on, and one of these guys are up to bat?

Lugo
Coco
Drew?

I know at my house, what happens. Someone sighs, gets up off the couch, and hits the bathroom for the inevitable commercial break.

If we lose this series, Tito will have to answer some tough questions. Not just with the fluff, stock, generic responses that we have been hearing, but real, honest answers.

Why did we NOT utilize the rookie, Jacoby Ellsbury, the lightning in a bottle?

Why did we NOT try and shake things up, by putting in Cora for Lugo in game 4?

Were we better for resting Beckett, and not playing him in game 4?

Why was Gagne used in game two with a tie game, knowing he hasn't had the confidence to handle it?

Why was Bucholtz off the roster?

Well, we've got the next 24 hrs to think about what has gone wrong, and what needs to improve. Let's put our positive energy out there, Sox fans. Think 2004. Think comeback. Think WIN.

Gotta Trust, Gotta have Faith

2007-10-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tito has decided to NOT pitch Beckett tonite, who would be pitching on 3 days of rest, and instead he is sending Tim Wakefield to the mound, who hasn't pitched in over 3 weeks. So Wakefield will be up against Byrd, who is Cleveland's #4.

Some people in Red Sox Nation are freaking out over this decision.

On One Hand...

We're down 2 games to 1. We need a win! Why not put in our ace, who has proven in the postseason that he can pitch, and pitch well on only 3 days rest? A win here would be a gain of momentum!

But on the Other Side...

Pitching Beckett tonite would not allow for extra rest for both Schilling and Dice-K. Both pitchers were okay, but not great, in their starts. By pitching Beckett in his normal slot, it increases our chances that we will win games 5-7 because it will be with our normal rotation, on normal or more rest. And our #2 and #3 guys need all the time they can get.

I have to say, I am all for the rotation to stay just as it is. We don't HAVE to win this game tonite. It's not a win or go home situation. I think that Tito, once again, is thinking big picture, and what is good for all the guys, not just for one game. As fans, we get so caught up in the drama and the day to day, that we sometimes lose the bigger perspective.

Keep the Faith, fellas. We maintained first place from April to October. Luck did not not get us there, playing solid baseball did. Cleveland is giving us a run, one that everyone expected. So we shouldn't panic that they have won a couple of games. No one should be surprised that the Indians are playing well.

We just have to play better. Pedroia, Drew, Coco, Lugo need to find it in themselves and hit the damn ball, solidly. No more of these ridiculous ground balls. Papi's knee is the size of a Jim Dandy ice cream sundae, and he is still finding a way to produce. It's time for the others to step up as well. Because whether you like it or not, Wake is pitching tonite. And he will need some run support. Otherwise, we will be one step closer to Saturday tee time with Jeter.

Sayonara, Matsuzaka San

2007-10-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

We keep playing like this, and our beloved Sox will be making tee times with Jeter and Damon by Saturday.

C'mon, guys! I can't believe you are going to let these Cleveland Indians tromp all over you!

For the second straight post season start, Dice K could not get out of the 4th inning. Tonite he goes 4 2/3, 4 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks, 6 Ks. But he is not the only reason we have struggled in Game 3.

You can't win a ballgame, if you cant score runs, especially when there are runners in scoring position.

So has been the case with these Red Sox all year. When we are hot, we are on FIRE. But leaving it all up to Manny, Papi, and Lowell every night is suicide. Other than Youkilis, the rest of our bats are just sucking wind. Might as well wrap the ALCS in a pretty little box with a red and white bow, with the lack of production out there. So far tonite we continue with quiet bats from Pedroia, Coco, Drew, etc. etc. Who will step up to the plate?

Lay off the sinkers, guys! All we keep doing is hitting ground balls. As I write, its now the 6th inning, and we are down 4 - 0. Youk and Papi are on, Manny is up and Lowell is on deck. My hope is that we will figure out a way to turn it on, and get some numbers on the board.

More later... hope to tell you good news; we shall see?!?

UPDATE: 9:20 pm. Manny grounds out, into a double play. Inning over... Sigh....

No More Rent-A Wreck.... please.

2007-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

(lifted from Yahoo Sports)

What's it going to take, for Sox management to figure out that this guy should NOT be on the postseason roster? How many games do we need to lose?

OK, I realize that he is not the one who pitched to Nixon, who got the hit, driving in the first of what seemed to be 10,000 runs in the 11th. Lopez did. But had Gagne done the job he has been paid tremendously for - get OUTS, things may not have imploded as they did.

Are you guys like me? I see Gagne warming up in the pen, and my stomach flops over. I now expect us to lose. If we are 10 runs ahead, then I feel OK giving the guy a ball to see what happens. But with the game tied? NO WAY, I don't care what numbers he puts into our payroll. This time of year it isn't about giving a guy a chance to see what he can do. It's about putting in your guys who can get the job done. Gagne was good in LA, but for whatever reason, he can't figure it out here in Boston. Hey, that's just how it goes. Have him take a seat, and work on how to fix his issues. But not on our clock, during an ALCS game.

Tito has been beyond patient with Gagne. Adding him to the roster was a gamble, that we all now realize has failed. Fine. Cut the loss. We teach our kids, that there is nothing wrong with admitting you made a mistake, why can't the Sox do the same?

I would much rather have Tavarez in his spot. It's sounds crazy coming out of my mouth! While Julian wasn't exactly a lights-out dominator, he was pretty darn consistent this year; a workhorse who did whatever was asked of him and had decent success.

Well, now we head to Cleveland tied in the series, 1-1. Time for Dice-K to pitch the game of his life.

You don't Need Scalpers in Arizona

2007-10-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

here is a very interesting article about ticket sales (or lack thereof) for the NLCS games being played out in Arizona.

Man, you would NEVER have this problem in our market. Can you imagine being able to get tickets, on game day, without any problems, directly from the Fenway ticket office?

Wow, I'd never pay over face value again!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-dbacksfans101107&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Sox up 1-0, Beckett delivers as expected. C.C. Sabathia seemed M.I.A. More later.

The Farrell Factor

2007-10-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of MLB.com)

The finest path to becoming the World Champions, is by beating the better teams. The Sox certainly have their hands full this week, as they begin the ALCS tonite at Fenway Park versus the Cleveland Indians.

My call is Sox win in 6.

I hope you all are ready for some old fashioned baseball, as it looks to be a pitcher's shootout. The two Cy Young candidates meet head to head tonite: Josh Beckett vs. C.C. Sabathia. There will be very little wiggle room for errors during this series; make a mistake and the other team will capitalize.

I think there is an unspoken advantage that will work in our favor, and that is pitching coach John Farrell is on Our Team this year.

Before this season, Farrell spent the last 5 years as the Cleveland Indian's Director of Player Development. In many ways, we actually have to give Farrell some of the credit (or some of the blame) as to why guys like Carmona, Sizemore, Sabathia and Hafner have developed into the talents they are today. It was great that they were so talented when they faced those Yankees, but now they are facing us! (Thanks a lot John Farrell!)

I am sure Farrell is more than a little proud of this accomplishment. After all, at least half of the guys on Cleveland's 40-man roster developed while under his watch in Cleveland. And this year, we have seen the success he has had with our pitching staff, as he worked with Schilling and his adjustments this year, and helped Dice-K during his transition to American ball, among others.

But, while he's done a great job in the past in Cleveland, the fact that he is now on our side has to be a benefit. It's like having another scout, one who was on the inside track. Farrell has a lot of first hand experience with many of the Cleveland guys. That knowledge and experience has to work in our favor, even if just a little bit.

So even though those Cleveland guys are tough, I still think we've got the tools to win this series. And if we fall short, and Cleveland plays as well as their potential, and win, at least I know which guy I am going to blame.

Aarrghh! Suzyn, Take it Like a Man!

2007-10-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

As a woman who eats, sleeps and breathes sports, I find Yankee announcer Suzyn Waldman's breakdown after the Yankees were eliminated on Monday, so disappointing.

Here is a woman who has the job that any of us ladies would KILL for... being right there in our favorite team's clubhouse, in the action. (well, this example isn't my favorite team, it's hers, but you get my point...) Suzyn is a gal who has broken down gender barriers, whether it's realized or not. At the least, she should be known and respected for her intelligence and confidence.

Instead, she will be long remembered for being the lady who cried like a little school girl when the Yankees lost in '07. Add to that, the lady who has been ridiculed for her giddy glee "Roger Clemens is in Steinbrenner's Box!!" Ugh! Repulsive.

I am certainly not a super feminist, but as a woman, I understand that baseball has always been a man's world. Only in my generation has society evolved so that we ladies are longer pressing our noses against the glass on the locker room door, unable to get in. We are there, amidst the jockstraps and all.

Demonstrations of emotion and weakness like Suzyn's just adds more fuel to the argument that we aren't tough enough to be amongst the boys. Yes, I get that she's worked closely with Torre for 12 years. He and John are good friends. Also, the writing is on the wall; Torre will probably be unemployed by the time I get this week's paycheck.

But Suzyn, it wasnt like Torre died.
No one was injured, no puppies were harmed.

Torre is going to go down as one of baseball's great managers. So Next week, he will be able to take all those millions of dollars that the Yankees have been paying him for the last decade plus two, and he can go off and enjoy it.
Travel, golf, enjoy his family, blah blah blah blah blah.

