Dear Diary
Aug. 12 Moved to our new home in Connecticut. It is so beautiful here. The mountians are so majestic. I can hardly wait to see the snow covering them.
Oct. 14 Connecticut is the most beautiful place on earth. The leaves have turned all the colors and shades of red and orange. Went for a ride through the beautiful mountians and saw some deer. They are so graceful. Certianly they are the most wonderful animal on earth. This must be paradise. I love it here.
Nov. 11 Deer season will start soon. I can't imagine any one wanting to kill such a gorgeous creature. Hope it will snow soon. I love it so much here.
Dec. 2 It snowed last night. I woke to find everything blanketed with white. It looks like a postcard. We went outside and cleaned the snow off the steps and shoveled the driveway. We had a snowball fight ( I won ), and when the plow came by, we had to shovel the driveway again. What a beautiful place. I love connecticut.
Dec. 12 More snow last night. I love it. The snow plow did his trick again to the driveway. I love it here.
Dec. 19 More snow last night. Couldn't get out of the driveway to get to work. I'm exhausted from shoveling. F*#*ing snow plow.
Dec. 22 More of that white shit fell last night. I've got blisters on my hands from shoveling. I think the snow plow hides up around the corner and waits until I'm done shoveling the driveway. Asshole.
Dec. 25 Merry f@#$ing christmas. More friggin snow. If I ever get my hands on that son-of-a-bitch who drives the snow plow, I swear I'll kill the bastard. I don't know why they don't use more salt on the roads to melt the f#@%ing ice.
Dec. 27 More white shit last night. Been inside for three days except for shoveling out the driveway after the snow plow goes through every time. Can't go anywhere, cars stuck in a mountian of white shit. The weatherman says to expect another 10" of the shit again tonight.
Dec. 28 The f*#$ing weatherman was wrong. We got 24" of that white shit this time. At this rate it wont melt before the summer. The snow plow got stuck up the street and that bastard came to the door and asked to borrow my shovel. After I explained how I had broken 6 shovels already shoveling all the shit he pushed into the driveway, I broke my last one over his f(@*ing head.
Jan. 4 Finally got out of the house today. Went to the store to get food and on the way home a damned deer ran in front of the car and I hit it. Did about $3,000 damage to the car. Those f@*#ing beasts should be killed. I wish the hunters had killed them all last november.
May 3 Took the car to the garage in town. Would you believe the thing is rusting out from all that f*@#ing salt they put all over the roads.
May 10 Moved to Georgia. I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would ever live in that God-forsaken state of Connecticut.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Why I Left New England
A student brought this in for me today. It's about Connecticut, but it pretty much applies to the whole northeast...
Random musings
stupid groundhog
Just when I have reached the breaking point of winter -- that point where I can't take one more cold day -- when the depression of winter turns to anger -- I need a target for that anger -- and suddenly that damn groundhog sees his damn shadow and silently declares SIX more weeks of winter. The image of Bill Murray frantically driving off a ledge with that stupid groundhog in tow....
I've never wanted a new laptop so badly
Yesterday, I saw the new apple commerical. They pull a laptop computer out of a manilla envelope. Holy crap!
Britney
Britney Spears suddenly has a dad. His name is Jamie. Her mom's name is Lynn and her sister's name is, obviously, Jamie Lynn. Creative, huh?
Just when I have reached the breaking point of winter -- that point where I can't take one more cold day -- when the depression of winter turns to anger -- I need a target for that anger -- and suddenly that damn groundhog sees his damn shadow and silently declares SIX more weeks of winter. The image of Bill Murray frantically driving off a ledge with that stupid groundhog in tow....
I've never wanted a new laptop so badly
Yesterday, I saw the new apple commerical. They pull a laptop computer out of a manilla envelope. Holy crap!
Britney
Britney Spears suddenly has a dad. His name is Jamie. Her mom's name is Lynn and her sister's name is, obviously, Jamie Lynn. Creative, huh?
Friday, February 1, 2008
Kimmel's Unnecessary Censorship
I work at 6am, so I never watch late night tv. I did however, accidently tape Kimmel last night and just watched it. It was his anniversary show, so he did an anniversary version of Unnecessary Censorship in which they censor things that don't need censoring. The result is the funniest bit of tv I've seen in a long time:
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Send the Man to San Fran, Closer to Japan
July 2, 2007
The All-Star voting results were announced and FIVE Sox were celebrated -- Ortiz, Ramirez, Beckett, Lowell, and Papelbon. Furthermore, Hideki Okajima was named to an online ballot and Red Sox Nation was called to action to vote.
all the hot pitchers either come from or end up in texas
The game gave Gabbard his second win and Jacoby a few more firsts -- he got his first outfield hit, his first walk, his first stolen base, and his first time crossing homeplate. Here's a bunch of those firsts in one clip!
In other news, a fan's sign got Don wondering how many games Jerry had attended. Remy admitted that he took the announcing job in 1988. Holy heck -- that's 20 years! At 150 games a year, that 3,000 games! And that's just announcing -- not playing or coaching. I think it's fair to say that Jerry Remy knows baseball! A new camera up in the announcing booth, brought Jerry and Don's bickering to a new level...
The All-Star voting results were announced and FIVE Sox were celebrated -- Ortiz, Ramirez, Beckett, Lowell, and Papelbon. Furthermore, Hideki Okajima was named to an online ballot and Red Sox Nation was called to action to vote.
The game gave Gabbard his second win and Jacoby a few more firsts -- he got his first outfield hit, his first walk, his first stolen base, and his first time crossing homeplate. Here's a bunch of those firsts in one clip!
In other news, a fan's sign got Don wondering how many games Jerry had attended. Remy admitted that he took the announcing job in 1988. Holy heck -- that's 20 years! At 150 games a year, that 3,000 games! And that's just announcing -- not playing or coaching. I think it's fair to say that Jerry Remy knows baseball! A new camera up in the announcing booth, brought Jerry and Don's bickering to a new level...
Phewwwww! The family is intact...
So the Mets are gonna get Santana. Yes, it would have been nice to have another established Cy Young caliber starter, but Santana going to the Mets is best case scenario in my mind because (A) we get to keep our kids -- Ellsbury and Lester, (B) the Yankees didn't get Santana either and (C) Santana now plays for the National League, so who cares!
I would be the most cautious trader if I were in power. I can't even begin to count the number of times that the Sox trades have come back to bite us in the ass -- For instance, last night I watched cutie Kason (like Jason with a K because he gets a lot of them ;)) Gabbard get his second win of the season against his future team, the Texas Rangers. And the day before that and the day before that I watched Eric Gag-me, still a Texas Ranger, throw 2 well pitched saves. It makes steam build between my ears to watch him pitch so well against us, knowing how shitty he pitched for us. Errrrr.... And to think we gave up a decent prospect like Gabbard to get him..errrrrrrr.... So no, I don't really like trades all that much. (Except the one that brought us Beckett and Lowell. That was a good one =))
I would be the most cautious trader if I were in power. I can't even begin to count the number of times that the Sox trades have come back to bite us in the ass -- For instance, last night I watched cutie Kason (like Jason with a K because he gets a lot of them ;)) Gabbard get his second win of the season against his future team, the Texas Rangers. And the day before that and the day before that I watched Eric Gag-me, still a Texas Ranger, throw 2 well pitched saves. It makes steam build between my ears to watch him pitch so well against us, knowing how shitty he pitched for us. Errrrr.... And to think we gave up a decent prospect like Gabbard to get him..errrrrrrr.... So no, I don't really like trades all that much. (Except the one that brought us Beckett and Lowell. That was a good one =))
Monday, January 28, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Baby's First Steps
June 30, 2007
Ahhhhh... Francona must have been thinking the same thing as me when he started Wily Mo in centerfield. The following day, he called up little Jacoby Ellsbury. Yeah! And here's the boy's first major league catch:
And his first major league at-bat was a little embarrassing:
But an inning later, he had his first major league hit and proved he's fast!
Ahhhhh... Francona must have been thinking the same thing as me when he started Wily Mo in centerfield. The following day, he called up little Jacoby Ellsbury. Yeah! And here's the boy's first major league catch:
And his first major league at-bat was a little embarrassing:
But an inning later, he had his first major league hit and proved he's fast!
4 8 15 16 23 42
In Anthony Breznican's USA Today's Sundance Blog The Edge explains the mystery of the number 42:
I bet The Edge can explain what the hell is going on on that island, too...
I said, "Isn't it weird how certain numbers seem to turn up in our lives? It seems like this kind of thing is especially common kind of game with musical people, who must make numbers and patterns a part of their art." "Yeah, we like numbers," Bono says...
For a moment I think he's going to dismiss the phenomenon. Then he jerks his head toward the guitarist and says knowingly: "Edge's is 42."
"I discovered recently that it is actually the secret number of the universe," The Edge says.
"What is it?" Bono asks, and The Edge repeats himself. Bono feigns concern and says, "Steady on, The Edge..."
