MY COMMENT ON THIS: No comments necessary, Brad.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Eliza Dushku Naked in Nobel Sun
Some great news today out of Hollywood. Apparently Eliza Dushku will be taking her clothes off in the indie movie Nobel Sun coming out on Friday (3 weeks ago). Dushku has long been a favorite of ours, but she’s even more exciting these days as she prepares to star in Joss Whedon’s new show Dollhouse, which starts up this coming February.
We’re sure some photos will pop up on the net. But until then here is one of our favorite Eliza Dushku pictures:
Eliza is the girlfriend/former girlfriend of newly acquired hurler, Brad Penney for the Red Sox.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Red Sox Meet With Teixeira
BOSTON (AP) Red Sox officials are meeting with free agent first baseeman Mark Teixeira Thursday, WBZ's Dan Roche learned. However, the two sides aren't close to getting a deal done. Boston hopes to lure the 28-year-old switch-hitter with an offer and the numbers out there Thursday were somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-years and 180-million dollars. However, nothing is expected to be "conclusive" following their meeting and that the two sides are apart on the money terms. Although, these things fluctuate and perhaps a deal could get done in the next few days.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Longest NBA Win Streaks
Here are the longest winning streaks in NBA history.
1 Los Angeles Lakers.......33..........11/5/71- 1/7/72
2 Milwaukee.....................20...........2/6/71-3/8/71
3 Los Angeles Lakers.......19...........2/4/99-3/13/00
4 Boston.............................18.......... 2/24/82-3/26/82
4 Chicago...........................18.......... 12/29/95-2/2/96
4 Knicks.............................18..........10/24/69-11/28/69
7 Boston.............................17..........11/28/59-12/30/59
7 San Antonio................... 17..........2/29/96-3/31/96
9 BOSTON.........................16.........CURRENT
9 Milwaukee.....................16.........10/24/70-11/25/70
9 Los Angeles Lakers......16.........12/11/99-1/12/00
9 Portland.........................16..........3/20/91-4/19/91
9 Boston............................16.........12/19/64-1/22/65
9 Los Angeles Lakers......16......... 1/9/91-2/5/91
1 Los Angeles Lakers.......33..........11/5/71- 1/7/72
2 Milwaukee.....................20...........2/6/71-3/8/71
3 Los Angeles Lakers.......19...........2/4/99-3/13/00
4 Boston.............................18.......... 2/24/82-3/26/82
4 Chicago...........................18.......... 12/29/95-2/2/96
4 Knicks.............................18..........10/24/69-11/28/69
7 Boston.............................17..........11/28/59-12/30/59
7 San Antonio................... 17..........2/29/96-3/31/96
9 BOSTON.........................16.........CURRENT
9 Milwaukee.....................16.........10/24/70-11/25/70
9 Los Angeles Lakers......16.........12/11/99-1/12/00
9 Portland.........................16..........3/20/91-4/19/91
9 Boston............................16.........12/19/64-1/22/65
9 Los Angeles Lakers......16......... 1/9/91-2/5/91
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
C.C. does a No-No; chooses Evil Empire
It appears the prize of the free agent market has chosen where he wants to pitch.
The New York Post reported early this morning that pitcher CC Sabathia decided to join the Yankees after GM Brian Cashman met with Sabathia at the lefty’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday. ESPN reported the sides are very close to a preliminary agreement on a 7-year, $160 million contract -- the richest deal ever awarded to a pitcher. The Yankees’ original offer to Sabathia was for 6 years and around $140 million.
According to both ESPN and the New York Post, only minor hurdles remain before the deal is finalized and a source told ESPN there are "zero major road blocks" standing in the way.
Cashman left the winter meetings in Las Vegas on Tuesday and traveled to the San Francisco for his third meeting with Sabathia in three days.
