July 2009

Did you hear?

Baseball games were actually played yesterday!

I know, imagine that.  Until there is "new news" about trades and steroids and who's dating who (though I really don't care about the last one) let's try something totally new and refreshing and talk about actual baseball games!

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And what better way to start off the topic then by reporting on a RED SOX WIN!!

Jon Lester reacts after a sixth-inning walk. Lester lasted 5 2/3 innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits. He earned a no decision after the Red Sox rallied to win. boston.com

Jon Lester looked good through 5 innings yesterday and then the "magical inning" arrived when things go bad really fast.  By the time he got two outs in the inning, he gave up 3 walks, 3 hits and 4 earned runs.  The Red Sox 1-0 lead was gone.  Fast forward to the bottom of the 7th.

Amidst reports that he tested positive for performanch-enhancing drugs during the 2003 season, David Ortiz went 2 for 3 Thursday afternoon, including a three-run home run in the seventh inning to lift the Sox to an 8-5 triumph at Fenway Park. Stroll through our gallery for more on the game and Papi's eventful day. boston.com

The score is 5-3 advantage A's.  Youk and Bay were on base and Big Papi came up to the plate and he hit a three- run shot to the deepest part of Fenway Park; two rows behind the bullpen.  Red Sox up 6-5 and while we added to insurance runs in the bottom of the 8th, Ortiz's HR drove in the winning run.  It was a mixed-emotion day for Red Sox fans.

After the game, a troubled Terry Francona answered questions with the day's news fresh in his mind. boston.com

Even our manager had trouble keeping his emotions in check during the post-game Q & A with reporters.  But during the game our team did what they do best - they played ball!

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Our Captain was 3 for 4 and he batted in 3 runs.

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J.D. Drew was 2 for 3 with a walk.  Drew might not be happy to see the homestand end.  He was hitless in 23 at-bats, but since he has been at home he has gone 11 for 25, with 4 doubles and at least one hit each of the 7 games at home.

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Mike Lowell was 1 for 4 yesterday with a run batted in.  Since coming off the DL on July 17th, Mikey has hit in 9 straight games going 13 for 32 (.406) with 4 doubles, 1 HR and 9 RBIs.  Hey Mikey, we like it!  And speaking of coming off the DL...

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Tim Wakefield's back is improving and he will travel with the team on its 10-day, 9 game road trip that starts tonight in Baltimore.  Before yesterday's game Wakefield told reporters that he is not expected to make any rehab starts and that he could be activated for the Tampa Bay series that begins on Tuesday.

So what else made me "Smile" this morning?  On yeah - being able to tell my Good Friend that a "Wise" man told me that the Yankees lost last night!  And the Yankee's lead is back down to 2 1/2 games.  Are you still feeling warm and fuzzy today Scott? ;-)  Oh - speaking of the Red Sox and the Yankees....

Guess What Time It Is?

Yes - a game show you can play right here on my blog!  Okay - what important matchup takes place next week?

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That's right!  The Red Sox play the Yankees!!

So it must be time for another.....

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Friendly wager between Scott and myself!

You'll notice, he is the one on the right, gun down, already admitting that he will LOSE to me AGAIN!!  That's right - the Red Sox have met the Yankees for three series so far this season and, even exceeding my wildest imagination, the Red Sox have not lost a game to the Yankees!  My team has won those three series and that means ......

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Scott has lost to me three times!!  (Just love that picture!)

And being the sporting person that I am - I am willing to give Scott a chance to win.  It ain't gonna happen, but I am giving him a chance. (I can't crush all his dreams - I'll let the Yankees do that!)  And that is where we need you at home to play along.  What do we wager this time?

I have NOT lost since the season has started, so regardless of Scott's complaints of "unfair - you don't mind wearing pink!" I feel that should the unthinkable happen and I actually lose to him then wearing a pink Yankees hat for photos seems "punishment" enough for me.  But what about Scott?  He has modeled for us a lovely pink Red Sox hat (his bear Lou also!) and he has sported a shirt professing that the "Red Sox are better."  I have received some suggestions already for Scott.  What do you think of.....

Bandwagon White T-Shirt  or perhaps this...



Boston Love tee by snafugear. Available from MySoti.com.

Both good choices I admit - but are we over the T-shirts?  I was thinking what about this?


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31B2VQZJQCL._SL500_AA280_.jpg  A little something for his car?  Maybe he has to have it on his car for 24 hours - drive to work with it, take some pictures of where his car is that day...what do you think?  What are your thoughts and suggestions?  We'll give you a couple of days to come up with some suggestions of your own and then Scott and I will mull them over and let you know what we decide.  And remember - this is a  "friendly wager" so as always, keep your suggestions in good taste!.


It Looks Like Even Big Papi Lied

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I'm going to ask the same question that I asked when the news broke about Alex Rodriguez - Why?  This is breaking news in the Boston media:

Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz were on the list of Major League Baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, the New York Times reported this afternoon.

The Times report cites lawyers involved in pending litigation over the testing results. They spoke anonymously because the information is under seal by a court order. 

If this information is true - then Big Papi - you lied.  To all the Boston fans - to all baseball fans - and to your family.  You told us you never used them.  You were one of the most beloved figures in all of baseball;  the big teddy bear with a huge smile and a heart of gold.  And yet today all you've done is break this baseball fans heart.  YOU LIED TO US!   What you did is worse then the "no-comment" of so many others.  You are no better then A-Rod - he lied and so did you.  I can not excuse that.  Whether the drugs were banned in baseball then or not - you knew it was wrong to use them and yet you used them anyway.

I'm sorry Big Papi - but you can no longer be a favorite of this fan.  I can NOT tell my sons not to use drugs and steroids and PEDs and mean it if I give you a free pass.  YOU CHEATED!  And that is NOT okay with me.  There are so many children who look up to you - who want to be like you - what are you going to say to them now?  I hate what you and A-Rod and Manny and so many others have done to taint this game that I love.  None of you could look past yourselves.  None of you cared about the game.  I'm not so sure I can care about you.

A note to Yankees fans - READ this posting before you go bashing me as a Red Sox fan.  I did not give A-Rod a pass and I am NOT giving David Ortiz a pass.  Think about that.  If you can forgive A-Rod, then you have to forgive Big Papi.  I forgive neither of them.  I have been very clear from the beginning what my feelings are about players who use steroids and PEDs.  I will not pick and choose.  You can't love your Yankees players who used and hate the Red Sox ones who did.  I took NO joy in hearing that A-Rod used and I take even less in knowing that David Ortiz did.  BOTH of them lied to us - the fans of baseball.  And that hurts.

My Red Sox play the Yankees next week.  And yes, Scott and I will be having a friendly wager again.  I was actually going to write about that today.  Scott and I were going to ask for your opinions about our wager.  Scott, I think I'll wait and talk about that tomorrow.  I know you'll understand.

What? Who? Why?

When the dusted had settled, when the fans had left the ballpark, when the last interview was given, all we could do is sit back and ask....

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What?  Who? Why?

What?

Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz went 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs to the Athletics at Fenway Park on Tuesday night. He ended up with a no decision after the Red Sox blew a three-run lead in the ninth and lost the game in the 11th. boston.com

Clay Buchholz was going for his second win of the season.  He had a decent start and when his night was over, he had only given up 2 earned runs and the Red Sox were up 5 -2.  Things were looking good.  The Yankees were losing and the Red Sox were cruising.  And then we hit the preverbial wall and we were left to mutter "What?"

Who?

That would be "Who" in the plural - NOT the singular.

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Why yes Mr. Ramon Ramirez, that would be a baseball in your hand and if you throw it carefully you will not allow a runner to score.

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Mr. Okajima, please see comment directed at Mr. R. Ramirez.

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Daniel Bard - you did nothing wrong, but we do enjoy watching you pitch.



Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay was thrown out at the plate in the eighth inning trying to score from first on a J.D. Drew double. The play would end up being costly for the Red Sox, who blew a three-run lead in the ninth and ended up losing in 11. A's catcher Kurt Suzuki made the tag on Bay.boston.com

There were no outs in the 8th, why or why Mr. Bay did you try scoring from first on J.D. Drew's double?  Memo to Red Sox - NONE of you are as fast as Jacoby Ellsbury.  Deal with it.


Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon ponders just what went wrong in the ninth, when he blew his third save in 28 tries by surrendering three runs to the Athletics. Nick Green made two throwing errors in the inning and Papelbon surrendered three hits and a walk. The teams finished the ninth inning tied at seven. boston.com

Jonathan Papelbon.  You came in in the top of the 9th inning.  We were up by 3 runs.  Three hits and a walk later you had your third blown save in 28 tries and the game was tied 7-7. And did you have to let Ellis steal third?  Ah....but you had help!

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Nick Green.  Two throwing errors in the top of the 9th.  sigh....


After pitching a scoreless 10th, Red Sox reliever Manny Delcarmen surrendered the go-ahead run with two outs in the 11th inning before being lifted for Takashi Saito. boston.com

Manny Delcarmen.  You let Nomar easily steal third.  You gave up the go ahead run in the top of the 11th.  And that runner you left on base?


Saito gave up what turned out to be the winning run after replacing Delcarmen, allowing Adam Kennedy's fifth hit of the game, which scored Rajai Davis from second. boston.com

Thank you Mr. Saito for letting him score when you allowed Adam Kennedy to get his 5th hit of the night.



Why?

Red Sox infielders (left to right) Dustin Pedroia, Mike Lowell, and Nick Green wait for the pitching change after Delcarmen surrendered the go-ahead run. boston.com

They were at the game!  If they can't figure out why it happened, then how am I suppose to?  Though Mike Lowell might be signaling for the brute squad to come in and take Green away. 

I was going to be quick to lay a good portion of the blame on Nick Green - and while yes, a piece of the blame pie does belong to him - my friend Mike, a Red Sox fan and a Brownie Points regular, raised a very good point in an email to me this morning:

Neither Lowrie nor Green will perform to their fullest until one of them
is crowned RED SOX SHORTSTOP! Until they do that, I'm extremely hesitant
to condemn either one of them. They can spout that "I'll play when they
let me and I'll sit when they tell me" crap all they want. Their
professional competitors and there's competition for that position.
They're all-in! The current condition is what sets the stage for epic
melt downs like what happened tonight. Green is responsible, nobody
committed those errors for him, but, his leadership is failing him and
Lowrie both.

We don't need to trade for a shortstop. We need to CHOSE a shortstop!
Until we do, this is going to continue to happen. Again, Pedey was
hitting .118 until Tito told him to stop playing for his job and just go
play. He was Rookie of the Year, imagine that!


A valid point.  Will we continue to see failure at this position until one player is crowned shortstop?  Not such a crazy idea Mike.  (I mean not nearly are crazy as Someone thinking his Vikings will make it to the Super Bowl, let alone beat my Patriots!  And of course his San Jose Sharks would actually have to make it past the first round of the playoffs to have a shot at my Bruins!) 

I'm not sure there is a simple "Why" for the loss in Tuesday night's game.  And maybe it isn't important that we know the whole reason.  What is important is for the team to dust itself off, put that game behind them and get ready for game 3 against the A's tonight.  Brad Penny takes to the mound tonight.  (Oh yay - just who we need the night after a bullpen implosion.)  We can right outselves and continue our push towards the post season.  We have to.  But guys, I do have one last question for you.  Did you have to blow it so badly on this guy's special night at Fenway?



posted on YouTube by KED528

Congrats #14 - Jim Rice!!

GO RED SOX!!

I'm Smiling

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It was a game that made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and as a friend total me - SMILE!  So that is what I am doing.  It was that sort of game.  It was more then a win - it was the way that we won the game.  The sort of whole team effort that champions are made of - when everything clicks and you know that all is right.  The Red Sox won the first game of their series last night against the Oakland A's by a score of 8-3.  But the game was about so much more then the score.

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... and signals the end to Josh Beckett's night. Beckett allowed three runs on eight hits in seven innings, and struck out 10 batters en route to his 12th win of the season. boston.com

Josh Beckett recorded his 12th win.  In seven innings Beckett allowed 8 hits and three earned runs while striking out 10 and only walking one.  In the first four innings he faced only 13 batters - one over the minimum.  He was every bit the ace that we have come to expect of him.  And the Red Sox had something last night that we have not seen in a while - an ace acting like an ace on the mound while our hitters exploded!  The Red Sox had 14 hits last night.  And how many in our lineup didn't get a hit?

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I love it when we share the hits!  And everyone but Youk, Ortiz and Drew batted in a run.

Dustin Pedroia gets full extension on this first-inning home run ... boston.com

Dustin Pedroia got the party started with a single short in the first inning; his fifth home run of the season.  And it only got better from there.


Jacoby Ellsbury puts it in high gear as he rounds first base on his way to a third-inning triple. boston.com

Jacoby Ellsbury finally hit like a lead-off hitter last night!  He had three hits, including a double and a triple and he batted in a run.


Adam LaRoche watches the flight of his RBI double off the wall in left field in the fourth inning. LaRoche also doubled in the second inning. boston.com

Adam "We are glad you are in Boston" LaRoche had two doubles last night and since joining the Red Sox, in 12 at-bats, he has had 5 hits (including a homerun) and he has not struck out.  Anyone else like those mid-season trades with the Pirates?  (Okay, maybe Scott doesn't!)

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Even J.D. Drew who has been in the middle of an extended slump had two hits.  Mr Jason and Mr. Jason - that would be Bay & Varitek - each had 1 hit and 2 walks.  And not to be out down, when Jason Varitek was intentionally walked in the 7th inning so the A's could pitch to Jed Lowrie, Lowrie responded by hitting a double and driving in 2 runs.  That'll learn 'em.  And Daniel Bard who pitched the 8th?  The kid has not allowed an earned run in 11 1/3 innings over 9 games and of the 34 outs in that period, 20 of them have been strikeouts.  Last night he threw a 100 mph pitch for a ball.  I don't think throwing slow is in his vocabulary.

Tonight Clay Buchholz will make his first appearance on the mound at Fenway since last August 14th.

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With the trade deadline fast approaching, his name has been bantered about many a times as trade fodder.  But for tonight at least he will be looking for win #2 with the Red Sox.  And prior to tonight's game the Red Sox will FINALLY retire #14 in honor of Jim Rice - one of the three newest members of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Dice-K is complaining

Daisuke Matsuzaka told Japanese reporters Monday that the Red Sox' required training program is to blame for his shoulder problems.  He is quoted on WEEI as saying:

"If I'm forced to continue to train in this environment, I may no longer be able to pitch like I did in Japan."

So why am I having trouble believing that Red Sox are doing things to risk their $100 million investment?

