Wednesday, April 8, 2009

No Soup for You!


Canadians now have one more thing to add to their inferiority complex: no beer. Those silly Blue Jays fans can't handle their liquor:


Blue Jays fans celebrated Opening Day at the Rogers Centre by throwing trash at opposing outfielders.

And they paid for it dearly.

The Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario banned alcohol sales at the Jays’ second game of the series with the Tigers, a game that drew just 16,790 fans after selling out the night before. The OGCO also banned liquor sales for three more dates at the Rogers Centre this year, including a CFL game in August

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Opening Day Pre-Game Videos

Thanks to Sox and Dawgs for posting a couple of great Opening Day pre-game ceremonies, courtesy of NESN.

Videos include Ted Kennedy tossing out the first pitch to Jim Rice, and player introductions with the players entering the field after passing through the fans in the stands.

Here's another look from Politico:


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Rocco Could Get His First Start Today

Rocco Baldelli may get to play his first game for the Red Sox against his former team. The Rhode Island native may face Scott Kazmir in tonight's game:

“Kazmir’s been real tough on us, and some of our lefties to boot,” the Sox’ manager said prior to Tuesday’s 5-3, season-opening win over the Rays at Fenway Park. “It seems like, especially with a couple days off and not playing, it would be a good idea to try to get him in there. Got to figure out where.”


Where is a good question, right field seems to make the most sense. Check back later for the lineup to see if he is in there.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Since The Sox Won Their Season Opener...

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Joba Arrest Video


The best part, including the sobriety test is here.

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Red Sox in 1st place, Rays & Yanks? Cellar!

This is the way to start off the season!

Beckett spins a gem: 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 10 K's!

As previously posted, 8 of 9 starters had hits, including HR's by Pedroia (1st inning, his 2nd pitch) and Captain 'Tek. Mike Lowell had an RBI double, Youk went 2 for 4, Papelbon got the save.

Only 24 hours into the '09 season, Red Sox are tied for 1st place, with the Yankees and Rays tied for last place.


(-: GRIN :-)
SOX win 5-3 BOX SCORE

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Monkeys Are Off Their Backs!

Through 6 innings:


8 of 9 starters have hits already, including:



Ortiz- 1 for 3

Lowell- 1 for 3 (Double)

Varitek- 1 for 3 (Home Run!)

Josh Beckett is looking good! 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB's, 10 (ten!) K's, 93 pitches (61 strikes)

Recap coming after the game.

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Something Phishy Goin' on at Phenway



And that Phishy something will be... Phish!





Phish just announced that on May 31st they will play a show at Fenway Park. Tickets available here.







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Red Sox Lineup for Opening Day


Jacoby Ellsbury CF

Dustin Pedroia 2B

David Ortiz DH

Kevin Youkilis 1B

J.D. Drew RF

Jason Bay LF

Mike Lowell 3B

Jed Lowrie SS

Jason Varitek C

Josh Beckett SP

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Monday, April 6, 2009

Tim Wakefield 2000 Strikeout Contest

Wake sits at 1907 career strikeouts. To enter, guess the date of Wake's 2000th K (also add the inning as a tiebreaker- if more than one person picks the same date and inning I will go with the person that responded first if there is still a tie). Place your answer in the comments below.

The winner will receive one copy of the brand new Red Sox Album from the Boston Pops. The album includes classics like Casey at the Bat and Take Me out to the Ballgame as well as Red Sox must-haves like Sweet Caroline and Shipping up to Boston.

Click on the schedule above for game dates...at this point in the season you have to just guess when he's going to pitch, one guess per person but you can change it as the season goes along with a new comment.

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Sabathia Looks Bad in First Start For Yanks

4 1/3 innings, 8 hits, 6 earned runs, 5BBs and no K's. Baltimore announcer Joe Angel said it best with this:






Today he did not look like a million dollar bill...although he did look old and wrinkled.






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Instead of Baseball We Have This to Ponder

Since you can't analyze Josh Beckett's performance today, you are stuck with these stories:

Canseco thinks Manny is on the roid list.

Joba's mugshot goes public.

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Tito Talks About Rainout - Video

Since there is no Red Sox baseball to watch today you can watch this:

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Say It Ain't So























The offseason holds on for one more day.
Opening Day is rescheduled for 4:05 p.m. Tuesday.

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At Last

Bunting adorns the ballpark walls, the sod is in perfect order, and the smell of cooking hot dogs is in the air. The long wait is over; opening day has arrived. Every team enters the season with new hope and with their ace on the mound.

Even with cloudy skies at Fenway today the outlook could not be brighter for the 2009 Red Sox. The team had a successful spring with the return of Mike Lowell, the absence of "clicking" in Big Papi's wrist, and Lowrie hitting the cover off of the ball. Buchholz showed new found confidence and the team suddenly found itself with an abundance of starting pitching.

You now have 162 things to watch before we reach October. You have made it through another winter, let the games begin.