He has had a phenominal run... there's nothing to cry about there.

Here's a link to the audio, thanks to bostondirtdogs andawfulannouncing. Fast forward about 2 minutes, 45 secs to hear the meltdown...

http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2007/10/suzyn-waldman-cries-on-air-following.html

Pictures from Friday's Game at Fenway

2007-10-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

first date at Fenway, hanging out on Yawkey Way

Eyewitness News in Providence did a story about women
who are baseball fans, and the differences between men
and women fans... guess who they interviewed???? Yours truly.
If I can ever get the video, I will post it here. Otherwise, Jim
taped it and we have a VCR copy of it.

Dice-K warming up in plain view. Our seats were
awesome; 2nd row off right field... many season
ticket holders around us, who all knew each other
over the years... it made me feel like an extra from
the movie, Fever Pitch.

Since we were in right field, we Got to get pretty close to
Vlad all night. He chomps on alot of sunflower seeds.
Vlad got pretty sick of listening to this guy all night

"the Hartford Heckler" is my name for this guy from Glastonbury
who sat behind us. Funny at first, but was unrelentless.
Notice the Hartford Whalers jersey. He got tossed in the 7th
inning for being a bit obnoxious to Vlad and a few others in the
stands. Big shocker. He said, "I didnt do anything". Yeah,
I have heard that one in Boston before...

this shot was taken with 2 outs, bottom of the ninth, Manny just came up
to bat, Papi is on first. I grabbed my camera, because the buzz
in the stadium was electric, and I didn't want to
miss it!

Of course I was so excited, I was hugging all
my neighbors so I got crappy shots of the walk
off home run. Pretty much missed the whole thing.
All I could manage was a shot of
Paps being interviewed.

Notice the sign above "RED SOX WIN". Not my most
flattering picture, but my Mom would have been
proud; you can only see a couple of cavities.

Sheila and I ramping it up as the crowd celebrates our
first round victory. She took me to my very first Red Sox game
when I was a kid, so it was only appropriate that we share
this awesome moment together!

I guess my opinion is moot...

2007-10-09T03:44:00.000-07:00

(lifted, courtesy of A Red Sox State of Maine, many thanks)

(photo from Flickr)

The Yankees lose. It doesn't matter what my opinion is on the topic of which would be my choice to face in the next round. I know that Cleveland is red HOT now, and our pitchers are up for a tough fight.

I can't believe Torre will probably be fired. He has taken that team to the postseason 12 times in a row, and led those guys into a second half that only dreams were made of. While some of us in the rest of the world would consider a manager who does this, a candidate for Manager of the Year, Steinbrenner wants his head on a platter.

The Manager works with the tools in hand, the General Manager provides them. Maybe Cashman should be the one to take the hit.

We've Got a Mr. October, and he Does it Again

2007-10-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

(photo courtesy of StarTribune)

Congratulations to our Boston Red Sox, who are headed to the ALCS!!

Say what you'd like about Curt Schilling, but he is definitely a guy that I want around during a post-season run. Once again, Curt showed us all that he is an effective pitcher in a playoff situation.

This is the guy who re-invented himself this year, after months of struggling. The guy who once hit 93-94 mph consistently, who now hovers around 87-89 mph. For Schill, it's all about command of pitch location these days. And yesterday, he demonstrated that the guy isn't ready to leave the mound just yet.

A guy who is teetering on the cusp of HOF consideration, Curt certainly put another feather in his cap. His playoff numbers are fabulous: 9-2 record, .818 winning percentage. Yesterday, he threw 100 pitches, 76 of them were strikes. Pretty good for a 40 year old guy.

******************************************************************

Batman and Robin. Abbott and Costello. Peanut butter and Jelly.

All are 1-2 punches that are great together. But here's my favorite combo:

Ortiz and Ramirez.

When they are both on, they are incredibly dangerous.

******************************************************************

So who do you want the Red Sox to face in the next round of the Playoffs? Cleveland or the New York Yankees?

It's a pretty hot topic out there in blog and sports radio land. Think about it, I'll be blogging my opinion very very soon.

Higher Power of Influence?

2007-10-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

(Joba getting hosed, from NY Post)

I am someone who believes that it is a waste of time to pray to God when your ballteam is losing a game.

I laugh when I see fans in the stands at a game, with their hands clenched together, eyes closed, head pointed torward the sky, looking for divine intervention from above.

I believe in God, but I just think there are more important things in the world that he's currently dealing with. Topics I am sure you have heard of, like wars, famine, AIDS, violence against children, etc. The outcome of a ballgame is CERTAINLY NOT one of the higher priorities, sorry sports fans.

But I have to say, I had to stop for a minute a reconsider this position, watching the whole gnat incident on Friday night, during the Yankee/Indians game.

Watching Joba Chamberlain, with hundreds of irritaing bugs sticking to his neck and head, kinda freaked me out. I read about these kinds of things in Sunday school, as a kid.

Take some time to read Exodus in that bible of yours tucked far away. You will discover that God sometimes sent his wrath down on the sinners, in the forms of bugs, locusts, snakes, etc.

And as quickly as those pesky gnats descended upon the players, they exited, leaving one particular Yankee with less composure than we have ever seen him, and a tied up ball game to boot.

Was this an act of God... or just sheer, bad luck? Only the consciences of those involved in the game really know for sure...

Meet you all back at 3:00 Sunday - Let's see if Curt still has a few more Postseason gems in him, as we look for a SWEEP.

Lesson #253: Dont Walk Papi in the 9th

2007-10-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

Unless you are prepared to deal with

Manny Bein' Manny.

It was the perfect setup. Sox and the Angels, tied up 3-3 going into the bottom of #9. Lugo gets a base hit. Papi is up. Scioscia decides to walk Papi intentionally for the second time. Everyone boos.

The crowd starts to chant... Manny...Manny...Manny...

Which Manny are we looking at? The goofball Manny, who has trouble catching a simple fly ball, or the Manny that can golf one over the Monster?

Manny... Manny... Manny... oohh... Something in my head told me to grab my camera. Two outs, its now or never...

CRACK! The most beautiful sound in Fenway Park. YES! HOME RUN! The ball just SAILED out of the park, right into next year.

The Red Sox win! The Red Sox win! Pandemonium begins.

What a ending to an awesome game. I will download my pictures from the eventful evening, from the Whalers fan behind me, who got booted from the game, to the post game hysteria.

Many thanks to my husband, for watching the boys so I could be there, and to Sheila, for sharing a great game, and great evening with me.

feel free to check out PatriotLedger's summary of this night, as taken off of YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3tKexMXXOE

The-e-e- Yannnkkeeesss Lose!

2007-10-04T21:05:00.001-07:00

The Tribe Over the Yankees, 12-3.

Good job, boys.

#19 Showed Up for Game One

2007-10-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

(nice pic from Today's Herald)

What can I say, other than 10 more games to go?

Beckett was Fabulous, Dominant, and near perfect. Great way to start off for the Sox. Add in HRs by Youk and Papi, and you've got yourself a great day.

Hey, check it out, I've added a new blog/Red Sox link to this site, it's from former Red Sox utility outfielder, Gabe Kapler. He'll be posting his thoughts during this '07 Playoff series. If you don't know who Kapler is, you should try to get to know him. He was never a superb player, but his leadership and interpersonal skills made him an important part of the Red Sox organization. This year, he spent his time as Manager of the Red Sox minor league 'A team in Greenville. Rumor has it that he will return to the Majors in '08 as a player again.

Tonite, our eyes will be on Cleveland, as we Sox fans hope that Trot and the other Indians, led by C.C. Sabathia will end their 0-6 run against the Yankees.

Just so Anxious for 6:35 PM!

2007-10-03T12:40:00.001-07:00

(pic of my son in a dugout, wishing he could be out on the field with the older, t-ball kids)

I've got ants in the pants. I can't help it.

2007 started out in April with 30 teams, and now we are down to a mere 8.

I don't know if you noticed, but everyone out there seems to have an opinion on who will turn out top dog.

Demarco in Denver has the Rockies going all the way...

Celizic from NY has the Phillies going all the way...

Blyeven from MSNBC has the Angels and the Indians both sending the Sox and Yanks home to their golf courses in the first round.

Jayson Stark from ESPN is putting the crown on the Chicago Cubs...

Peter Gammons is pinning the WS badge on the Red Sox...

Bob Klapisch has those boys from the Bronx as this year's Champions.

Funny. Look out there in cyberspace and read all of these baseball "experts". Mostly sports reporters, writers, and former players. Their conclusions? No overwhelming favorite. Each of the 8 playoff teams get a nod from someone.

It's anyone's game. That's what so cool about the baseball postseason. Even those who think they know everything, are often wrong in their predictions.

More later...

Everyone... Start Your Engines

2007-10-02T19:07:00.001-07:00

Hopefully Jonathan Papelbon has put his pants on

by now, because we've got some ball games to play.

Thank God he didn't tear his ACL or his achilles tendon with that attempt at dancing on Friday night. Can you imagine???

Ah, we're off to face the Angels. We are 6-4 against them this year.

Game One: Beckett vs. Lackey, who has 19 Ws and an ERA of 3.01. On paper, the Sox look to have the edge, as Lackey is 0-2 this year against the Sox, with a whopping ERA of 8.38. But they can't come into this game thinking it's going to be a cakewalk. This is the same guy who in the postseason has done pretty well, 3.26 ERA in 8 games.