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As I am sure you can imagine, the Red Sox are a little "concerned" with Dice-K's comments.  Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell was on WEEI Radio this morning talking about Dice-K's comments.  You can hear the audio-tape of his comments here.  He also talks about John Smoltz, Clay Buchholz and the ball that Mr. Farrell took off his knee last night when a foul ball hit by Jacoby Ellsbury went into the dugout.  He is okay, but I suspect he will be sore for a while.


And lastly - a little off topic...

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The New England Patriots open training camp on Thursday and they play their first preseason game on August 13th against the Eagles.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE football?  And it is because I love football so much that I have to say that I am upset with NFL Commissioner  Roger Goodell for reinstating Michael Vick to the NFL this season.  For those of you who don't know - Vick just finished spending 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring out of his home.  I am all for people receiving second chances when mistakes are made.  And sometimes crimes are committed by people who find themselves in circumstances that you and I can not imagine.  And Michael Vick?  He was a multi-million dollar star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons who thought that torturing and killing dogs for fun and profit was a good thing.  A number of teams have come out and said that they have no interest in signing him.  I can only hope that not a single team wants to sign this sorry excuse for a human being.  I would think a lot less of any team that would sign Vick - including my own New England Patriots.  Because some things are more important then a game.

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At Least I was at the Ballpark

My personal record is 0-2.  I've been to Fenway Park twice this season and both times the Red Sox have lost.  (And the members of the Brownie Brigade have let me know that I have been shut down for the season - No more trips to Fenway!)  But you know what - a bad day at the ballpark is better then not being there at all. Yesterday was also the first "hazy, hot and humid" day that we have had this summer in the Boston area so water was without a doubt the beverage of choice at the game.  I took some photos - but besides being an very amateur photographer with a very simple camera, where we were sitting the sun was shiny directly at us so it was tough taking pictures.  Also - when I'm at the park I am so there to watch the game; to get caught up in the cheering and excitement of watching baseball live that I don't even leave my seat let alone remember to remember to take a lot of pictures.  So I hope you enjoy them.

bullpen.jpgThe bullpen band was alive and well yesterday and since we were sitting in the bleachers we could hear them every time they played.

smoltz1.jpgJohn Smoltz was our starting pitcher and as much as I want him to have the time to succeed - as much as I believe he can -  I think this is an experiment that needs to come to an end.  Sunday afternoon Smoltz allowed 6 earmed runs in the 5 innings he pitched - including three runs in the bottom of the third when the Orioles already had 2 outs.  Smoltz is now 1-4 with a 7.04 ERA.  Smoltz has innings of brilliance - I think at this point he would be better suited to be a reliever out of the bullpen.  And I hope this is what the Red Sox will do once Wakefield is off the DL.

Of course it really doesn't matter how good or bad our pitchers are if we can not get hits!

drew.jpgJ.D. Drew went 1 for 3 yesterday and he was pinch hit for by Rocco Baldelli in the 9th.

jacobybay.jpgJacoby Ellsbury was 2 for 4 with one strikeout and he stole his 44th base of the season.  Jason Bay....sigh....he was 0 for 4 with one strikeout.

stolenbase.jpgAnd our inability to prevent opposing teams from stealing bases was evident again yesterday.  But at least Baltimore only had one stolen base.

masterson.jpgOur bullpen did its job yesterday - Masterson, Saito and R. Ramirez gave up no runs and no hits in 4 innings of work, but we lost the game 6-2 to the Baltimore Orioles and combined with a Yankees win (Yes - my good friend Scott had his baseball birthday wishes all come true) the Red Sox are once again trailing by 2 1/2 games.  We begin a 4 game series with the Oakland A's tonight when Josh Beckett takes the mound.


Congrats to Jim Rice!!

The 'feared' former Sox left fielder addressed the crowd in Cooperstown.
boston.com

If I couldn't be at Cooperstown yesterday, then being at Fenway Park on the day that Jim Rice was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame was the next best thing.  When it was official - and he was in the HOF - on the scoreboard at Fenway Park they showed a portion of Rice's speech.  Rice was part of the Red Sox from my youth and to stand and cheer with the Fenway Faithful when he was shown on the screen yesterday was a very special moment.  It was an honor that was long overdue to one of the best players of his era.  And we found out yesterday just how much it really did mean to Rice to finally get that phone call after 15 long years.


The 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held Sunday afternoon on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y. Jim Rice fans were everywhere before the ceremony.
boston.com

Congrats Jim Rice - and thank you for continuing a great tradition!  With Rice's induction into the HOF - he joins there the left-fielder he replaced, Carl Yastrzemski, as well as the left-fielder that Yaz replaced, Ted Williams.  50 seasons worth of left-fielder coverage for the Boston Red Sox is enshrined in that hallowed hall.  Not to shabby if you ask me.


A Cake, A Win and A Trip

If any of you see Scott today - you remember him.....


scott&lou.jpgthe part time Red Sox fan?  Can you tell him that I have this waiting for him....

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And that I said HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I hope you have a great day Scott - even if the Red Sox don't lose for you! ;-)



Another Win!

The magic of July 24th continues and the Red Sox have won two in a row - beating Baltimore 7-2 last night and find themselves only 1 1/2 games back of the Yankees this morning.  Thank you Oakland!

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Jon Lester did it again yesterday.  In allowing two earned runs and striking out nine over 7 1/3 innings, Lester improved to 9-0 with a 2.21 ERA against the Orioles in 11 career starts. He is the first pitcher to win his first nine decisions against the Orioles since the team moved to Baltimore in 1954.  (It was also the 11th straight time that the Red Sox have beat the O's in Fenway, outscoring them 80-29.)

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David Ortiz got the party started early when he hit a three run homer in the bottom of the first.

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Not to be out done, in the 8th inning the newest member of the Red Sox, Adam LaRoche hit a two run blast in his first game.  Welcome to Boston Adam!


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No one wanted to be left out last night!  Jacoby Ellsbury hit two doubles scoring two runs and he stole his 43rd base.  Too bad the kid didn't do much.

And it was one of those nights.  The first 5 runs that the Red Sox scored (3 in the first, 1 in the second and 1 in the 4th) all came with 2 outs in each of those innings.  LaRoche got a little anxious and hit his 2 run blast with no outs.  Hey, he's the new kid; he'll learn how we do things in Boston! lol!

I know that it is only a two games but I'll take it.  Winning two games in a row is so much better then losing two games.


A Trip to America's Most Beloved Ballpark

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I am heading out to Fenway today to see the last game in the series against the Orioles.  John Smoltz is taking the mound today and I am hoping that, just like Brad Penny did Friday night, Smoltz will have the best game of his career as a Red Sox.  Starting at 12:30 over on MLB Network will be the induction ceremony at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Jom Rice and Rickey Henderson will take their places along side all the other baseball greats.  I imgaine that they will show parts of that ceremony on the screen at Fenway.  We're sitting out in the bleachers - and while it was suppose to be a nice day today the clouds are thickening up fast - but I'll try and take some pictures.  But even if I don't - you can never beat a day spent in a ballpark!

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GO RED SOX!!


Just Enough

Is it just me, or do others find these things necessary to get through a Red Sox game this season?

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For deep cleansing breathes when the leadoff batter strikes out again.

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To calm the nerves when your team puts two men on with no outs and the next three batters can't bring them home.

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A bunch of these for when your closer walks a batter to load the bases with one out in the 9th inning.

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And these to celebrate your team winning.

Last night we Red Sox fans needed all of these plus nerves of steel and a deep faith in our guys.  The Red Sox beat the Orioles 3-1 last night.  (A team that is now 6-28 in games at Fenway since 9/3/05.)  It wasn't really a pretty win - or a dominating one - but it was a win never the less and the 5 game losing streak was ended.  The Yankees also won last night so we remain 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees.

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Brad Penny had what I thought was probably his best outing of the season.  His fastball was being clocked at 98/99 mph and he looked every bit like the 5th started that the team needs.  In 6 1/3 innings he struck out 4, didn't walk anyone and he allowed only 1 earned run on 5 hits.

The Red Sox offense was not what you would call overwhelming.  We had 9 hits, 7 strikeouts (3 from Youk who was having a very rare off night at the plate) and also 4 walks - finally we were seeing some patience from our hitters.  We also saw the Orioles steal 2 bases and the Red Sox sit on top of the league having allowed 95 steals this season.

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That is so not a good record.

A ground rule double ended up costing us a run when Jacoby Ellsbury was unable to score from second on 1 single by Pedroia when he was gunned down at the plate by a throw from Nick Markakis.  The kid has an arm and he recorded his league-leading 11th assist of the season.  But what really mattered was that we were home in Fenway and we chalked up another one in the win column.  Jon Lester takes the mound tonight for the Red Sox as we look to make it two in a row.

LaRoche excited to be here boston.com

Adam LaRoche was in town and in uniform last night for the game.  While he did not play last night, it is expected that he might see some playing time tonight.  While it was difficult for Adam to leave his brother Andy behind when he left the Pirates, LaRoche did say that the prospects of playing for the team with a great chance of making the playoffs was worth it.  Besides playing for a winning team, one other difference for LaRoche will be reduced playing time.  For the past 4 1/2 years he was a daily player and he knows that that is not role he will have in Fenway as along as everyone is healthy.  But he says he is not expecting to be a starter and he is not going to be bitter about.  I think he has come into Boston with the right attitude and if his second half numbers are as good as we expect them to be, I suspect that Tito will use him a lot to give other players a rest.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/media/photo/2008-10/42941866.jpghttp://www.baltimoresun.com

To make room for LaRoche on the roster the Red Sox DFAed Mark Kotsay.  I have really mixed feelings about this one.  Kotsay, besides being a nice guy, was a versatile player and he did help pick up the slack in the line up.  The move surprised him and he and his family were packing to return to their home in San Diego while he decides his next move.  I suspect that there will be other teams out there who will be interested in him and I wish him nothing but the best.  Like the majority of our recent players, Kotsay never complained to the media about any lack of playing time or about any other complaints he had.  He is a classy player and I think he will be an asset to any team that picks him up.  Good luck Mark and thanks. 
 

5 Years Ago Today

Where were you on July 24, 2004?  Do you remember who the Red Sox played that day?  Do you remember what happened during the game?  Here's a little something to jog your memory.


 
posted on YouTube by five3tenfour

Sorry, A-Rod was not using family-friendly language.

What did we have that day?  An angry star who got hit by the pitcher and who needed to be escorted towards first base by the ump.  A captain; protective of his pitcher.  One of these

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com

and chaos reigned supreme on the field.  It was also the turning point of not only the season but of the Red Sox future.  It was the day that the Red Sox stood up and said

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http://www.footblog.com

We're not going to take it anymore!!!

Prior to that fateful day 5 years ago, the team had a three month run where they had gone 37-39 and they had seen the 2 1/2 game lead they had over the Yankees in April become a 9 1/2 game deficit.  The team had started the season with a new Manager (Terry Francona), another ace on the mound (Curt Schilling) and another closure (Keith Foulke) in the fold.  They had been a close-knit bunch of "Cowboys and Idiots" who meshed and gelled like no other team had.  But as July came around even that lovable bunch wondered what they needed to do to right the ship.  And then came July 24th.

1090707969_8905.jpg image by Stinger92

photobucket.com

It was a rainy day and no one was sure that the game was going to be played.  The Red Sox players wanted the game to start - Tanyon Sturtze was the pitcher for the Yankees (only his second time starting that season) and they had hoped that they could pick up some ground.  After an hour rain delay the game started.  The Yankees quickly got some runs on the board against Bronson Arroyo - some unearned off of some poor infield defense - and by the top of the third the Yankees were up 3-0.

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http://rotohogrivalry.files.wordpress.com

To say that the Red Sox and Yankees are rivals is like saying the Pope is Catholic; a huge understatement.  And during those days (and for many years before) the rivalry between the fans was even greater.  I know there are plenty of you who think that Red Sox fans are the worse in the the world - trust me, there were NONE worse then the Yankees fans who would come to Boston during those years to "inform" the Red Sox fans of just how superior they thought their team was.  This was the atmosphere that was in Fenway Park that night.

So it's the top of the 3rd, Red Sox trailing by 3, there are 2 outs in the inning, Arroyo is on the mound and A-Rod is at the plate.  On a 1-1 pitch, Arroyo threw a 87-mph slider that didn't break (this according to the Fox Network that the game was on and NOT the Red Sox announcers) and the ball hit -Rod on the left side of the back.  And to this day, A-Rod reaction to getting hit has puzzled everyone.  According to a report on WEEI, Bill Mueller is quoted as saying: 

"Maybe there's a history, but [the reaction] seemed a little overblown...It just seemed like there was a little bit more emotion that there probably should've been with someone getting hit by a slider, if someone goes over your head with a heater, then I can see that type of emotion.

I think if you're going to hit someone, you're not going to throw an off-speed pitch if it's intentional. I don't know if he was just trying to spark his club by overreacting that much. Or maybe he wanted to pick on Bronson because he wasn't a Schilling or Pedro, and wanted to show him up. I don't know. I don't know what his thoughts are or why he reacted the way he did."

What happened next is just another little piece of Red Sox-Yankee history.  As you can see on the video at the top of this posting, A-Rod went off and you don't need to be a licensed lip-reader to know what he is saying.  The home-plate ump, Bruce Froemming was walking A-Rod done to first base as A-Rod screamed at Bronson Arroyo.  Jason Varitek our Captain and self-appointed protector of the teams pitchers stepped in front of A-Rod.  A-Rod can be seen telling Tek to "come on" and waving his arms as if to say "bring it on".  Can you say "Bad idea?"

Not only was there a bench clearing, bullpen clearing brawl at Fenway, it was not your typical baseball "pushing and shoving lets all stand around and act tough brawl."  The scene was emotionally charged and tempers flared.  And not just in the middle of the field; there were raw emotions playing out everywhere.

fight1.jpg image by warrngtn

photobucket.com

Away from the action, Tanyon Sturtze grabbed Gabe Kappler from behind and put a choke hold on him.  David Ortiz and Trot Nixon would have none of that.  While Ortiz's punch missed, Nixon jumped on the pitcher and left Sturtze with blood running down the side of his face.  When order was restored Kapler and Varitek for the Sox and Rodriguez, Sturtze and Kenny Lofton for the Yankees had been ejected from the game but emotions were high and you knew that all the players would return to the field at a moments notice.

The game went back and forth and suddenly it was the bottom of the 9th - 1 out, a man on first, the Red Sox down by one, Mariano Rivera on the mound and the unassuming Bill Mueller on the plate trying to keep the rally going.  And the rest is history.

