RED SOX WIN A.L. WILD-CARD!
The Angels beat the Rangers tonight and punched the Red Sox ticket to the playoffs. They may have backed in, but they are in. In Theo we trust.
Read more...Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I Met Pedey Part 2: The Fenway Tour
Earlier tonight...I posted the photo blog of the Dunkin Donuts Perks Most Valuable Tour with Dustin Pedroia at Fenway. Here is a little more information about the event...in particular about the tour of Fenway Park. The Q&A with Dustin Pedroia will be in Entry 3 (I know...I like to draw things out).
I live in Upstate NY...which is about 3.5 hours away from Fenway Park. I got up at 5am...and was out on the road at 5:30am. I wanted plenty of time to get there and get lost...and to find parking. Well, I am glad I did that. Traffic was insane. INSANE. There was an accident and then just the basic "driving into Boston" traffic. My GPS went from telling me I would get there at 8:45am to 10:00am in about 5 seconds. My GPS found me a detour, but still I ended up pulling into the parking garage at about 9:55am. I was supposed to meet my "Fenway Date" Jayne at 9:45am in front of Fenway. So, I jumped out of the car...grabbed by bag and RAN down the street to Fenway. Literally. Well...maybe I jogged. You get the point.
I got there just at 10am...and we went inside. They were just saying hello to people and telling them about the plan for the day. The plan was to officially have the best day EVER!
First up...batting cages. Jayne went first. Seriously. She kicked arse. She hit every ball...and many of them she hit well. I haven't played baseball since I was in elementary school...and let's be honest, when I did...I was really bad at it. I was afraid of the ball and just all around sucked. So, I wasn't sure I would get in the cage. But, I also figured...I only live once...and got in there. And yeah, I sucked. But....I don't care. GOOD TIMES.
Next we went on a tour of Fenway. The highlight of the tour...was of course...going inside the Green Monster. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to go inside. I am so jealous of people I see at games who get to look inside and what not. Now...I have been one of those people. The nice little old man who gave us our tour...the most entertaining thing he said all afternoon..."We have 3 people who work the scoreboard from inside the Green Monster. We used to have 4, but then we traded Manny Ramirez."
Other interesting tidbits on the tour....
Even though the Monster was built in 1934...they didn't add the little window to have a TV camera until 1975. NBC was covering the World Series and wanted to be able to film home runs as they went over the Monster. So, they added this little pop out door for a camera.
So, the camera man was supposed to follow the travel of the ball as it went up up up and over the Monster. Well...Carlton Fisk. At the plate. Hits a high fly ball towards the Monster. And what does the camera man catch.....you remember the image......
Fisk wishing the ball fair. So, why didn't the camera man watch the ball go up up up....like he was supposed to? Well..as Fisk hit the ball, he got ready to follow it up, but there was a "critter" in the Green Monster by his feet, so instead of focusing on doing his job, he was trying to get the little critter away from his feet. Instead, he caught an iconic moment of Red Sox Nation. At least that is the story.
The Ted Williams Seat. The guy sitting in that seat...was Joe Boucher from Albany, NY (basically in my backyard). He came with his family for the doubleheader. Wore a straw hat and proceeded to fall asleep. Ted Williams decided to wake him up by hitting a 502 foot home run. Joe Boucher after the game...admitted he was a...gulp...Yankees fan. He also said that the baseball god's blessed him that day by him not being hurt by William's home run ball...and from that day on, he was a Red Sox fan. The headline the next day in the newspaper, "BULLSEYE- Knocks Sense Into Yankee Fan!" LOL. Joe Boucher kept to his word and remained a Red Sox fan.
The tour guide went through all the different alterations and upgrades of the park. He said that in 2012...they are hoping to have Fenway Park recognized as a national landmark. If and when that happens, it will never be able to be torn down. *crosses fingers*
He also said that the current owners are close to the end of the planned upgrades. He said that if the upgrades were a 9 inning ball game, we would currently be in the top of the 9th.
I had a great time on the tour. If I could have, I would have spent HOURS in the Green Monster. I would have looked at every single name in there. I remember JayBay telling a story of after he got to Boston...he went into the Monster and found where he signed it as a member of the Pirates. That's pretty cool.