If we bring the intensity, and our bats, we should do fine. The Angels are known for using small ball; hit and runs, bunts, and stealing bases. Remember that guy Orlando Cabrera? Expect him and guys like Figgins to try and execute these plays.

We go into this series in good order. Tito has purposely rested our key guys from game to game throughout the last few weeks. He's tweaked the rotation several times, so that our pitchers are fresh. He hasn't relied on any one or two bullpen guys, so there are fresh options to go to in the days ahead. Having chosen the 8 day series, it allows the possibility of using Beckett and Dice-K twice during the series, if Tito thinks is necessary.

This will be so much fun!

Keep an eye out for Jim in the stands; (lucky guy!) he will be near the Pesky Pole with his old boss, who is originally from California and a huge Angels fan. He will have a camera on hand, and hopefully I will have something good to post on thursday. But don't feel sorry for me that I am home with the kids... my turn to go will be on Friday night. I am going with Sheila, a longtime friend, huge Sox fan, who took me to my first game at Fenway way way back in 1983. More tomorrow...

A Night to Remember

2007-10-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

HERE IS A BLOG WITH UNBELIEVABLE PIX FROM FRIDAY NIGHT'S CELEBRATION, FROM A FAN WHO WAS FIRST ROW (thanks!)

CLICK ON THIS LINK:

http://www.sittingstill.net/07celebrate1.htm

NO ONE CARES IN CANADA!!!

2007-09-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it all happened while I was in Canada.

I arrived in Toronto early friday morning, I am attending a cousin's wedding. So Fridays night, I went to see the Jays play Tampa Bay in the Skydome, with another cousin and his girlfriend.

I was looking forward to going to a game, and watching it for the love of baseball, not because the team has to win. No stress, just hanging around and watching America's game. 2nd row off the field (afterall, it was against Tampa Bay, and the place was about 1/2 empty). Amazing how great the seat selection is, so close to gametime.

But You know what I realized? Games that mean nothing... are sometimes just downright boring.

This cousin with us has said watching baseball is like watching grass grow. He, like everyone else around here, is more interested in Hockey. This reality is quite painful when the Sox are 2 away from clinching the Division. Good, timely information is tough to come by. No one around here even cared.

Well, I cared, and my brother, the Yankee fan, also cared. What we found was a scoreboard that did not give us updated scores in real time. Very frustrating.

No TV channel showed highlights or scores. The bars we went into showed the exhibition hockey games, not a snipit of baseball. Not even small tickers on the bottom, with stats. I went to bed Friday night, not knowing if the Nation was celebrating... or sulking.

So now, 24 hours later, after my beautiful cousin had her beautiful wedding, I took my opportunity to go online and search for answers. Whoopie! We won. A beautiful ending to a beautiful day. Even if I am a day late.

Now Our Historical 3rd baseman

2007-09-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry to all the guy readers out there, this is the only picture I could get of our Mikey today, a Tommy Hilfiger ad. I certainly don't mind looking at it, but maybe you do...

Mike Lowell scored himself another 5 RBIs last night, and now he is in the record books. At 116 RBIs this season, he is now the Red Sox All Time 3rd base RBI record holder. The record was previous held by that other good looking 3rd baseman from back in 1977, Butch Hobson.

Mike's year has been outstanding. Who would argue that he is the Red Sox's MVP for '07? He's been the most reliable, most clutch, and most dependable guy so far this year. Put him in the 6th sport, 4th spot, 5th spot, it doesn't matter. He just goes out there and will PRODUCE. Thanks to a guy like this, pitchers have HAD to pitch to Papi. Simply put, he's had a his best season yet. Its awful to think that a guy like this, having been such a significant part of the team this year, may not be back for '08.

Look Who's Not Coming to Dinner

2007-09-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Looks like Clemens will not be playing until the playoffs,
as his left hamstring is still bothering him.

I guess he's not as young as this photo would
lead you to believe...

Hey, Look Who Came to Dinner !!!

2007-09-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tonite was an especially good evening of baseball...

Manny is back.

Youk is back.

Curt pitched well, and got run support.

The Red Sox Won, and are now 3 games up on the Yankees.

Yanks lost in the 10th, spoiling their playoff celebration for another day.

Don't know if any of you noticed, I think in the 7th or 8th inning tonite. Lugo got to hit against his younger brother, Ruddy Lugo. Ruddy is about 5 years younger, and a relief pitcher for the A's.

Can you imagine? I am sure many times as kids, the two of them played lots of baseball together. I would bet they even talked about playing in the majors. Maybe even playing against each other. I am sure over the years, the two have shared a lot of good humored smack talk.

The sibling rivalry was pretty obvious. Julio Lugo was down in the count, and came back to draw a walk. As he started strolling down first base, his eyes pointed straight at the mound, and Julio was trying to hold back a wiry little smirk on his face. As if to say, "Hey man, you are still my little brother."

A Day of Rest - Have a Seat.

2007-09-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Sad that these seats are part of our beloved ballpark, eh?

Well, we've clinched a spot in the playoffs, and as of today, we are 2 games up on the Yankees, for the AL East title. With the Yankees losing 4-1 to the Blue Jays this afternoon, our magic number to take the East title now sits at 5.

To all of you fans out there, who whined about wanting a close race at the end of the season, I sure hope you're happy!

I realize there is lots of talk out there, that the AL East title doesn't matter, with all the stats to prove that a Wild Card contender is just as likely to win a World Series, etc. There are two schools of thought out there right now. 1. The Sox care, and are just blowing it. 2. The Sox are in, and now it doesn't matter, now is the time to rest and align for the postseason. I think the answer is likely a mix of both.

Let's hope our guys are getting good and rested today, so we can finish the week off strong. Manny and Youk are both spending some time in the batting cages today, so the coaching staff can assess their progress and (hopefully) make plans for their return.

I should hope Manny is coming back soon. He's been taking batting practice since the Yankee series, but we have yet to see him even pinch hit for anyone.

Here's a quick video of Chris Russo Mad Dog, and his take on the American League race. I listen to Mike a lot on WFAN. Pretty funny guy.

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=e2d513e6-329d-4716-9433-d0b031296447&f=00&fg=copy

Rumor has it that Curt Schilling has put his Massachusetts house on the market. I wonder if behind closed doors, he and Theo have already had a conversation, and his return to the big leagues next year is NOT in a Boston uniform? This is one that will hurt me, just a bit. I've followed this guy since he and I both lived in the Philly area, and his contributions to the 2004 season are beyond measure. The bloody sock, his leadership, all of it. Sure, he can be a blowhole at times, and his big mouth has had his sock in it on more than one occasion. But he's been a great ballplayer in a Red Sox uniform. But, while my heart says don't go, my head understands that this team needs the youth for its success.

"20" is a Good Place to Be

2007-09-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Despite the recent bumpy road, Sox Nation saw last night, one of the real gems of our team, and a big reason why we have been in 1st place of the AL East most of this year.

Josh Beckett became the first major league pitcher since 2005 to win 20 games, as the Sox beat the Devil Rays, 8-1.

Beckett went 6 innings, and got good run support from the guys behind him, including Papi, who was supposed to have the night off. Its just like Papi, who asked Tito that he be put IN. With this win, Beckett takes the lead as the favorite for this year's Cy Young award.

After the game, Beckett entered the clubhouse, to find (2) bottles of Dom Perignon waiting for him on ice. One from one of the clubhouse guys, the other, from Curt Schilling. All he could say is, thanks, but no thanks. Afterall, he's a beer man.

A man after my own heart.

Congrats, Josh. Its great to have you with us.

Here's Some Positives to Chew On

2007-09-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Before you all go out and buy your one-way tickets to "Whineville", remember that its not over. No matter what a Yankee fan will tell you today.

Ask the '97 Florida Marlins. They went 2-7 in their last nine regular season games, and still won the World Series.

Ask the 2000 Yankees. Yankee fans won't tell you that they lost 18 of their final 21 games. They will only remind you that in 2000, they won the World Series.

Ask the 2002 Anaheim Angels. They ended their '02 season 4-7 and whaddya know? They went on to win the World Series.

Two years ago, the '05 White Sox went from 15-games ahead on July 31 to a mere 1.5 games ahead (sound familiar?) Yep, you got it; they won the World Series in '05.

Don't you guys remember JUST LAST SEASON? The '06 Cardinals were up seven games exactly 1 year ago today, and in 8 days saw their lead plummet to .5 up in an EIGHT DAY SPAN. THIS IS YOUR CURRENT WORLD SERIES CHAMPION, folks.

My point is this. Teams go up, teams go down. Chill out. Believe me, I am not pleased with anyone's performance out there these past 2 weeks. We've been dealt with our own share of baseball injuries and fatigue; it just happens to be right now. I don't want to see us lose the AL East lead. But guess what? It just might happen. But remember, it ain't over 'til its over. Ask Mark Bellhorn, Kevin Millar, Keith Foulke, or Varitek for that matter. Hang in there. Today we are STILL IN FIRST PLACE.

Gagne Blows the Game, in the Motherland

2007-09-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely nothing to say, no words. Anyone who knows me, knows that my being speechless is a rare occasion.