The New York Post reported early this morning that pitcher CC Sabathia decided to join the Yankees after GM Brian Cashman met with Sabathia at the lefty’s home in San Francisco on Tuesday. ESPN reported the sides are very close to a preliminary agreement on a 7-year, $160 million contract -- the richest deal ever awarded to a pitcher. The Yankees’ original offer to Sabathia was for 6 years and around $140 million.
According to both ESPN and the New York Post, only minor hurdles remain before the deal is finalized and a source told ESPN there are "zero major road blocks" standing in the way.
Cashman left the winter meetings in Las Vegas on Tuesday and traveled to the San Francisco for his third meeting with Sabathia in three days.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Teixeira meets with the Yankees
The New York Times reported this morning on its website that New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Mark Teixeira in Washington. Agent Scott Boras was present.
Tyler Kepner sums up the Yankees' current free agent stance:
The Yankees’ priority is pitching, and Cashman met with Teixeira at the request of the agent Scott Boras, who also represents starters Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez and outfielder Manny Ramirez. Boras was present at the meeting with Teixeira, who was visiting family in Maryland.
The Yankees would love to add Teixeira, a switch-hitter with power who has won two Gold Gloves. But it is unlikely they could sign both Teixeira and Sabathia, to whom they offered a six-year, $140 million deal on Nov. 14.
Tyler Kepner sums up the Yankees' current free agent stance:
The Yankees’ priority is pitching, and Cashman met with Teixeira at the request of the agent Scott Boras, who also represents starters Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez and outfielder Manny Ramirez. Boras was present at the meeting with Teixeira, who was visiting family in Maryland.
The Yankees would love to add Teixeira, a switch-hitter with power who has won two Gold Gloves. But it is unlikely they could sign both Teixeira and Sabathia, to whom they offered a six-year, $140 million deal on Nov. 14.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Red Sox sign RPH Junichi Tazawa
The Red Sox announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a three-year Major League contract extending through the 2011 season.The 22-year-old joins the Red Sox organization after a four-year amateur career with the Nippon Oil ENEOS of the Japan Industrial League. With the addition of Tazawa, Boston now has 39 players on its Major League roster.This past season, Tazawa was 13-1 with 5 saves and a 0.80 ERA in 21 games/11 starts. He struck out 114 batters and walked just 15 over 113.0 innings pitched.
In November he led the ENEOS to the semifinals of the league's corporate championship and in his last start of the competition, a quarterfinals matchup in Osaka on the 21st, Tazawa allowed just four hits and struck out 10 in a complete-game shutout, one of four during the 2008 campaign.In September, Tazawa helped Nippon Oil win the 32-team Intercity Baseball Tournament for the first time in 13 years. He appeared in all five of the ENEOS' games from September 1-9, and earned the event's Most Valuable Player award going 4-0 with one save and a 1.27 ERA. He tossed 8.0 innings or more with double-digit strikeouts in each of his first two tournament appearances, including a complete-game, five-hit effort on September 4.
In November he led the ENEOS to the semifinals of the league's corporate championship and in his last start of the competition, a quarterfinals matchup in Osaka on the 21st, Tazawa allowed just four hits and struck out 10 in a complete-game shutout, one of four during the 2008 campaign.In September, Tazawa helped Nippon Oil win the 32-team Intercity Baseball Tournament for the first time in 13 years. He appeared in all five of the ENEOS' games from September 1-9, and earned the event's Most Valuable Player award going 4-0 with one save and a 1.27 ERA. He tossed 8.0 innings or more with double-digit strikeouts in each of his first two tournament appearances, including a complete-game, five-hit effort on September 4.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Red Sox sign Pedroia to $40.5M extension
The Red Sox rewarded their newest MVP with an extension Wednesday.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia has signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension with Boston through 2014 with a club option for the 2015 season. Generously listed at 5-foot-9, Pedroia has quickly piled up a huge stack of hardware. Besides being named the AL's MVP, he also won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger this offseason. He was the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year and capped off that season with a World Series ring.