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/writers/john_donovan/10/18/sox.yanks/p1_mueller.jpg http://i.a.cnn.net

Mueller hit a two home run off of the "Sandman" - a little foreshadowing of what was to come later in the post-season? - and the Red Sox won the game 11-10.  And for many in Red Sox Nation July 24th became a sort of Independence Day.  The day the Red Sox stood up to the Yankees and the rest of baseball and said "Enough!" 

So too do the Red Sox need another Independence Day and what better day then today, July 24th.  No we are not playing the Yankees - the world is rarely that perfect - but we are at home and we are coming off of a 5 game losing streak.  So I challenge the Red Sox and all of Red Sox Nation to stand and declare with one voice - "We're mad as heck and we are NOT going to take it anymore!"  Today is the day we declare our independence from losing and take back our season.  We all know what happened in 2004.  The greatest come from behind series win EVER in sports history!  So I say today to all of Major League Baseball

http://mypieceoftail.com/Kid%20Tails/Be%20Afraid%20be%20very%20afraid.JPG
http://mypieceoftail.com

The Red Sox are Back!

It Hurt


posted on YouTube by hauntedgeorge




posted on YouTube by hmnsn1627



posted on YouTube by thefox22

Everyone in the above ads could have stolen a base last night against the Red Sox.  Why not!  The Texas Rangers stole 5 and for the second night in a row there was a double steal.  Do I have to tell you if we won the game or not?  Here are some clues:  6 hits, 9 strike outs, only 2 walks?  What do you think?  Anyone? 

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And it really wasn't that close.

We've lost 5 in a row, 1-5 since the All-Star Break, and we currently in second place, two games behind the Yankees.  (And thanks to small miracles - my good friend Scott is traveling home across country and has not been able to blog about this!  Yes Scott, we all miss you too!)  We have the night off - YAY - as the team travels back to Friendly Fenway to begin a three game series against the Baltimore Orioles.  I am not going to go into the gory details of the game - if you want to suffer through them you can go to redsox.com and read about them.  I would rather focus on positive things.....


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Hall of Fame Weekend is upon us

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and the Red Sox own Jim Rice will be inducted into that hallowed shrine on Sunday.  And on Tuesday evening, July 28th, prior to the game against the Oakland A's, the Red Sox will retire Rice's number.  With the exception of Johnny Pesky's number and Jackie Robinson's number, the Red Sox have only retired numbers of players who were elected to the HOF and played at least ten season's with Boston.  Rice played his whole career, 16 seasons from 1974-89, with the Red Sox.  He batted .298 with 382 home runs and 1,451 RBI in 2,089 games and he earned eight All-Star selections. He placed among the top five in American League Most Valuable Player voting six times during his career (more than any other player between 1963 and 2005) and won the award in 1978 when he hit .315 with 213 hits, 46 home runs, 139 RBI, and a .600 slugging percentage.  He will join a pretty exclusive club when his number is retired:

1 -- Bobby Doerr (formally retired May 21, 1988)
4 -- Joe Cronin (formally retired May 29, 1984)
6 -- Johnny Pesky (formally retired September 26, 2008)
8 -- Carl Yastrzemski (formally retired August 6, 1989)
9 -- Ted Williams (formally retired May 29, 1984)
14 -- Jim Rice (to be formally retired July 28, 2009)
27 -- Carlton Fisk (formally retired September 4, 2000)
42 -- Jackie Robinson (formally retired by Major League Baseball April 15, 1997)

Congrats Jim!  It is an honor long ovedue.


Did we get a steal?

http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2009/07/large_adamlaroche.jpg http://blog.pennlive.com

The Boston Globe today had some interesting stats on Adam LaRoche who the Red Sox acquired from the Pirates yesterday.


bostonglobe.com

If his numbers hold true to what they have been in the past then the best is yet to come for Mr. LaRoche and the Red Sox will certainly benefit from having him on the team.  And it is interesting that his numbers are so much better the lower he is in the batting order.  So I guess that answers the question as to whether he will be leading off or not.  But is doesn't answer the question as to who WILL be leading off for us.  Inquiring minds want to know.


A Story You Need to Read.

You all know how I feel about the use of steroids and PEDs in baseball and sports in general.  Especially now - with the rules being very clear - I am one of those who favors a much more strict approach to dealing with those who viloate the rules.  And I do not believe that we fans should be letting players off so easily when the rules are so clear.  That being said, you need to read this article written by Jim Parque ,a former pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, that was published today in the Chicago Sun-Times.

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http://www.thebaseballcube.com

In 2006, before the Mitchell Report came out, before it was banned by MLB, he used HGH to try and get back to the game after an injury.  I am not saying what he did was right - I can not condone drug use - but the article he wrote is one of the most honest things I've ever heard from someone who used PEDs.  Unlike A-Rod who used the "dumb and young" excuse and Manny who never gave a reason (Manny being Manny is not good enough), Parque bared his soul as to what was going on in his life, his decisions to use and why he made his decision to stop.  He wasn't a star player - I have to be honest, the name really doesn't ring a bell with me - and I suspect his experience is similar to many of the average players who aren't making $20 million a year.  If you are a fan of the game you owe it to yourself to read this article.

You Need a Score Card!

Oh my - it has been a busy 24 hours for the Red Sox!  Okay - the score of Tuesday's game with the Rangers was not what we wanted (translation - we lost) nor did the Yankees' game end the way that Red Sox Nation would have liked.  It has been over a year since the Red Sox had their last 4 game losing streak and yes, it does seem like each July we go into a bit of a slump.  So, while the Red Sox are in second place today, there are bigger things to talk about.  And you might need a score card to keep track of all the comings and goings!

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To the DL:

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In a move that shocked just about everyone, the Red Sox announced last night that Tim Wakefield would be missing his start tonight and he was going on the 15 day DL list.  Wake is reported to have a lower back strain which had been bothering him since last Friday when he threw a simulated game.  While this injury does not appear to be as bad as the SLAP tear he has pitched with the last several seasons it certainly is not good news to have our most consistent pitcher sitting out.  The Red Sox placed Wakefield on the DL retroactive to last Friday and he is eligible to come back on August 2nd.

A quick return trip

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Many members of the Boston media learned something was up Tuesday in Texas when Clay Buchholz showed up in the clubhouse.  Before an official announcement had been made about Wakefield, the Red Sox had recalled Buchholz to the team and he will be starting tonight in Wake's place. Buchholz had a good outing with the Red Sox last Friday - his season debut in the bigs - and he had a confidence about him that we did not see all last season.  Now if the team could just give him some run support tonight.

Another Pirate?

http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2007/07/adamlaroche.jpghttp://cache.deadspin.com

It's almost the trade deadline so it must be time for another Red Sox trade with the Pirates - right?  (Hey it worked out well last season!)  It was announced this afternoon that the Red Sox have acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates.  According to the Post Gazette in Pittsburgh "LaRoche is one of the most notorious 2nd half hitters in the game."  His current numbers are not that hot: he is hitting .247 with a .329 OBP and .441 slugging mark which are down from his career numbers of .269/.338/.486.  It remains to be seen how successful he will be in Boston.  A rather "odd" note to his coming here to Boston - his brother Andy was involved in the deal that brought Jason Bay to the Red Sox last year.

And we had to give up - two prospects:

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Pitcher Hunter Strickland.  Strickland, an 18th round pick in 2007, is 5-4 with a 3.35 ERA for the Greenville Drive of the Single-A South Atlantic League this season.

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Shortstop Argenis Diaz.  Diaz is a gifted defensive player, but there are questions about his ability at the plate. He is hitting .253/.309/.310 with Double-A Portland this year.

There is also some speculation that LaRoche is a Type B free agent, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season;  that  would mean that the Red Sox would get a draft pick if he leaves in the winter.

But that begs the question - how do we find a spot for LaRoche?

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We gave up two minor leaguers - how are we going to find a space for LaRoche?  The Red Sox have not announced what other moves they are making but here is what is being speculated - one of these two men might be headed towards the DL:

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Mark Kotsay has been hampered by a calf injury for much of the season and some rest might be what he needs to be a successful player at both first base and the outfield for us.

Rocco Baldelli #5 of the Boston Red Sox strikes out against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park, April 8, 2009, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rocco Baldelli http://www.zimbio.com

Rocco Baldelli had all the potential to be the "feel good" story of the season but questions have been raised if his illness has hampered his recovery from injuries.

Whew....did I get it all?  I'm not sure.  The Red Sox will take on the Texas Rangers tonight, trying to prevent a sweep, with Clay Buchholz on the mound.  As long as our bats show up tonight I like our chances.  After tonight the Red Sox have a day off as they travel back to Friendly Fenway to take on the Baltimore Orioles.  Since the Yankees have already won their game today (Can anyone explain why the Yankees had another afternoon game in the middle of the week?  Are they using it as an excuse for not filling their ball park?) the Red Sox need to win tonight to stay just one game behind.  I have faith in my guys.

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GO RED SOX!!


That Wasn't So Good and A Blog Update

It is a very long season.  Plenty of time for ups and downs.  For bats to get hot, then cold and then hot again.  For pitchers to dominate and to be dominated.  It's what keeps us coming back for more - day after day, night after night.  Let's face it - 162 games are a lot to follow and if it wasn't for the excitement and thrill of it all most of us probably wouldn't be tuning in every day.

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And I am SO ready for dull and boring!!

This morning the Red Sox and Yankees are tied for first place in the AL East.  And no Scott I was not lonely nor did I need company!  The Yankees won their 3rd straight game by a score of 2-1 and the Red Sox have now lost 3 in a row.  And while I am not worried, a win by the Red Sox would be very nice.

The Red Sox have seem to have gotten themselves into a weird rut right now.  Our bats have cooled (though we did get 8 hits last night against the Texas Rangers), we're leaving a lot of men on base and our pitchers seem to have one inning where they lose it; the game and their composure.

John Smoltz reacts after giving up a two-run home run to David Murphy in a sixth inning Smoltz would like to forget. boston.com

Last night, that would have been inning #6 for John Smoltz.  He gave up 5 hits (three of them home runs) and 5 earned runs in that inning and the Red Sox lost 6-3 in the first game of their series against the Rangers.  Mr. Smoltz is now 1-3 on the season with an ERA of 6.31.  What I've seen in Smoltz's outtings (the rain delayed one where we had a 9 run lead and then blew it excluded) is that he can make it through 4, maybe 5 innings at best and then the bottom falls out.  So here's a radical thought - how about if we put Smoltz in the bullpen for relief work?  He's done that before in his career and has been quite successful at it!  And while I'm being all "radical and such" might I also suggest this:

http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/23641/122914_Red_Sox_Angels_Baseball.jpg http://cdn1.sbnation.com

Brad Penny - with his 6-4 record and his 5.02 ERA - I think this experiment has not worked out well for us and perhaps Penny could be used as part of a deal to get us some much needed bench support.  And continuing along this train of thought..

http://blog.masslive.com/soxsigns/2007/09/clay1.JPG http://blog.masslive.com

How about adding Clay Buchholz to the rotation?  Okay - this one does scare me some.  I do not know if he has the mental toughness that is necessary to be a successful pitcher for a major league team - especially a team like the Red Sox.  No question he has the skill; but we have all seen the "deer in the headlights" look that he gets when things go south on him.  If Buchholz can pitch like he did in the first game after the All-Star break then without a doubt he would be a star in the making.

But just shaking up our pitching is not enough - our offense needs to remember how to hit and run the bases.

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Jason Bay - you all know how I feel about him - but he is in the middle of a slump that started before the All-Star break.  His batting average is down to .255 and in the 4th inning last night he was cut down on a very poor attempt to steal second.  (Memo to all Red Sox - none of you are as fast as Jacoby Ellsbury.)

http://img.timeinc.net/pespanol/i/galeria/2007/septiembre/mikelowell_092107_300.jpg http://img.timeinc.net

Mikey - you know how glad I am that you are still with the team, but seriously, you were not fast before your surgery and if anything you are a little slower running the bases now so whatever possed you to think that you that you could make it from first to home on Jason Varitek's double in the 4th last night?  Bay's and Lowell's baserunning miscues last night were very costly to us.  As was....

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Jacoby Ellsbury's inability to get on base the first three times he was up at bat last night.  Ellsbury was returned to leadoff spot in the lineup and he was a disappointment.  While he did steal his 100th base of his career, that number will not go up a lot unless he gets on base more.  Patience at the plate - it is a virtue.

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David Ortiz, on the other had, has found his stroke and had a towering 2 run double that drove in a run in the first inning last night and came oh so close to being out of the park.  Big Papi now has 51 RBIs; only 5 behind Youk for second place on the team.  Pitchers are beginning to fear David again and I have every confidence that he will put the fear of (the baseball) God into the Yankees when we play them in a few weeks.

There isn't that much the Red Sox have to do to get everyone on the same page and playing on all cylinders.  Let's hope that Josh Beckett on the mound tonight can help that happen.

On update on a previous posting

A couple of days ago I wrote a posting called Baseball Doesn't Seem So Important This Morning and I shared with you that my friend, and fellow Red Sox fan, Mike had lost two of his friends when their plane went down in Afghanistan.  Mike, a member of the US Air Force stationed in South Korea, did not know which 2 of his friends had died, just that two of them had.  Since then, Mike has learned that it was Captain Mark R. McDowell and Captain Thomas J. Gramith who died.  I know we are all saddened at the lose of any life, but I wanted to share with you who they were for it did not seem right for them to be nameless souls.  Your comments to that posting touched my heart (and if you haven't, please read the comment that Mike left there) and trust me, the tears were flowing when I wrote that piece.  Mike shared an email that he received from a commanding officer and I'd like to share it with you for this man, far more eloquently then I could, explains what this mission that they are all on means:

A tough weekend for our Wing and our Goldsboro Family.  Friday Night around
1845 we lost two Great Airmen in Afghanistan.  Two Officers with Families.
Two National Treasures.  While the Search and Rescue efforts were ongoing, 4
FW Maintainers continued working their aircraft for upcoming missions.
Aircrew continued sitting alert and flying tasked missions.  SF Defenders
continued protecting the Bagram wire.  Task Force Med Airmen continued their
Combat Care.

What our Airmen are doing in Afghanistan is difficult to quantify for the
American public.  But I'll give you a perspective from my travels there that
serves as one of a million data points.  Afghan girls now attend school at
an age where they were previously auctioned off.  Farmers grow Fruit and
Families where they once harvested Heroin and Hate.  Our Airmen are not
there to occupy a nation - they go to liberate a population.  They are not
there to kill.  They go to Protect our Young Marines from Lejuene and our
Young Soldiers from Fort Bragg with a Blanket of Steel, Technology, Courage
and Skill the world has never seen.  They hail from the noblest strata of
our society and they are truly our 21st century Spartans.