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Sunday, April 5, 2009

Rays Lineup for Opening Day

B.J. Upton will start the season on the 15-day DL

1. Akinori Iwamura 2B
2. Carl Crawford LF
3. Evan Longoria #B
4. Carlos Pena 1B
5. Pat Burrell DH
6. Matt Joyce CF
7. Gabe Gross RF
8.Dioner Navarro C
9. Jason Bartlett SS

James Shields SP

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Red Sox Players Talk About Opening Day - Video

Pedroia, Lester, Lowrie, Masterson and Bay talk About Opening Day. Watch below:

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April West Coast TV Schedule

Mon April 6 (11:00 AM) v. TBY- ESPN2
Weds April 8 (4:10 PM) v. TBY- ESPN2
Sat April 11 (1:10 PM) @ LAA- Fox
Mon April 13 (7:05 PM) @ OAK- CSNCA
Tues April 14 (7:05 PM) @ OAK- CSNCA
Weds April 15 (12:35 PM) @ OAK- CSNCA
Sat April 25 (1:10 PM) v. NYY- Fox
Sun April 26 (5:05 Pm) v. NYY- ESPN
All times PDT

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I Wish I Didn't Watch This

The making of a Fenway Frank. Why did they change the formula...didn't they learn anything from "New Coke?"


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Opening Day Info

The Red Sox will host the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. The Opening Day ceremony includes Seal singing the national anthem. Sen. Ted Kennedy will throw out the first pitch. Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops will perform God Bless America and Take Me Out to the Ballgame in the 7th inning.

The forecast could spoil some of the festivities as there will be rain starting around 3 pm Eastern. Gametime temperature should be about 50 degrees.

Josh Beckett will start for the Sox and James Shields will start for the Rays.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Wanna Feel Old?

Only 4 players on the Red Sox active roster were alive when this happened:

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Even Their Commercials Show Envy

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Take My Free Ice Cream

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Final Spring Batting Averages For Starting Lineup

1. Jacoby Ellsbury .266
2. Dustin Pedroia .333
3. David Ortiz .250
4. Kevin Youkilis .233
5. Jason Bay .227
6. J.D. Drew .250
7. Mike Lowell. .268
8. Jed Lowrie .343
9. Jason Varitek .216

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That's How You Finish the Preseason

The Red Sox jumped all over the Mets in the last tuneup of spring. Jed Lowrie hit a grand salami in the first and Tek hit a homer in the 6th. Rocco and Youk had two-hit games. Dice-K was solid giving up just one hit in four innings of work, but he did walk 4. The team now heads back to Boston to get ready for opening day on Monday against the Rays in a rematch of the ALCS.

Red Sox win 9-3 BOX SCORE

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Mets

The last one before it counts:

1. Rocco Baldelli, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Jason Varitek, C


Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP

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Ominous Start in the Citi

Mets fans did not get to enjoy their win in the inaugural game (exhibition) at Citi Field last night because of the rain. By the end of the game there were few fans left. Today's game will feature 40 mph wind, this should make for some interesting plays in the field. I'll be at Citi Field in less than 2 weeks and will provide a full ballpark review, I just hope the bad weather will be gone by then. Enjoy the last preseason game for the Red Sox. Lineup coming soon.

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Friday, April 3, 2009

Aces Wild

In their second to last tune-up before it counts, the Red Sox pitchers had trouble finding the plate. Jon Lester walked 5 in 4 innings and Manny Delcarmen's wild pitch in the 6th allowed a run to score. Okajima struck out the side in the 7th and Paps pitched a scoreless eigth. Youk missed the game because he was sick but Chris Carter picked up the slack with 2 hits. The game featured an hour delay due to rain.

Red Sox lose 4-3 BOX SCORE

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Tonight's Lineup vs. the Mets

Here's the Red Sox lineup for the first game played at Citi Field in New York. The game is on NESN and is free on MLB TV

Jacoby Ellsbury CF

Dustin Pedroia 2B

David Ortiz DH

Kevin Youkilis 1B

J.D. Drew RF

Jason Bay LF

Mike Lowell 3B

Jed Lowrie SS

Jason Varitek C

Jon Lester, SP

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New Improvements at Fenway - Video

Here's what they've been up to at America's most beloved ballpark during the offseason:

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Thursday, April 2, 2009

Red Sox Twitter Away

As the popularity of twitter grows, more and more Red Sox are joining up. Boston Dirt Dogs pointed out that Terry Francona busy on twitter today. Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie also are on twitter.
UPDATE: The Sportslist has determined that the Tito, Ellsbury and Lowrie accounts are fake, but does show several real players on twitter like Barry Zito and C.C. Sabathia

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Music of Summer

The Boston Pops Orchestra is releasing a The Red Sox Album on opening day. The album includes the following:

THE RED SOX ALBUM TO FEATURE NEW ARRANGEMENTS OF FENWAY’S FAN ANTHEM “SWEET CAROLINE,” THE DROPKICK MURPHYS’ “I’M SHIPPIN’ UP TO BOSTON,” AND “TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME;” “THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER” AND A MUSICAL VERSION OF BASEBALL’S FAMOUS HEART-WRENCHER, “CASEY AT THE BAT,” ALSO FEATURED

The album is part of a joint effort by the Boston Pops and the Red Sox:

“This CD marks the next exciting chapter in what continues to be a tremendous partnership between two of Boston’s most storied institutions,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “The Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony have provided the soundtrack for some of the most memorable moments at Fenway Park. With the release of ‘The Red Sox Album’, they are giving fans a new way to enjoy music that is inextricably linked with our team and our players. This one-of-a-kind album was produced by one of America’s favorite orchestras, led by one of America’s most talented conductors, for one of America’s most beloved teams.”

You can get a copy of the album beginning April 6 here:
www.bostonpops.org/shop the album will also be sold at Fenway throughout the season.