"I had to overcome a lot of things to prove people wrong, and so far I've done that," the 25-year-old Pedroia said on a conference call from his home in Arizona after he won the MVP award. "I have to find a way to have that edge." Pedroia led the AL in hits, runs and doubles in helping the Red Sox win the wild-card berth. He batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs and also stole 20 bases.
Pedroia became a fan favorite at Fenway Park with his scrappy approach. In a lineup depleted by injuries to David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew and the midseason trade of Manny Ramirez, Pedroia took his hearty hacks wherever needed -- while he usually batted second, he also hit leadoff and cleanup.
Second baseman Dustin Pedroia has signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension with Boston through 2014 with a club option for the 2015 season. Generously listed at 5-foot-9, Pedroia has quickly piled up a huge stack of hardware. Besides being named the AL's MVP, he also won the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger this offseason. He was the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year and capped off that season with a World Series ring.
"I had to overcome a lot of things to prove people wrong, and so far I've done that," the 25-year-old Pedroia said on a conference call from his home in Arizona after he won the MVP award. "I have to find a way to have that edge." Pedroia led the AL in hits, runs and doubles in helping the Red Sox win the wild-card berth. He batted .326 with 17 home runs and 83 RBIs and also stole 20 bases.
Pedroia became a fan favorite at Fenway Park with his scrappy approach. In a lineup depleted by injuries to David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew and the midseason trade of Manny Ramirez, Pedroia took his hearty hacks wherever needed -- while he usually batted second, he also hit leadoff and cleanup.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tim Lincecum wins NL Cy Young Award
NEW YORK -- Tim Lincecum was a big winner on a woeful team, which fit him perfectly.
Firing 97 mph fastballs from his miniature frame, the National League Cy Young Award recipient is an anomaly in almost every way. Lincecum joined Mike McCormick (1967) as the only San Francisco Giants to win the Cy Young, taking home pitching's highest honor by a comfortable margin Tuesday following his second major league season.
"I was definitely surprised. I thought it was going to be a lot closer," Lincecum said.
The slender kid with the whirling windup received 23 of 32 first-place votes and 137 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks got four first-place votes and finished second with 73 points.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, tiny by today's standards for a big league pitcher, Lincecum defied detractors -- and the laws of physics -- by overpowering one hulking slugger after another.
"I don't remember anybody in my time who had that style of pitching, who put that kind of torque on his body," McCormick said on a Giants conference call. "I think that article in Sports Illustrated that called him a freak probably sums it up." Lincecum was 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA and a major league-best 265 strikeouts, remarkable numbers for a fourth-place club that finished 72-90. In fact, Steve Carlton was the lone Cy Young winner to pitch for a team that was worse. The Hall of Famer was an incredible 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA for the 1972 Philadelphia Phillies, who went 59-97.
Firing 97 mph fastballs from his miniature frame, the National League Cy Young Award recipient is an anomaly in almost every way. Lincecum joined Mike McCormick (1967) as the only San Francisco Giants to win the Cy Young, taking home pitching's highest honor by a comfortable margin Tuesday following his second major league season.
"I was definitely surprised. I thought it was going to be a lot closer," Lincecum said.
The slender kid with the whirling windup received 23 of 32 first-place votes and 137 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks got four first-place votes and finished second with 73 points.
Listed at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, tiny by today's standards for a big league pitcher, Lincecum defied detractors -- and the laws of physics -- by overpowering one hulking slugger after another.
"I don't remember anybody in my time who had that style of pitching, who put that kind of torque on his body," McCormick said on a Giants conference call. "I think that article in Sports Illustrated that called him a freak probably sums it up." Lincecum was 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA and a major league-best 265 strikeouts, remarkable numbers for a fourth-place club that finished 72-90. In fact, Steve Carlton was the lone Cy Young winner to pitch for a team that was worse. The Hall of Famer was an incredible 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA for the 1972 Philadelphia Phillies, who went 59-97.