"Why is that funny? Quite honestly..." The Edge replies. He's so stoic it's hard to tell if he's joking -- but he's joking. "It was in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...But scientists have recently discovered that it's actually true..."
The Edge's voice is then drowned out as Bono blasts the volume on his jangling guitar intro, just in time for the "six o'clock" lyric. Bono sings along with himself for a moment, then turns the sound down again and looks back at the guitarist and smiles sarcastically: "Say it again...Sorry, Edge, for interrupting you, oh master of the universe."
The Edge is undaunted by his friend's teasing and describes a mathematical study about 42 recurring in formulas relating to mass, energy, speed and other physical properties. It's clear he's the scientist, and Bono is the poet -- but both see a mysticism in numbers from different directions.
I bet The Edge can explain what the hell is going on on that island, too...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
And, yes, i am still cuuuckooooo for Coco Crisp
On June 27th, Coco Crisp dove for a ball and missed. I can't remember ever seeing him dive and miss before this.. He sprained his thumb. He managed to finish the game but he sat out the next game. Two days later, in his place, Wily Mo Pena started. Yup, so the outfield was JD Drew, Wily Mo Pena, and Manny Ramirez. It gave me chills. I mean, there are sooooo many times -- countless times -- that Coco saved his pitchers. So many hits, spared by Coco's diving catches. Catches that clearly (no offense) that Wily Mo would have never caught. So I started thinking that noone gets through a season without a rest. Without a little injury. Without a few days off -- and so what if the Sox trade away my little Coco.. Sure. Jacoby will do a nice job, right up until he sprains a thumb or whatever. Then we are back to, ahem, Wily Mo. Wouldn't it be nice to have a utility outfield who can really really field? Who can make the clutch play -- like coco did in the playoffs?? So yeah, it'd be nice to have another Cy Young candidate in the starting rotation. But on a team that already has one too many starters, wouldn't it be nice to have a backup outfielder that the pitchers can trust to make the play behind them? ...I think so!
Fenway Flashback: Someone's Got a Temper!
June 29, 2007
It's good to be back home and good to be back on NESN. I thought the bats would start flying once the boys got back to Fenway. Not so, but they did manage to eek out a win against Texas. The only weakness I've been able to see in the Sox bullpen, up until now, has been a long relief guy. We've got a setup guy and a closer, but if the starter doesn't make it through 7, then what? Well, we do have Manny DelCarmen and in this clip he proved that he's got the stuff we need against Sammy Sosa. Look what the babyfaced, DelCarmen does with the bases loaded...
Wow! I really thought Manny was out of his league up there against Sosa, but he totally rocked! Love love love that MannyD.
Then in the 9th, Pabelbon is on to save and ends up in a foot race with the uber fast Kenny Lofton. It's a virtual tie that goes to the runner and Papelbon loses it. The boy's got a temper! And it's little teeny Dustin Pedroia who risks his life and gets between the evil ump and Pap. Someone has to keep him in the game...
Pap was able to chill enough to get the final out -- after hitting the next guy, that is -- and the Sox won 2-1...
It's good to be back home and good to be back on NESN. I thought the bats would start flying once the boys got back to Fenway. Not so, but they did manage to eek out a win against Texas. The only weakness I've been able to see in the Sox bullpen, up until now, has been a long relief guy. We've got a setup guy and a closer, but if the starter doesn't make it through 7, then what? Well, we do have Manny DelCarmen and in this clip he proved that he's got the stuff we need against Sammy Sosa. Look what the babyfaced, DelCarmen does with the bases loaded...
Wow! I really thought Manny was out of his league up there against Sosa, but he totally rocked! Love love love that MannyD.
Then in the 9th, Pabelbon is on to save and ends up in a foot race with the uber fast Kenny Lofton. It's a virtual tie that goes to the runner and Papelbon loses it. The boy's got a temper! And it's little teeny Dustin Pedroia who risks his life and gets between the evil ump and Pap. Someone has to keep him in the game...
Pap was able to chill enough to get the final out -- after hitting the next guy, that is -- and the Sox won 2-1...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Fenway Flashback: The Giant and The Dwarf
June 25, 2007
Safeco Park, Seattle
Giant Richie Sexson and Mini Dustin Pedroia
Safeco Park, Seattle
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Hawaii Chair
Well, birthday ended with chills and a fever followed by the next two days on the couch in delirious fever state, watching loads of daytime tv. The gem was a clip of an infomercial featured on the Ellen show for a hoola chair.
You can view the rest of the infomercial and order yours at hawaiichair.com!
You can view the rest of the infomercial and order yours at hawaiichair.com!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Birthday Blog
4am
Woke to puking dog. Had to chase him outside to avoid cleaning puke at 4am on my freaking birthday. Dog is obviously not going to celebrate my birthday. Also, found everything coated in snow. Of course it's snowing, because I hate snow and it's only my freaking birthday!
4:05am-4:55am
Lay in bed unable to get back to sleep.
4:55am
Fall asleep
5:00am
Alarm goes off
5:27
Got up and watch tv news to find out when snow will end. Instead find out that Martin Luther King Jr has upstaged my birthday this year and it's not even his birthday. Get very generous ebay gift card from very nice brother.
6am
Cramps come back. Day 5 of cramps... Cramps are mocking me. I am now sure that I will have 25 years of horrible cramps only to end up childless and alone. The irony is not funny.
6:20am
Get to work 20 minutes late. Greet the only student and realize I have on 45% of my voice. That'll come in handy later when I have to teach classes.
7:45am
Work on the final 2 tax forms. Stiff neck gets even worse. Sun comes out, but snow starts again.
9am
Birthday greetings from staff member, followed by the news that the snow will continue all week.
10am
Snow is heavy and steady. Go home and work on taxes.
2pm
Still snowing. Decide to hibernate
3pm
Still snowing. Head to work
3:30pm
Get to work. Snow stops.
5:30pm
Cupcake girl is a no show for class.
7:00pm
Home. Try to make popcorn, but only have enough for 1/2 cup popped. Plate breaks in microwave.
7:30pm
Get Happy Birthday email from ex about how happy and not alone he is.
7:49pm
Snow starts again...
Woke to puking dog. Had to chase him outside to avoid cleaning puke at 4am on my freaking birthday. Dog is obviously not going to celebrate my birthday. Also, found everything coated in snow. Of course it's snowing, because I hate snow and it's only my freaking birthday!
4:05am-4:55am
Lay in bed unable to get back to sleep.
4:55am
Fall asleep
5:00am
Alarm goes off
5:27
Got up and watch tv news to find out when snow will end. Instead find out that Martin Luther King Jr has upstaged my birthday this year and it's not even his birthday. Get very generous ebay gift card from very nice brother.
6am
Cramps come back. Day 5 of cramps... Cramps are mocking me. I am now sure that I will have 25 years of horrible cramps only to end up childless and alone. The irony is not funny.
6:20am
Get to work 20 minutes late. Greet the only student and realize I have on 45% of my voice. That'll come in handy later when I have to teach classes.
7:45am
Work on the final 2 tax forms. Stiff neck gets even worse. Sun comes out, but snow starts again.
9am
Birthday greetings from staff member, followed by the news that the snow will continue all week.
10am
Snow is heavy and steady. Go home and work on taxes.
2pm
Still snowing. Decide to hibernate
3pm
Still snowing. Head to work
3:30pm
Get to work. Snow stops.
5:30pm
Cupcake girl is a no show for class.
7:00pm
Home. Try to make popcorn, but only have enough for 1/2 cup popped. Plate breaks in microwave.
7:30pm
Get Happy Birthday email from ex about how happy and not alone he is.
7:49pm
Snow starts again...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Fenway Flashback: The Other Side of the Story
June 23, 2007
Petco Park, San Diego
Thanks to some terrible umpiring and some outstanding pitching, the Padres (back in their blues) beat the Sox 6-1. It was a Wakefield game, which brought Doug Mirabelli back to San Diego. San Diego was the team that Dougie was traded to and then traded back when Bard couldn't catch a knuckleball. We all know that Dougie came home to a hero's welcome with a police escort and all, but there are two sides to the story. That's the only benefit of these non-NESN games. I do get to hear the other side of the story. Apparently, Dougie talked smack about San Diego when he was there. He asked to be traded back to Boston again and again and complained about the San Diego fans and the role the team played in the community. So the Padres fans didn't much like him and we're as glad to see him go as we were to see him come home again. So poor Dougie didn't get a warm welcome from the southern California fans. And much to their pleasure, he didn't deliver offensively.... here is his first at-bat...