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Twins

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Mike Lowell, 3B
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Jason Varitek, C

Brad Penny, SP

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Pack up the Truck

As much fun as truck day is, today is the day people should be wishing for. After the game today the Red Sox will leave Florida and head to New York to play two games against the Mets at the brand new Citi Field. Brad Penny will get the start today in his final tuneup of the spring. Tomorrow's historic game will be on NESN.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

More on LOST (Yankee abuse inside)

I've been watching the ABC television show LOST since shortly after it started in September of 2004. (I was busy watching a lot of baseball that October if memory serves me correctly.) I researched the Red Sox references in the show and posted my opinion in January.

I found this LOST parody on youtube today, but before you watch it, I must briefly explain something for those who have not been following the show. There has been a set of numbers that keep showing up in different episodes for different reasons. 'Hurley' played these numbers in the lottery and won bazillions of dollars. However, as soon as he won the jackpot, bad, really bad things started happening.

Warning! Serious Yankee abuse ahead!

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Pirates

Jacoby Ellsbury, cf
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
Chris Carter, 1b
Rocco Baldelli, dh
Jed Lowrie, ss
George Kottaras, c
Chip Ambres, lf
Ryan Kalish, rf
Gil Velazquez, 3b

Josh Beckett, sp

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Jeff Bailey Gets Sent Down

The roster is just about set with Rocco Baldelli, Nick Green, Chris Carter and George Kottaras making the team. Penny will round out the rotation with Buchholz heading to the PawSox. Jeff Bailey was beat out by Chris Carter after a close race all spring and sent down to minor league camp.

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Buchholz's Ride Only Goes as Far North as Pawtucket

Clay Buchholz was shelled today but the team had already decided to use Brad Penny as the #5 starter. Today he got the news:

After the game, Buchholz was informed that he will most likely begin the season at Triple-A Pawtucket. But that had virtually nothing to do with the righty giving up nine hits and six runs over 5 1/3 innings in a Grapefruit League contest.

With the way he had been pitching before today's game it is likely that we will see him in Boston before the break.

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He Almost Got a Darwin Award

To help you get through the slowly moving time until the ump yells out "Play Ball!" next week, I give you this story:


Police in Newark, Ohio say when they responded to a report of a crash with injuries they found a man who had wrecked a bar stool powered by a deconstructed lawn mower. Police say Kile Wygle was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after he told an officer at the hospital that he had consumed 15 beers. Wygle told police his motorized bar stool can go up to 38 mph.

Rumor has it that Joba has just placed an order for his very own motorized bar stool.

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A-Rod* Scandal of the Week- Hygiene Failure

For those keeping score at home we now have had cheating in baseball (hand slap and roids), cheating on wife, passing out in the delivery room, causing trouble in a parking lot, hookers, the details magazine shoot, and now we have this:

Alex Rodriquez soaked up the love in Aspen this weekend, but he didn't exactly give it back. The Yankees slugger was partying at the Caribou Club, enjoying the attention of "several cougars," a source said, when he went to the bathroom. A male source added, "When he was done, he walked out of his stall, went up to the sink, primped himself in the mirror and walked out -- without washing his hands. Nasty." A-Rod then went back to the adoration of the ladies, but left by himself. His rep declined to comment.


Check back next week for the continuation of this ongoing series.

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Monday, March 30, 2009

Wake Struggles Again

The Red Sox may have jumped the gun in naming Tim Wakefield the fourth starter. Wake got shelled today by the Reds minor league squad. He gave up 5 earned runs including 3 homers. His ERA for spring is now 5.40

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Fantasy Draft Gone Bad

A fellow Red Sox fan in my league could not make the live draft but set his draft list ahead of time and filled out a "Do Not Draft" list. Do to some kind of a glitch the computer drafted all the players on the "Do Not Draft List." The result: a team full of Yankees. He was forced to send this email to the league last night:

Make Me Offers

I wanted the system to follow my rankings and to
pick for me. Instead, the system picked everyone
on my "do not draft" list, including a crap-load
of Yankees. Open season on my roster. Please
make offers on Texeira, Sabathia, Nady, Wang and
anyone else on my roster. At this point, I don't
give a rat's ass.


He also has Damon and Swisher on his team.

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Teams Want Delcarmen

Peter Gammons is reporting that several teams are interested in a trade for Manny Delcarmen. He speculates that dealing the Massachusetts native could help the Red Sox land a new catcher.

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Braves

An interesting lineup today with Rocco at the top and DHing

Rocco Baldelli, dh
Dustin Pedroia, 2b
Jason Bay, lf
Kevin Youkilis, 1b
Mike Lowell, 3b
Nick Green, 2b
Chip Ambres, cf
Dusty Brown, c
Che-Hsuan Lin, rf

Daisuke Matsuzaka, p

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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Red Sox Prepare to Drop Wilkerson

The Brad Wilkerson signing has not gone as planned. After struggling at the plate this spring, Wilkerson may have bought himself a ticket out of town. The Red Sox are looking at Bailey or Carter to be the backup outfielder going into the season.

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Saturday, March 28, 2009

Josh Beckett Will Start Opening Day

Josh Beckett is still the ace of the staff and has been named the opening day starter despite Lester challenging him for the top spot. Much better news than we had last season where Beckett missed the trip to Japan for the opener.

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Masterson Sent to Pen, Rotation Mostly In Place

Justin Masterson will be a reliever this season and most of the rotation is set. Beckett, Lester, Dice-K and Wake have all made the rotation with Penny and Buchholz competing for the 5th spot. It is Penny's job to lose according to Extra Bases:


The Red Sox are waiting on naming the fifth starter, who, because of a day off April 7, will not be needed until April 12. They need to see how Brad Penny, who is starting today against the Twins, comes through in his final two starts of the spring. Penny previously battled fatigue in his right shoulder, but he was stellar in his first start, in which he pitched three innings.