After the tour, we had lunch. While we ate...some lucky little kids got to go back down to the batting cages and swing with Dustin. I am not a little kid...so I didn't get to do that. I guess that is acceptable, even though I think everything should be about me.
And then...Dustin showed up. This entry is long...and it's late...and the Red Sox didn't clinch on their own, so I am going to save the Dustin entry for tomorrow. I took some notes, so I'll remember what we said. So...come on back and read it tomorrow...when hopefully the Rangers will have lost and we will know for sure we are heading to the Post Season.
STAY TUNED......
The cork is stuck!
Buchholz gave up 5 home runs, and 8 runs, 4 of them in the 1st inning. Tonight’s bullpen conga line consisted of Ramirez, Saito, Wagner, and Papelbon were mostly effective in slowing down the runaway train that Buchholz unleashed- 4 IP, and only 1 run. Y’see, the BJ’s took off to an 8-2 lead by the time the bottom of the 8th inning arrived when the Sox mounted a 5 run attack which brought them to within 1 run of tying, hence Papelbon’s appearance in the top of the 9th inning. The Sox had men on 1st and 2nd, 2 outs, with Youk at the plate. You can’t write a better script. Unfortunately the author of this drama must have been Canadian. Youk looked at a called 3rd strike.
Sox Lose 7-8 BOX SCORE
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Blue Jays | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 11 | 0 |
| Red Sox | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 1 |
I Met Pedey Photo Edition 9/29/09
Hey all! So, Fenway West was lucky enough to get an invite to the Dunkin Donuts Perks Most Valuable Tour with Dustin Pedroia. Matt lives all the way in California, so he awesomely offered the opportunity to attend and blog about the event to me. Thanks Matt! I have a whole story...I will share it soon. But first...here is a quick photo post of the event.
I arrived at Fenway at 10am after battling some pretty hairy traffic. I actually ran from my car to the meet up spot with Jayne, who was my Fenway date.
First thing we did....was head to the BATTING CAGES!!!!!
See. Actual batting cages. The sign is proof!
Here is my batting stance. Trying to look all bad ass.
Here is my trying to reach down and get a low pitch. I don't believe I was successful! LOL. In fact, I hit 3 balls...fouled them off. It was not the best hitting, but well...as I stated to the group, I haven't played baseball since 3rd grade. But...you only live once and if you get the chance to bat in the Fenway batting cages...you take that chance!
Here is Jayne batting. She hit all 10 balls thrown to her. She is a rock star.
Next we took a tour of Fenway Park.
Green Monster. Me. Awesome. Sauce.
Me. Going INTO the Green Monster. I was SO psyched to hear we could go inside. I've always dreamed of walking around in there. DREAM COME TRUE!!!!
Inside the Monster. I could have taken a million different pictures. I wish I had hours to just read everything. A cute little kid asked where the bathroom was that Manny used. I had to break it to him that there is in fact...no bathroom in the Monster. LOL.
Numbers inside the Monster. Pretty gosh darn cool. I don't care how hot or cold it gets in there...I would SO do that job for free.
On the way back to the stands...Jayne and I sneaked away to the dugout and took a quick pic. I couldn't help myself. I wanted to go inside the dugout, but I wanted to not get kicked out more.
Here is my shoe....covered in the clay from the field. Swoons.
Next...we went up on top of the Monster. I've never been up there before....so...I was a happy camper. I'll see a game from there....SOMEDAY.
Last part of the tour was going through the Press Box. Here is where Don Orsillo lives...and Jerry...and Eck...and Dave....and sometimes someone who I want to be my BFF...Sean Casey.
Here is a pic of the Press Box. I was sitting in front of a spot reserved for the Boston Globe.
Pic of the dugout from the press box.
And oh yeah....Dustin Pedroia was coming to do a Q&A and fan Meet & Greet. Did I forget that??
Dustin arrives. Shelley is happy.
Dustin answering fan questions while looking adorable. (Trust me...I'll have more on this later.)