If I comment right now, I will throw this guy under the bus, with the accelerator on.

I need to go listen to the postgame show, and get more info as to WHY Tito kept this flippin' guy in. Sorry, but Now is not the time of year to experiment, and see if a guy can prove his worth. Even from my couch, I could see Gagne didn't have it. Even my cat could tell this guy absolutely STUNK.

2 1/2 games up. All I can say is, if we blow it, tonite's game will be one that will be analyzed, over analyzed and critiqued all winter.

AARRGGGHHH....

Weekend Recap

2007-09-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, somebody took 2 of 3, just like I predicted.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the Red Sox.

Friday, Sox lose 8-7

Just when you think its all over, the other team reminds you how there are no definitives in baseball.

Our seats on Friday were standing room, up top, between home and the Yankee dugout. Dice-K had a decent outing, a nice lead. At the end of the 7th, my husband noticed a bunch of empty seats, real close to the action. He thought it might be fun to sit a bit closer. Why not?

It took us 10 mins. to get there, as we tried to first sneak into the .406 club... unsuccessfully. When we sat down, I noticed the score had changed... it wasn't 7-2 anymore, it was 7-4. Uh oh. We missed the 2 homers by Giambi and Cano altogether. What happened, and why were there Yankee players on 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs? Then when Papelbon came in, well, of course he would get us out of the jam, right?

Not. 3 hits later, we were down, and would stay that way.

I'm a Sox fan. I told my husband that it was our fault. We moved, and changed the charma. There was no way on God's good earth that I would EVER move my seat again.

Saturday, Sox win 10-1

The hyped up pitching duel between 2 Cy Young wannabes only lasted 6 innings. After that, Beckett grabbed the horns and ran, giving the Sox a 10-1 win, and stopping a 5 game losing streak to the Yankees.

You Bet I stayed in my seat this time.

This game was not without its drama. I'd like to know what it is about Youkilis that the Yankees hate him so much. On this day, he gets hit by a Wang pitch right on the wrist. Thankfully, its not broken, just bruised. Looks like Hinske will cover at first, which will give Ellsbury more time in left field, which is always a good thing.

Speaking of Hinske, Yankee catcher Posada found out the hard way that Hinske played football in pre baseball days. In the 6th, trying to get to a blocked home plate, Hinske bowled over Posada, but was out trying to score. Posada looked like he thought he was Batman for a few minutes, there dazed and confused. Luckily, all tests for concussions were negative.

Even Beckett got in on the controversy, as he popped Giambi once he got over 100 pitches. Retribution? Probably. As a result, he and the others got their warnings, and he retired the rest to end the inning.

Sunday, Sox lose 4-3

This is the game that to me, was going to be most interesting. Two guys who have seen their better days. And both guys pitched quite well. For Curt, it was two pitches that did him in. Other than that, his control was great, his location was good, and he hit speeds up to 93 mph, the highest we've seen in about a month.

Jeter, Jeter, Jeter.

Joba paid us a visit as well. Thanks to Mike Lowell, he no longer has a 0.00 ERA, as he belted a solo homer into the monster.

I know many people have been critical of Torre this year, in his management of his pitchers, and always relying on the veterans. But I have to say, Torre's smartest move was playing Mientkiewicz at first for Sunday's game. Giambi's defense was a disaster at first base on Friday night. I can think of 3 times during Sunday night's game where, had Giambi been playing that position, we would have either been save at first, or the ball would have raced by him, into right field.

To me, Giambi not at first was one of the major reasons the Sox did not score more runs. It may have been the difference in this game.

Yeah, we only took one. We're 4.5 games out. But hey, these were great games to watch, I must admit.

Day One - we Lost, but still was Fun

2007-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging today from the hotel's access site... have a couple minutes, so here goes the Reader's Digest version...

Clay Buchholtz' family is staying at our hotel...
I Met and talked with Gordon Edes from the Globe... very nice guy...
Rode in another elevator with Peter Gammons, but got too tongue tied and just
embarrassed myself... anyone who knows me, knows its pretty easy for me to do.

Great watching A-Rod get some K's... in person.

Crap, it was really really painful watching them $%@!%$! Yankees come back in the 8th. My only solace was meeting a Yankee fan friend of mine after the game on the street. He explained to us that "for No reason" he got ejected from the game, in the 6th inning, so he missed all the hoop-la. Pretty long drive, to watch it from a bar!

Sorry, David, but that was pretty funny!

I'll write more soon, gettin' ready for Game Two; hopefully the rain will let up by then.

This is What We Live For...

2007-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the Bombers are Coming!

The Bombers are Coming!

What a fun weekend of baseball this is going to be. I'm lucky enough to be going up to Fenway for Friday night and Saturday's games. Friday we will see if Dice-K can bounce back, from what has been 2 horrible outings back to back. He'll be opposing Andy Pettitte, who is looking for his 200th win, while on Yawkey Way. Pettitte's got a 4.75 ERA against the Sox this year.

Saturday will be a battle of the aces game, as Wang takes on Beckett. And Sunday looks to be the Senior Discount Day, as Clemens and Schilling both take the mound.

My prediction is we take 2 out of 3. Dice-K is a great pitcher, unfortunately for us the Yankees haven't had an opportunity to see that yet, and Dice-K is due. His ERA against them is so far this year is an ugle 6.98. But, I think Saturday's game will be the toughest. On Sunday, as long as Schilling pitches like he has the last 3 games, we should do fine.

Something tells me an elbow overshot with cortisone on a 45 year old guy is an ingredient for whoop-pie.

We're meeting a good friend of mine at Fenway on Saturday, who will be accompanied by her fiance, a die-hard Yankee fan. As far as I can tell, this is his only flaw. I laugh when I think about the circumstances of our inviting him to come with us. Sure, it was easy to WANT to bring a Yankee fan when you are 13 games up on them, which was the case when we offered them the pair of tickets back at the end of May. My Red Sox Faithful friends want to kill me, for committing such a horrendous crime and not offering the tickets to them.

So, our AL East lead is stuck at 5.5, and our Magic Number to the Playoffs tonite sits at 11. Many thanks to our friends up north of the border, who handed the Yankees a 2-1 loss after a walk off single by Frank Thomas to score Alex Rios. I must admit, Ian Kennedy looked real good tonite, 7 innings, only giving up 1 hit. Merci beaucoup, Blue Jays, for stopping that winning streak at 7.

So I will be sure to take some good photos this weekend, and share them with you all.

Sorry I will miss your Red Sox party, Mike and Debbie. I wish I had a nice new HDTV to share NESN with my closest friends, as you will be doing. I know I will be missing a great time. But you have to admit, even the biggest HDTV is still no match to being there, live. So sorry guys, look for my sign; it'll have your name on it, right next to Rem-Dawg's.

I Owe the Sox an Apology

2007-09-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

I can believe it, but I did it.

I lost it last night. For a little while, I actually gave up on our Sox. And I promised Jim that I would apologize to the Red Sox, right here on my blog for being such a terrible, terrible fan.

The top of the 5th saw a score of 9-5. After trailing 8-1, the fact that the Sox rallied to get to 5 was great. But once the Rays scored again to make it 9-5, I made the mistake of switching to YES, and saw their score. The Yanks were on mark to win again, and with Manny down, and J.D. Drew and Kevin Cash in the lineup, I admit, gulp!, that I lost the faith.

Jim sat calmly in the recliner, watching me cuss, pace, and pull my hair out. "C'mon, Chris, don't give up. The Rays starter is coming out soon, and we'll come back." Just how could he be so calm, no emotion? What, is there icewater in his veins?

I couldn't bear to look. I needed a break. I went upstairs and started cleaning up a mess that has been there for longer than I want to admit. I even put on the History Channel, and had 9/11 stories on, instead of NESN. How's that for depressing?

But, as always, I can't stay away from my boys for long. I switched back and it was the 6th. Wha? Tied up 9-9? What the heck happened? Youk is up? Oh, man, bases loaded, this looks pretty good. Yeah! Smacked a triple off the green monster, and cleared the bases! Whoopie!

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, stepping with glee, my ever faithful husband was waiting. He knew I'd be back. And he reminded me of my shame from a mere inning ago. I had cheated on the likes of Pedroia, Youk, Coco and even Ellsbury... all guys who didn't give up in the 6th when things had gotten tough.

So now, I apologize. I've been rooting for these guys for a long, long time. And unfortunately some of these years have been heartbreaking. But I have to remember that the days of Bill Buckner and Bob Stanley are behind us. This is a new day. There is no more curse; probably there never was.

Like a good marriage, you have to take the good and the bad. And show support for that loved one, especially when times are tough. I tripped last night, and don't worry boys, I will never do it again!

Even in Margaritaville....

2007-09-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was Jimmy Buffett's 2nd show in Gilette Stadium.

My husband and I were lucky enough to go, with some very good friends of ours.

Our seats were no where near where this picture was taken (thanks to a guy named Hugh for posting this on flickr!)

What I found so incredible, and very amusing, was the enormous presence of Red Sox Nation. OK we were in MA, so of course it's more likely to happen, but here we were...

in the middle of a show...

50,000 screaming fans...

Parrotheads everywhere...