Don't worry, Dougie, Boston fans heart you! And we're glad to have you on board for 2008! =)
Petco Park, San Diego
Thanks to some terrible umpiring and some outstanding pitching, the Padres (back in their blues) beat the Sox 6-1. It was a Wakefield game, which brought Doug Mirabelli back to San Diego. San Diego was the team that Dougie was traded to and then traded back when Bard couldn't catch a knuckleball. We all know that Dougie came home to a hero's welcome with a police escort and all, but there are two sides to the story. That's the only benefit of these non-NESN games. I do get to hear the other side of the story. Apparently, Dougie talked smack about San Diego when he was there. He asked to be traded back to Boston again and again and complained about the San Diego fans and the role the team played in the community. So the Padres fans didn't much like him and we're as glad to see him go as we were to see him come home again. So poor Dougie didn't get a warm welcome from the southern California fans. And much to their pleasure, he didn't deliver offensively.... here is his first at-bat...
Don't worry, Dougie, Boston fans heart you! And we're glad to have you on board for 2008! =)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Retro Day
June 22, 2007
Petco Park, San Diego
Apparently it's retro uniform day --at least in San Diego. The lousy announcers haven't explained a thing, so I have no idea why, but our Sox have shown up in San Diego wearing their old school grey and blues:
Tek looks a little weird with the tall red socks but they look pretty good overall. Well the Padres seem to have chosen the strategy of distracting the Sox with the ugliest uniforms in club history. Hell, these have to be the ugliest uniforms in MLB history:
And it looked like it might work. Dice-K walked the first 3 batters! He eventually got used to the uniforms and pitched a pretty decent 6 innings, holding them to only one run. Even though their socks looked like this:
And their batting helmets looked like this:
Like I said earlier, the announcers were rubbish. They didn't even mention that JD Drew was out of the line-up, let alone why. Then when Pena was removed from the game and replaced by Dave Murphy, they made the announcement, but didn't bat an eye.. or explain who the hell is Dave Murphy??
Thanks to good bullpen work by Lopez, DelCarmen, Oki, and Pap, the Sox won 2-1. The Padres had lots of opportunities but failed to capitalize. The highlight? Papi's picture on the scoreboard, done Mr. T style:
Petco Park, San Diego
Apparently it's retro uniform day --at least in San Diego. The lousy announcers haven't explained a thing, so I have no idea why, but our Sox have shown up in San Diego wearing their old school grey and blues:
Tek looks a little weird with the tall red socks but they look pretty good overall. Well the Padres seem to have chosen the strategy of distracting the Sox with the ugliest uniforms in club history. Hell, these have to be the ugliest uniforms in MLB history:
And it looked like it might work. Dice-K walked the first 3 batters! He eventually got used to the uniforms and pitched a pretty decent 6 innings, holding them to only one run. Even though their socks looked like this:
And their batting helmets looked like this:
Like I said earlier, the announcers were rubbish. They didn't even mention that JD Drew was out of the line-up, let alone why. Then when Pena was removed from the game and replaced by Dave Murphy, they made the announcement, but didn't bat an eye.. or explain who the hell is Dave Murphy??Thanks to good bullpen work by Lopez, DelCarmen, Oki, and Pap, the Sox won 2-1. The Padres had lots of opportunities but failed to capitalize. The highlight? Papi's picture on the scoreboard, done Mr. T style:
Nevada Votes Mormon
Wow! I knew there were a lot of Mormons here in Nevada. I know a few. Well, the ones I know aren't mormons anymore, but they were born that way and they all have a LOT of siblings. And I know the power of the Mormon vote. Hell, I watched Dancing with the Stars. The Mormon vote kept Marie Osmond in that game months longer then she should have been. So maybe it was naive of me to be surprised that Romney stole the show her in Nevada, winning the GOP caucus by a landslide. The Republicans sent so many folks to caucus, it caused logjams in many precincts here in Northern Nevada and set the whole day back almost an hour. And they were apparently all there to vote Mormon! Who knew!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Fenway Flashback: And I'm Still Cuuuckooooo for Coco Crisp!
June 20, 2007
Turner Field, Atlanta
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE LEAD OFF HOMERUNS! JD Drew hit one against the Braves to start a little first inning homerun derby... Drews run was quickly followed by none other than my new favorite Red Sox, Coco Crisp! The Braves intentionally walked Tek (huh?) to pitch to my little Coco Crisp. Did they forget he hit two homeruns against them just 2 games earlier? Well, they must have thought it was a fluke, but they were wrong. Coco is hotter than hot... Check it:
Not to be outdone, Big Papi hit a homer in the second and the homerun dancing began:
A couple of innings later, Manny joined in the homerun fun. And then even Hinske got in on the action. Here's a little clip of all those big swings.
And here's even more dancing. This clip is a little long as the announcers are just fascinated by Manny being Manny...
That said, the weirdest part of the night. Tavarez threw a 7 inning shutout.. i might be starting to like interleague play =)
Turner Field, Atlanta
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE LEAD OFF HOMERUNS! JD Drew hit one against the Braves to start a little first inning homerun derby... Drews run was quickly followed by none other than my new favorite Red Sox, Coco Crisp! The Braves intentionally walked Tek (huh?) to pitch to my little Coco Crisp. Did they forget he hit two homeruns against them just 2 games earlier? Well, they must have thought it was a fluke, but they were wrong. Coco is hotter than hot... Check it:
Not to be outdone, Big Papi hit a homer in the second and the homerun dancing began:
A couple of innings later, Manny joined in the homerun fun. And then even Hinske got in on the action. Here's a little clip of all those big swings.
And here's even more dancing. This clip is a little long as the announcers are just fascinated by Manny being Manny...
That said, the weirdest part of the night. Tavarez threw a 7 inning shutout.. i might be starting to like interleague play =)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Fenway Flashback: I'm Still Cuuuckooooo for Coco Crisp
June 19, 2007
Turner Field, Atlanta
Ok, there is ONE thing I do like about interleague play. I like watching Josh Beckett bat. It's really funny. He stands up there really stiff like he's not even going to swing, but then when he does swing, he can hit! Here he hits an RBI double to help his cause...
Look how smug he looks out there on second base. =) But the real highlight of this game was another amazing play by little Coco Crisp. Another unbelievable diving catch:
About the catch, Becket has this to say:
Yeah, those are my thoughts exactly! Lovelovelove me that Coco Crisp. I also love how Cora puts his fist up prematurely because he knows that if anything is in the same zip code as Coco, he's got it...Lastly, here's a cute little Manny being Manny moment that entertained the announcers:
Turner Field, Atlanta
Ok, there is ONE thing I do like about interleague play. I like watching Josh Beckett bat. It's really funny. He stands up there really stiff like he's not even going to swing, but then when he does swing, he can hit! Here he hits an RBI double to help his cause...
Look how smug he looks out there on second base. =) But the real highlight of this game was another amazing play by little Coco Crisp. Another unbelievable diving catch:
About the catch, Becket has this to say:
Yeah, those are my thoughts exactly! Lovelovelove me that Coco Crisp. I also love how Cora puts his fist up prematurely because he knows that if anything is in the same zip code as Coco, he's got it...Lastly, here's a cute little Manny being Manny moment that entertained the announcers:
Fenway Flashback: I'm Cuuuckooooo for Coco Crisp
June 18, 2007
Turner Field, Atlanta
It was the Coco Crisp show. Coco, of all people tried to save Schilling's ass in this game against the Braves, hitting TWO homeruns. Yes, you read that right, Coco Crisp hit TWO homeruns! But for me the highlight was this missed catch. I think Coco has got to be the most talented outfielder in baseball. I mean, really, he's a freaking ball magnet. He can catch anything. But he did miss this one, but in missing, he almost jumped over the centerfield wall, spiderman style. Check it...
I really love Coco Crisp. I love Ellsbury too, but I will really hate to see Coco go..
Turner Field, Atlanta
It was the Coco Crisp show. Coco, of all people tried to save Schilling's ass in this game against the Braves, hitting TWO homeruns. Yes, you read that right, Coco Crisp hit TWO homeruns! But for me the highlight was this missed catch. I think Coco has got to be the most talented outfielder in baseball. I mean, really, he's a freaking ball magnet. He can catch anything. But he did miss this one, but in missing, he almost jumped over the centerfield wall, spiderman style. Check it...
I really love Coco Crisp. I love Ellsbury too, but I will really hate to see Coco go..
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
RIP
Sad news! I just found at that Worthington Foods (aka Kellogg) has discontinued my beloved TUNO =( =( It was the best (and only) fake tuna around. It will be missed....
Monday, January 14, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Father's Day
Have I mentioned that I hate interleague play? Well, the June series against the Colorado Rockies cemented my opinion. The only thing that made the series slightly watchable was the knowledge that the Sox will kick the crap out the Rockies in a few short months -- when it matters. Every Holliday hit had me thinking, 'whatever, he gets picked off in the world series' ;)... Then there was Beckett's first loss decorated with a grand slam. Bad bats and bad times at Fenway.