Red Sox Number One Franchise
Analysis ranks Red Sox as the No. 1 franchise in the majors
BOSTON — Combining a resilience the field and a vision for excellence in the front office, the Boston Red Sox have brought unbridled joy to the ever-growing population of Red Sox Nation in the past five seasons. In 2004, there was literally dancing in the streets of Boston when the franchise stunned the New York Yankees by rallying from a 3-0 deficit in the American League Championship Series on the way to its first World Series title in 86 years. Three years later, a second generation of champions, led by high-stepping closer Jonathan Papelbon, danced in celebration on the Fenway green. To read the rest of the article, click here USA TODAY
BOSTON — Combining a resilience the field and a vision for excellence in the front office, the Boston Red Sox have brought unbridled joy to the ever-growing population of Red Sox Nation in the past five seasons. In 2004, there was literally dancing in the streets of Boston when the franchise stunned the New York Yankees by rallying from a 3-0 deficit in the American League Championship Series on the way to its first World Series title in 86 years. Three years later, a second generation of champions, led by high-stepping closer Jonathan Papelbon, danced in celebration on the Fenway green. To read the rest of the article, click here USA TODAY
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Will Red Sox Host 2012 All Star Game
The Red Sox will celebrate Fenway Park's 100th anniversary in 2012, and they are hoping to commemmorate their landmark ballpark's birthday by hosting one of baseball's signature events: the All-Star Game.
"We have made a request to [Major League Baseball officials] to have another All-Star Game at Fenway Park in light of the 100-year anniversary and all of the changes that have taken place," Red Sox president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino said Thursday.
Lucchino confirmed the franchise's request to host another All-Star Game -- preferably during 2012 -- during a media availability session in which he discussed the changes that are being made at Fenway Park during the offseason. Since the ownership group of John Henry, Tom Werner, and Lucchino purchased the team in 2002, the Red Sox have made upgrades to the ballpark each winter. The work is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2012 season.
The 2009 All-Star Game is slated for St. Louis, and in 2010 it will be played at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Sites have not been determined for 2011-2013.
The All-Star Game has been played at Fenway Park three times, most recently in 1999. That particular Midsummer Classic was a rousing success
"We have made a request to [Major League Baseball officials] to have another All-Star Game at Fenway Park in light of the 100-year anniversary and all of the changes that have taken place," Red Sox president and chief executive officer Larry Lucchino said Thursday.
Lucchino confirmed the franchise's request to host another All-Star Game -- preferably during 2012 -- during a media availability session in which he discussed the changes that are being made at Fenway Park during the offseason. Since the ownership group of John Henry, Tom Werner, and Lucchino purchased the team in 2002, the Red Sox have made upgrades to the ballpark each winter. The work is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2012 season.
The 2009 All-Star Game is slated for St. Louis, and in 2010 it will be played at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Sites have not been determined for 2011-2013.
The All-Star Game has been played at Fenway Park three times, most recently in 1999. That particular Midsummer Classic was a rousing success
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Jason Bay interested in remaining a Red Sox
Jason Bay’s agents suggested that their client would be receptive to discussions of a long-term deal to remain in Boston beyond the 2009 season. Bay is due a salary of $7.5 million in 2009, the fourth and final year of an $18.25 million deal he inked with the Pirates prior to the 2006 season.
Bay, who turned 30 in September, excelled after arriving in Boston, hitting .293 with a .370 OBP and .897 OPS while hitting nine homers and driving in 37. He also hit .341 with three homers, nine RBIs and a 1.105 OPS in his first playoff experience.
“It’s a situation where he’s loving Boston. It’s a great club and a great organization,” said Nez Balelo of Creative Artists Agency. “He’s a quality player, and I’m sure (the Red Sox) recognize that. Whatever they want to do, I’m sure that we’re all ears.”