They are Our American Airmen.  They are True Warriors.  They Have Answered
Our Nation's Call.

Their Mission is to Fly, Fight and Win.

They are Faithful to a Proud Heritage and a Legacy of Valor.

They are Our Guardians of Freedom and Justice.  This Nation's Sword and
Shield.

It's Sentry and Avenger.

Never more so than today, They Defend This Country with Their Lives.

They are our Wingmen, Our Leaders, Our Warriors.

They will never leave an Airmen Behind.

I Have Never Seen Them Falter and They Refuse to Fail.

Our Two Officers arrive at Dover AFB Sunday evening.  We will welcome them
home to a Grateful Nation with the Dignity and Honor befitting their Service
and Sacrifice.  We will honor them, their service and their families here at
Seymour Johnson when the family is ready.

There is probably an AFI that prohibits Commanders from making references to
faith, but I leave you with this:

Isaiah 40:31 "But They That Wait Upon the Lord Shall Renew Their Strength,
They Shall Mount up With Wings of Eagles.  They Shall Run and Not be Weary,
and They Shall Walk and Not be Faint.

God Bless Our Great Airmen with His Hand of Protection.  God Bless Our
Families with His Hand of Healing.  And God Bless our Wing and Community
with His Hand and Strength.


http://www.campdoha.org/community/wallpapers/Support%20Our%20Troops%2003.jpg

And thank you from this grateful civilian.

So Much to Say

Today is one of those days - so sit back, fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride.

First up:

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If you see Jen today (she's on the left in the picture) can you tell her that I have this for her?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3205275022_18d9e47f91.jpg

Oh - and that I said Happy Birthday!

40 Years ago today....




posted on YouTube by CBS News

The emotion that Walter Cronkite showed in the video is how we American's felt.  It was the summer before first grade and I was huddled around the black and white TV with my family as we watched the Eagle land.  It was a proud moment to be an American.  And I echo the sentiments of the Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins - the US needs to turn it's attention to a manned mission to Mars.


2 in-a-row

That would be two in a row that we've lost. 

Toronto ace Roy Halladay went the distance as the Blue Jays edged the Red Sox, 3-1, in the finale of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre. Stroll through our gallery for more scenes from Sunday's game. boston.com

It was the first time this season that the Red Sox had to face Doc Halladay and let me say - I hope it is the last.  The Red Sox could muster 6 hits and only 1 earned run while striking out 7 times on Sunday in Toronto.  Nick Green was responsible for 3 of the 7 strike outs.  Not good.

Red Sox starter Jon Lester pitched seven innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits, while walking four and striking out six. It wasn't enough as Halladay quieted the Sox' bats. boston.com

Jon Lester didn't have a "bad" day, but it wasn't his best.  He gave up 5 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 6 and walking 4 in 7 innings of work. And the walks came back to haunt him.  In the second inning, after getting a quick out, he walked the next two batters he faces, only to see them score on a double by Barajas.  But as good as Lester was - or wasn't - on Sunday, it really didn't matter.  Roy Halladay was better and the Red Sox bats had no answers to his pitches.  I still can't figure out why the Jays want to trade him.

Who's on first?

The Red Sox have a problem on their hands.  Who should be their leadoff hitter?  We've tried

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Jacoby Ellsbury did not get on base enough when he was hitting leadoff and with his speed we need him on base.

http://www.redwoodwd.net/two/jason/pics/Pedroia.jpg http://www.redwoodwd.net

Dustin Pedroia his .214 and had a .264 OBP in 24 games hitting leadoff.

http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/2fa2f48a8e_track04182008.jpg bostonherald.com

In 14 games J.D. Drew is hitting .190 with a .299 OBP.  None of these three gentlemen have risen to the occassion and been successful at hitting leadoff.  When asked after the game, Tito said he hadn't given a lot of thought to who would be hitting leadoff tonight when the Red Sox take in the Texas Rangers (and the lineups haven't been posted yet.) but what he was hoping was to get someone who would just swing the bat.  Imagine that - someone who swings the bat well.

He's Back

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/04/05/sports/baseball/dicek.533.jpg http://graphics8.nytimes.com

Dice-K returns to Fenway!  Okay - it is only for a very short visit.  When the Red Sox return at the end of the week to Fenway Dice-K will be making an appearance to be checked out by the team doctor and then he will quickly head back to Fort Myers to continue working on his rehab.  Right now Dice-K is throwing 120 feet on flat ground and before the Red Sox move him to the next stage of rehab they want to make sure that his shoulder is healing well.

And guess who else is going to be at Fenway this weekend?

http://cupblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/funny-pictures-kitten-has-a-happy.jpg

That would be me!

I'll be at Fenway on Sunday watching the Red Sox take on the Baltimore Orioles!  I just found out today  that I will be going!  More details to come!


And Finally

http://thebacknine.ncga.org/_images/magazine/07spring/watson1.jpg http://thebacknine.ncga.org

59 year old Tom Watson lead throughout almost all of the British Open this past weekend but he ended up losing to Stewart Cink in a 4 hole playoff.  Tom, in his prime, won the British Open 5 times and he has won it 3 times on the Champions (Senior) Tour.  Many sports writer have jokingly called Cink the "most hated man in golf" today; I think there are very few people in the world who did not want to see Tom win.  And can you believe this?  Watson can NOT play in the British Open any longer on the PGA tour; the governing board for the British Open recently changed their rules so that no one 60 and older can play.  Anyone else think they need to re-think that rule? 

Baseball Doesn't Seem So Important This Morning

My Red Sox lost yesterday and the Yankees won so our lead is only 2 games today.  I was going to write about the problems in our game yesterday and what we needed to do differently today.  But when I got up this morning, I found this email in my inbox:

Ladies,

 

Last night the squadron I was previously assigned to lost an aircraft in Afghanistan. Both crew members were killed. I worked closely with those guys just 6 months ago and I knew all of them by name. They haven't released their names. So, I know I lost 2 friends, I just don't know which two. It's a dangerous business we operate. Please raise a glass to my two lost friends, they died doing what we do and I'm going to miss them terribly. I'm telling you first because I know how deeply you appreciate what we do, and that means the world to us!


The email was sent to myself and and Ellen (another member of the Brownie Brigade) by Mike, one of the regulars who we watch Red Sox games with over on Ian Browne's Blog.  Mike is stationed in Kunsan, South Korea with the United States Air Force (he will be retiring soon after 25 years in) and he lost 2 of his friends.


http://www.dubyasworld.com/iraq-military-memorial.jpg

http://www.dubyasworld.com


And baseball doesn't seem very important today.

Some of you had the "pleasure" of hearing me rant when there were complaints about our teams wearing the red "Stars and Stripes" hats over the 4th of July and Memorial Day weekends.  This is why I ranted.  Because people like Mike are losing their friends.  Because two more families have had their lives changed forever.  Because doing something as small as wearing a hat can mean so much to our men and women in the military.

military-1.jpg military image by carols_stuff


I'm sure there are many men and women in the Military who read our blogs.  We are a connection to the teams they love and teams that they often have to follow from afar at odd hours.  In addition to Mike, I know that John is is the Army and he writes a blog Getting Back to Fun Again about his beloved Cincinnati Reds and Ginny, the author of The Watercooler, is the proud wife of a member of the Canadian Air Force.  In addition to being baseball fans, Mike, John and Ginny know far better then most of us the sacrifices that are asked of our men and women in the military and their families.

MilitaryFamily-1.jpg Military Family image by Jerafam5
photobucket.com

We live in a great country - America might not be perfect but I know there is not another country I would want to call my home.  I love to visit new places, but the USA is where I will always hang my hat.  And our men and women in the military work everyday to make sure we still have all the things we take for granted.  So when we are asked to stand and remove our hats during a baseball game - or heaven forbid our teams wear a different hat for a couple of games a season - remember we are doing these things for real people.  You can support the people in our military even if you are unsure about the war we are fighting; they are two very different issues.  This afternoon when my Red Sox take to the field against the Toronto Blue Jays, yes I will be cheering them on, but my heart will be a little heavy today as I remember not only Mike's friends but all our armed forces and their families.

http://ribeersnobs.today.com/files/2009/05/flag_beer.jpg

Mike, I will do as you ask and I will raise a glass in honor of your friends and I will do it also for you, and John, and Ginny and her husband and for all those who serve and their families.  As I said in my email to you - "I'm sorry" and "thank you" seem so inadequate but they come from the heart.  Know that your baseball family is thinking of all of you today and we support you all 100%.  Baseball might not seem so important today but in these difficult times it is the ties that binds us and gives us hope.

I'll be back talking about baseball tomorrow - and probably a few other things as well - but just for today, baseball just didn't seem all that important and I hope that you understand.


posted on YouTube by Metal4Ever55

God Bless the Men and Women in our Armed Forces!

~ Julia

Stop Me if You've Heard This One Before

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3042709-sm.jpghttp://gallery.photo.net

It felt like deja-vu last night.

In a very good way though!  The Red Sox opened their "second season" on Friday against the Blue Jays in Toronto much like they finished the "first season".  They won.  On a day that saw a lot of comings and goings, the team showed that they were focused on one goal.  To win the World Series.


Buchholz stars in role boston.com

Clay Buchholz might be pitching in Triple-A again today but he showed everyone last night that he is no minor league player.  Through  5 2/3 innings he allowed 1 earned run and 4 hits and he struck out 3 while walking 3.  But more important then his numbers was the confidence that you could see in him.  Of the 17 outs he got, 12 came by way of either strikeouts or ground balls.  And when he got in trouble for the first time in the second - when men on first and second base with 2 outs?  Buchholz throw an 81-mph changeup that had Barajas for Toronto swinging early for strike 3.  Buchholz calmly walked to the dugout - with the air-about-him of a guy very much at home in the majors.  When Buchholz's night was over, the Red Sox turned to their other 24-year old pitcher....

Daniel Bard Born: June 25th, 1985 Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina Hometown: Height: 6' 4" Weight: 205 lbs. Bats: Right Throws: Right Drafted: 2006: 1st Round, 28th Pick by the Boston Red Sox College: University of North Carolina High School: Charlotte Christian HS (NC) Other Teams: None Years with Boston: 2009 http://sonsofsamhorn.net

Daniel Bard.  He retired 4 in a row, had 3 strikeouts and in his last 8 2/3 innings he has allowed no earned runs and only one hit.  Each time we see him you can see he is more confident and comfortable in his role.  Much like Buchholz, Daniel Bard is the face of the future of the Red Sox.

http://www.soxnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/ironmikereturns.jpg

The Red Sox welcomed back Mike Lowell last night and he said "How are you?" by going 2 for 4 at the plate.  Mikey was charged with an error in the game - but it was questionable whether it was really an error or not.  It was very amusing watching the animated discussion between the two official scorers who were at the game.  I'm not sure they were in total agreement either.  While Lowell did not appear to be running faster it did seem that he was running without pain.

Our scoring in the game came from two players that we have come to depend upon:

http://smokingwithhank.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/youkilis.jpg smokingwithhank.files.com

Kevin Youkilis had a 2 run homer in the first inning and in the 5th inning:

http://tory1993.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/papi.jpg

David Ortiz picked up RBIs number 48 & 49 with a towering 2 run double.  It was a great night when the Red Sox present mingled with the Red Sox future.  While Clay finds himself back with the PawSox today, you know it is only a matter of time before he is a permanent fixture at Fenway.  The "State of the Red Sox" is looking pretty darn good.


The Most Trusted Man in America

http://newsroom-magazine.com/IS/CBS/Walter%20Cronkite%20Desk.jpg http://newsroom-magazine.com

During the Red Sox game last night the news broke of the passing of Walter Cronkite.  He had been gravely ill for a number of months so his death, while not unexpected, was still very sad.  A news Icon, Uncle Walter, in a poll of the American public, was voted the most trusted man in America.  His "And that's the way it is" was the last thing we heard from Mr. Cronkite as he signed off his nightly broadcast.  He wasn't afraid to share his emotion with his viewers - tearing up when he announced the death of President Kennedy, his anger at his partner Dan Rather being beaten at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, and his childlike enthusiasm when he shouted out on air "a man on a moon" when the "Eagle had landed".  He mirrored the emotions of his viewers.  And when he started off a special on the Vietnam War by stating, in his opinion, that the War was unwinnable, President Johnson is quoted as saying "If I've lost Walter Cronkite, I've lost the American people."  Not everyone agreed with, or respected, his opinions but no one can dispute the lasting contributions he made to the field of broadcast news.  He was the end of a era and he will be sorely missed.



posted on YouTube by CBS

We Need Dirty Laundry


posted on YouTube by TakeLeft

While the All-Star break was necessary for all the players and fans alike, when it goes on too long (the Red Sox don't resume play until Friday night) we can find ourselves paying attention to stories that we might have passed over before.  We need a fix.  We need "Dirty Laundry".

Can we film the operation?
Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RP0i3PkF-cA/R88CIYXWR-I/AAAAAAAAAvI/G4AIoeQndWY/s400/lugo.jpg http://1.bp.blogspot.com

It feels like a death watch.  The Red Sox are in Toronto getting ready to play a three game series with the Blue Jays and Julio Lugo is not there.  The Red Sox are scheduled to activate Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie and roster slots need to be freed up for both of them.  The local media is reporting that Theo and company are doing whatever they can to trade him and if they can't, then they might just release him.  I have made no secret of the fact that I don't want Lugo playing for us - but I've got to tell you I do feel bad for him.  Lugo was never a good fit for the Red Sox however he showed up ready to play everyday and he never took any complaints he might have to the media.  Whatever ends up happening - I tip my hat to Lugo for being a classy guy.  THIS JUST IN:  The Red Sox have DFAed Lugo.

We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five

http://mysportsrumors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/jason_bay.jpg http://mysportsrumors.com

No news might be good news.  While there have not been any further negotiations between the Red Sox and Jason Bay that doesn't mean there won't be any before the season is over.  And it would be in the Red Sox best interest to get this done soon.  (Scott you do not have to read the next section.  Just skip right down to the next paragraph.) Not only are his numbers on track with his career performance, Bay has also set himself up as the likely top free-agent outfielder on the market this winter. He has demonstrated he has the ability to perform at an All-Star level in one of baseball's most intense markets.  Bay told the media as recently as the All-Star Game that he enjoys playing in Boston and everything that goes along with being a Red Sox.  His teammates are also very supportive of the team resigning Bay.  So Mr. Theo - can we please get the job done?

Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybodys pie

http://espn.starwave.com/i/magazine/new/brian_cashman_ALCS.jpg http://espn.starwave.com

There was an interesting article in the NY Daily News today written by Mike Lupica about Brian Cashman and he asked what I thought was a very good question -

If Brian Cashman actually does need Roy Halladay the way he needed CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett and Teixeira, then exactly how much Yankee money does he have to spend and how many stars does he have to acquire to put the Yankees back on top?




Let's Get It On



posted on YouTube dominiolinux

Anyone else ready for the second season to begin?  The Red Sox resume their quest towards Sox-tober of Friday in Toronto when they take on the Blue Jays.  And on the mound for us, making a one game appearance - for now - will be Clay Buchholz.  He has been having a great season with the PawSox so RSN has high hopes for him.  And some of our walking wounded are also returning.  Expected to be activated this weekend are:

http://img.timeinc.net/pespanol/i/galeria/2007/septiembre/mikelowell_092107_300.jpg  Mike Lowell and
http://img.timeinc.net

http://soxblog.mlblogs.com/lowrie.jpg Jed Lowrie
boston.com

And that does create a problem for us.  Who is the odd man out?

http://rookery2.viary.com/storagev12/801500/801873_93de_625x1000.jpg

A possible solution?

Friday - Clay Buchholz gets promoted and Aaron Bates is optioned back to the PawSox (but guaranteed - we'll be seeing him again.)

Saturday - Activate Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie from the DL and option Clay Buchholz back to the PawSox.  But that still leaves us with one extra player on the roster.  What to do, what to do.  This Red Sox fan (and I suspect I'm not alone in this) can't help but wonder if this player's time with us has finally come to an end.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3U8QCzKYCCU/STWhLvqopEI/AAAAAAAAA7U/9DXqTkH7EEc/s400/julio_lugo.jpg http://2.bp.blogspot.com

Julio Lugo.  The numbers don't lie.  The Red Sox are 11-16 when Lugo starts and 42-15 when Nick Green has started at short.  I do not see a trade in future for Lugo; there are very few teams who will be willing to pick up a $9 million a year contract on a guy who has a reputation for not working as hard as other players.  If I had to guess, the Red Sox will release Lugo and eat the cost.  What other option is there?  Who else can we send down?  I know that Theo always has something up his sleeve so I can hardly wait to see what will unfold over the next couple of days.

A Red Sox Star Returns to the Game

http://imagecache5.art.com/p/LRG/10/1069/47RL000Z/pedro-martinez-after-striking-out-angels-figgins-7th-inning-of-the-2004-alds-game-2-%C2%A9photofile.jpg http://imagecache5.art.com

Pedro Martinez - a three time Cy Young Award winner and a pitcher near and dear to the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere - has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $1 million (up to $1.5 million with incentives).  Pedro had been looking for a a deal worth to $4-5 million for the year.  I'm a little sorry that the Red Sox won't get a chance to face him during the regular season; it would be nice to see him again in Fenway.

The Worse Kept Secret

Looking forward to cold one boston.com

It is official - FINALLY! - on January 1, 2010 there will be hockey at Fenway Park!  The NHL has announced that the Winter Classic will be in Boston and it will feature a game between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers.  Local officials have also announced that the rink will be open for a couple of days for the public to skate on and they are also trying to work out some addition games there for some of our local colleges (college hockey is big in Boston) and possibly a game featuring alumni from the 1970 Bruins team.  Ticket details have not been finalized but it is expected that tickets will be in the $250 range - similar to what they cost last year when the Winter Classic was held at Wrigley Field.

http://www.thesunblog.com/sports/archives/pooh%20bear.jpghttp://www.thesunblog.com

The Boston Bruins also announced their schedule for the 2009-2010 and when I was looking it over, I noticed that in January they will be traveling out to San Jose to play that hockey team that is favored by a certain Yankee Blogger that I know who "enjoys" losing to me. ;-)  Might I remind my friend that bears enjoying eating wildlife that swims in water! lol!

The Mid-Summer Classic


Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield watched batting practice. Neither pitcher took the mound during the game.
boston.com

Considering he threw a complete game shut-out on Sunday, I really didn't expect Josh Beckett to make it into the All-Star Game unless it went into extra innings.  Tim Wakefield on the other hand - I am not at all please that he didn't get a chance to pitch Tuesday night.  Hearing before the game that Wake would only be brought into the game if it went into extra innings did not sit well with a large portion of Red Sox Nation.  Here's a guy - 17 years in the majors - playing in his first, and possibly only, ASG, and he spends the whole night sitting in the bullpen?  8 American League pitchers made it into the game - and yet Wakefield didn't?  Ever the gentleman that he is, Wakefield said he understood that he was the only "multi-inning insurance policy" that the AL had (really - NONE of the other pitchers could go out there for more then one inning?) and that all that mattered was that he was at the game and it was okay if he didn't get the chance to pitch.  Did you know that he even brought George Kottaras' backup glove with him so that whoever had to catch for him in the game could use it?  Always thinking of others.  When asked about his experience at the ASG, Wake said that he hoped it would spark an interest in young pitchers in throwing the knuckleball.  He told the Boston Globe that he would like to see the knuckleball "back on the map" again.

Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield sat on a float in the Red Carpet Parade. The 42-year-old knuckleballer was joined by his family. boston.com



The American League Wins - Again

http://www.antiqueathlete.com/antique-baseball/vintage-baseball-reach-1909.jpg http://www.antiqueathlete.com

The American League will once again have home field advantage in the World Series for they defeated the National League 4-3 last night in St. Louie.  I know that the change was made to make the ASG seem more "exciting" if that important factor was decided during it, but honestly - I don't like it.  In football, basketball and hockey - the team with the best record gets the "home field advantage" (in football, the Super Bowl is played at a designated site each year, but throughout the rest of the playoffs if you have the best record the game is in your house.) and that really is the fair thing.  If your team is better you should get home field advantage.  It is that simple and I wish that baseball would use it.


If it wasn't Pedey, I'm glad it was Pena

Red Sox fans - and baseball fans alike - all agreed that Dustin Pedrioa made the right decision to stay home with his wife Kelli.  Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays was selected to take his spot.  I know that many people were upset that Ian Kinsler wasn't selected (honestly - I didn't care one way or the other) but after reading reports from the game, I don't think a classier, more sincere guy could have been asked to go.

http://www.fightingchancefantasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/carlos-pena.jpg http://www.fightingchancefantasy.com

Pena was already asleep late Saturday night when the call came telling him that he would be going to the ASG in Pedey's place.  He spent all day Sunday making arrangements to get his wife, daughter and parents to St. Louis and he never slept that night.  Pena, who comes from Haverhill, MA and attended Northeastern University (Did I ever mention where I graduated from college?) arrived stunned and exhausted in St. Louie but honored and humbled to among the best and to have the chance to participate in the HR Derby and the ASG.  But he didn't forget the circumstances of why he was there; as soon as he found a reporter from Boston at the HR Derby his first question was to inquire into the health of Kelli Pedroia and her unborn son.  Thank you Carlos!  When asked to sum up his experience after the HR Derby, Pena told the Boston Globe that he feels "blessed" and that he is very appreciative of everything that comes his way.  He went on to say

 "That's why I think I enjoy all of this so much, because I'm truly very grateful.  I don't take any of this for granted."

Mr. Pena - there are a lot of other athletes who should pay attention to your words.


Get Involved

To me, one of the best parts of the All-Star Game last night happened during the pre-game ceremony when 30 All-Stars Among US - one representing each of the 30 teams in the Majors - where honored for "going beyond" in their volunteer work in their communities.  There is a website MLB Go Beyond where you can get more information about charities and community efforts that you can volunteer with or donate too. And in case you missed it, you can watch the tribute by our five living US Presidents to the All-Stars Among Us. Many of our favorite athletes are involved in charitable work; perhaps it's time for more of us fans to follow their examples.

http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/volunteer/images/Volunteer%20Graphic.jpg
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us

There Has Got to be Something Better.

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That's how I felt after sitting through three plus hours of the newest form of torture know as the Homerun Derby.  At one time the event was new and exciting - Josh Hamilton anyone? - but now?  Sitting through pitch after pitch being thrown and not hit - it's tiring.  Listening to "back, back, back" approximately 12,000 times?  I'm pretty sure I lost several thousand brain cells last night.  And I wasn't the only one who felt that way.  Several Boston TV personalities were on Twitter last night - and their comments?

http://multimedia.wbz.com/thumbnails/cached_media/0000/0000680/0000680809/images/thumb.jpg wbztv.com

Dan Roche, a sports reporter for WBZ TV in Boston had this to say about the length of the Homerun Derby:

Which is longer? HR Derby or Matsuzaka complete game? #hrderby

http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/28/2008/10/17/175x131/Untitled1.jpgwbztv.com
David Wade, an anchor on WBZ TV also chimed in on the number of rounds there were in the Homerun Derby:

 Too many rounds in the HR Derby. Tiebreaker should have Wakefield pitching.

This idea I love!  Can you see them all trying to hit homeruns against the knuckleball?

There were also some of our fellow bloggers on Twitter as well.

Emily of I Live for This suggested that we should be playing a drinking game for every time we heard "Back, Back, Back." - I was concerned that we would not have made it through the first two batters.

Cliff of RaysRenegade was there and I made the suggestion to our fearless leader Mark Newman that next year Cliff should be one of the announcers for the game.

I was also chatting with one of the regulars on Brownie Points Mike (otherwise known as shakenbake) and Mike suggested that maybe they should be playing poker instead.  You know - an MLB version of the World Series of Poker.  I liked the idea!  But it also got me thinking - what else could they do instead of the Homerun Derby?  Some ideas that came to mind were:


posted on YouTube by ddsiple

A swine calling contest.  There would be points for creative dress as well as the best call.

http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/08/23/101/g_sm.jpg http://www.arrl.org

Admit it - wouldn't we all love to see our favorite players dressed like this?  Okay... then how about this....



posted on YouTube by Schlagerboys

A yodeling contest!  Think of it - the American League could form one band to compete against a yodeling band from the National League.  Think of some of videos that some of our favorite sports teams have put together.....okay....maybe that is a bad idea.  So how about



posted on YouTube by diagonaluk

A hot dog eating contest!  It could not be more perfect!   Think of how many hot dogs are eaten each day at ballparks around America!  And there were a couple of comments on Twitter last night about the amount of food some of our ballplayers consume. ;-)

Okay - maybe none of these ideas are "perfect"; okay not even close to perfect.  But seriously - some sort of changes need to be made to the Homerun Derby or MLB will find fewer and fewer fans tuning in to watch.

A Late Scratch from the All-Star Game

Must to the chagrin of Ginny over at The Watercooler Evan Longoria is a late scratch from the All-Star Game because of an infected finger.  He is being replaced by Chone Figgins.  I know how disappointed Ginny is that Evan won't be there, so....Ginny this is for you!  I found a picture of Josh Beckett - and he is smiling!

http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/08/30/1220076609_7764/539w.jpg
boston.com

I hope you feel better! :-)

He listened and Got the Job Done!

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

http://cinie.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/267-stop-the-presses.jpg
http://cinie.files.wordpress.com

A Man Listened!  And I can prove it!

In my blog yesterday I wrote this:

This afternoon the Red Sox go for their third straight win.  Josh Beckett will take the mound looking for win #11 this season and his 100th career win.  Umm...Josh, just to be sure you get it, maybe you should pitch a complete game.

So what did Josh Beckett do Sunday afternoon?  He went out and threw a 94-pitch complete game to record his 11th win of the season and his 100th career win.  JOSH LISTENED TO ME!  Maybe I should bottle this "power" I have; I would only use it for good.... ;-)

http://www.angies-treasure-chest.com/index-Dateien/Goddesses%20-%20Moon%20Goddess.jpg
http://www.angies-treasure-chest.com

The game that Josh pitched was a thing of beauty!  In the 6-0 Red Sox win over the Royals, Beckett allowed only 3 hits, walked no one and he struck out 7.  He joins Tim Wakefield in earning his 11th win of the season.  The game was his 4th career shutout and his second on this season.  Yes - he is that good.  The Royals threatened exactly once in the game.  In the 7th they loaded the bases with no outs.  And Beckett?  He threw a fastball at Brayan Pena who hit into a 4-6-3 double play. 

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WRYzUWY23r8/SGedqxubkAI/AAAAAAAAAEg/O32O8qoypoQ/s400/Game+Set+Match.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com

And he got some help from his friends..


Rookie Aaron Bates hit an RBI double in the fourth inning, one of three hits on the day for the first baseman. boston.com

Rookie Aaron Bates (called up when Jeff Bailey went on the DL) had 3 hits and one heck of a defensive play at first.

http://fantasybaseball365.com/EllsburyJuly103007.jpg http://fantasybaseball365.com

Jacoby Ellsbury stolen his 40th base of the season - his second season in a row with at least 40 stolen bases; and it is only the All-Star break.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4954071-lg.jpg

Big Papi drove in his 47th RBI of the season.  Do you know only Youk (53) and Bay (72) have more RBIs then Ortiz on the team?  Go figure!

http://z.hubpages.com/u/1209448_f520.jpg http://z.hubpages.com

No, Jason Bay did not get any hits yesterday.  For the first time since Ted Williams (you know, another left-fielder that we had) did it on May 23, 1951, JBay reached base five times without getting a hit.  The first three times he reached base?  They were 4-ball walks.  The next two times?  He was hit by the pitcher!  It was the strangest thing I had ever seen.  Thankfully Bay is okay for he will be batting 5th tomorrow night in the All-Star game.  The starting lineups for the ASG were announced today and they are:

American League

1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Mark Teixeira, 1B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Josh Hamilton, CF
7. Evan Longoria, 3B
8. Aaron Hill, 2B
9. Roy Halladay, SP

National League

1. Hanley Ramirez, SS
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Ryan Braun, RF
5. Raul Ibanez, LF
6. David Wright, 3B
7. Shane Victorino, CF
8. Yadier Molina, C
9. Tim Lincecum, SP

I appreciate the fact that the game in being played in a National League park and that is why the pitchers are batting. But I can't help but feel if they were to use the DH in the All-Star game then more players would get a chance to play!  Maybe it is something for the powers-to-be to consider.  And do you think Roy Halladay might be using this opportunity to "audition" for a new team?  Just a thought.


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Clay Buchholz is a getting a one-day "audition" if you will.  Buchholz will pitch the first game of the second half of the season for the Red Sox in Toronto on Friday.  Having him come up from Triple A allows the Red Sox to keep their rotation in tact and makes sure that any of our pitches who pitch in the All-Star game are rested and ready to go.  He struggled with his two stays with the Red Sox last seaon; I hope he does well.