Then the strangest thing happened... JD Drew led off. I know, weird, huh? But it worked! The jolly green Giant came to town. It was the Drew-Pedroia one-two show. It was fantastic! The two went head to head to see who could get more hits and RBIs and Dustin won, going 5-5, including a homerun! The Sox won 10-2. Night 2 was a little tighter -- Manny hit a homerun for the only run of the night for either team. Who needs Barry Bonds when you have Manny! And finally it was Father's Day and the Bonds finally hit a homerun off Wakey. No matter, the Sox still won... The highlight for me was Donnelly getting dumped onto the DL and MANNY DELCARMEN getting the call. He didn't throw particularly well, but I know it's the start of good times in that Sox bullpen.
The other highlight was this tiny little clip of Little Papi taking BP...He's the cutest little guy ever!
Then the strangest thing happened... JD Drew led off. I know, weird, huh? But it worked! The jolly green Giant came to town. It was the Drew-Pedroia one-two show. It was fantastic! The two went head to head to see who could get more hits and RBIs and Dustin won, going 5-5, including a homerun! The Sox won 10-2. Night 2 was a little tighter -- Manny hit a homerun for the only run of the night for either team. Who needs Barry Bonds when you have Manny! And finally it was Father's Day and the Bonds finally hit a homerun off Wakey. No matter, the Sox still won... The highlight for me was Donnelly getting dumped onto the DL and MANNY DELCARMEN getting the call. He didn't throw particularly well, but I know it's the start of good times in that Sox bullpen.
The other highlight was this tiny little clip of Little Papi taking BP...He's the cutest little guy ever!
A new twist on the steroid controversy...
When I read the New York Times headline "Prominent Entertainers Cited in Steroids Inquiry" I thought it was a joke -- a spoof of the Mitchell Report. Then I read the first paragraph and I was sure it was a joke.
Entertainers including the singer Mary J. Blige and the rapper 50 Cent are among thousands of people whose names are turning up in an investigation into obtaining steroids or human growth hormones, an Albany newspaper reported on Sunday.
But it's no joke. Mary J. Blige is now Mary J. Blige*. Yup, she gets an asterisk on her grammy award... Will she ever be voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I wonder if Arnold is on that list?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Now I'm definitely "sneaky" promiscuous
According to barstool sports, girls who wear Papelbon jersey's are the sluttiest. They are as crazy as the man himself. Girls who wear Beckett jerseys are "sneaky" promiscuous, especially in October...
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I Want To Believe
I feel the need to chime in on this whole Roger Clemens fiasco....
First, on the 60 Minutes interview, I felt like Roger was pretty well-rehearsed and coached by his legal team. I have no doubt that they wrote the questions. It was a press conference with Mike Wallace's wrinkled face for decoration. Now despite seeming rehearsed, Clemens still came off defensive and a little smug. He has chosen to play the victim card here. He was wronged, yet nothing about his answers or his demeanor cried victim. He didn't elicit any sympathy from me and I WANT TO BELIEVE. I actually felt like A-Rod elicited more sympathy in his interview a few weeks ago. I felt like he was honest and human. I don't know what to think about Roger. I do think that his answers to the most important questions -- about taking a lie dectector test and about McNamee's reasons -- were not even close to adequate -- heck, those questions were not even close to answered. And Pettitte! Clemens and Pettitte were best buds and training partners forever and Clemens never knew Pettitte used. Seriously? That never came up in a conversation? Seems unlikely, huh? And why would McNamee tell the truth about Pettitte but lie about Clemens? BTW, major props to Pettitte for taking responsibility for his actions, though...
It was B-12. Yeah right. I think he could have pulled this one off if he had acknowledged the joke in Canseco's book. Canseco said that when talking about steroids in the clubhouse, they called them B-12 shots. But without acknowledging that yes that was a joke, but in my case it's real, Clemen's credibility is lost. He could have also said that he took B-12 shots. If there was something else in there then he certainly didn't know it. Play dumb, Roger. You'll be good at that ;)
The phone call.. Why?? Why did they release this? How does it lend any credibility to Clemen's statements?
Clemens telling mac that no one was on his line, yet he was taping it.. Tell me what you want me to do? and yet Clemens didn't say TELL THE TRUTH. At the same time, McNamee doesn't say BUT YOU DID IT! I don't know what to think of it. I really don't get why Roger didn't have an answer to McNamee's incessant WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? I thought the answer was pretty obvious. hmmm.. maybe tell them that you lied about me.
I don't know know whether Clemens is telling the truth or not. I doubt it, but who am I to judge? I do know that that I'm not impressed with the man that I've been watching on tv. I'm really really not impressed by his legal team, who are undoubtedly being paid a fortune and doing such a crappy job. And I don't think we'll ever really know the truth. But I know I'd feel much more satisfied if Clemens had fessed up rather than done such a bad job denying it.
First, on the 60 Minutes interview, I felt like Roger was pretty well-rehearsed and coached by his legal team. I have no doubt that they wrote the questions. It was a press conference with Mike Wallace's wrinkled face for decoration. Now despite seeming rehearsed, Clemens still came off defensive and a little smug. He has chosen to play the victim card here. He was wronged, yet nothing about his answers or his demeanor cried victim. He didn't elicit any sympathy from me and I WANT TO BELIEVE. I actually felt like A-Rod elicited more sympathy in his interview a few weeks ago. I felt like he was honest and human. I don't know what to think about Roger. I do think that his answers to the most important questions -- about taking a lie dectector test and about McNamee's reasons -- were not even close to adequate -- heck, those questions were not even close to answered. And Pettitte! Clemens and Pettitte were best buds and training partners forever and Clemens never knew Pettitte used. Seriously? That never came up in a conversation? Seems unlikely, huh? And why would McNamee tell the truth about Pettitte but lie about Clemens? BTW, major props to Pettitte for taking responsibility for his actions, though...
It was B-12. Yeah right. I think he could have pulled this one off if he had acknowledged the joke in Canseco's book. Canseco said that when talking about steroids in the clubhouse, they called them B-12 shots. But without acknowledging that yes that was a joke, but in my case it's real, Clemen's credibility is lost. He could have also said that he took B-12 shots. If there was something else in there then he certainly didn't know it. Play dumb, Roger. You'll be good at that ;)
The phone call.. Why?? Why did they release this? How does it lend any credibility to Clemen's statements?
Clemens telling mac that no one was on his line, yet he was taping it.. Tell me what you want me to do? and yet Clemens didn't say TELL THE TRUTH. At the same time, McNamee doesn't say BUT YOU DID IT! I don't know what to think of it. I really don't get why Roger didn't have an answer to McNamee's incessant WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? I thought the answer was pretty obvious. hmmm.. maybe tell them that you lied about me.
I don't know know whether Clemens is telling the truth or not. I doubt it, but who am I to judge? I do know that that I'm not impressed with the man that I've been watching on tv. I'm really really not impressed by his legal team, who are undoubtedly being paid a fortune and doing such a crappy job. And I don't think we'll ever really know the truth. But I know I'd feel much more satisfied if Clemens had fessed up rather than done such a bad job denying it.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Julian Hits -- sorta...
June 9, 2007
Chase Field
I hate interleague play. I don't get why they do it and I despise the NL's lack of a DH. However, I was very interested to see Julian Tavarez bat. And the man did not disappoint. As entertaining as ever, this is Tavarez batting against the D-Backs...
Chase Field
I hate interleague play. I don't get why they do it and I despise the NL's lack of a DH. However, I was very interested to see Julian Tavarez bat. And the man did not disappoint. As entertaining as ever, this is Tavarez batting against the D-Backs...
Friday, January 4, 2008
Jason Varitek Might Kill Julian Tavarez, Yet Again
06/09/07
Here's another entertaining interaction between Varitek and Tavarez....
Here's another entertaining interaction between Varitek and Tavarez....
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Fenway Flashback: Drew Who?
June 8, 2007
Chase Field (That's in Arizona)
Lugo hit a lead off homerun in the first inning against the D-Backs. Nothing says 'We're gonna kick your ass' quite like a lead off homerun. Love me the lead off homerun!
But this interleague game belonged entirely to JD Drew. I knew he had it in him! ;) JD's little brother plays shortstop for Arizona and I don't know if it was the sibling rivalry or the return to the National League but JD came out of his slump in a serious way. He hit TWO (yes TWO) 3-run homeruns and had another RBI to top it off. JD handed Beckett his 9th win (9-0) on a silver platter.
So here are the two homeruns, some gushing about the Sox (I love it when the opposing announcers gush about the Sox), and a little Drew brothers comparison AND if you watch closely you'll even see a little victory dance by Drew and the boys in the dugout! Sorry about the choppy editing. I haven't figured out how to smooth it out yet. That might be a good project of the snowy weekend...
Chase Field (That's in Arizona)
Lugo hit a lead off homerun in the first inning against the D-Backs. Nothing says 'We're gonna kick your ass' quite like a lead off homerun. Love me the lead off homerun!
But this interleague game belonged entirely to JD Drew. I knew he had it in him! ;) JD's little brother plays shortstop for Arizona and I don't know if it was the sibling rivalry or the return to the National League but JD came out of his slump in a serious way. He hit TWO (yes TWO) 3-run homeruns and had another RBI to top it off. JD handed Beckett his 9th win (9-0) on a silver platter.