And the 2 rows surrounding where we sat, all anyone could talk about, was the Red Sox. Between each song, someone would text a friend or check their online phone service, for score updates. Then the message would get sent up 22 seats, back another row, and back down again.

Even in the heart of Margaritaville, in the midst of hawaiian shirts, leis, hats of pirates, parrots, volcanos, and cheeseburgers, people's focus while under the obvious influence of margaritas and Landshark beers, were the RED SOX.

Wicked awesome!

Tito's Got to Know When to Fold 'Em

2007-09-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

I know that it was only 2-2/3 innings, but c'mon...

I'm pretty sure EVERYONE out there in the Nation was screaming for Tito to take Dice-K out of the game.

Maybe Tito is hearing impaired? Hmmm..

In the third with bases loaded and nobody out, Dice-K walked Nick Markakis to force in a run. Tito left him in.

Then, Miguel Tejada sliced an RBI single to left, making the score 4-3, Sox. Still bases loaded... Tito still left him in.

Next, Dice-K pitches a bases-loaded walk to Kevin Millar -- to tie the game 4-4. Still bases loaded... Tito STILL left him in.

I'm pretty sure we all predicted what was coming next... our worst nightmare. A Grand slam on a pitch right over the plate, by Scott Moore, and there goes the game.

No way, NOW TITO TAKES HIM OUT. Go figure.

No one knows for sure what Dice-K's problem is. He's denying it's fatigue, though the Japanese baseball season is a few months shorter, and in Japan he pitched every 6 days, whereas here he pitches every 5th day. Its certainly understandable, if this is his issue.

Pitching coach John Farrell is saying that Dice-K's relying on his fastball too much, and overpitching it, so his control is being compromised.

Honestly, I don't care all that much what the issues are, I just need to see this get fixed. If it takes a mini vacation for him, to get some rest, I'm OK with that. Give him the rest of September off. We certainly have a decent stockpile of pitchers available to cover the void. Tavarez is certainly good enough for the schedule we have left, and Buchholz and Hansack are nice little cushions for chewing up some extra innings .

Seems eerily familiar to 2004, when Derek Lowe tanked at season's end. It cost him his spot in the starting rotation going into the playoffs.

Lowe was infuriated, and in the end, became one of our unsung heros of the postseason.

I just wonder if Tito would really be willing to A. Sit Dice-K for awhile, and B. move him to a relief spot in the postseason.

For the kind of money that the Red Sox have invested in this guy, and Tito's track record with staying with struggling players, I am betting that neither will happen, even if it would be the best thing to do for the short term.

Checkin' Perspectives

2007-09-08T11:14:00.001-07:00

If you were like me last night, you were probably pretty irate at the childish behavior displayed on the mound during the 4th inning of last night's win over Baltimore.

6'9" Daniel Cabrera just balked in a run, and he was pissed. So mad, that he whistled a 94 mph fastball just behind Dustin Pedroia's head. The umps issued a warning, the benches cleared and Cabrera got tossed.

Well, sometimes I wonder if, as fans, we get so emotionally charged about our players, that we take their sides no matter what.

Maybe I am letting this all get to me, because I am a Sox Fan. Dustin is like, 5' nothing, a valid Rookie of the Year candidate. Like the big kid on the playground, picking on my little brother. Yeah, that makes me mad! How could this big monster take a pop shot at our little Pedro?

So I wanted a little bit of perspective. Listen to the fallout from the other side's perspective, to make some sense of it all. So I took a look and a listen at some of the coverage from the Baltimore area shows, writers, and publications, today, to see their take on the matter. The results are in.

Seems the consensus is the same, even in Orioles country. The pitch was uncalled for, and certainly isn't being perceived as a ball that slipped out of his hand.

Look, these guys the Orioles have lost their last 11 games at home. It ties their franchise record. I am sure those guys are pretty discouraged, especially when the stands are chock full of people wearing red shirts, not orange and black ones. Can you imagine how Red Sox Nation would be feeling, in their shoes?

But picking on the little guy is no way to channel that frustration. I am glad that Cabrera at least wasnt throwing accurately on that pitch, because

at 94 m.p.h., its a deadly weapon.

Anyone Remember this Guy?

2007-09-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

You should... he's still a Red Sox, and he's getting a $9.5 million paycheck this year.

Matt Clement is slowly making his way back to baseball.

It seems pretty Slowly to us, but really Clements' road to recovery is progressing a bit ahead of schedule.

3 surgeries in 1 in September '06 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and also a rotator cuff injury will keep a guy on the DL for awhile. About a year, to be exact.

He's been on the DL since June of '06.

Good news is that he threw simulated game pitches to Brandon Moss and Kevin Cash, and felt great. He'll have another bullpen session this week, and another simulated game next week. But don't think that the Sox will rush to get him back into a game anytime soon. He more likely will pitch instructional league games, if he continues to progess as he has so far.

Its reported that a lot of the Red Sox pitchers came out to offer their support for Matt. Tito and Theo were also on hand.

Clement will be a free agent in '08, so I'm sure if it was up to him, he'd be pushing to start before playoffs. You wonder, though, if the Sox will be willing to keep and take a chance with a guy like this. I remember times where he seemed like a pretty decent pitcher, (don't forget he was an AL Allstar in '05) but his brillance was usually only seen in the first half of a season. Once he got hit in the head by Carl Crawford's line drive in July of '05, he just didn't seem like the same pitcher.

Matt Clement is just one more ingredient in the Red Sox's soup. The question is whether or not Theo's recipe calls for him or not.

What do you think?

There's a Youth Movement in the Nation!

2007-09-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Theo and the Gang over in baseball Development have had one hell of a week showcasing their recent minor league graduates...

Pedroia continues to demonstrate why he is a viable candidate for AL Rookie of the Year.

Buckholz pitches a no hitter Saturday.

Lester gives up only 2 runs as he gets the win on Sunday.

Jacoby Ellsbury steps right into the outfield on Friday as if he was always there. His speed, defensive prowess, and lively bat sparks this team.

Brandon Moss comes in for Manny during his aches and pains, and shows all of us why he was worth keeping during the '07 trading deadline...

Every team gets to bring up the young guns this time of year. But it isn't often that the new guys come up and show contribution so quickly. Red Sox Nation is fortunate because we have several of them.

We can castrate Theo for overspending for J.D. Drew, but we have to pat him on the back for keeping his composure and thinking about long term;and NOT trading some of these young prospects away for short term reasons. These are real players who can be true contributors to our team in the near future.

Hats off to our managers and coaches in Portland and Pawtucket. They seem to have done a wonderful job, preparing these guys for their chance to earn their spots on the roster.

In '06, guys like Hansen came up too early out of necessity, and they weren't ready for the big field. Hansen was a bust, and you won't hear his name anytime soon. I think Theo and the Gang learned from that experience, unfortunately it was at Hansen's expense.

Just the Spark we Need... way to Go, Clay!

2007-09-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Funny how things have a way of taking care of themselves.

Here we are in Sox Nation, lamenting that our bats have been cold...

Manny's hurt...

Kelty's been sore...

Wakefield's back is bothering him again...

Wake's out of the lineup for a week, and the front office decides to bring up their prize pitching prospect, Clay Bucholtz, to give him a start. Just in time for the roster expansion. Heck, we've all been hearing about this guy all year, that he's got wicked good stuff: curve, breaking ball, change up. Really good with the off speed stuff. Wow, what a way to say hello to all of us in the Nation.

36 hours ago, he was sitting on the bench in Pawtucket.

This morning, he is soaking in the fact that he is the first rookie in Red Sox history to pitch a NO HITTER. Only the 3rd guy in baseball history to pitch a no hitter in his 1st or 2nd game.

How's that for a spark for this team? Clay has never thrown more than 98 pitches in his life. Theo and the gang found themselves in a bind. Going into the 9th Clay was already over 100 pitches. Do they pull him out? After discussion, they decided 120 would be his maximum. Once he pitched 120, Tito would have to take him out, no matter what, and look like the Goat.

Thankfully, it only took Clay 115.

Another note: Jacoby Ellsbury came in late in the game, and on his first pitch hits an RBI double. Welcome to the team, Jacoby. Glad to have you here, I hope you like right field, because I hope this will be your new home. We'll let you fight for it, with rookie Brandon Moss. Brandon played for Manny last night, and gave us some offense, too. Neither of you can do worse than G.D. Drew.

The 2007 Red Sox have talent. But it seems that they have lacked that spark that they need. Could this be the spark that we've been missing? Does anyone have some lighter fluid, so we can turn this into a flame?

Bats are asleep, it results in a Sweep

2007-08-31T03:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not panicking. But I am pretty annoyed. No reason to lose all 3. Streaky offense will never get us a World Series ring. Amazing that a team can win 4 games in a row scoring 10+ runs, and then the next 3 hit like, 6 total. Yankees pitching is not THAT good, but kudos to them, they made us look like a farm team this time.

Don't blame Manny and his injury. He's only one of the 12 guys that can go our there at any time. Tito needs to take a long hard look at the likes of Drew, Lugo, and even Coco. There is 3 outs, right there.

The roster is expanding soon. It would be fun if Tito shakes things up when all these prospects we held onto, come up for the year's remainder. We didn't trade them, SO LETS USE THEM. I've certainly had enough of "G.D." Drew, and Eric 'Stinksky" for this season. Eric in for Manny for 3 games? Please. Put in Ellsbury, he certainly can't do worse.