Bay, who turned 30 in September, excelled after arriving in Boston, hitting .293 with a .370 OBP and .897 OPS while hitting nine homers and driving in 37. He also hit .341 with three homers, nine RBIs and a 1.105 OPS in his first playoff experience.
“It’s a situation where he’s loving Boston. It’s a great club and a great organization,” said Nez Balelo of Creative Artists Agency. “He’s a quality player, and I’m sure (the Red Sox) recognize that. Whatever they want to do, I’m sure that we’re all ears.”
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Scott Boras' Clients
Here ya go. A listing of players represented by Scott Boras. This list may or may not be complete.
Red Sox players: Alex Cora..... J.D. Drew..... Jacoby Ellsbury
Craig Hansen .......Daisuke Matsuzaka .....Jason Varitek
Tony Abreu...,,,,,,,,,,,... Rick Ankiel.............. Josh Barfield
Carlos Beltran.............Adrian Beltre ...........Chris Bootcheck
Joe Crede.............. Johnny Damon .......Chris Davis
Stephen Drew ............Prince Fielder......... Eric Gagne
Carlos Gomez............ Jeremy Guthrie..... Runelvys Hernandez
Luke Hochevar......... Matt Holliday......... Andruw Jones
Jair Jurrjens............. Ian Kennedy ..........Byung-Hyun Kim
Gerald Laird............ Kyle Lohse ..............Felipe Lopez
Rodrigo Lopez .........Derek Lowe......... Greg Maddux
Kevin Millwood........ Zach Miner................ Xavier Nady
David Newhan .........Magglio Ordonez..... Micah Owings
Corey Patterson... John Patterson ..Mike Pelfrey
Carlos Pena .............Oliver Perez ..........Guillermo Quiroz
Manny Ramirez ...Anthony Reyes .....Alex Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez... Max Scherzer......... Scott Schoeneweis
Bobby Seay............. Julian Tavarez... Willy Taveras
Taylor Teagarden... Mark Teixeira .....Ron Villone
Jarrod Washburn..... Jeff Weaver....... Jered Weaver
Brad Wilkerson ....Barry Zito
Red Sox players: Alex Cora..... J.D. Drew..... Jacoby Ellsbury
Craig Hansen .......Daisuke Matsuzaka .....Jason Varitek
Tony Abreu...,,,,,,,,,,,... Rick Ankiel.............. Josh Barfield
Carlos Beltran.............Adrian Beltre ...........Chris Bootcheck
Joe Crede.............. Johnny Damon .......Chris Davis
Stephen Drew ............Prince Fielder......... Eric Gagne
Carlos Gomez............ Jeremy Guthrie..... Runelvys Hernandez
Luke Hochevar......... Matt Holliday......... Andruw Jones
Jair Jurrjens............. Ian Kennedy ..........Byung-Hyun Kim
Gerald Laird............ Kyle Lohse ..............Felipe Lopez
Rodrigo Lopez .........Derek Lowe......... Greg Maddux
Kevin Millwood........ Zach Miner................ Xavier Nady
David Newhan .........Magglio Ordonez..... Micah Owings
Corey Patterson... John Patterson ..Mike Pelfrey
Carlos Pena .............Oliver Perez ..........Guillermo Quiroz
Manny Ramirez ...Anthony Reyes .....Alex Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez... Max Scherzer......... Scott Schoeneweis
Bobby Seay............. Julian Tavarez... Willy Taveras
Taylor Teagarden... Mark Teixeira .....Ron Villone
Jarrod Washburn..... Jeff Weaver....... Jered Weaver
Brad Wilkerson ....Barry Zito
Theo the Thinker
DANA POINT, Calif. - Theo Epstein may have been one of the last to arrive at baseball's general managers' meetings yesterday, but it wasn't because he was slacking off. Epstein spent the day watching Clay Buchholz in an Arizona Fall League game, then showed up at the St. Regis Hotel, where his No. 1 priority will be the Red Sox' catching situation.Toward that end, he will meet with agent Scott Boras over the next couple of days to discuss where the team stands in re-signing team captain Jason Varitek. Epstein spoke on a lot of topics upon his arrival, one of which was the multiyear extension he reached with the Sox - a deal that had been reported on for months but without his stamp. "That's done," he said. "It was taken care of a while back." Esptein would not reveal the length or financial terms of the deal but talked about his reasons for staying on with the Sox.