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Today's Lineup vs. the Twins

1. Rocco Baldelli, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. George Kottaras, C
9. Nick Green, RF

Brad Penny, SP

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Are Girardi's Day's Numbered?

The opening odds on Joe Girardi being the first manager fired this season are 5/1....sounds like easy money with Dumbass Hank calling the shots.

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Lugo's Recovery Going Well

My guess of a post All-Star break return for Julio Lugo is looking way off the mark. Those of you who had the under could be in the money. Lugo returned to camp today and said:

Hopefully, in three weeks I'll be ready," Lugo said. "Probably three or four weeks, I'll be fine."

I see this as good news for the Red Sox and bad news for the majority of Sox fans....I'm still stickin' with him.

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. St. Louis

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Mike Lowell, 3B
7. Jason Bay, LF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Nick Green, SS

Josh Beckett, SP

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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Ticketmaster Understands Yankee Fans

When Yankee fans want to buy tickets through ticketmaster they need to type in a security check. The system tries to use words a typical Yankee fan will understand. See below:

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$7.00 Beer...Hooray!!

It's a tough economy and the fine folks at Fenway are freezing concession prices. So go spend your hard earned AIG bonuses on a frosty cup of suds at America's most beloved ballpark.

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Tim Wakefield Sucks at Mini Golf

Tim Wakefield and his new catcher George Kottaras had a mini golf competition in Florida with the rookie coming out on top:

Tim hit first on No. 18, and his shot just missed the desired center cup at the top of the three-tier hole. So his ball came out on the second-tier green, while George hit the center hole and his ball stopped two feet from the final cup, and a sure victory.

Meanwhile Tim had some trouble making it into the hole on the second tier-green (in his defense, the cup was raised so the shot was nearly impossible). It took Tim five shots to make it into the hole and down to the bottom green. Unless George was going to five-putt from two feet, the win was his. He sunk the putt, and took the friendly competition.

The golf outing will be shown on NESN on April 1.

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Has Buchholz Won a Spot in the Rotation?

I was one of those screaming for Buchholz to be sent down last season; constantly arguing that he was not ready. Well, I am now a believer that he is ready and should be in the rotation. Yesterday he went 6 innings with no earned runs and only gave up three hits. His ERA this spring is .046

"I've had a good spring," Buchholz said. "I know they have their eye on someone else, but even if I'm at Pawtucket, I'm still pitching and I'm a phone call away."

You know that Beckett, Lester, and Dice-K are in the rotation with Wake likely to be the number 4 guy. Penny has the experience and Smoltz will be good once he returns but they have to go with the guy who is hot right now or there is still the option of a 6 man rotation. It is nice to have problems like this one.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Smoltz Does Well in Session

John Smoltz was happy with his performance in a bullpen session today:

"By his own terms, he backed off the intensity. Just trying to follow the glove around a little bit. But I think he was real excited, felt real good about it," Francona said of Smoltz.

The team may now push up his return date to May 15 vs the previous date of June 1. Right now the Red Sox have an abundance of pitching but come mid May there should be an injured pitcher that needs to be replaced.

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Red Sox Lineup vs. the Reds

Youk and Drew are back in there in this big start for Buchholz...can he keep it going and win a spot in the rotation?

1. Jason Bay, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Chip Ambres, CF
8. Argenis Diaz, SS
9. Clay Buchholz, SP

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Red Sox Lineup vs. the Yankees

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Jed Lowrie SS
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Chris Carter LF
5. Rocco Baldelli RF
6. George Kottaras C
7. Brad Wilkerson 1B
8. Nick Green 2B
9. Angel Chavez 3B

SP Tim Wakefield SP

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Hall of Fame Questions

With Curt Schilling's retirement announcement comes questions on his Hall of Fame chances. The here are a few of the opinions from around the web:

The Bulletin - Philadelphia:


Based on his regular-season numbers, Schilling falls short of Cooperstown status. His 216 wins rank 80th on the all-time list. To put that in perspective, some of the names around him are Kenny Rogers (219), Charlie Hough (216) and Kevin Brown (211). Not exactly plaque-worthy, are they?......But Schilling’s career was about more than just statistics. It was about impact, how one pitcher influenced three different franchises in a major way....
He won’t be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he’ll find his way into Cooperstown eventually. Because in baseball, more than any other sport, mediocre seasons here and there are forgotten over time.

True greatness, on the other hand, lives on forever
.

Washington Post:


But he was great theater any time he took the mound, and for a stretch of nearly a decade (roughly 1997-2006), he was one of the top half-dozen pitchers in the game. Take all that, and add the October heroics, and Schilling starts to look pretty Hall-worthy.


ESPN - Rob Neyer
:

Two years I was lukewarm about Schilling's Hall of Fame candidacy. I wasn't against it, exactly. But neither was I for it. But during those two years, Schilling helped pitch the Red Sox to another championship and I got just a little bit smarter. Today I can't imagine a Hall of Fame without him.


Schilling brought hope to Boston the moment he started filming his Dunkin' Donuts commercials by wearing his "Why not us?" t-shirt. He was the keystone to the 2004 and 2007 seasons, without him the Red Sox Nation might still be talking about a curse. No matter what you think about his politics, he is the guy you wanted to have on the mound against the Yankees; he was no Pedro when it came to silencing opposing fans. He deserves a spot in the Hall and needs to be wearing a Sox cap when he goes.