So here are the two homeruns, some gushing about the Sox (I love it when the opposing announcers gush about the Sox), and a little Drew brothers comparison AND if you watch closely you'll even see a little victory dance by Drew and the boys in the dugout! Sorry about the choppy editing. I haven't figured out how to smooth it out yet. That might be a good project of the snowy weekend...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Fenway Flashback: There Goes My Hero
June 07, 2007
McAfee Coliseum
I cried when I read the Mitchell Report. To be honest, I couldn't finish it. I had skipped to the part about Roger Clemens and part way through the detailed description of the injections to his ass, I had to stop. I loved Roger Clemens. I think I was born a Red Sox fan. I think it had something to do with my mother crossing state lines for an emergency C-section, just for me to be born in Massachusetts. I was meant to be a Red Sox fan. But Roger Clemens sealed the deal. Those years in the 80s and 90s when he threw dozens of Ks per game were the years when I was old enough to get it. I was playing ball and pitching and I couldn't have possibly had a more inspirational role model. I wore the number 21 for my entire pitching career.
I read Curt Schilling's blog about the Mitchell Report and I felt his words when he wrote about how the accusations against Clemens affected him -- how Clemens had inspired him and how it broke his heart to learn that Clemens wasn't quite the man Schilling had believed he was. It broke my heart too, Schill...
And that is why this lovely moment brought me to tears.
Curt threw 8 shut-out innings. No hits... At 40 years old... And after the Sox lost the first 3 games of the series and after Schilling had had several less than stellar outings... Here is the ninth inning. ..
Red Sox win 1-0 in a complete, one-hit game, by Curt Schilling.
Curt Schilling, unlike many who have come before, is a true hero. A great athlete and a great man... A great role model... He makes me proud to be a Red Sox fan and I am so proud he will retire as a Boston Red Sox. Thank you, #38...
McAfee Coliseum
I cried when I read the Mitchell Report. To be honest, I couldn't finish it. I had skipped to the part about Roger Clemens and part way through the detailed description of the injections to his ass, I had to stop. I loved Roger Clemens. I think I was born a Red Sox fan. I think it had something to do with my mother crossing state lines for an emergency C-section, just for me to be born in Massachusetts. I was meant to be a Red Sox fan. But Roger Clemens sealed the deal. Those years in the 80s and 90s when he threw dozens of Ks per game were the years when I was old enough to get it. I was playing ball and pitching and I couldn't have possibly had a more inspirational role model. I wore the number 21 for my entire pitching career.
I read Curt Schilling's blog about the Mitchell Report and I felt his words when he wrote about how the accusations against Clemens affected him -- how Clemens had inspired him and how it broke his heart to learn that Clemens wasn't quite the man Schilling had believed he was. It broke my heart too, Schill...
And that is why this lovely moment brought me to tears.
Curt threw 8 shut-out innings. No hits... At 40 years old... And after the Sox lost the first 3 games of the series and after Schilling had had several less than stellar outings... Here is the ninth inning. ..
Curt Schilling, unlike many who have come before, is a true hero. A great athlete and a great man... A great role model... He makes me proud to be a Red Sox fan and I am so proud he will retire as a Boston Red Sox. Thank you, #38...
Fenway Flashback: Double Trouble
June 4-6, 2007
McAfee Colliseum
I don't have cable and I live on the left coast. So before I figured out mlb.com, the only Red Sox regular season games I ever saw were against the As. There is a broadcast station out of the Bay Area that airs a mix of As and Giants games several nights a week. So I caught a bunch of these As vs Sox games last summer and while I was told that the Sox were great, I have to admit it was hard to see. What I did see, which I'm seeing again right now, is double play after double play after double play. It seems like everytime the Sox get a runner on, they end up hitting into a double play. So either the Sox suck or the As are a fantastic defensive team. It is nice to see these games from the hometown (NESN) point of view and in doing so, I came across this funny clip of Big Papi accidentally spitting on little Pedroia.
BTW, I have to admit that these As have to be about the best looking team in the AL... despite their nerdy white shoes. It took me some games to see past the glare of the white shoes -- but seriously -- Travis Buck, Dan Haren, Bobby Crosby, Eric Chavez, and that Swisher guy... i think i might pay more attention next year when those As games are on...
The highlight, by far, of the series (thus far) is Tito getting kicked out. Once he realized he was gone, he got rid of the gum and chew and really let 'em have it! I've never seen Francona quite like this:
McAfee Colliseum
I don't have cable and I live on the left coast. So before I figured out mlb.com, the only Red Sox regular season games I ever saw were against the As. There is a broadcast station out of the Bay Area that airs a mix of As and Giants games several nights a week. So I caught a bunch of these As vs Sox games last summer and while I was told that the Sox were great, I have to admit it was hard to see. What I did see, which I'm seeing again right now, is double play after double play after double play. It seems like everytime the Sox get a runner on, they end up hitting into a double play. So either the Sox suck or the As are a fantastic defensive team. It is nice to see these games from the hometown (NESN) point of view and in doing so, I came across this funny clip of Big Papi accidentally spitting on little Pedroia.
BTW, I have to admit that these As have to be about the best looking team in the AL... despite their nerdy white shoes. It took me some games to see past the glare of the white shoes -- but seriously -- Travis Buck, Dan Haren, Bobby Crosby, Eric Chavez, and that Swisher guy... i think i might pay more attention next year when those As games are on...
The highlight, by far, of the series (thus far) is Tito getting kicked out. Once he realized he was gone, he got rid of the gum and chew and really let 'em have it! I've never seen Francona quite like this:
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Fenway Flashback: On and on and on and on
June 4, 2007
McAfee Colliseum
The Sox finished losing to the Yankees on Sunday night after a 4 hour game and hopped on a flight to Oakland. They got in around 5am for a night game against the As. Tito attempted to rest a bunch of regulars and put forth a line-up that looked like he expected an easy win. Varitek, Lowell, Lugo, and Crisp were all on the bench. But four hours and 11 innings later, everyone had played... Papi got bored and was caught reading in the dugout:
The game ended in the 11th with a walk-off homerun for the A's 3rd baseman. While I would have liked to see a Sox win, I was grateful that the game ended before Beckett had to pinch hit ;)
McAfee Colliseum
The Sox finished losing to the Yankees on Sunday night after a 4 hour game and hopped on a flight to Oakland. They got in around 5am for a night game against the As. Tito attempted to rest a bunch of regulars and put forth a line-up that looked like he expected an easy win. Varitek, Lowell, Lugo, and Crisp were all on the bench. But four hours and 11 innings later, everyone had played... Papi got bored and was caught reading in the dugout:
The game ended in the 11th with a walk-off homerun for the A's 3rd baseman. While I would have liked to see a Sox win, I was grateful that the game ended before Beckett had to pinch hit ;)
Fenway Flashback: Yankees Win, Manny Dives, Pigs Fly
June 3, 2007
Beckett's perfect (8-0) record was looking like it might come to and end, until this sweet bases clearing double by Dustin Pedroia. I just love love love this clip, because it has (1) Dustin's giant swing, (2) Coco Crisp has to slow down to keep from running over Willy Mo on the basepaths, (3) Big Papi hobbling all the way into a triple, and best of all (4) Josh Beckett cheering from the dug out!
And then there was this super fun, kinda surprising slide, I mean, dive, by Manny.
Then shocking things happened -- Oki gave up the tying run to blow the save and Papelbon gave up the winning run to A-Rod to get the L.... in the darkest moments, the Fenway Faithful chanting WHERE IS ROGER? Clemens postponed his middle-aged, drug-enhanced comeback yet again.
Good game ruined, not by the final score, but the horrible announcing of ESPN. If you want to get wasted, drink everytime they mention Manny playing shallow in left field.....
Beckett's perfect (8-0) record was looking like it might come to and end, until this sweet bases clearing double by Dustin Pedroia. I just love love love this clip, because it has (1) Dustin's giant swing, (2) Coco Crisp has to slow down to keep from running over Willy Mo on the basepaths, (3) Big Papi hobbling all the way into a triple, and best of all (4) Josh Beckett cheering from the dug out!
And then there was this super fun, kinda surprising slide, I mean, dive, by Manny.
Then shocking things happened -- Oki gave up the tying run to blow the save and Papelbon gave up the winning run to A-Rod to get the L.... in the darkest moments, the Fenway Faithful chanting WHERE IS ROGER? Clemens postponed his middle-aged, drug-enhanced comeback yet again.
Good game ruined, not by the final score, but the horrible announcing of ESPN. If you want to get wasted, drink everytime they mention Manny playing shallow in left field.....
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Fenway Flashback: A-Hole??
June 2, 2007
Fox put together a nice, albeit very short, clip illustrating why the world doesn't like A-Rod (except for my friend Adrienne who thinks he's hot)..
Later in the broadcast, they interviewed Terry Francona. Watch Big Papi behind him...