"When you sit back and think about being a general manager, this is exactly the type of organization you'd want to work for," he said. "Great fans, great ownership, and a tremendous foundation of our scouting and player development, which if we don't screw it up will lead to long-term success. "We're all in this game to work with good people and to try and win a World Series."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Iverson traded to Pistons
The shakeup promised by Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars after last season's Eastern Conference finals has materialized just two games into the new season.
The Pistons and the Nuggets have finalized a trade that sends guard Allen Iverson to Detroit and Pistons mainstays Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to Denver. "We just felt it was the right time to change our team," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Associated Press. "Iverson gives us a dimension that we haven't had here and we really think it's going to help us."
Dumars put the entire Pistons roster on notice after they lost to Boston in the East finals, saying that there "are no sacred cows" on his team and vowing to consider trading anyone -- even a major contributor to the Pistons' 2004 title run like Billups -- in addition to firing coach Flip Saunders and replacing Saunders with the untested Michael Curry. The Pistons could not find a workable deal over the summer after talking with numerous teams -- Denver included, according to NBA front-office sources -- but it emerged then that Billups, MVP of the 2004 Finals, was the most likely Piston to be dealt.
• Allen Iverson has the third-highest scoring average in NBA history.
• Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess have both been with the Nuggets previously. This would be Billups' second stint in Denver and the third for McDyess. McDyess is expected to be bought out by the Nuggets.
• Iverson's scoring average has decreased significantly since averaging a career-best 33.0 points per game in 2005-06.
• Iverson has the most points of any active player who has not won an NBA title.
• Billups ranks fourth in Pistons history in assists behind only Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Dave Bing.
Highest career scoring averages
PPG
Michael Jordan.......30.12
Wilt Chamberlain...30.07
Allen Iverson..........27.7
Elgin Baylor............27.4
LeBron James........27.3
Most career points, active players, who haven't won NBA title
Points
Allen Iverson............23,044
Dirk Nowitzki...........17,047
Tracy McGrady.......16,798
Vince Carter.............16,633
Stephon Marbury....16,209
The Pistons and the Nuggets have finalized a trade that sends guard Allen Iverson to Detroit and Pistons mainstays Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to Denver. "We just felt it was the right time to change our team," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Associated Press. "Iverson gives us a dimension that we haven't had here and we really think it's going to help us."
Dumars put the entire Pistons roster on notice after they lost to Boston in the East finals, saying that there "are no sacred cows" on his team and vowing to consider trading anyone -- even a major contributor to the Pistons' 2004 title run like Billups -- in addition to firing coach Flip Saunders and replacing Saunders with the untested Michael Curry. The Pistons could not find a workable deal over the summer after talking with numerous teams -- Denver included, according to NBA front-office sources -- but it emerged then that Billups, MVP of the 2004 Finals, was the most likely Piston to be dealt.
• Allen Iverson has the third-highest scoring average in NBA history.
• Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess have both been with the Nuggets previously. This would be Billups' second stint in Denver and the third for McDyess. McDyess is expected to be bought out by the Nuggets.
• Iverson's scoring average has decreased significantly since averaging a career-best 33.0 points per game in 2005-06.
• Iverson has the most points of any active player who has not won an NBA title.
• Billups ranks fourth in Pistons history in assists behind only Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Dave Bing.