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Monday, March 23, 2009

CSI: NY - NY v. BOS

I recently caught a CSI: NY rerun that was originally broadcast May 11, 2005. This episode would be of most interest to Red Sox and Yankee fans, as a Boston baseball fan clad in a red shirt was found murdered in his car after a ball game in NY. With only 1 exception, there were no references to the ’Red Sox’ or the ‘Yankees’, just Boston and New York, no ‘Major League Baseball’ or ‘MLB’, just pro baseball in general. It did not appear that the stadium scenes were filmed at Yankee Stadium. The exception was during an interview, the CSI mentioned that a foul ball off the bat of A-Rod would be a hot commodity.

The detectives and CSI’s conduct their investigation starting with the ticket stub in his wallet and the ‘regulation baseball’ in his possession. It turns out that the ticket was a freebie given to him by a local radio shock jock who then gave another ticket to the NY baseball fan (an ex-con, no less, but that’s not surprising) who was arguing with the Boston baseball fan on air. At the game, the NY fan was heckling the Boston fan and spitting Cracker Jacks at the back of his head, sometimes missing his mark. A scuffle finally ensued, after which the NY fan was ejected (that part did surprise me- they always throw out the Sox fan first.) A foul ball lands in the mitt of the Boston fan. Television replays show the heckler behind him, and then later, the Boston fan catching the foul ball. He then brazenly gives the male fan next to him a big ol’ smooch on the lips, which was replayed on the jumbo screen, much to the dismay of Mr. Macho who was on the receiving end of the smooch (and an aspiring major leaguer himself.)

After the game, the Boston fan was found dead, cause of death determined to be a ruptured spleen due to blunt force trauma, in this case, from a 94 mph fastball. A few hours later on the other side of town, a woman runs into the street seemingly from out of nowhere and gets hit by a truck. Her hair was found on the ball that was in the Boston fan’s post mortem possession. The CSI’s do their forensic DNA voodoo and determine that Mr. Macho (who was still quite PO’d) grabbed the ball from the Boston fan in the parking lot after the game and threw it at him with his 94 mph fastball, thus rupturing his spleen. Later back home with his GF who was sitting next to him at the game, which was how her hair ended up on the ball, he is still visibly upset over the raspberry back at the game. He explodes at his GF, scaring the snot out of her, and chasing her into the street.

I’m guessing that there must be a Sox writer on the staff of CSI: NY. And, I suppose, this story could also have taken place in Oakland after a Patriots-Raiders game.

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Penny Makes a Statement...and So Do Sox Bats

Brad Penny showed why he needs to be considered for a spot in the rotation by his performance in his first GFL game. He went three no-hit innings giving up just a walk with 3 K's in today's game.

After he left the game the Red Sox bats came alive with Lowell-Bay-Carter-Ochoa all hitting homers back to back.

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Schilling is Done

Curt Schilling announced his retirement today. On twitter he posted that he was out here on the West Coast attending a meeting with his gaming company showing he has fully embraced his new career.

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Dice-K Leads Japan over Team USA

With Youk, Pedroia, Big Papi, and Bay all back in Fort Myers the only member of the Red Sox left to watch in the World Baseball was Matsuzaka. Dice-K is going for his second WBC MVP and has a shot after another victory last night. He struggled early giving up a leadoff homer to Brian Roberts but then settled down going 4 2/3 innings and giving up 2 earned runs on 5 hits. Team USA was eliminated in the 9-4 loss. Team Japan faces Korea in the final game tonight.

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

A-Rod* Scandal of the Week- Hookers

The American public is getting scandal fatigue and not from AIG but from A-Rod*. We have seen cheating on his wife with Madonna, steroids, parking lot incidents, fainting in the delivery room, and now we have a new one:

A former Manhattan madam who supplied Eliot Spitzer with hookers also counted Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez as a customer - and found him so charming she dated him herself for free, former employees of the call-girl agency tell the Daily News.

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Batting Stance Guy in Fort Myers - Video

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. Philadelphia

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Mike Lowell, 3B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Rocco Baldelli, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Paul McAnulty, 1B

Josh Beckett, SP

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Saturday, March 21, 2009

Today's Lineup vs. the Marlins

1. Jeff Bailey, RF
2. Jason Bay, LF
3. Brad Wilkerson, CF
4. Chris Carter, 1B
5. George Kottaras, C
6. Nick Green, 2B
7. Angel Chavez, 3B
8. Gil Velazquez, SS
9. Michael Bowden, SP

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Things Are Looking Good

Clay Buchholz is a different pitcher than he was last spring, Jason Varitek is starting to hit, Penny and Smoltz are ready to pitch, and Lowell looks like he is back. The Red Sox needed things to fall into place after they lost out on Teixeira and it looks like they have. Granted not one regular season game has been played but there are many reasons to be confident in the Sox chances to win the East.

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Friday, March 20, 2009

New Injury for Drew

J.D. Drew was hit by a pitch in today's game and is now having an X-Ray on his hand to see if anything is broken.

UPDATE: The X-Rays have come back negative.

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Today's Lineup vs. the Pirates

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Mike Lowell, 3B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Paul McAnulty, 1B

Clay Buchholz, SP

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Red Sox License Plates in RI?

You can show your team support in Massachusetts with a Red Sox license plate and soon may be able to in Rhode Island.


The Providence Journal reports that a House committee on Thursday approved bills that would allow the state to create license plates bearing either the Boston Red Sox or New England Patriots logos.

They now go to the full House. Similar legislation is moving through the Senate.