Dustin laughing. Continuing to look adorable.
Jayne asking her question...and part two was, "Can I have a hug." Dustin of course said yes!
It's a little dark....but it is a pic of Dustin waiting to get his pic taken with someone.
and......the last pic is the picture of Dustin and Shelley. Oh yeah and the World Series Trophies. I touched both the trophies and Dustin. Swoons.
Some people were standing next to the trophies...maybe to even out the pic. Not me, I came up and said, "I'm standing on this side...so I can touch you." Pedey smiled and said, "Come on over." Took the pic. I shook his hand...told him I was a NYer, but loyal Sox fan...and was on my way.
Great day. GREAT GREAT DAY.
Next entry...will be more words...less photos of this GREAT DAY!!!
Once again...thanks Matt for the opportunity!!! Read more...
Fernando Cabrera Gets Called Up to Boston, v. 2
Fernando Cabrera has been recalled up to Boston again for the final week of the season, as reported by Chad Finn of Boston.com.Cabrera was the closer for the Pawtucket Red Sox after Daniel Bard got called up. In 52.2 innings, he compiled 22 saves, a 1.71 ERA, and a 1.18 WHIP. In his previous stint with the parent club, he pitched 4 innings in 4 games, allowing 2 runs.
I had a chance to meet with Cabrera back in July when I was back east. You can read the interview with him here.
Red Sox Lineup 9/29 vs Toronto
Jacoby Ellsbury-CF
Dustin Pedroia-2B
Victor Martinez-C
Kevin Youkilis-3B
David Ortiz-DH
Jason Bay-LF
J.D. Drew-RF
Casey Kotchman-1B
Alex Gonzalez-SS
Clay Buchholz-SP
Please, No More Champagne Goggles
When L.T. and the N.Y. Giants began dumping gatorade on Bill Parcells it was original, now it has been over done. The champagne goggles are now in this catagory. People liked dancing Papelbon so much because it was new and original. Hopefully there will be four of these celebrations for the Red Sox this fall and we will have some new lasting memories of the '09 season and great post-game celebrations. Read more...
Red Sox Plan to Start Beckett on Saturday
When the Angels beat the Rangers last night it put the Red Sox within one win of making the playoffs. The Sox have 6 more games to get that win and in reality, they could make the playoffs without winning another game if the Rangers lose just one more. With that kind of leaway Tito will rest some players throughout the week but he still plans on having Beckett make his next start.
Read more...
“During the game isn’t the easiest time to discuss that stuff, but we talked a little bit,” Francona said. “We’ll see how he does. I think our thought right now is that we’ll probably keep him on his turn, which means he’ll pitch Saturday. We just want to make sure we do what is in his best interest, and that’s probably realistic. That doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s how it works out.”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Put a Cork in It
There was some positive news in the game; Youk broke out of his slump with two homers in the game and Pedey also had a hit to end a long slump and Manny Delcarmen pitched a scoreless inning for a change. The rain came in the bottom of the 7th with 2 runners aboard for the Sox and after a long delay the game was called.
Red Sox Lose 11-5 BOX SCORE
| a | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
| Blue Jays | 4 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 11 | 14 | 0 |
| Red Sox | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 5 | 7 | 0 |
Beckett Scratched
Josh Beckett will not pitch tonight due to mild back spasms. Michael Bowden will make the start. Not the news Red Sox Nation wanted to hear after coming off a sweep by the Yankees. Terry Francona explained the injury when the clubhouse opened:
Beckett's back spasms are upper left. He couldn't get comfortable coming home. We'll be cautiousRead more...
Red Sox Lineup 9/28 vs Toronto
Jacoby Ellsbury-CF
Dustin Pedroia-2B
Victor Martinez-C
Kevin Youkilis-3B
David Ortiz-DH
Jason Bay-LF
J.D. Drew-RF
Casey Kotchman-1B
Alex Gonzalez-SS
Michael Bowden-SP
Mark Your Calendar
In October of 1912, seven years before gambling nearly destroyed the sport, the world of baseball got lucky. It would get two teams-the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants, winners of a combined 208 games during the regular season-who may well have been the two finest ball clubs ever assembled to that point. Most importantly, during the course of eight games spanning nine days in that marvelous baseball autumn, they would elevate the World Series from a regional October novelty to a national obsession. The games would fight for space on the front pages of the nation's newspapers, battling both an assassin's bullet and the most sensational trial of the young century, with the Series often carrying the day and earning the “wood.”