The game was a crazy rollercoaster that ended in a sox win and was highlighted by Lowell and Varitek hitting back to back homeruns (again). I sometimes think these two have some kind of bet -- anything you can do, I can do better =)
Fox put together a nice, albeit very short, clip illustrating why the world doesn't like A-Rod (except for my friend Adrienne who thinks he's hot)..
Later in the broadcast, they interviewed Terry Francona. Watch Big Papi behind him...
The game was a crazy rollercoaster that ended in a sox win and was highlighted by Lowell and Varitek hitting back to back homeruns (again). I sometimes think these two have some kind of bet -- anything you can do, I can do better =)
Santana Clause
I never wanted Santana. And I'm not just saying that because it's looking like we won't get him. I don't want the Sox to buy success when they don't need to. I don't want to trade Ellsbury or Lester or Buckholz. I don't even want to trade Coco Crisp. But I'm all about the loyalty.
Don't get me wrong though.. I can sure see the benefits of two Cy Young candidates in the rotation! But nonetheless, I came across this at yahoo! today and felt a little relieved....
Don't get me wrong though.. I can sure see the benefits of two Cy Young candidates in the rotation! But nonetheless, I came across this at yahoo! today and felt a little relieved....
The trade talks with both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are stalemated, however, the President of the Minnesota Twins told the St. Paul Pioneer Press Wednesday the team is serious about keeping Johan Santana in the Twin Cities.
The Twins have offered Santana, who already is guaranteed $13 million for 2008, an additional four years for a guaranteed $80 million. That contract would make Santana the highest-paid pitcher in baseball with a multi year deal.
"That remains our goal, our first choice, and I'm not going to veer from that," Minnesota team president Dave St. Peter said. "We are comfortable with that scenario if that's the best thing for the Twins' organization. Right now, Johan Santana is our opening night starter against the Los Angeles Angels and Torii Hunter, and I like our chances (of winning)."
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
New York Post Flashback
The game I'm watching is in rain delay, so I took the opportunity to do a little searching for pictures to better illustrate yesterday's flashback in case you might have forgotten...
June 1 2007
Usually when I'm all proud of being a Sox fan, it's because the Sox rock, but sometimes it's because Red Sox fans freakin' rock!
June 1 2007
Usually when I'm all proud of being a Sox fan, it's because the Sox rock, but sometimes it's because Red Sox fans freakin' rock!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Fenway Flashback: YANKEES SUCK!
June 1, 2007
I was hoping for a nice little Christmas day spent watching the Sox beat the Yanks, but instead, I was stuck with a seemingly endless Wakefield loss. It was, however, not without it's entertaining moments... like when Manny hit an RBI single without the RBI:
and then threw out A-Rod who thought he hit a double:
(Notice the fans with the masks -- this was just after A-Rod's infamous outing with that mysterious blonde who was so not his wife. I LOVe Fenway fans!)
Later, Manny ducks and dives to avoid a throw:
And finally, Proctor gets thrown out for throwing at Youk's head. Benches clear. I LOVE it when benches clear! Makes me wanna chug beer from a can and crush the can against my head. .. or maybe date someone who does... Listen to what's left of the crowd as it comes to life in a round of YANKEES SUCK!!
The thing about this one is that Youk gets hit all the time. I don't know if his horrible batting stance says HIT ME...or maybe it's his unbeatable hitting streak. But Youk always takes it for the team, shakes it off and prances down the first base line. He never seems pissed he got hit, but this time, he's up like a shot, ready to pounce. If Youk thinks it's intentional, then I think it's intentional... and Beckett probably thinks it's intentional which means the Yankees better watch out...
I was hoping for a nice little Christmas day spent watching the Sox beat the Yanks, but instead, I was stuck with a seemingly endless Wakefield loss. It was, however, not without it's entertaining moments... like when Manny hit an RBI single without the RBI:
and then threw out A-Rod who thought he hit a double:
(Notice the fans with the masks -- this was just after A-Rod's infamous outing with that mysterious blonde who was so not his wife. I LOVe Fenway fans!)
Later, Manny ducks and dives to avoid a throw:
And finally, Proctor gets thrown out for throwing at Youk's head. Benches clear. I LOVE it when benches clear! Makes me wanna chug beer from a can and crush the can against my head. .. or maybe date someone who does... Listen to what's left of the crowd as it comes to life in a round of YANKEES SUCK!!
The thing about this one is that Youk gets hit all the time. I don't know if his horrible batting stance says HIT ME...or maybe it's his unbeatable hitting streak. But Youk always takes it for the team, shakes it off and prances down the first base line. He never seems pissed he got hit, but this time, he's up like a shot, ready to pounce. If Youk thinks it's intentional, then I think it's intentional... and Beckett probably thinks it's intentional which means the Yankees better watch out...
Monday, December 24, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Run, Youk, Run!
May 28, 2007
In order to prove he's faster than Pedroia, Youkilis hit the crap out of a ball and ran like the devil was chasing him:
I don't think I've ever seen an inside-the-park homerun before!
In order to prove he's faster than Pedroia, Youkilis hit the crap out of a ball and ran like the devil was chasing him:
I don't think I've ever seen an inside-the-park homerun before!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
YES Men
I told you that I like the men over at the YES network even though they are Yankees... check out their commentary about the umpire. It's very funny --
Monday, December 17, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Who Loves Mirabelli??
May 21, 2007
Yankee Stadium
Well it comes as a surprise to me, but I have to say if I can't watch a game on NESN the YES Network is the next best thing. Yes, that's the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network. Isn't that crazy??
Although the men of YES are clearly Yankees, they are quite respectful of the Sox. I especially enjoy John Flaherty, a former catcher, who actually made his way up through the Red Sox farm system and bounced around the majors before he became a Yankee. Flaherty has only been out of baseball for a few years, so he played with most of the guys out there and gives great insight into what's going on in their heads -- or at least what would be going on in his head. Maybe it's his Sox background that influences the whole staff, but the YES men are far more fair and respectful than other regional networks (like the evil MASN).
Flaherty can't say enough about Tim Wakefiled. Like many catchers, knuckleballs freak him out. He gushes on and on and on about Mirabelli.
Laughs! I especially like that he quotes Varitek as saying Dougie has the perfect personality for catching knuckleballs because he doesn't really care that much. That's funny...
Overall the Wakefield game was pretty rough. Again we gave him no run support. Do you think that the boys are watching the knuckleball while they are in the field, then when they get up to bat, they don't even remember how to swing? Something is definitely wrong with the Sox bats on Wakey's nights...
A few nice memories from the night though -- first there must be nothing scarier in the world than Papi running at you full speed. Especially if your teeny little Jeter:
And here's a nice defensive play by Manny. Yes, you read that right -- a defensive play by Manny! I just really love the look on his face when he gets up, like he's as surprised as anyone..
Yankee Stadium
Well it comes as a surprise to me, but I have to say if I can't watch a game on NESN the YES Network is the next best thing. Yes, that's the Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network. Isn't that crazy??
Although the men of YES are clearly Yankees, they are quite respectful of the Sox. I especially enjoy John Flaherty, a former catcher, who actually made his way up through the Red Sox farm system and bounced around the majors before he became a Yankee. Flaherty has only been out of baseball for a few years, so he played with most of the guys out there and gives great insight into what's going on in their heads -- or at least what would be going on in his head. Maybe it's his Sox background that influences the whole staff, but the YES men are far more fair and respectful than other regional networks (like the evil MASN).
Flaherty can't say enough about Tim Wakefiled. Like many catchers, knuckleballs freak him out. He gushes on and on and on about Mirabelli.
Laughs! I especially like that he quotes Varitek as saying Dougie has the perfect personality for catching knuckleballs because he doesn't really care that much. That's funny...
Overall the Wakefield game was pretty rough. Again we gave him no run support. Do you think that the boys are watching the knuckleball while they are in the field, then when they get up to bat, they don't even remember how to swing? Something is definitely wrong with the Sox bats on Wakey's nights...
A few nice memories from the night though -- first there must be nothing scarier in the world than Papi running at you full speed. Especially if your teeny little Jeter:
And here's a nice defensive play by Manny. Yes, you read that right -- a defensive play by Manny! I just really love the look on his face when he gets up, like he's as surprised as anyone..
A-Rod vs. Katie
A-Rod was on 60 Minutes last night, interviewed by Katie Couric. No part of my brain can even venture to guess why they chose Couric to do the interview. She was worse than awful. Couric tried to be hard hitting in her questions, but failed to get much of a response from Rodriguez. Like most athletes, his answers were short, answering yes or no whenever he could. Couric failed run with it, and try to draw out his answers. Instead, she simply went on and read her next question. She didn't even read them well. A-Rod was pretty stoic through most of the interview. The big focus was, of course, whether he'd ever done steroids, which, of course, he said had not. I don't know whether I believe him or not. But this I do believe:
"I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no."