The plates would benefit both the state and charities. Drivers could purchase the plates for a $40 charge on top of the standard registration fee. Half the additional fee would go to the state and half to charity—either the Jimmy Fund


Now if we could just get Arnold to do the same out here in California.

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Thursday, March 19, 2009

WBC Did Not Cause Youk's Ankle Injury

Don't blame the WBC for Youk's ankle. According to the Projo:

his left ankle problems are related to a flare up of plantar fasciitis, and are not an injury he sustained in the World Baseball Classic.

Now in case you are not a doctor and have never heard of "plantar fasciitis," here is the definition from the Mayo Clinic:

Most commonly, heel pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia — the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. The condition is called plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis).

Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing or burning pain that's usually worse in the morning because the fascia tightens (contracts) overnight. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.

In most cases, you can overcome the pain of plantar fasciitis without surgery or other invasive treatments. And you can take steps to prevent plantar fasciitis from recurring.

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Jimmy Fallon As A-Rod*

A picture is worth a thousand words:
I was talking to a Yankee fan friend of mine the other day and he was saying how sick he was of A-Rod* and as soon as one issue goes away another arises. It is almost too easy to make fun of him anymore.

hat tip to The Huffington Post

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That Was A Wicked Googly - Manny Style

The tricycle is gone...now for some Cricket



Manny Being Manny: Cricket Edition from Big League Stew on Vimeo.

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Down Goes Youk

First it was Pedroia, now it's Youk who's injured and out of the WBC. Kevin Youkilis will not return to Team USA for the remainder of the Classic:

"a mild left ankle sprain, as well as mild Achilles tendonitis in his left foot."

MRIs taken on both problems were negative. The Sox said Youkilis "will wear a walking boot for the next several days but is not expected to miss significant time."

This should add a little fuel to the "is the WBC worth it?" fire.

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Red Sox Cut Josh Bard

Quick, somebody call Doug Mirabelli; Josh Bard has been cut by the Red Sox. No word on who will catch Wake.

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Sox/WBC Roundup

Youk helped out team USA with a home run early yesterday's comeback victory over Puerto Rico. He also drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 9th as part of the rally. The team avoided elimination with the victory.

The Green Sox used the long ball to beat the Twins yesterday. Big Papi, Tek, Ellsbury, and Bay all went yard. Beckett earned the win even though he was not great. He gave up 3 earned runs in 4 innings of work. A blister problem of sorts also arose:

A callus on his toe that softened throughout the game, finally ripping in the third inning. And the result was an open wound that Beckett ignored as best he could, but upon which he put unexpected pressure while fielding Carlos Gomez's bunt.

"He probably knocked some skin off it, that's all," Francona said after the Red Sox's 9-5 win against the Twins.

"It's just a cut," Beckett added.

Good thing its not one of those blisters on his pitching hand.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

This is Not Dustin Pedroia

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Lugo Out At Least a Month

Lugo underwent the knife today, here are the results from Extra Bases:

Doctors repaired a torn meniscus, which is what they expected to find. Lugo will miss 3-4 weeks, almost certainly sidelining him for Opening Day April 6, which is 20 days away.

3-4 weeks is very optimistic for a torn meniscus, I would be surprised if he sees any action before the All-Star break

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Twins

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
3B Mike Lowell
DH David Ortiz
RF Rocco Baldelli
LF Jason Bay
C Jason Varitek
1B Brad Wilkerson
SS Jed Lowrie
2B Nick Green

SP Josh Beckett

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Lars Gets Cut

Lars Anderson was sent to minor league camp today. There was really not much chance for Lars making the team but people were expecting him to shine in spring training. He was a disappointing 4-22 at the plate this spring but is still considered the top prospect in the Red Sox organization.

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Monday, March 16, 2009

Today's Lineup vs. Toronto

1. Ellsbury CF
2. Lowrie SS
3. Drew RF
4. Carter 1B
5. Bard DH
6. Bailey LF
7. Chavez 3B
8. Nick Green 2B
9. Dusty Brown C

Masterson SP

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Bay Wants To Explore the F.A. Market

News broke yesterday that talks between the Red Sox and Jason Bay have been halted for the time being. Rob Bradford sheds some light at what caused this at WEEI.com:


“I don’t think anybody in my situation wants to play for six years and then you earn the right to be a free agent and on some levels sell yourself short, and that doesn’t mean there doesn’t have to be some concessions,” Bay said. “But you put yourself in this position and I think it’s in my best interest to kind of explore. Not to say we’re ever going to go that far, but I definitely want to make sure it’s the right fit.


Theo does not want to rush into a long term deal with Bay until the current market for outfielders has more clarity. Look at the money Manny got vs what he expected.

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Sunday, March 15, 2009

WBC/Sox Roundup

Dice-K is looking to win another WBC MVP after shutting down Cuba in 6 scoreless innings allowing 5 hits while striking out 8.

Youk is 0-3 with 1 RBI in tonight's game against The Netherlands.

The Red Sox lost again to Baltimore 6-2. Buchholz pitched well again and is looking to get a spot in the rotation after going 3 2/3 innings giving up just 1 run. It is starting to look like Ramon Ramirez is a bust and the Royals took Theo for a ride on the deal. He was handed his second loss of spring and now has an ERA of 7.50. Papelbon had his first bad outing of spring today.

In contract news the Sox locked up Lester but talks with Bay have stalled.

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. Baltimore

Interesting lineup with Lowell batting second.