I'm Pretty Sure My 3 Yr. Old is as Good as Drew

2007-08-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

J.D. Drew is just a disgrace.

How can he expect to get a hit, when he won't even SWING?

Is he pretending to be a statue up there, or what?

While I am not blaming last night's loss to the Yankees on him alone, I think we all can agree that the pivotal part of the game came when there were 2 men on in the 8th, 2 outs, and Drew was up.

6 pitches, not one swing, and the guy is out. (OK, maybe that last one was a check swing, but it was about as fundamentally sound as my 3 year old's mechanics, when he imitate Papi during whiffleball.) That was our chance, and we all just sat there, like statues ourselves, and watched the game slip away.

Somebody, please tell me what Theo and the Gang saw in this guy. For the love of God and the Game, I just don't see it....

Next up... Beckett vs. the Rocket.... Oh Yeah!

Took Awhile, but checkout my pix from the 15th

2007-08-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Center field bleachers, hot August day.

Jim, Connor, Jon, and Jaxson thought rally caps would help... (nope!)

Mike Timlin, just after I got him to wave to us. One of the last days his son got to hang out at the park with him.

I was so close to Delcarmin, I saw he has a filling on a top molar.

When he's getting ready to pitch, Papelbon looks at NO ONE. All business for this guy, explains why he's got 30 saves already.

Mirabelli hung out in the pen with the Pirates for awhile after the 7th.

I love this picture of Okajima. Looks like he's a little kid, hiding!

Pack your bags, kids, we're going to the Bronx!

2007-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have enjoyed your day off from baseball in Red Sox Nation...

Certainly feels good to be a believer today, as the Sox finished the 2nd stage of their road trip with a sweep of the Chicago White Sox. Great confidence booster, with last night's 11-1 win. Lots of offensive batting practice, getting ready for our next stop, Da Bronx!

Good news for us. Tonight Detroit just annihilated the Yankees, as the Yankees lost 16 -0. Mussina lasted just 3 innings. Makes you wonder if this will be his last start for awhile, as his last 3 outings have been pretty awful.

But hey, I'm not here to dissect the problems they are having on the other side of the road. We need to focus on our game, one game at a time. It has worked for the Sox so far this year, no reason to change the formula.

Right now we sit 8 games up on the Yankees. Even if they managed to sweep us, we will still maintain a 5 game lead. I don't expect them to sweep, sorry Yankee fans.

I hope we can take 2 out of 3. I won't jump the bridge if we take only one. The pitching matchups are going to be great.

Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Pettitte Tuesday. As long as Dice-K doesn't have an inning of meltdown, and our bats offer him support, we should do fine.

Josh Beckett vs. Roger Clemens on Wednesday night will be a good showdown. Two Texans - one young, one old. The Past meeting the Future.

Curt Schilling vs. Wang Thursday afternoon. This is the one outing that I feel least confident about. Schilling's stuff, while improved, continues to be hittable. Yankee bats have a way of taking advantage of the one or two pitches that don't cut or slide or break when they should. It also will be a big mental test for Schill. He says he still has what it takes to win the big game. For him, this game will be huge.

If nothing else, the rivalry between both teams just means its going to be a great few days of baseball.

I, for one, can't wait. If you need to reach me, over the next 3 days, you know where to find me. I'll be on the brown leather loveseat in my living room, with my bowl of popcorn, and the remote in my hand. Afterall, the YES network and NESN are both just 6 channels apart.

3 Good Ones Under the Belt

2007-08-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Game One, Friday, Aug. 24th

11-3 win. Josh Beckett becomes the game's first 16 game winner of '07.

It wasn't his strongest outing, which included a 36 pitch first inning. But our bats were behind him, and once he settled in, his fastball took over.

Game Two of Doubleheader, Sox win 10-1

This was Schillings best outing since coming off the DL. He gave up only 3 hits. But the key was the fact that his fastball clocked in at 93 MPH. This has been a source of worry for Curt, the Sox and the Nation in recent weeks.

Offense during the doubleheader got 21 runs on 28 hits, including Papi's 2 homers in Game Two.

Saturday, Sox win 14-2

Now we have (2) 16 game winners in our starting rotation. Wake once again demonstrated his reliability and depth, by giving us 7 scoreless innings. In his last three starts, Wake has only given up nine hits, and zero runs in over 22 innings. This is without his sidekick, Mirabelli behind the plate, who is still on the DL.

What other team out there can boast that their #4 pitcher has 16 wins? Uh... nobody but those of us in Red Sox Nation, that is.

Roger Clemens is the oldest pitcher to ever win a CY Young, at age 42 back in 2004. Wakefield is now 41.

I know no one is talking about it out there, but how about it? Wakefield is certainly a candidate worthy of some consideration for this year's Cy Young award.

You'd Think the Drink Choice would be Better

2007-08-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our friends at SAWXBLOG.com, here are a few photos of some of our Red Sox favorites, enjoying some down time on John Henry's private plane between ballparks.

Do you see what Papelbon and Lowell have in their hands?

BUDWEISER

BUD LIGHT

Wha??? Are you Kidding?

This is a million dollar plane. These guys (except Paps) make multi-millions every year. You mean to tell me the only kind of beer that John Henry can afford for his plane is BUDWEISER?

IN THE CAN no less?

Humor me, please. They at least could have had a few Sam Adams Summers on ice for our guys. Geez. Cheapskate.

A List of What Bugged Me about Last Night's Game

2007-08-23T19:25:00.001-07:00

14 guys stranded on base. You can't win a game, if your runners don't make it across home base.

Varitek 0-5. He should have only gone 0-4. I can't believe Tito didn't hear me and my husband, BEGGING him through the TV, to pinch hit Manny for Tek in the top on of the 9th. While I understand Tito doesn't give up on his players, blah blah blah, this was clearly the opportunity for the Sox to get that extra run. Another 2 men on, with two outs. Who is the better hitter, right now... Manny, whose bat is HOT, or keep a guy in who is already 0-4 and is batting only .216 since the All-Star break. C'mon, Tito. Forget about hurting Tek's feelings. He's the Captain of the team. Of anyone, Tek is the one who understands that sometimes, you've got to take one for the team.

Dice-K pitched solidly again, but still walked away with a loss. One pitch cost him the game. A one pitch meltdown.

JD = lack of power. OK, I know this isn't anything new. But why Tito isn't putting this guy in the 9 hole, to work his issues out, bewilders me. $14 million a year means that he is a regular player no matter how much he struggles, and the Nation must accept this. But the fact that Drew continues to bat in the 6th spot or higher in the lineup really disappoints me.

Ortiz trying to score in the 5th. Man, he is a great hitter, but a slow runner. When in doubt, DON'T SEND HIM.

** ** ** ** ** **

OK, so you guys have listened to me rant. Thanks, I needed that, and I appreciate your listening. But don't get me wrong, I didn't go to bed, all lost in despair.

We got 14 men on base. Every inning there was someone on base. This is a good thing! It shows we are capable. It's only that we didn't capitalize on it, that was disheartening.

"Give em' Up" Gagne did fine last night, too. That certainly counts torwards the confidence building. Believe me, I saw him coming out of the pen in the 8th, and my stomach jumped too! But Gagne held his own, as we all expect that he is supposed to. Whew! Sigh of relief, so to speak.

From my spot on the couch, it just looks like we are waiting for that one guy to rally this team through the stretch. One person to say, "Hey, c'mon guys, jump on my back, and let's roll to the end." The talent is there, with pitchers to back them up. But just who is that one guy going to be? Manny? Lowell? Ortiz?

Stay tuned to find out...

Reason to Love Those Sox #463

2007-08-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

This answer is an easy one: Support for NESN and WEEI's Annual Jimmy Fund Telethon.

Was I the only person in the Nation last week, bawling my eyes out, as 7 year old Jordan Leandre ran around the bases after singing the National Anthem on Friday?

This poor kid has been fighting cancer since he was 2. Chemotherapy and numberous surgeries to his leg and upper thigh didn't stop Jordan. Just look at this kid's smile, would ya please???

How cool was it that the 1967 Red Sox players were there at home plate, waiting to give this kid high-fives and hugs?!?

We all know that the game that followed this event STUNK. I'll save my rant about "Give it Up" Gagne for another blog entry. I don't want to fill this post with anything negative.

Right now, I am grateful. Grateful that I am lucky enough to have a couple of kids who haven't had to endure anything that Jordan has. Grateful that I could be a witness to an annual event that raised more than $3.56 million dollars. You think that the dollars raised aren't helping people out there? Ask Jon Lester. Ask Mike Lowell. Both cancer survivors. Heck ask me. Unfortunately my family has lost more than its fair share to that awful "C" word. And I suspect many of you who will read this can relate. My family members lost their fights. But events like those at Fenway over the weekend can help us all win that war.

Sometimes, things like this pull at the heartstrings and remind us that the game that we love so much, is truly, just a game.

Hey, I'm Back !

2007-08-21T03:49:00.001-07:00

My apologies for the long lapse in entries...

Went to Cape Cod for a week, and now I am back.

Had a great time; we even took in a Red Sox/Devil Rays game.

(Dice-K's loss last Wednesday.) I will blame the loss on Beth, the Sox are 0-2 this year when I go to a Sox game with her!!! (Just kiddin', Buffy!)