A-Rod showed a led ittle humility and honesty when he was asked about his post season play ("I stunk"), about getting booed by Yankee fans ("It's awful. It's terrible."), and about interrupting the World Series with his announcement about leaving the Yankees ("nightmare"). The blame for a lot of A-Rod's problems can easily be traced back to Boras and Alex did express disappointment in that relationship, but he didn't seem like he had the balls (or is it brains?) to unload the Anti-Christ.
Overall, A-Rod came off a little dumber than I expected. I expected him to dance around questions like he danced around base paths, but he's not quick witted enough to do that. He also came off more honest than I expected. I thought he'd be defensive and cocky. Almost makes me want to believe him... another thing that I do believe though -- when showing Katie his trophy room, he said he'd trade it all for a world championship...
read the transcript of the 60 Minutes interview and watch some video clips here.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Fenway Flashback: The Sun Comes Out
May 19, 2007
It rained and rained and rained in May in Boston. Faced with their second rain out, the Sox faced their second day/night double header, this time against the Atlanta Braves. They ended up playing both games in the rain and the result was the longest, most painful double-header, I've seen. It took me the entire week to watch. The Sox won the first one 13-3. The highlight was an unnecessary grand slam by Mike Lowell. I began mocking to National League to anyone who would listen. Then I ate my words, because the Sox were shut out in the second game 14-0. At least i think it was 14. I wasn't paying that close of attention. I was busy praying for it to end. That game marked the first start that Beckett missed because of that pesky blister. Devern Handsack took the mound and wasn't as bad as I thought. I'm guessing he would have been better if he'd been throwing to Tek, but the double-header-ness forced Mirabelli into a rare, non-Wakefield start. The highlight of that second game was this:
"Rem-Dawg have your colonoscopy with us. GI girls heart the Sox."
May 21, 2007
The sun came out and the Sox redeemed themselves in their final game against the Braves. Because they used 4 pitchers in 3 days with those double headers, they called up yet another pitcher from the PawSox. Welcome Kason Gebbard. Not only did he look hotter than hot, he exuded big league confidence and racked up strike outs.
(Further research indicates that Gebbard is now a Texas Ranger)
Gebbard's outstanding performance made me wonder why the Sox feel they need to buy Santana for $20M per year. The Sox no longer need to buy success. They've got what it takes to build an empire from the draft up. But we need to keep our little rookies, like Ellsbury and Lester, and give them the time they need to become worthy of superstar salaries like Santana. Let's build an empire based on hard work and loyalty . It's exactly what baseball needs right now...
It rained and rained and rained in May in Boston. Faced with their second rain out, the Sox faced their second day/night double header, this time against the Atlanta Braves. They ended up playing both games in the rain and the result was the longest, most painful double-header, I've seen. It took me the entire week to watch. The Sox won the first one 13-3. The highlight was an unnecessary grand slam by Mike Lowell. I began mocking to National League to anyone who would listen. Then I ate my words, because the Sox were shut out in the second game 14-0. At least i think it was 14. I wasn't paying that close of attention. I was busy praying for it to end. That game marked the first start that Beckett missed because of that pesky blister. Devern Handsack took the mound and wasn't as bad as I thought. I'm guessing he would have been better if he'd been throwing to Tek, but the double-header-ness forced Mirabelli into a rare, non-Wakefield start. The highlight of that second game was this:
"Rem-Dawg have your colonoscopy with us. GI girls heart the Sox."
May 21, 2007
The sun came out and the Sox redeemed themselves in their final game against the Braves. Because they used 4 pitchers in 3 days with those double headers, they called up yet another pitcher from the PawSox. Welcome Kason Gebbard. Not only did he look hotter than hot, he exuded big league confidence and racked up strike outs.
(Further research indicates that Gebbard is now a Texas Ranger)
Gebbard's outstanding performance made me wonder why the Sox feel they need to buy Santana for $20M per year. The Sox no longer need to buy success. They've got what it takes to build an empire from the draft up. But we need to keep our little rookies, like Ellsbury and Lester, and give them the time they need to become worthy of superstar salaries like Santana. Let's build an empire based on hard work and loyalty . It's exactly what baseball needs right now...
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Next Great American Band
It has turned out to be a good show, despite being on FOX. Clearly it is fueled by Johnny Resnick and the outstanding Clark brothers. If you haven't seen the show, RUN to MSN and watch their performances. They are the grown sons of an evangelist and they have the power of the gospel in them. One plays steel, one mandolin, and the last sings and plays either fiddle or acoustic. They are phenomenal and if they don't win, the show is a complete joke.....
now i must get back to reading that damn mitchell report.. 90 pages in and snoring..
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Mitchell Report
aahhhhhhh. that's my sigh of relief. I just skimmed over the pdf file (mlb.com/mitchellreport) and the only sox on there were Eric Gange and Brendan Donnelly. Not liking either of them, I am perfectly fine with the fact that they were called out. Rumors that Tek was going to be on that list had me shaking all morning.
I actually suspected that Donnelly might be named since the Sox failed to sign him last night....
The report, itself, is tedious. The players named aren't listed, but each is given a section describing the evidence against them. I tried to read the bit on Clemens but I couldn't get through it. It had me tearing up...
I very much like what Mitchell has to say. He places the blame on the organization and culture within and not on the individuals. Individuals are forced to decide between being lesser than their illegal drug using counterparts or using drugs themselves. This is not a decision that anyone should be forced to make. It is the responsibility if Major League Baseball to keep young men from having to make such a decision.
Mitchell also emphasized that this is about the future of baseball and letting go of the past. Amen...
I actually suspected that Donnelly might be named since the Sox failed to sign him last night....
The report, itself, is tedious. The players named aren't listed, but each is given a section describing the evidence against them. I tried to read the bit on Clemens but I couldn't get through it. It had me tearing up...
I very much like what Mitchell has to say. He places the blame on the organization and culture within and not on the individuals. Individuals are forced to decide between being lesser than their illegal drug using counterparts or using drugs themselves. This is not a decision that anyone should be forced to make. It is the responsibility if Major League Baseball to keep young men from having to make such a decision.
Mitchell also emphasized that this is about the future of baseball and letting go of the past. Amen...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Papi Slippers?
I'm taking this break from worrying about the Mitchell Report to bring you Julian Tavarez' feet....
he was wearing them in the dugout on May 19th...
he was wearing them in the dugout on May 19th...
Papelbon Day
Centerfield is profiling a player a day as an advent calendar. Today is Papelbon and I haven't laughed that hard in a long time so go here and check out all the funny pictures and videos.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Hinske Who?
May 17, 2007
First, here is the classic 5-2-5-1-6-3 run down executed picture perfectly by the Red Sox. Their little league coaches must be proud!
You know, I missed the drama that went on when the Sox acquired JD Drew, so I was not automatically biased against him. I actually find myself kinda liking him. Sure he strikes out more than he should but so does Manny. He does a good job in right field and seems to have good relationships with his teammates. And he's kinda cute ;) And like a player who'll do anything to get the fans to stop booing him, he tried to take one for the team, throwing himself hard into the bullpen wall. Unfortunately he came up without the ball and with a sore back.
So Hinske started in right field and the Tigers hit ball after ball in his direction, all falling in for hits. It had me really missing Drew. I'm not sure the results would have been any different, but Drew does quietly cover a lot of ground out there in right. But then Hinske did this:
Holy crap! He thought he was Coco Crisp out there... I love Hinske!! Oh don't worry he was okay... in fact, a few innings later Hinske did this:
The Red Sox won and Hinske became my new favorite player!
First, here is the classic 5-2-5-1-6-3 run down executed picture perfectly by the Red Sox. Their little league coaches must be proud!
You know, I missed the drama that went on when the Sox acquired JD Drew, so I was not automatically biased against him. I actually find myself kinda liking him. Sure he strikes out more than he should but so does Manny. He does a good job in right field and seems to have good relationships with his teammates. And he's kinda cute ;) And like a player who'll do anything to get the fans to stop booing him, he tried to take one for the team, throwing himself hard into the bullpen wall. Unfortunately he came up without the ball and with a sore back.
So Hinske started in right field and the Tigers hit ball after ball in his direction, all falling in for hits. It had me really missing Drew. I'm not sure the results would have been any different, but Drew does quietly cover a lot of ground out there in right. But then Hinske did this:
Holy crap! He thought he was Coco Crisp out there... I love Hinske!! Oh don't worry he was okay... in fact, a few innings later Hinske did this:
The Red Sox won and Hinske became my new favorite player!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Remy Rocks
May 17 2007
It was a long 3 hours between games of the double header and someone got a little giddy...
It was a long 3 hours between games of the double header and someone got a little giddy...