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Mike Lowell, 3B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. J.D. Drew, RF
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jason Varitek, C
7. Brad Wilkerson, 1B
8. Jed Lowrie, SS
9. Gil Velazquez, 2B

Clay Buchholz, SP

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Pedroia Injury Update

The injury is a strained abdominal muscle and not an oblique injury like originally thought.

The team dodged a bullet with Pedroia having a strained abdominal muscle rather than an oblique, “which really had us concerned,” said Francona. “The good news is it’s not an oblique. That originally had us scared so we’re relieved about that.”

Francona said “I don’t think it will be terribly long” before Pedroia is back in action, and he sounded hopeful that it would resolve itself before the end of spring training. Three or four days of down time in order to have the injury settle down appears to be the short-term course of action for Pedroia.

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Pedroia Heads Back to the Fort

After being a scratch for tonight's game, Dustin Pedroia is headed back to Fort Myers. He is said to have a minor oblique strain and will miss the remainder of the WBC. With injuries to Lugo and Pedroia, Nick Green's value has suddenly gone way up.

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. Baltimore

1 .Josh Reddick, CF
2. Jed Lowrie, SS
3. Rocco Baldelli, DH
4. Chris Carter, 1B
5. Josh Bard, C
6. Jeff Bailey, RF
7. Paul McAnulty, LF
8. Nick Green, 2B
9. Angel Chavez, 3B

Adam Mills, SP

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Should Wake Be In the Rotation?

Tim Wakefield struggled again last night. When you consider his injury from last season you have to question whether he is healthy enough to be a starter. Nobody has been willing to do what the team needs as much as Wake, and it would be hard to see him coming out of the pen for long relief but he may not have what it takes to be in the rotation. Buchholz has had a great spring and could fill the spot. The rotation at the start of the season could be Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, Masterson, and Buchholz, with Penny and Wake ready to fill in for injuries. When Smotz comes back it will make it even harder for Wakefield to stay in the rotation. Wake deserves the benefit of the doubt as a starter and should be in the rotation for the start of the season and given at least two regular season starts to see if he is OK. He will let Tito know if something is wrong but it is starting to look like he may be reaching the end of the line as a Red Sox starter.

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Friday, March 13, 2009

Game On! Red Sox Top Yanks in GFL

Mikey and Papi silenced the critics today as they both went yard in a 7 run 2nd inning, sending Yankee ace Wang to the showers early. Wakefield had a rough 2+ innings, but the bullpen was excellent for the remaining innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 walks while registering 9 strikeouts. Julio Lugo, who has been having an great spring training hitting .450 so far, left with a knee injury in the first inning.

SOX 8 Yankees 4 BOX SCORE

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The SS Competition May Have Just Been Won

Julio Lugo was looking like he was going to be the starting shortstop on opening day but things may have just changed:


Red Sox shortstop Julio Lugo left Friday night's game against the Yankees with a sore right knee. There was no immediate word on how the injury occurred.

Lugo played the top of the first inning on defense and didn't see any action, but manager Terry Francona sent Ivan Ochoa up to pinch-hit for Lugo in the bottom of the inning.

Lowrie and most of Red Sox Nation are trying to hide their smiles right now, I still like Lugo even after last year but am glad the Sox have options at the 6 postition.

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Tonight's Red Sox Lineup vs. the Yankees

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Julio Lugo, SS
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Mike Lowell, 3B
5. J.D. Drew, RF
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. Brad Wilkerson, 1B
8. George Kottaras, C
9. Angel Chavez

Tim Wakefield, SP

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Scott Boras Hates Bloggers

In an interview for Men's Journal Scott Boras lets his opinion on the internet be known:

You haven’t seen angry until you see Scott Boras ambushed by an internet story in which an unnamed source claims that Boras’s would-be $200 million slugger is damaged goods.

Boras sighed and said the internet should have a new name. “It should be the intersuck.”

I don't think he is going to find much sympathy; most people like it when there is some light shined on his shady negotiation tactics.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Ace is Back

Last spring was filled with struggles and injuries for Josh Beckett, 2009 is different. With Jon Lester knocking on the door for opening day starter the pressure was on for Beckett to regain is '07 form. So far this spring he has delivered. Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell breaks down his spring so far:

"First and foremost, he's come in throwing the ball with power, with command," said Farrell. "The nagging injuries that plagued him a year ago have not been evident at any one point and time. I think we're seeing him not only build arm strength but build endurance. Again, he was pitching ahead in the count -- 13 out of 15 first-pitch strikes. I thought he did a great job doubling up with his curveball and his changeup. Some of the goals and objectives that we've set out for this camp, he's accomplishing."

If Beckett has an '07 like season for the Sox this year the AL East better look out because the rotation is looking good with pitchers like Masterson, Penny, Buchholz, and Smoltz ready to step up when they are needed. Now if we could get Wake back to form.....

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Today's Red Sox Lineup vs. St. Louis

Josh Reddick-LF
Julio Lugo-SS
Jason Varitek-C
Brad Wilkerson-RF
Chris Carter-1B
Jed Lowrie-3B
Paul McAnulty-DH
Nick Green-2B
Jonathan Van Every-CF

Josh Beckett-SP

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Papelbon Backs Sox Manny Decision

Yes, I know it is time to move on from the Manny stories but we still have not heard from many of the players on their opinion of what went down. Papelbon told Esquire Magazine what he thought:

"He was on a different train!" Paplebon said. "And you saw what happened with that. We got rid of him, and we moved on without him. That comes from the manager, and it comes from guys like Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield and David Ortiz.