I will post again later today, I know the last 10 days in Red Sox nation has been an absolute rollercoaster ride. I have lots of opinions about it, of course. And I got some great pictures at the game, our seats were in the bleachers, right behind the bullpen. Closeups of those bullpen Pirates. Even got to say hello to Timlin.

Thanks for your patience, guys. I will talk to you again after work!

Community Service... Sorta

2007-08-10T09:40:00.001-07:00

If anyone out there is interested, I know somebody selling a beeaaauuutiful fishing boat, on YachtWorld. No doubt, the seller is a member of Red Sox Nation...

My upcoming schedule will be pretty hectic over the next few days, so my site may be quiet. I will catch up with you all as soon as I have a free moment or two.

In the meantime, lets Go Red Sox, time for a dandy series down in Baltimore, before heading home to Boston again, to face those Devil Dogs!!!

Whoo-Hoo!! We Won! We Won!!

2007-08-09T16:17:00.001-07:00

OK all you Sox fans out there, will you PLEASE get off the edges of the skyscrapers? Wipe your brows, and take a deep breath, would'ya?

The Sox lose 2 out of 3 to the Angels, and you all are in panic mode. It's driving me C-R-A-A-A-Z-Y.

Relax...

The Angels are a good team. Anyone who doesn't think so, doesn't follow the game very closely.

We fans need to stop worrying about what is happening in the Bronx. I admit, I have been guilty of this from time to time. I concede that the Yankees have some really good bats. And because of this, they will play good offensive baseball, outhitting opponents. Remember, though... their win streaks have come against sub .500 teams, whose pitchers are not outstanding. How those Yankees play over the next 2 weeks will really demonstrate how their depth is. They can hit, but in the end, pitching sustains a team, especially in the playoffs; not just good hitters. You just need to look at previous Yankee lineups who have been World Champions to see the difference. While they may have had a Murderer's Row too, those previous teams also had much much better pitching than what we are seeing in the 2007 Yankees. Everything balances, and I do not expect .700 playing to continue for the remaining 49 games. Not with that bullpen.

So guys, listen to me, the gal with the cheerleading pom-poms: Stop looking in the rear view mirror.

We have been in first place in the East all year for a reason. Don't compare Papi to A-Rod. One is hurt, and the other, well... is not. Our Pirates of the Bullpen have been there all year long for us, and it has been significant. Just look at last night's win against the Angels. Our 5'6" giant, Pedroia, gives us a lead late in the game (uh... is he our next Mr. Clutch?? Shall we call him Lil' Papi?) Once we get the lead, we bring out the toughest 7-8-9 pitcher combination in the AL. And all three last night proved their worth. Gagne is settling in nicely as our 8th inning guy, between Okajima and Papelbon.

I know the Sox have their weaknesses, just like everybody else. Our bats are streaky, and with Papi's injured shoulder and knee this year, we lack late inning power and that one clutch go-to guy. This has hurt us more than a few times, against some good teams. So what? Now it will be our turn for our schedule to be a little easier for a few weeks. The Sox need to, and I expect them, to have a good run.

Guys, forget about the Wild Card race. We're not in that race!! Let's just see those Sox go out and play some damn good baseball and focus just on that task alone. We're up by 6! We need to celebrate, not worry about the guys next door.

Oh, crap. Can we forget about Aug. 7th?

2007-08-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

Certainly not my favorite day...

#756 was hit, and we have a new HR King (where were all the boos?)

The Sox got beaten very badly by the Angels (Tito, why did you keep in Wakefield so long?)

Oh yeah, even Rocket had a good outing before his beanball got him ejected against the Jays.

UGH. I'll check in again later.

Watch Coco get nearly run over by a Moose

2007-08-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me personally, knows the story of my husband, son and I getting into an accident in Maine, hitting a baby moose. Yeah, lucky for us it was a baby. 600 lbs. It still managed to fracture my husband's face, and totally rip the roof off of our Ford Explorer. The Maine State trooper told us how incredibly lucky we were that evening, as the previous 8 accidents he attended to over the previous 2 weeks involving cars and moose, all resulted in fatalities, except for ours.

Luckily for Coco Crisp, he wasn't in the front seat of our SUV that July evening in 2002. Still, if you watch this video, Coco, too, seemed to narrowly escape some serious harm, from a Mariner Moose.

Can you imagine, going on the DL because you had a run in, with a cartoon character? Copy and paste this link, and see for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyMCUNImbZc

Pitching coach John Farrell is clearly not amused, I wonder, does he kiss his wife with that potty mouth???

51 More Games to Go

2007-08-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tonite we anticipate the return of our ace, Curt Schilling, to the mound.

He's been gone for about 60 games now, strengthening his muscles in his shoulder, getting ready for the remaining 51 games, and we expect, beyond.

His rehab starts with Pawtucket have been impressive, and we hope it translates to an effective outing tonite.

I don't know about you, but for me, Schill coming back feels like we just acquired another great arm. I know we really didn't; he's just been gone for awhile. But when you look at our already really solid starters (Beckett, Dice-K and Wake) along with a bullpen which includes Delcarmen, Okajima, Gagne, and Papelbon, adding Curt to the mix is like icing on the cake, for me.

Curt isn't the same guy he was back in '04. We all know this, and I accept this. We just need a guy who can get us through 6 innings, so our intimidating bullpen can do their stuff. All this time off, getting rehab and conditioning was a good thing for Curt, and the Sox.

We all know we are lacking some power bat strength this year. It isn't some secret out there. Papi's been hurting, and it has shown in his numbers. The Sox, going forward, have a mission: to prove that good pitching wins championships.

As of now, the Yankees are currently tied in the wildcard race. They aren't a team of good pitchers, they are good hitters. Let's see what means more in the long haul; the hot bats vs. the hot pitching.

Time to settle in, and enjoy some really good baseball, folks!!

#755, One more to Win

2007-08-05T17:03:00.001-07:00

Well, the time is almost here... Barry Bonds is one home run short of becoming the All-Time Home Run leader in all of baseball history.

Pretty ironic that one of the San Diego Padres that got busted for steroid use in the minors in April '05, Clay Hensley, would be the pitcher who gave up #755.

To be quite honest, I am pretty glad this batting title battle is just about over. I am pretty sick of hearing about it...

Barry has never failed a drug test for performance enhancing drugs. Of course, its because the sport didn't have a TEST for it, when he was taking. Yes, this is only my opinion, it has never been proven that he juiced. But the circumstantial evidence seems pretty overwhelming. I don't buy his excuse that he thought the cream he was smearing all over himself was flaxseed. Sorry, pal, you have lost me the jury of public opinion.

I know that Barry was not the only one who used. I think as time goes on, we will learn about many, many more players who cheated. The Giambi brothers, Palmiero, McGuire, Sosa... those guys are just the tip of it.

And wouldn't you know Bud Selig was actually there for #755. After all the talk; should he go, should he stay away, should he participate in celebration, should he ignore it. In the end, the Comish just stood there, with his hands in his pockets, saying nothing.

Bud did nothing. Just like he did, when these guys were using, and putting fannys in the seats in ballparks all over the country. Should we be surprised?

I'm surely not.

An overall Good day of baseball

2007-08-03T05:56:00.001-07:00

Thanks once again to Roger Clemens, who went 1- 2/3rds yesterday, which only means that today's blog contains this beauty of a photo...

Good job, man!

More to follow soon...

We are a Better Team Today

2007-08-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

The trading deadline is over... and the biggest news of the day was the acquisition of right handed closer Eric Gagne to the Red Sox, from the Texas Rangers.

Wha? Another closer? Did I hear this correctly? WHY?

OK, Sox Nation. Let's break this whole thing down, so we can take a closer look, and see why this is a GREAT deal that you can all be happy about.

It's Eric Gagne. He's a 3-time All-Star, and was also the 2003 NL Cy Young winner as a closer for the Dodgers. He's come off some injuries in '05 and '06, but has been real good this year, with a 2.16 ERA.

Gagne waived his no trade clause to be here, and the Sox paid him about $2 million of his incentive money from his TX contract to ensure he would come.

We can all breathe a sigh of relief, he's NOT replacing Papelbon. His job will be to close the 8th inning, as the setup guy.

Let's face it. We have had some issues in our bullpen this year. It's been great, but not perfect. Timlin seems chronically fatigued or sore this year, and Brendan Donnelly just hasn't recovered from his injuries. In fact, it looks like Theo and Co. seemed to know more than we did in this area. After securing Gagne, it was announced that Donnelly will now undergo season ending Tommy John surgery, so there is certainly a place for Gagne.

This trade was not made without concessions. We gave Texas our own Kason Gabbard, AAA David Murphy, and A outfielder Beltre.

Kason did an awesome job up here in Boston, filling in for Schill. I wasn't sure if Lester or Gabbard was being showcased in the last 2 weeks, I guess we know now! At this point, we don't really have room for both Lester and Gabbard, so the tough decision had to be made.

David Murphy is a really good young player as well. But, with Coco doing a better job in the batter's box, and Jacoby Ellsbury in the wings in the immediate future, there again we have limited opportunity for Murphy. It's too bad, he was pretty impressive, and he will definitely impact another team.