And speaking of doing well....

I would say I was "surprised" at the news, but the Yankees continue to surprise me this season.  The Yankees were swept by the LA Angels this past weekend and at the All-Star break the Red Sox find themselves with a three game lead in the AL East over the NY Yankees and they have the second best record in the Majors - though they are closing fast on the Dodgers.  Two of our pitchers have the best win-lose record in the American League (Scott,  who do you feel about 11-game winners now?)  and Jason Bay leads the American League in RBIs.  And while we still have a lot of baseball left to play - I have to say I very happy where the Red Sox are.  There is no reason to think we won't be as dominate in the second half as we were in the first half.  The Red Sox this year are the real deal - and they have proved.  Plenty of Yankee fans said that losing those 8 games to us meant nothing; it was early in the season.  I ask you - do you still feel the same the way now?  For at the end of the season, if the Red Sox finish less then 8 games ahead of the Yankees,  I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of people looking at those early season games and asking......

 how do you feel about 11 game winners now?) and Jason Bay leads the AL in RBIs.  Those 8 games we won against the Yankees loom large.
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I just know it won't be Red Sox fans asking the questions.


How Many Does He Need?

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If I had to pick a caption for this photo for John Smoltz, after last night's game, I think it would say - "Memo to bullpen - JUST SHOOT ME NOW!!"  Oh - and why would it say that?  In Saturday's game - for the second time in his short career with Red Sox, he spotted a HUGE lead for the bullpen only to see them implode when they came in!

Saturday night?  When Mr. Smoltz's night was done after the 5th inning, the Red Sox were winning 9-1 and all of RSN was feeling the love - Smoltz was going to get his first win as a Red Sox!  WHOO HOOO!!  And then they came.......

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The Bullpen.

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Justin Masterson - 1/3 of an inning - 5 earned runs

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Manny Delcarmen - could you be any more inconsistent?

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Okajima.  Yes - you looked that confused.

Our bullpen saviors

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Daniel Bard.  The rookie shut the Royals down.

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And Saito closed them down.

Our bullpen gave up 8 runs!!  Thankfully our bats didn't die and we scored 6 more runs and secured a 15-9 victory over the KC Royals for John Smoltz.  It was not easy but today?  We find ourselves going into the games Sunday afternoon with a 2 game lead over the New York Yankees - who again blew a big lead in their game with the LA Angels.  (And why yes Scott, how did you know that 2 was going to be my new favorite number?)  This afternoon the Red Sox go for their third straight win.  Josh Beckett will take the mound looking for win #11 this season and his 100th career win.  Umm...Josh, just to be sure you get it, maybe you should pitch a complete game.

1,000th hit with the Red Sox

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Congrats to David Ortiz!  He recorded his 1,000th hit with the Red Sox during the game last night and he did it in style - hitting his 12th home run of the season!  Yes - his bat is HOT!


He made the right decision

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It was announced in the last few hours that Dustin Pedroia will not participate in the All-Star Game and will instead remain in Boston with his pregnant wife Kelli who remains hospitalized.  In a statement issued at 11am this morning Pedey said:

"This was certainly not an easy decision, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the game of baseball and for the All-Star Game and am incredibly honored that the fans voted me this year's starting second baseman for the American League. I am disappointed that I will not be able to enjoy the amazing experience with the other All-Stars, especially with my Red Sox teammates, but it is important that I put my family first at this time.....  I want to thank Major League Baseball as well as Tito and Theo for supporting me in this decision, I also want to thank the fans for their understanding and the continued support they have shown throughout my career."

Dustin, every member of Red Sox Nation supports you 110% and we have nothing but best wishes and prayers for you, Kelli and your unborn son.



One is All You Need

One is all you need when you win the game 1-0.  And that is what the Red Sox did Friday night. 

Jon Lester pitched eight shutout innings, allowing four hits while walking two and striking out eight as the Red Sox topped the Kansas City Royals, 1-0, Friday night at Fenway Park. Stroll through our gallery for more images from the game. boston.com

Jon Lester pitched eight shutout innings, allowing only four hits while walking two and striking out eight.

Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury (46) slams his helmet in frustration after he was called out at home in the sixth inning.boston.com

Jacoby Ellsbury was ejected from the game in the 5th inning (his first ejection at any level) when he threw his helmet after the home plate umpire called him out - and on replay you can see that he was indeed safe!

With pinch runner Aaron Bates on third base after a wild pitch, Dustin Pedroia brought in the game's lone run with a double off the Monster. boston.com

In the bottom of the 8th, daddy-to-be Dustin Pedroia drove in the only run of the game with a double high off the Green Monster.  One of only 3 hits that the Red Sox would get that night.  Kuddos to this guy...

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brian Bannister (19) tosses to first for an out to start the third inning. boston.com

Kansas City Royals pitcher Brian Bannister.  Over the course of 7 2/3 innings, he gave up only 3 hits, walked 4 and struck out 7.  He did get the lose and he and Lester both threw 115 pitches.

Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek (33) congratulates closer Jonathan Papelbon (58) after sealing the 1-0 triumph. boston.com

And thank you Papelbon!  A 1-2-3 9th inning to save the win for Lester, who improved his record to 8-6.

The game was much closer then anyone expected it to be - we really need to get more hits.  But hey, a win is a win and you really only need one run to win.  And speaking of "1".  Guess who has a one game lead again in the AL East?  Give you a hint - it is NOT that team from the state west of Massachusetts. lol!

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And yes - I know it could change anytime - but I'm going to enjoy it for now!  Is that okay with you Scott?  Hmmm...I guess your being in California wasn't a lucky charm for the Yankees last night!  ;-)  

The Yankees and Angels play again this afternoon (And as I am writing this - the Angels are beating the Yankees 9-4 in the top of the 7th.  Sweet! )
and the Red Sox take on the Royals tonight with John Smoltz taking the mound looking for his first win in a Red Sox uniform.  And when the day is over?  I predict that the Red Sox will still be on top.




And we have a no-hitter!

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Congrats to Jonathan Sanchez of the SF Giants for throwing the first no-hitter of the season!  It was the first by a Giants pitcher in 33 years and Sanchez was only starting the game because Randy Johnson had gone on to the DL.  It was almost a perfect game for him - an error did allow a Padres' baserunner - but the game was all the more special for Sanchez for his dad was in the stands. 


All-Star Bound

Before the start of Friday night's game, the six Red Sox All-Stars were presented their official game jerseys. boston.com

Prior to the game Friday night, the 6 Red Sox players who were selected to the All-Star Game were presented with their shirts for the game.  Wally, the Green Monster, was on-hand for the festivities.  It is still unclear if Dustin Pedrioa will be attending the game or not.  His wife Kelli, who is 7 months pregnant, still remains in the hospital.  Congrats to all our All-Star!  But in the eyes of Red Sox Nation all our players are All-Stars!



That was Painful

But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far
And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car
And objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are
Meatloaf's  "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer than They Are"

Not only are objects closer than they appear - the lose last night by the Red Sox to the Kansas City Royals was especially painful.  No disrespect intended towards Royals fans - but the team was coming into the series against the Red Sox 12 games under .500!   Red Sox Nation had very high hopes for this series.  Oh the game did have its share of high points.

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Big Papi recorded his 300th career HR in first inning!

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Dustin Pedroia had three hits last night.  He leads the league with 14 - 3 hit games.  And Pedey hit a home run last night as well.

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Youk's bat started to thaw and he had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs.  And we went into the top of the 4th leading 4-0 with Brad Penny doing a pretty good job of pitching.  And then things got painful.

No Cuervo Gold Margaritas
Just ain't enough good burn in tequilla
She needs somethin' with a little more edge and a little more pain
Toby Keith's Whiskey Girl

In the top of the 4th, Penny gave up 3 runs.  He would come back out and pitch the 5th inning - giving up no runs - but since he had thrown 97 pitches, his night was over.  So - how did our bullpen do?

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Manny Delcarmen - 2/3 of an inning - 2 earned runs.

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Justin Masterson - 1/3 of an inning - 2 earned runs.  (He got the lose)

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Ramon Ramirez - 1 2/3 innings - 1 earned run

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Daniel Bard - 1 1/3 innings pitched - hey!  No earned runs and 3 strike outs!

Yes, the game got painful to watch and at one point I told the group gathered on Brownie Points that maybe we needed this guy to come in and pitch for us...

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That would be former Red Sox pitcher - and Hall of Famer - Dennis Eckersley.  He is filling in for Jerry Remy in the NESN broadcast booth.  I figured he couldn't do any worse then the guys we already had out there!

I know, I know - it is only one game.  But our bullpen has struggled over the last few games and it is troubling.  We have hit a bit of a slump and yes, the Yankees are on a bit of a tear right now - yes Scott I know that your "Life Is Good" right now - and while I am not overly concerned, I think the All-star break will do them all a world of good.  The Red Sox have 3 more games against the Royals this weekend - Jon Lester takes to the mound tonight and Josh Beckett looks for his 11th win on Sunday - and I am confident that better days (and games) are ahead of us.  But boys - can we do it without causing the fans so much grief and stress?

The monster's loose
This game is win or loose
Sometimes you gotta' do it
And show the world you want it all.
Meatloaf's "The Monster is Loose"

GO RED SOX!!

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Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee

(My apologies to the great Ali for "borrowing" his line.)

Tim Wakefield was next on the Fenway mound, pitching a scoreless first inning.
boston.com

Congratulation to Tim Wakefield on win #11

While my good friend Scott reminded me last night that "The Yankees don't have a 10-game winner but they are only one game behind you, so perhaps wins by a starter is overrated!" - I think I will happily take the Red Sox's 10-game and 11-game winners.  {Something tells me he would take them for the Yankees also. ;-) }

Wednesday night Tim Wakefield became the first American League pitcher (and the second in the majors) to record 11 wins this season.  It wasn't a pretty - or easy  - game at times, but it was a 5-4 win over the Oakland A's and another "W" in the column for Wake.  Wakefield threw 100 pitches in 6+ innings; he allowed 10 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 8 and walking 1.

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I think some of the A's players would have had better luck looking at Wakefield's pitches sideways.  It was a riot watching the A's players - after they were made to look silly striking out against one of Wake's wild knuckleball pitches - try to explain to the guys in their dugout what happened.  There was a lot of hand gyrations and head shaking going on.  At times watching a knuckleballer like Wakefield can be frustrating - he does give up a lot of hits - but when he is on?  There is nothing better to watch.

Wakefield last night got JUST enough support on the field - three stolen bases by Bay, Ellsbury and Kotsay and two home runs.  A single-run HR by

It was 1-0, Oakland in the bottom of the sixth, until J.D. Drew hit a solo home run to tie the game. boston.com

J.D. Drew and a 3-run shot by none other then...

Three batters later, David Ortiz hit an absolute bomb into the right field stands to put the Sox up 4-1. It was Papi's 299th career homer.boston.com

Big Papi!  It was his 299th career home run.  Both of those home runs took place in the 6th.  To top off his night, in the 7th Ortiz drove in another run with a single that scored J.D. Drew.  (Yup - those 2 men were involved with all our scoring.)

 In the top of the 9th, Jonathan Papelbon was brought in to close out the 5-3 game and preserve the win for Wakefield.  The night before Pap got three straight outs.  Last night - not so straight forward.

Things got a little tense in the ninth, as the A's closed to within a run off Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. Pitching coach John Farrell had to make a visit to the mound to settle down Cinco Ocho.boston.com

Pap walked the leadoff batter and then a single, which left runners on first and third.  A long-fly ball allowed an A's runner to score.  Another single later in the inning left runners on first and third with 2 outs.  Papelbon finally ended the game by striking out Jack Cust.  This season Papelbon has done his best to cause ulcers in the members of Red Sox Nation.  As those of us on Brownie Points said last night, when Papelbon pitches, we need to keep these handy.

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Tonight Brad Penny will take to the mound as the Red Sox open a four-game series at home against the Kansas City Royals.  The Yankees beat the Twins this afternoon so our lead stands at 1/2 game.  I have every confidence that it will be back to one game before the evening is over.

Lester and the LIVESTRONG Campaign

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Over on Brownie Points - the blog of the Red Sox beatwriter Ian Browne - there is an article on how Jon Lester will be participating in the LIVESTRONG campaign sponsored by Nike.  (You might best know this cancer-awareness campaign from Lance Armstrong's participation.)

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Starting with Lester's start tomorrow night and for every start in July, he will be using a yellow glove to raise awareness of cancer.  Over on Brownie Points there is a link to a site where starting on Friday, July 10th you will be able to see a video of Lester talking about his battle with cancer.  The video is very personal and offers views of Lester as he was going through his treatment.  For those of you on Twitter (if you don't follow me yet - you can follow me at @werbiefitz) you might notice that some of us have the yellow LIVESTRONG bracelets over our profile photos.  We are keeping those up for the duration of the Tour de France bike race that Lance Armstrong is participating in support of raising awareness of cancer research.  If you are on Twitter - please join us in raising cancer awareness in the blogosphere.  And make sure you check out Lester's video; I know I will.


2 for 10, #20 and #50

Josh Beckett oppressed the A's for 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and a walk and striking out four on his way to his 10th victory, tied for tops in the American League. Take a look at the game photos of this Fenway Park win for the Sox. boston.com

Congratulations to Josh Beckett for becoming the second Red Sox pitcher to record 10 wins this season.  Beckett and Wakefield are the only teammates in baseball so far this season to record 10 wins!  (Tim Wakefield is going for #11 tonight!)


Jason Bay connected for a first inning solo home run, his 20th of the season. boston.com

Congratulations to Jason Bay for hitting his 20th home run of the season!  {It's a great site isn't it Scott; to see JBay in his Red Sox uniform? ;-) }

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Congratulations to the whole team for becoming just the 2nd team this season to record its 50th win.  It was a great night all around!


Nick Green was later sent flying backwards when he was buzzed by a sixth inning pitch while trying to square up for a sacrifice bunt. boston.com

Oh - and Nick Green - thank you for having such quick reflexes!  You would not be looking so good today if the ball had hit you in the face.

After having only 15 hits total in the previous three games, the Red Sox bats "exploded" with 9 hits in Tuesday night's game and we beat the Oakland A's 5-2.  Beckett's pitching?  What can I say!  Since May began he is 8-1 with a 2.38 ERA and he has pitched at least 6 innings in all of his 12 starts.  It just doesn't get much better then that!  The team is loose (after recording his 8th steal of the season last night, Jason Bay told Jacoby Ellsbury to watch out he was gunning for him.  Of course Jacoby got his 36th steal last night.), they don't give up and they are supportive of each other.  And they have the second best record in all the majors and are at the top of the AL East.  (Scott we only need to be in the lead by one game to win the division!)  Oh - and did I mention that Beckett and Jon Lester are the first Red Sox teammates since 2004 to record 100 or more strike outs before the All-Star break?  Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez did it that year and we all know what happened in 2004 - right?