Fenway Flashback: Before the Rain
May 15 2007
In a dismal loss, the Red Sox again demonstrated a complete lack of run support for Tim Wakefield (although it might be that Detroit's young Verlander is close to outstanding...). However, there were a few defensive highlights to note. First was Manny's throw to Mirabelli:
and then there was Mirabelli's juggling act:
In a dismal loss, the Red Sox again demonstrated a complete lack of run support for Tim Wakefield (although it might be that Detroit's young Verlander is close to outstanding...). However, there were a few defensive highlights to note. First was Manny's throw to Mirabelli:
and then there was Mirabelli's juggling act:
Fenway Flashback: Dice-K's Complete Game
May 14 2007
Daisuke Matsuzaka finally showed fans what all the hype (and money) is about. He threw a complete game, giving up only one run on a homerun... The Sox beat Detroit 7-1... fantastic!
Friday, December 7, 2007
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
The first major winter storm hit the Reno-Tahoe area last night and look what it did to the city:
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Mothers Day Miracle
May 13, 2007
First of all it's Mothers Day and the boys are wearing pink wristbands and batting with pink bats. Manly men in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness is the sweetest thing ever...
Lowell is out of the starting lineup and the Sox lineup looks a little like they are handing over the game before it begins. But then again, they have Beckett on the mound. Maybe they assume that with the run support that Josh has been getting, it doesn't matter who is playing defense. With Lowell out Youk is on 3rd and Hinske on 1st. Cora's at 2nd and the rest as usual.
Beckett gives up a couple runs in the first but is awesome thereafter. He racks up strike out after strike out. But then after the 4th disappears into the clubhouse and Snyder starts warming up in the bullpen. ???? Word comes back that Beckett has a avulsion on his finger. Got it? Not a blister.. an avulsion. (Had to look up the spelling on that one). It means that skin tore away. Not a blister because that would be bad. Beckett has a bad history of blisters. Skin tore away. That's supposed to be better.
Well, although statistically the Sox bullpen rocks, I think it's only because the starters rock and the bullpen doesn't have that much to do. And Oki and Paps are able to handle the task easily. In other words, the Sox seldom actually rely on Snyder, Lopez, Romero et al. With Beckett out after 4, the Sox turn to the pen and they give up runs here and there, allowing 3 more runs. In the meanwhile, the Orioles pitcher, Guthrie, is quietly awesome. He pitches a shut-out right up into the 9th. Not big overpowering pitching, not lots of Ks, but the Sox can't manage to even get a runner to 3rd through 8 and 1/3. Then this happens...
Not that big of a deal when you have a 5 run lead and you are throwing a shut out. And it's not like Guthrie walked Crisp to first, the catcher made an error to no fault of the outstanding Guthrie. Yet the Os manager made the unfortunate (for him) decision to pull Guthrie for no reason. I mean, up until that point, the game was dull -- REALLY DULL -- maybe he fell asleep and saw Coco on first and freaked? Nonetheless, he pulled Guthrie and the Os pen came on to save the day and made me realize why our sad bullpen (did i mention we went through 4 pitchers in the innings after Beckett?) has such outstanding stats. The Sox loaded the bases and scored and scored and scored and scored again. With 2 outs, the tying run on 3rd and the go-ahead on 2nd, and Lugio at bat, this happened...
and i am proud to be a Boston Red Sox fan yet again.....
First of all it's Mothers Day and the boys are wearing pink wristbands and batting with pink bats. Manly men in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness is the sweetest thing ever...
Lowell is out of the starting lineup and the Sox lineup looks a little like they are handing over the game before it begins. But then again, they have Beckett on the mound. Maybe they assume that with the run support that Josh has been getting, it doesn't matter who is playing defense. With Lowell out Youk is on 3rd and Hinske on 1st. Cora's at 2nd and the rest as usual.
Beckett gives up a couple runs in the first but is awesome thereafter. He racks up strike out after strike out. But then after the 4th disappears into the clubhouse and Snyder starts warming up in the bullpen. ???? Word comes back that Beckett has a avulsion on his finger. Got it? Not a blister.. an avulsion. (Had to look up the spelling on that one). It means that skin tore away. Not a blister because that would be bad. Beckett has a bad history of blisters. Skin tore away. That's supposed to be better.
Well, although statistically the Sox bullpen rocks, I think it's only because the starters rock and the bullpen doesn't have that much to do. And Oki and Paps are able to handle the task easily. In other words, the Sox seldom actually rely on Snyder, Lopez, Romero et al. With Beckett out after 4, the Sox turn to the pen and they give up runs here and there, allowing 3 more runs. In the meanwhile, the Orioles pitcher, Guthrie, is quietly awesome. He pitches a shut-out right up into the 9th. Not big overpowering pitching, not lots of Ks, but the Sox can't manage to even get a runner to 3rd through 8 and 1/3. Then this happens...
Not that big of a deal when you have a 5 run lead and you are throwing a shut out. And it's not like Guthrie walked Crisp to first, the catcher made an error to no fault of the outstanding Guthrie. Yet the Os manager made the unfortunate (for him) decision to pull Guthrie for no reason. I mean, up until that point, the game was dull -- REALLY DULL -- maybe he fell asleep and saw Coco on first and freaked? Nonetheless, he pulled Guthrie and the Os pen came on to save the day and made me realize why our sad bullpen (did i mention we went through 4 pitchers in the innings after Beckett?) has such outstanding stats. The Sox loaded the bases and scored and scored and scored and scored again. With 2 outs, the tying run on 3rd and the go-ahead on 2nd, and Lugio at bat, this happened...
and i am proud to be a Boston Red Sox fan yet again.....
Rock on Foo Fighters!
The Foo Fighters are the proud nominees of FIVE Grammy Awards!
The Hard Rock Performance category cracks me up. They are up against Ozzy! Now I really can't believe that FF would bother to do a show here in Reno. But I am even more grateful...
U2 got a nod for "Windows in the Skies" for best POP Performance by a Group and for "Instant Karma" for best ROCK Performance by a Group. Very interesting. I wonder who decided that Windows was pop but Karma is rock??
Springsteen got some noms, as did Eddie Vedder for his single off the Into the Wild Soundtrack and Chris Cornell for Casino Royale. Who knew that Song from a Soundtrack would be such a killer category with two of the all time best Rock vocalists, Vedder and Cornell. Did that category used to be all about Celine Dion?
The whole list of nominees can be found here. BTW, did you know that POLKA Album is a category!?!? So is Best Album Notes!
Record of the Year (The Pretender)
Album of the Year
Hard Rock Performance (The Pretender)
Best Rock Song (The Pretender)
Best Rock Album
The Hard Rock Performance category cracks me up. They are up against Ozzy! Now I really can't believe that FF would bother to do a show here in Reno. But I am even more grateful...
U2 got a nod for "Windows in the Skies" for best POP Performance by a Group and for "Instant Karma" for best ROCK Performance by a Group. Very interesting. I wonder who decided that Windows was pop but Karma is rock??
Springsteen got some noms, as did Eddie Vedder for his single off the Into the Wild Soundtrack and Chris Cornell for Casino Royale. Who knew that Song from a Soundtrack would be such a killer category with two of the all time best Rock vocalists, Vedder and Cornell. Did that category used to be all about Celine Dion?
The whole list of nominees can be found here. BTW, did you know that POLKA Album is a category!?!? So is Best Album Notes!
Fenway Flashback: Yet Another Reason to Love Jason Varitek
May 13, 2007
Watch this sweet catch...
Stud!
Watch this sweet catch...
Stud!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Laughs!
For those of you who aren't going to miss Eric Gagne...
Thanks to Jaid for pointing this one out!
Thanks to Jaid for pointing this one out!
Jack is Back
Jack Johnson bulletined this on Myspace:
2008 is right around the corner, and it's a big year for Jack.
The new album "Sleep Through The Static" hits stores in the US on February 5th (dates will vary slightly around the world, but it will release everywhere the first week of February). There will be a preorder for the new album through www.jackjohnsonmusic.com, and details of that will be posted soon. There is also an iTunes preorder that goes up in the US on December 11th. On that date you'll be able to buy the single "If I Had Eyes" or preorder the album and get the single download immed
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
I have no idea why...
but the Foo Fighters are coming to town!
Although it doesn't appear on their website, yet, KRZQ has happily confirmed
I had heard the rumors...
but I had to see it for myself...
On May 20, 2006, Josh Beckett became the first Red Sox pitcher since the advent of the DH rule to hit a homerun.
I love how he stands up there all stiff -- like a pitcher with no intention to swing. But boy does he swing....
On May 20, 2006, Josh Beckett became the first Red Sox pitcher since the advent of the DH rule to hit a homerun.
I love how he stands up there all stiff -- like a pitcher with no intention to swing. But boy does he swing....
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Fenway Flashback: Manny Being Manny Again
May 9, 2007
Jerry and Don flashback to Manny accidently cutting off Damon's throw. I can't stop laughing...
Jerry and Don flashback to Manny accidently cutting off Damon's throw. I can't stop laughing...
Fenway Flashback: Birds in a Cage
May 9th 2007
(Not at Fenway, obviously, but I like the alliteration).
(Not at Fenway, obviously, but I like the alliteration).
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