In The First Fall Classic, veteran sports journalist and author Mike Vaccaro brings to life a bygone era in cinematic and intimate detail-and gives fans a wonderful page-turner that re-creates the magic and suspense of the world's first great series.
Listen to Fenway West Read more...
Late Night Party for the Red Sox?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
MLB.com: "Yanks back on top, where they belong"
Huh? Since when does MLB have the gall to declare that the Yankees are back on top, "where they belong"? Maybe they are in 1st place in the AL East at the moment, but when I saw that headline, the impression I got was that the Yankees are the only team to ever deserve to be in 1st place, not just this week, or this month, but for all time. They may have clinched the AL East title this year, but they have not won the American League Pennant yet. They still have two post-season series and then a World Series to get through before they can say they are at the top.
The Yankees have not won a World Series this century and it's been 6 years since they even went to the World Series. The Red Sox have won 2 of the last 5 World Series. Since 2003, the Red Sox have been to the playoffs five times, reaching the ALCS four times, and are on the verge of playing in the postseason again. They have come back from a 0-3 deficit to beat them in 2004. They have won all 8 World Series games that they have played in since 2004. These facts certainly justify the Red Sox being worthy of belonging "at the top."
I'm really surprised at the bias of MLB when they make this declaration. I think the Red Sox deserve to be in 1st place. I'm sure there are some Giants, Royals and Pirates fans that may think their team should be on top. MLB should stick to reporting the news. Say they are in 1st place and have clinched the AL East, but let the bloggers do the opining.
Read the full article here. Read more...
Yanks Sweep Sox, Win A.L. East
With the win the Yankees clinched the A.L. East title and are back in the playoffs after not making the post-season last year. The Rays rallied back to beat the Rangers so the Red Sox magic number dropped to two.
Red Sox Lose 4-2 BOX SCORE
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Red Sox | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Yankees | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 1 |
Red Sox Lineup 9/27 vs N.Y.
Jacoby Ellsbury-CF
Dustin Pedroia-2B
Jason Bay-LF
Kevin Youkilis-1B
David Ortiz-DH
Mike Lowell-3B
J.D. Drew-RF
Jason Varitek-C
Alex Gonzalez-SS
Paul Byrd-SP
Saturday, September 26, 2009
C.C. Shuts Down the Red Sox
Dice-K pitched very well again giving up just 1 run on a homer in 7 innings. Billy Wagner was wild in the 8th and ended up letting 2 more Yankee runs score.
In the end the game did not really matter but it did make a few things clear; the Yankees are a good team and C.C. is at the top of his game right now. The Red Sox were able to rest some players and Dice-K looks like he will be a good asset in the post-season.
Francona knows what he is doing and the team will be ready for October. It sucks to lose to the Yankees but look at the big picture. If these two teams meet in the ALCS nobody will remember today's game.
Red Sox Lose 3-0 BOX SCORE
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| Red Sox | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Yankees | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
Red Sox Lineup 9/26 vs NY
Jacoby Ellsbury-CF
Dustin Pedroia-2B
Victor Martinez-C
Kevin Youkili-1B
Mike Lowell-3B
David Ortiz-DH
Rocco Baldelli-RF
Jed Lowrie-SS
Brian Anderson-LF
Dice-K-SP
Lester, Oki. V-Mart, and Francona
There is a lot of news to report after last night's Red Sox/Yankees game as usual.
Jon Lester was not hit in the knee and should make his next start.
Hideki Okajima returned to Boston yesterday because he was experiencing soreness in his right side.
Victor Martinez will catch Dice-K today after Tek's offensive and defensive disaster last night.
Terry Francona wants a fun celebration when the Red Sox clinch a playoff spot even if it is the Wild-Card.
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