The bottom line, though, is that Gagne is going to be an excellent addition to an already decent bullpen. How fierce and intimidating will our mound be, when we can get our starters to pitch 6 complete innings, with batters knowing they will be facing:

Okijima, Gagne, and Papelbon?

This still leaves Delcarmen and Kyle Snyder back there for those times where our starters struggle. And once Schill is back, Tavarez has proven he can be real strong at least one time through a team's rotation.

So we didn't get any bats during this trade deadline, but I think we can all agree we have improved so much more in the pen. That old adage that pitching wins championships will certainly be tested in the coming few months.

My only concern is that those guys over in the Bronx were awfully quiet these last few days. Have they finally figured out that being patient, and keeping your prospects for your future is the right way to go? It is certainly a new philosophy, and the right one, in my opinion. Do they think those red hot bats (which are really on fire), are enough to win the wild card, and beyond? Or have they just given up on '07? I guess only time will tell!!

2 out of 3... Ain't Bad

2007-07-30T03:12:00.001-07:00

A sweep would have been nice, of course. But by Sunday night, we managed to bring our lead in the AL East back up to 8, thanks to Wake's outing on Friday night (7-1 win) and a solid outing by Lester (12-6 win) on Saturday.

Our bats continue their inconsistency, however, as Dice-K once again became a victim of poor run support on Sunday in his 5-3 loss. The other Manny, Manny Delcarmen, came in to replace Matzusaka and gave up a three run homer, and another insurance run, before getting taken out. But the damage had already been done.

It's OK. Yesterday one of my favorite non Red Sox ballplayers got inducted into the Hall of Fame, Cal Ripkin, Jr. A very classy guy, a lifetime Oriole. Ripkin holds the record for the most consecutive games, with 2,632 of them. The record was previously held by Lou Gehrig’s who had 2,130.

2,632. If you figure 160 games are played in a year, that equates to almost 16 and a half years of games, continually playing for the same team, without missing one, single game.

WOW. Hard to imagine that record ever getting broken, eh? Hmm... let's see J.D. Drew has about 5 consecutive games under his belt so far, so he only has 16 years, 3 months and 4 days left to go, right? Watch out, Cal... Drew's on a hot streak!!

Not too much was made yesterday, of the fact that a third eligible guy was NOT inducted into the Hall, Mark McGwire. McGwire was snubbed from the Hall voters, after not "discussing the past" during the Congressional Hearing on Steroid use 2 yrs ago. McGwire looked like an idiot on the stand, and very, very guilty, and now he is being punished for that lack of action in the hall of public opinion.

Ripkin and Gwinn, the other inductee, both acknowledged the negativity that currently exists in MLB. Ripkin commented that ballplayers, like it or not, are role models. Its up to them whether or not they are positive or negative ones. Gwinn agreed. As he said, “When you sign your name on the dotted line, it’s more than just playing the game of baseball. You’ve got to be responsible and make decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done.”

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Congratulations to Cal and Tony Gwinn, for honors well deserved.

A torrid Love Affair with Manny

2007-07-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Manny infuriated me, to the point where I couldn't watch the NESN highlights.

On Thursday night, Manny reminds me once again why he is one of our day's premier hitters.

So it is, as a Red Sox fan, the torrid relationship with our left fielder, Manny Ramirez.

Manny bein' Manny. We hear that statement alot. So what does that mean?

It translates to this: I love my Red Sox. I support my team. No matter who is on it. Manny is our left fielder. I love his bat. I can't stand his attitude. I hate how he jogs to first base on ground balls. I hate how he will never speak to the media. I get frustrated that he doesn't always dive for popups. But, I love his bat. I love his bat. I love his bat.

Manny will be Manny. He will show you greatness, and the next day he will also show you idiotsy. Like it or not.

On Wednesday, the Nation was pretty miffed as to why Coco Crisp slowed down while trying to score the tying run in the sixth inning. He got nailed going home, and was a key reason why we lost the game, 1-0. My issue was with Manny. The on deck guy is supposed to signal to the runner going home, whether to slide or stand coming home.

Manny Ramirez wasn't around to help Crisp along from the on-deck circle. Instead, he was talking to someone in the dugout. Coco didnt see how close the play would really be. He slowed up, and was tagged. Ugly.

Last night, Thursday, it was the Manny offense show. His first home run was the 3rd longest home run in Jacobs field history. His second homer was icing on the cake, during a 17 hit game. Manny just bein' Manny.

This is the time of year where we usually see Manny having an episode. This is about when he tells the world he wants to be traded, needs time off because his "quad" hurts, etc. Funny thing is, this is the first year that he hasn't done it. For once, it's pretty quiet in Manny's World.

Just Manny bein' Manny. I suppose when one measures the good vs bad, it comes down to a player's production on the field. For this girl, that is good enough for me.

So Happy Together....

2007-07-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

We adults can learn alot about good sportsmanship, from these two, best buddies, Jonathan and Ian.

Neither really care that the other roots for the "wrong" team, they just love hangin' around together, and playing baseball. Isn't that what this sport is really all about, anyway?!?

HEY RED SOX NATION!

Do you realize that Yankee fans, right now, all over the country, are actually ROOTING for the Red Sox to win? They may not be admitting it out loud, or even confessing this to their local bartenders or clergy, but in their hearts, they truly are, or should be. It's because that the Red Sox, winning these games on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday would really help their ultimate cause.

The Cleveland Indians currently lead the Wild Card race, and the Yankees are only 5.5 games behind. Yikes! Talk about your double edged sword!

Whoo-hoo! Shall we pass them our pink hats, with the cute blue letter "B"s on them? How about those big red foam hands that says "Boston #1" on them? I know where I can get you guys some of those Dice-K Japanese warrior headbands, really cheap!

C'mon Yankee fans, indulge me. I will gladly teach you all the words to the song, "Dirty Water" if you give me the chance. I KNOW you guys know the words to "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. Hum with me, just a couple of bars, you know the tune... It won't hurt, at least not too much. ;-)

Guess who's back... Back Again...

2007-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

The really intriguing thing about baseball, is that it is a game of continuous cycles. Sorry I haven't written in a few days; I've been away camping with family and friends, but now I'm back to work, just in time for tonite's opener in Cleveland. Since our last chat, the Sox have won 3 straight, and the uninspiring offensive seems to have come back to life. Just another cycle.

We leave Boston having gone 6-5. I really expected it to be more like 8-3, but at least we went above .500 before heading out on the road. Beckett, Gabbard and Wakefield got the "W"s, and we saw some really nice offense from the likes of Coco, Lugo, Lowell, Manny, and Drew. We scored 29 runs in the last 3 games.

The good news out of Pawtucket is that Schilling had a great outing on Saturday. Curt struck out 6 in 3 scoreless innings. Of his 40 pitches, 32 were for strikes. Sounds like he will return in 2 more starts, which brings us to our lead story: JON LESTER.

Lester is back to fill the pitching void, for a least 2 starts, beginning tonite. Joel Pinero has been designated for assignment, to make room for the fan favorite.

Lester's story is such great one. Just 11 months ago, we all heard the news that the then 22 yr old, was going away, to begin chemotherapy treatment for a form of cancer. At the time, the Sox were just plagued with injury after injury after injury. To hear another guy was down, was just par for the course. But this time, the "injury" was serious. This young guy was fighting for his life. Now, a year later and in remission, he's about to take the mound. Is he ready?

You wonder if the Sox are using this time to showcase him, as the trade deadline approaches. Some scouts say he's struggled in Pawtucket. It's the reason Gabbard got his shot in Boston in the first place.

Regardless, in my heart it doesn't matter what the stats will be for Jon Lester after tonite's game. Maybe he will exceed the high expectations, and dominate to a win. Or, maybe he will get shelled.

Does it really matter? The fact is, Lester is already a winner, regardless of what his numbers will read.

Enjoy this You Tube Video...

2007-07-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Don't Worry, Guys... Curt will be back, and ready to ramp it up. Go to this link and see his current workout routine...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO0FgwXbKro

KEEP THE FAITH, SOX NATION. PUT AWAY YOUR CRYING TOWELS, GET OFF YOUR LEDGES, AND SHOW THIS TEAM SOME SUPPORT!!!!!

On, Off, On, Off....

2007-07-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling rather cranky today. Our Sox are not making it easy to enjoy being in first place lately. Their production is like a lightswitch; one day it's on, the next day, off. Next day on, next day, off.

I felt pretty good having Kasem Gabbard pitch a complete game on Monday, with nice run support. By Tuesday night, I am entirely frustrated at our team's inconsistent pitching and inability to capitalize with runners on base. In the meantime, the Yanks manage to pull out a win in extra innings, bringing down our lead to 8 games.

Our Red Sox are as inconsistent as my golf game, and anyone who knows me, knows how true this statement is!

I heard a stat today that if the Red Sox continue to play just .500 baseball, but the Yankees play .620 ball, they will catch us. Isnt that the difference between teams winning 6.2 games out of 10 vs. 5 out of 10?

Do you see them in our rear view mirror? Remember the movie Jurassic Park, when T Rex is racing torwards the kids in their car? The rear view mirror says "objects are closer than they appear". For all you loons out there that prefer a closer race to the pennant, hold your breath. A few more weeks of inconsistent bats like we've had, and you guys are going to have your wish!