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Game 7, 2004 ALCS anyone? ;-)

And no, this is not being cocky; that is having faith in my team.

The Red Sox play the last game of this series against the A's tonight and then they play a 4 game series, at home, against the Kansas City Royals before most of the team has 4 days off for the All-Star break - after which the team will travel to Toronto to start the second half of the season.  The team is in pretty good shape - Mike Lowell and Jed Lowrie should be rejoining the team after the break, we have a number of quality pitchers sitting in our farm system and with Theo, you never know what trades might be in the works.  Do you think we'll see a "Doc" in a Red Sox uniform?  Only time will tell.

And I have to thank Scott for this one....

I had some how forgotten that today was my favorite distraction's birthday!

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Toby Keith turns 48 today!  My regular readers know that I can be "distracted" by him on occasion; but it will not distract me from picking out something suitable for Scott to wear when my Red Sox beat his Yankees AGAIN in a few weeks! ;-)  {Nice try though my friend! :-) }  While I look through some photos.....yeah - of Red Sox attire, that's it!....you can enjoy Toby Keith's video to his hit song American Soldier which I would like to dedicate to all our men and women in uniform and especially to the newest member of the Brownie Brigade (over on the Red Sox beat writer Ian Browne's blog Brownie Points) Mike.  Mike is a member of the US Air Force (he is retiring in January after - I think I have this right - 25 years of service) and he is currently stationed in Kunsan, South Korea.  There are always a few of us chatting on Brownie Points during the Red Sox games, so stop over and say hi.

GO RED SOX!!


 


Fenway Faithful Rose to the Occasion

I need to start by sending out well wishes and prayers to Dustin Pedroia and his wife Kelli.  She went into labor 7 weeks early last night and that is why Pedey was a late scratch from the game.  The doctors were able to stop her contractions and she is resting in the hospital.  After the game last night Terry Francona went to the hospital to be with the young couple.  Going into labor early is a very scary thing.  Trust me.  I wish nothing but the best for them.

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*************************************************************************************************************
Nomar Garciaparra
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The Fenway Faithful did what we do best.  We can forgive and forget and we let Nomar know that he still has a place in our hearts.  The ovation was long and loud when he went to plate in the top of the 2nd inning.  The player who won two batting titles, made five All-Star teams, and won the 1996 Rookie of the Year Award while playing for the Sox was back where his career began -  and where he actually thought he would end his career.  He had this to say before the game.



Sadly, like too many players, the business side of the game came to consume Nomar and he started to have a toxic affect on the team.  He couldn't leave it at home and come to the ballpark to play.  And the other players let their feelings be know to Theo - Nomar had to go.  It was a shocking trade when it happened in 2004 - and there are many who feel that we would not have won the World Series in 2004 if he remained on the team.  Over the years, Nomar has had time to reflect back on what happened and even he realizes that he did not handle things well.  And in his heart - he would love to come back and finish his career here in Boston.  And with the Red Sox possibly looking for another bat off the bench - his wish might not be so far fetched.

Nomar's return would have been all the better for Red Sox Nation if we had actually won the game!  We could only muster 2 hits against this man....

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Brett Anderson.  The 21-year old rookie threw a 2-hit, complete game, shut out.  He was so loose and relaxed that even late in the game he was laughing and joking with his team mates in the dugout.  He felt no pressure pitching in historic Fenway.  John Smoltz, on the other hand did not have as good of a night.

John Smoltz was a star with the Atlanta Braves for over 20 years before a shoulder injury derailed his 2008 season and the team opted not to renew his contract. Boston took a chance on the legendary pitcher, signing the eight-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner to a one-year contract for 2009. Smoltz is now hoping to find himself a following in Boston when he makes his first Fenway start tonight. Like Smoltz, here's a list of some former, and current, Sox players who were stars elsewhere before coming to Boston to attempt to shine here. boston.com

Smoltz had a good start going to until the 4th inning when the A's got 5 of their 10 hits and he gave up 4 runs.  His record is now 0-2, with one no decision, for the Red Sox.  You could see on his face last night the frustration that he was feeling as the game slipped away from him.  He wants so desperately to win again - and that can be good and bad.  He feels that he is "almost there" - RSN can only hope so.  Provided the weather cooperates, Josh Beckett will take the mound tonight.

And speaking of weather.....


hail.jpgThat's my deck today and that is why there is some concern about getting tonight's game in.  I live in the Boston area - have my whole life - and I have never seen a thunder storm like the one that rolled through this afternoon.  In course of just over an hour we had over 5 inches of rain and enough hail to cover my deck.  And to damage a lot of my plants.  Bummer.  More storms are expected to roll in later tonight and the timing of them could effect the game.

Anyone else tired of bad news?

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Less then two months after Phil Mickelson's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was announced today that his mother has also been diagnosed with breast cancer and she will have surgery later this week.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mickelson family.  Life can be cruel sometimes.


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I send my condolences out to the family of Steve "Air" McNair - retired quarterback of the Tennessee Titans.  The circumstances of his death are still unknown - but sadly, it is another life then ended much too soon.

An Old Friend Visits

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Do you remember him?  For the first time since he was traded in 2004, Nomar Garciaparra will be back at Fenway tonight when the Oakland A's come to town.  Nomar says he's looking forward to being back in Boston - a city that that will always have a special place in his heart.  When the Red Sox played the A's in Oakland in April, Nomar went 1 for 4 with a solo home run and a walk.  He has only played in 31 games this season; I hope he gets the chance to play at Fenway - I suspect the fans will give him a very warm reception.  Welcome back to an Old Friend.

Another Fenway Debut

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John Smoltz will make his Fenway debut tonight as a Red Sox.  And the Fenway faithful are hoping that he will be as effective for the Red Sox at Fenway as he was for the Braves.  In his previous starts at Fenway, he has pitched 20 2/3 innings, allowing no earned runs and earning two wins and 2 saves.  When asked by the reporters for the Boston Globe about the kind of reception he might get before the game, he says that it won't matter to him.  What will matter is getting runners out during the game and making the fans cheer louder and louder as the game goes on.  I like that attitude!


Okay - this does not leave me with a warm, fuzzy feeling....

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There are reports that first baseman Jeff Bailey might miss an extended period of play - or maybe even go onto the DL - because of an injury he received in the game on Saturday.  He rolled his ankle in a collision at first base and on Sunday he was wearing an air cast.  Terry Francona had planned on using Bailey against the A's two left-handed pitchers, allowing Mark Kotsay to rest as he is nursing an aggravated calf injury he sustained when the team was in Baltimore.  Our options if both of these men are out?  Well, Tito did say earlier last week that Nick Green could play third, allowing Kevin Youkillis to go back to first.  But who would that leave us with at shortstop - since Jed Lowrie is not ready to return yet?

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Julio Lugo.  Stop laughing Scott.


And Extended Stay in the Sunshine State

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The Red Sox have announced that they are sending Dice-K down to their facility in Florida for an extended rehab stay.  There is no timetable for his return, but there is the possibility of Dice-K rejoining the team sometime late in the season.  With the amount of pitching talent we have here in Boston and in our farm system, I don't think we will see them rushing Dice-K back until all his problems are solved.


In other sporting news

The Big 3 were too much to turn down!  NBA sources have confirmed that

http://wendellwallace.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/rasheed_wallace.jpg http://wendellwallace.com

Rasheed Wallace will be signing with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday; the first day that free agents can sign.  According to his agent Bill Strickland today on Boston.com:

"Once [Wallace] had a chance to reflect on everything, and realizing what his objectives are, he just decided this was the best fit for him, all the way around.  He has always wanted to be on a team that plays with a team effort, and Boston won the championship with a team like that. Boston has three potential Hall of Famers -- Rasheed has played with a lot of talent, but not with a concentration of talent like this."

And what Wallace is about to find out about playing in Boston is what a lot of other athletes have found out recently about our town.  Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe said it best:

From Corey Dillon to Randy Moss to Kevin Garnett and John Smoltz, the greatest athletes in America now come here for redemption, for one final chance to win, for the right to climb aboard the duck boats and negotiate their way through the nooks and crannies of Sportstown, USA.

Welcome to Boston Rasheed.  Hope you're up to the challenge.



His Wait is Over

http://redsoxhen.mlblogs.com/red_sox_hen/images/waket.jpg
weei.com

Congratulations to All-Star Tim Wakefield!!

While we members of Red Sox Nation have known this for the last 14 years, the rest of Major League Baseball has finally figured out that Tim Wakefield (in his 17th season in the pros) is an All-Star!! 

Sunday afternoon, pitching coach John Farrell told Wake, just before the start of the game, that Tito wanted to see him.  Wakefield thought it was going to be the news that he didn't get selected for the All-Star Game.  He really thought that when he saw Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkillis, Jason Bay, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon leaving Tito's office.  He went in, and try as he might, Tito could not keep a straight face as he tried to "lie" about Wake not making it to the All-Star Game!  And Wakefield was touched that his manager cared enough about him to try and have some fun with him.

Early in the game on Sunday (which the Red Sox won!) the PA announcer let the fans know who would be representing the Red Sox at the All-Star Game.  Starting the game will be...

http://www.customauthenticjerseys.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dustin-pedroia-named-mvp.jpghttp://www.customauthenticjerseys.com

Dustin Pedrioa at second base and in the outfield

http://mysportsrumors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/jason_bay.jpghttp://mysportsrumors.com

Jason Bay

On the AL Reserves is the second place vote getter on first base

http://smokingwithhank.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/youkilis.jpghttp://smokingwithhank.com

Kevin Youkillis.  Joining Tim Wakefield in the bullpen will be

http://thestartingfive.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/josh-beckett5.jpghttp://thestartingfive.com

Josh Beckett and our Ace closer

http://swamigp.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/papelbon.jpg http://swamigp.files.wordpress.com

Jonathan Papelbon.  The Red Sox are the only team in the American League to have 6 players going to the game.  A record 223.5 million votes were cast in the All-Star voting and the game will be played on July 14th in St. Louis.

Congrats to all the players who were selected for the team and especially to Tim Wakefield!  Go Red Sox and Go American League!!

A different kind of Dedication Blog

 I hope you all had a great 4th of July!  My family and I enjoyed the first day that we had sun from the moment we got up until the moment we went to bed in ages!  It was a glorious day.  Okay - perhaps it would have been more glorious if the Red Sox had not lost their second game in a row and if Scott's Yankees were not just one game back in the standings.  And thank you Scott for sharing that #1 is your new favorite number. ;-)

Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling read part of a speech from Lou Gehrig in a pregame ceremony honoring the former MLB great and raising awareness for ALS.
boston.com

Curt Schilling participated in the ceremony honoring baseball great Lou Gehrig.  Schilling, who has raised funds for ALS research for over 20 years, read part of Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech.  Curt also has a deep admiration for Gehrig and one of Curt's sons is named Gehrig.


Mariners rightfielder Ichiro Suzuki (51) looked back after striking out in the first inning as Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek (33) dusted off his mask.
boston.com

Jason Vartiek did his part to honor both our Nation's Birthday and our returning Military Veterans.  He also did his part for the Red Sox by hitting a 2-run homer in the second; and that would be all the Red Sox scoring for the day.  For the second game in a row (really over the last five games) our bullpen has proven that it is human after all.  And games that earlier in the season we took for granted that we would win are suddenly not so easy to win.  But I'm not going panic - there is a lot of baseball left and I know that our ship will right itself.  Jon Lester takes the mound today in the last game of our series against the Mariners.  (And no Scott, my saying "Go Mariners" early this week is NOT coming back to haunt me.)

My Dedication to my latest Ranking on the Fans Leader's List

Thank you all for reading my blog.  In the tradition begun by Jimmy Curran of  Baseball, The Yankees and Life, I would like to dedicate my #4 ranking to a great Boston Athlete; but this time my dedication is a little bit different.  Normally I would dedicate my blog to a great Red Sox player who had worn the #4.  But as my regular readers know - I am on a mission to get the Red Sox to resign as soon as possible this player -

http://mysportsrumors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/jason_bay.jpg http://mysportsrumors.com

Jason Bay.  And what you might not know is that one of Bay's sports idols is a Boston Sports Legend who wore the #4 (fate in my ranking if you ask me!) - so Mr. Bay, for you, I dedicated my #4 ranking to that great Boston Sports Legend....

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4740132/104414_Full.jpg  Bobby Orr
ttp://i.ehow.com/

Robert Gordon "Bobby" Orr was born in Parry Sound, Ontario Canada and he is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time.  He played almost his entire career with the Boston Bruins, though he did end his NHL time with 3 very brief seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks where he was only able to play 26 games over that time due to injuries.  (He never cashed any of his checks from the Blackhawks stating that he was paid to play hockey and if he couldn't play he should not get paid.)

Orr was a defenceman without peers.  When he retired he had scored 270 goals and had 645 assists in 657 games and he was the leading defenceman in NHL history in goals, assists and points; 10th overall in assists and 19th in points.  The only players to score more goals per game then he are Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.

http://blog.habscast.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/bobby-orr-1.jpg
http://blog.habscast.com

When Orr arrived in the NHL in 1967, defencemen were not know for scoring and his style of play has influenced all the defencemen who followed him.  He won the Calder Memorial Trophy for outstanding rookie that season, but he would also suffer his first knee injury; a foreshadowing of things to come.  During his time with the Bruins, he won two Stanley Cup trophies and he won a record eight Norris Trophies for the League's best defenceman.  He also remains the only defenceman to win the League's Art Ross Trophy - twice - for being the league leader in scoring.

http://www3.telus.net/Orr/BobbyOrrCollagecup.jpg
http://www3.telus.net


Bobby Orr was plagued his entire career by knee injuries - he had over a dozen knee surgeries and by 1978 he could barely walk, let alone skate.  He announced that he would retire from hockey and the NHL waved its three-year waiting period for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame (this has only been done 10 times in its history) and at the age of 31 Bobby Orr became the youngest player ever inducted into the Hockey HOF. 

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2009/06/17/Greene_spt_soxflorida17__1245288600_7722.jpg
boston.com

And on the night that the Boston Red Sox celebrated their 500th consecutive home game sell-out, Jason Bay got to meet - for the very first time - his idol, Mr. Bobby Orr!  (I hope you noticed Jason Bay's number - 44 - 2, 4s!)  But JBay, just think of this - if you re-sign with the Red Sox, you'll have many more chances to meet your idol!  So Mr. Bay and Mr. Theo - GET IT DONE!!