"So Manny was tough for us. You have somebody like him, you know at any point in the ball game, he can dictate the outcome of the game. And for him not to be on the same page as the rest of the team was a killer, man!"

Paps seems to say the entire team was behind the move, which is what the press had been saying at the time. Some people thought the press pushed Manny out of town but that does not seem to be the case.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Mike Lowell Discusses First Hit

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SOX Analyst

While not in need of employment at this time, I still do peruse the job boards on occasion and just today found this position posted on craigslist:

SOX Analyst (novato)
Reply to: gwright@ffic.com
Date: 2009-02-26, 4:55PM PST

At Fireman's Fund, you're building a challenging career at the same time as bringing a sense of stability to people's lives. You're also contributing to our success and our reputation as a leader in the field with your skills and expertise. For this you are appreciated, acknowledged, and rewarded. We believe that if you hold on to great people, everyone wins. Just more proof that a career with Fireman's Fund, isn't just a good idea. It's a smart move.

Responsibilities:
• Develop documentation and guidance for Risk Management and Compliance
projects (Solvency II, SOX, and internal control improvement projects)
• Monitor compliance with the Risk Management and Compliance policies and
procedures
• Coordinate Compliance projects within assigned departments/divisions
• Assist business partners in identifying, documenting and optimizing their
system of internal control
• Identify internal control issues and develop recommendations
• Quality Assurance of Risk Management and Compliance documentation
• Develop education and training
• Track, report and facilitate remediation of control deficiencies
• Coordinate and manage Internal and External Audit’s testing of controls,
training and customer service
• Have an advanced understanding of various lines of business, assigned
assessment units
• Build and manage relationships with process, control owners and
management and track changes in the processes and risks
• Develop and maintain risk management and insurance expertise through
continuing education within financial reporting and risk management field Work
Experience Required:
• 3+ years of professional experience in risk management, audit,
accounting, financial reporting, finance, IT or other related fields Preferred:
• Insurance Experience
• Public Accounting / Big 4 experience preferred
• Certification such as CPA, CIA, FRM, MBA, CISA or other applicable
• Risk management or actuarial background a plus Core Competencies
• Advanced understanding of risk and controls, including the ability to
identify risks and evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of controls
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and proven presentation
skills, including the ability to communicate messages
• Ability to influence work of others and work with all levels of
management
• Proven project management and time management skills, including
coordination of resources and timelines and the ability to prioritize,
coordinate and complete multiple projects of varying sizes
• Expert knowledge of Word, Excel; sound knowledge of Visio strong plus
• Problem solving, negotiation skills and decision making skills
• Demonstrate complete ownership of assigned projects from start to a
positive completion, willingness and ability to take initiative and operate with
appropriate sense of urgency
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Comfortable working in a flexible environment where priorities frequently
change, flexibility to work hours as necessary to meet deadlines

Compensation: Negotiable
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial
interests.
PostingID: 1052124359




Despite currently not needing employment, I decided to apply for the position anyhow. How could one turn down an opportunity to become a SOX analyst?! This is what I wrote in response:


Dear G Wright,

I am very interested in becoming a SOX analyst for FFIC.

I live here in Novato, so getting to FFIC would be no problem. I have been a SOX fan ever since 1967, the Impossible Dream year, when they won the American League pennant, and have been following them ever since. I am currently writing for a Red Sox blog out of Sebastopol called Fenway West (I go by the name of 'Red Sox Sonoma.') This blog is the #1 West Coast blog for Red Sox fans and averages well over 100 hits/day, and has had as many as 4300 hits in one day. You can see my work there, or at my archives of just my posts at my Red Sox Sonoma blog.

I also have extensive accounting and management experience, as well as experience with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Being a SOX fan has always had it's risks, which I have managed well over the years. I have analyzed the Big 4 of the AL East (Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, and Toronto) and can account for all proficiencies and deficiencies in those arenas. I have a thourough understanding of Jamesian statistics and sabermetrics, including ERA, ERA+, WHIP, AB/RSP, BABIP, GIDP, OBP, and OPS, as well as the Runs Created, Range Factor, Defensive Efficiency Rating, Pythagorean Winning Percentage, Major League Equivalency, Secondary Average, Power/Speed Number statistics categories.

I feel I am the most qualified SOX analyst that FFIC could find in Novato or the SF Bay area. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kindest Regards,

David Maciel




Think I'll get the job?

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WBC/Sox Roundup

Big Papi had a double in yesterday's game going 1-4 for the Dominican Republic. His effort was not enough as the Netherlands pulled off another upset and sent Ortiz packing for Fort Myers.

Venezuela crushed Italy yesterday so they will play Team USA today at 3:30 Pacific to determine the pool winner.

The Red Sox lost to the O's 5-1 in Grapefruit League action but the team had some good news: Clay Buchholz pitche three innings of no-hit ball and Mike Lowell returned to the lineup going 1-3.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A-Rod* Makes it Into Dickipedia

Alex Rodriguez* is now profiled in Dickipedia. The best part of the entry is quoted below:

Accomplishments*

As a short stop, he set single season records for most runs in a season*, most extra base hits*, most total bases*, and most home runs*. He went on to hit the most home runs by a third basemen in a season* and to become the youngest player to hit 500 home runs*. He is in the top 15 home run hitters of all time*.

He is a 3-time MVP* and a 10-time Silver Slugger*. He is also considered one of the great players of all time* and a shoe-in for the hall of fame*. He is also a good father*, role-model*, and Scores customer.

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Sawxheads

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