Happy 4th and Safe Travels to a Part-time RSN Member

http://www.jimrlong.com/Patriotic/AmericaTheBeautiful/America_the_beautiful.jpg
http://www.jimrlong.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured
before they died.

 

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.  
 
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
 
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
 
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
 
What kind of men were they?
 
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. 
  
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
  
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.


Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

 
At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over Nelson's home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
 
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
 
 John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. 
 
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these Patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
 
  Remember: Freedom is never free!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/66/181276290_ad5eaa1a7f.jpg
  http://farm1.static.flickr.com

And I would like to wish my favorite "Yankee/sometimes Red Sox blogger" safe travels as he heads back to California this weekend!


scott.jpgYou do know Scott that moving back to California will NOT help the Yankees beat the Red Sox, right?  Have no fear - Red Sox attire can find it's way to the West Coast! ;-)  And I meant to say "Thank you" for the kind video that you put up on your blog today.  You know, the one that reminded you of what I must have been like as a baby?  I'll admit it - it was cute.  But you are not going to believe it!  I found a video of what you must be like when you're sitting on the beach in California and the Yankees lose!  No, really - it so reminds me of you!


posted on YouTube by mccatman82

No need to thank me! LOL!

Seriously Scott, safe travels and I look forward to hearing about the Yankees from the West Coast after you are settled.  Oh - and you do know that your San Jose Sharks are NOT going to beat my Bruins this year - right?  Game on my friend! ;-)

#4 One more time!

The Latest Leader's List is out - and thank you all for reading - I'm #4 again!  In case you missed the list - here it is:

FANS
1. Confessions of a She-Fan
2. Red State Blue State
3. The Happy Youngster...Brew Town's Ballhawk
4. Julia's Rants
5. The Future Blog of the Red Sox
6. Rockpile Rant
7. FutureAngels.com
8. Phillies Phollowers
9. Pick Me Up Some Mets!
10. The 'Burgh Blues
11. Counting Baseballs
12. I'm Not A Headline Guy...
13. I Live for This
14. Blogging Dodgers and Baseball
15. Life and Indians Baseball through the Eyes of a Clemson Girl
16. THE BOSTON RED SOX BLOG
17. Eat, Sleep, Baseball
18. New Yuck Yankees
19. Rays Renegade
20. The NYC Autograph Collector
21. Unfinished Business
22. Plunking Gomez
23. A Diatribe from a Journalism Student: Baseball Edition
24. BravesRed
25. Yankees Chick
26. Pittsburgh Pirates - Bucco Blog
27. Rocky Mountain Way...Outside Coors looking in
28. The Payoff Pitch
29. Baseball, The Yankees, and Life...
30. LA NACION MEDIAS ROJAS
31. King of Cali
32. Hook, Line Drive, & Sinker
33. The Yankees Baseball Whisperer
34. The Pittsburgh Peas
35. Bruce Markusen's Cooperstown Confidential
36. Statistician Magician
37. Flair For The Dramatic
38. The Diamond Diva
39. Crops on the Farm
40. Hello Halos! My View of the Big A
41. Cook & Son Bats' Blog
42. Baseball Cleats & Shoes
43. The Season Experience
44. Cardinal Girl
45. Baseball's Hottest Wives
46. Baseball Canadiana
47. Everything Baseball
48. A Misplaced Astros Fan
49. The Trop Autograph Collector
50. Angels Insider


MLB.COM BEAT WRITERS
1. Bowman's Blog
2. Brownie Points
3. Muskat Ramblings
4. Obviously, You're Not a Golfer
5. Beck's Blog
6. The Zo Zone
7. CastroTurf
8. Bombers Beat
9. Postcards from Elysian Fields
10. Brew Beat
11. Mark My Word
12. Haft-Baked Ideas
13. By Gosh, It's Langosch
14. Tag's Lines
15. Major League Bastian
16. The Fish Pond
17. Being Ozzie Guillen
18. All Nats All the Time
19. Noble Thoughts
20. Kenny G Around the Horn
21. rallymonkeys
22. Jim Street Vet Scribe
23. Kelly's Corner
24. Big Urb Baseball
25. Hardball in the Rockies
26. Inside the D-backs
27. The Spence Report
28. Who's your Padre?
29. Rays Plays
30. Royals Beat


MLB PRO
1. MetsBlog.com
2. Bronx Banter
3. Mets Minor League Blog
4. The Kimberly Jones Blog
5. The USA Baseball 16U Blog
6. Inside the Dodgers
7. Was Watching
8. Pinstriped Bible
9. YES Blog
10. Baseball Nerd
11. MLB.com Fantasy 411
12. The Baseball Collector
13. Reds Internal Affairs
14. Alyson's Footnotes
15. Inside the White Sox
16. Around the Horn in KC
17. *touch* 'em all
18. Beat the Streak Report
19. B3: Big, Bald and Beautiful
20. The Blob 21. Phillies Insider
22. Harold Reynolds Presents
23. Deep in the Red
24. Red Sox Insider Blog
25. Newberg Report
26. MLBlogosphere (LOL)
27. Vine Line's Cubs Club Blog
28. Inside the Giants Clubhouse
29. Mrs. Singy
30. The Pulse
31. Tommy Lasorda's World
32. Inside the Chiefs
33. MLB Urban Youth Academy
34. Kaat's Korner
35. Ben's Biz Blog
36. Friar John's Blog
37. Twins Ballpark Update
38. Brian Anderson's House of Blogs
39. The Max
40. Is this thing on?
41. Off The Wall with Chris Shearn
42. Down the Line with the Phillies Ballgirls
43. Heard It From Hoard
44. View From the Booth
45. Delmarva Shorebirds Blog
46. The LumberBlog
47. MURRAY COOK'S FIELD BLOG
48. Comerica Park, 48201
49. Psychollingy
50. Notes from NatsTown


PLAYERS
1. Reed Between the Lines
2. Ank's Blog
3. Torii's Storiis
4. Behind the Mask
5. Disco Hayes
6. Matt's Blog
7. Plugging the Leake
8. Derek's Blog
9. Beau knows diddly
10. Dining with 'Dre
11. kevin slowey's (offseason) blog
12. Laying Down the Lawrie
13. 30 is the new 20
14. Deep Thoughts By Gordon Beckham
15. Moskie Madness
16. Future in Pinstripes
17. Plouffe!
18. Perk's Place
19. The Doctor (Doolittle) Is In
20. Life in Grey Pants

Congrats to everyone who blogs here!  No matter what your ranking - we are all better because you are here writing and reading and commenting!  And thank you to all who take the time to stop and read here!  Look for my dedication blog to worthy #4 coming up later today!

~ Julia

Ramblings on an off day

The Red Sox have a well deserved day off.  Tomorrow they will begin a holiday series against the Seattle Mariners - who will hopefully be coming off a win against the New York Yankees! ;-)  But even on off days there are plenty of things to talk about.


Jason and wife, Kristen Bay
boston.com

Congratulations to Jason Bay!  He was sworn in today as a U.S. Citizen!  Bay, a native of Canada, attended the ceremony at Faneuil Hall with his wife Kristen.  Bay joins a list of Red Sox players who have become citizens while playing in Boston.


David Ortiz boston.com

In March of 2008 David Ortiz was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen at the JFK Library.

Manny Ramirez boston.com

And in 2004 Manny Ramirez also became a citizen.

Jason - Welcome to America!  And with our Country preparing to celebrate its birthday on Saturday, you could not have picked a better time.

And Speaking of Saturday....

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In addition to Saturday being the birthday of America, it is also the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's speech announcing his retirement from the New York Yankees and from baseball.  Less then two years later he would be die from ALS - or the neuromuscular disease more commonly know as "Lou Gehrig's" Disease today.  At all major league ballparks on Saturday monies will be raised to help find a cure for this horrible disease and during ceremonies in the 7th inning Mr. Gehrig's speech will be read.  There is a new blog on MLBlogs called 4ALS Awareness  were you can find information about the ceremonies this weekend, more about ALS and most importantly, you can find out information on how to make donations to help find a cure. 

I have a friend who suffers from this disease - and it is a death sentence.  So whether you are a Yankees fan, a Red Sox fan (Curt Schilling has been raising funds for ALS research for over 20 years) or just a fan of the game, please join all of baseball in helping to wipeout Lou Gehrig's Disease.


http://baseballdeworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mlb-veterans-1_opt.jpghttp://baseballdeworld.com

Also this weekend, MLB will continue its commitment to helping returning veterans and their family adjust to civilian life through the Welcome Back Vererans website.  All onfield personnel will be wearing the stars and stripes hats....

http://neweracaptalk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bos-red-sox-stars-stripes.jpg
http://neweracaptalk.com

in honor of all are men and women how are serving, or who have served, in the U.S. Military.  Please check out the site and see what you can do to help our returning Vets.  We all owe them a debt and the 4th of July Weekend seems to be a good weekend to start paying it off.  (And can I make a personal plea - all the complaining I read on blogs after MLB debuted these hats on Memorial Day?  Who really cares if the hat doesn't match your team's uniform?  Would you please look at the reason these hats are being worn and "check your complaints" at the door.  I have a lot of respect for the Veterans of our country and hearing petty complaints, to me, is just not necessary.)

A little other Boston Sports News

My good friend Scott might be interested in this news.  It was reported late today that the Boston Celtics have made an offer to Rasheed Wallace of the Detroit Pistons.

http://clutch3.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/sheed.jpghttp://clutch3.files.wordpress.com

To prove how serious they were with their offer, attending the meeting today with Wallace was the Celtics Big 3, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, coach Doc Rivers, president Danny Ainge, and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck.  Impressive.  No word yet on if Wallace accepted or not.  But regardless of what ESPN might be saying, no one can count the Celtics out for next season quite yet. ;-)

And finally....

We have had a lot of this here lately.

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The month of June was rainy, cloudy and cool (#2 on the list!) and July is starting off the same way.  sigh.... But in the interest of public safety, the Boston Globe today published instructions on how to build an ark.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a3/LoveInArk.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org

Yes, an ark.  You can find the directions here.  You know, in case it's raining in biblical proportions were you are too.  I know.  But with all the rain we've had here - I actually found it funny.  Must be the lack of sunshine.


Don't Stop Believing


posted on YouTube by sharrralou

As a Red Sox fan - I NEVER stop believing!

Tuesday night?  We were up 10-1 after six and 1/2 innings. 


Red Sox starting pitcher John Smoltz delivers a pitch against the Orioles in the first inning at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Smoltz gave up one run on three hits over four innings of work, but didn't return after a 71-minute rain delay in the middle of the fifth inning.boston.com

John Smoltz, in his second start with the Red Sox, only gave up one run on three hits over four innings of work, but didn't return after a 71-minute rain delay in the middle of the fifth inning.  All of Red Sox Nation was delighted - we were up 9-1 when the rain hit.


Kevin Youkilis celebrated with Julio Lugo after his two-run home run in the first.boston.com

Youk had a two runner homer in the first.

After the rain delay Justin Masterson came in and pitched two great innings.  And then?  All heck broke loose.  The Baltimore Orioles scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 7th and 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th.

Orioles infielder Oscar Salazar celebrated his three-run home run in the seventh with Luke Scott, Nolan Reimold and Matt Wieters. boston.com

It was not pretty.  Before it was over, the Red Sox would relinquish their second largest lead in a game ever and lose the game 11-10.  Yeah.  But you know what?  It's the Red Sox!  You always keep believing!

And then we have the game Wednesday afternoon!

Red Sox starter Josh Beckett struggled early but settled down after giving up a home run to Baltimore's Ty Wigginton in the fourth inning. boston.com

Josh Beckett struggled early in the game.  And by the time the top of the 9th came around?  The Red Sox were down 5-1.  Not good.  But it is the Red Sox!  Don't stop believing!

Kevin Youkilis celebrates his two-run home run against the Orioles during the ninth inning that brought the Sox to within two runs of Baltimore.boston.com

The O's walk Dustin Pedroia and then BOOM!  A two run homer for Youk!  5-3.

Then we get to 2 out with 2 on.  The pitcher is Sherrill for the O's.  He walks Jason Varitek to load the bases.  Rocco Baldelli comes up to bat.


Red Sox pinch hitter Rocco Baldelli gets a bases-loaded single off of Orioles relief pitcher George Sherrill that scored two runs to tie the game and send it into extra innings. boston.com

He hits a single!  He drives in 2 runs and ties the game at 5-5!  Fast forward to the top of the 11th.


Julio Lugo swings for a single to drive in the winning run against the Orioles during the 11th inning.boston.com

Yes I know, I can't believe I'm saying this either - but in the top of the 11th Julio Lugo drove in the winning run!


Red Sox relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon follows through on his pitching delivery against the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th inning. Papelbon recorded his 20th save of the season in the Red Sox win, and also set a Red Sox record for most career saves by a relief pitcher in club history.boston.com

In the bottom of the 11th Jonathan Papelbon recorded his 20th save of the season and he set a Red Sox record for most career saves by a relief pitcher in club history.  The Red Sox had won the game 6-5!  They had won the series against the O's and remided all their fans to never stop believing.  They team has a well deserved day off on Thursday.


I Was Thinking....

I know - usually a dangerous thing -  but work with me here.  By now you have heard that the Yankees have acquired Eric Hinske from the Pirates.

http://blog.silive.com/sportsstories/2009/06/large_HINKSE-YANKEES-06-30-09.jpg http://blog.silive.com

My good friend Scott did NOT like this trade!  And why?  Because Hinske use to play for...

http://blog.masslive.com/redsoxmonster/medium_erichinskewin.jpg http://blog.masslive.com

Yes!  The Good Guys!  He was on our team in 2007!  (Scott could you remind us all who won the World Series in 2007?)  Anyway...the man who is Not a Headline Guy is tired of seeing former Red Sox players play for the Yankees and vis-a-versa.  And it got me thinking - why is that the case?  Why do so many players go back and forth between our two teams?  And what possibly could have inspired Brian Cashman to go out and trade for Hinske?  And then it came to me!  How could I not have seen that?  The reason that Cashman had to go out and sign a former Red Sox player at this time?  It's very simple.  He saw this.....

redsoxarebetter.jpg
on him!

scottredsoxbetter.jpg
Keep wearing it Scott!  I'm sure there are some other former Red Sox players that need a home! ;-)  And you know what?  You are so right....

The Red Sox Are Better! ;-)






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