Highest career scoring averages
PPG
Michael Jordan.......30.12
Wilt Chamberlain...30.07
Allen Iverson..........27.7
Elgin Baylor............27.4
LeBron James........27.3
Most career points, active players, who haven't won NBA title
Points
Allen Iverson............23,044
Dirk Nowitzki...........17,047
Tracy McGrady.......16,798
Vince Carter.............16,633
Stephon Marbury....16,209
Red Sox not high on Jake Peavy's list
DANA POINT, Ca. - San Diego general manager Kevin Towers has been working hard on the Atlanta Braves trying to put together a package for right-hander Jake Peavy.
Towers still believes the Braves are his best match for a deal. Towers has spent a lot of time speaking to Braves' special assistant Jim Fregosi about what the Braves would deal, but for the time being the Braves are still unwilling to part with some of their top young talent though it appears they would give up shortstop Yunel Escobar, who is coveted by San Diego.
Where do the Red Sox stand in all of this?
Peavy is still making it clear that he wants to stay in the National League. While he hasn't ruled out Boston it would be far down the list after the NL teams like Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Theo Epstein will arrive in time for tonight's GM dinner. Most of the GM's have scattered until then as their presence isn't required at the arbitration meetings which are going on right now. Most assistant GM's or the financial folks who put together the arbitration cases are required at those meetings
Towers still believes the Braves are his best match for a deal. Towers has spent a lot of time speaking to Braves' special assistant Jim Fregosi about what the Braves would deal, but for the time being the Braves are still unwilling to part with some of their top young talent though it appears they would give up shortstop Yunel Escobar, who is coveted by San Diego.
Where do the Red Sox stand in all of this?
Peavy is still making it clear that he wants to stay in the National League. While he hasn't ruled out Boston it would be far down the list after the NL teams like Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Theo Epstein will arrive in time for tonight's GM dinner. Most of the GM's have scattered until then as their presence isn't required at the arbitration meetings which are going on right now. Most assistant GM's or the financial folks who put together the arbitration cases are required at those meetings
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Boston Celtics retired numbers
Bill Russell - #6 - (Number retired March 12, 1972)
Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Russell anchored the Celtics teams that won nine, eight in succession, NBA world championship titles in 1957 and from 1959 through 1966, and two more in consecutive seasons in 1968 and 1969...A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965)...A 12-time NBA All-Star in his 13-year career, missing the team in his rookie year (1956-57)...Was the 1963 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player...Is the Celtics all-time leading rebounder with 21,620 rebounds (an average of 22.5 per game), and led the NBA four times in this department...Was on the All-NBA first team in 1959, 1963 and 1965, and the NBA All-Defensive first team in 1969...Named to the NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1970; 35th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1980 and One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996...Was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975...Declared the Greatest Player in the History of the NBA by the Professional Basketball Writers' Association of America in 1980...Was Head Coach of the Celtics for three seasons, 1966-67 through 1968-69, finishing with a record of 162-83 (.661) and two world championship titles in 1968 and 1969.
JoJo White - #10 - (Number retired April 9, 1982)
JoJo White was the point guard who led the Celtics offense and propelled the 1974 and 1976 teams to NBA World Championship titles...Was a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team in 1968...Played for the Green and White from 1969-70 to the 1978-79 season...Named to the 1970 NBA All-Rookie team...Named to the All-NBA second team in both 1975 and 1977...Was a seven-time NBA All-Star...Was the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1976, which featured him playing 60 minutes in the famous triple-overtime Game 5, 128-126 triumph, over the Phoenix Suns at the Boston Garden.
Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Russell anchored the Celtics teams that won nine, eight in succession, NBA world championship titles in 1957 and from 1959 through 1966, and two more in consecutive seasons in 1968 and 1969...A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965)...A 12-time NBA All-Star in his 13-year career, missing the team in his rookie year (1956-57)...Was the 1963 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player...Is the Celtics all-time leading rebounder with 21,620 rebounds (an average of 22.5 per game), and led the NBA four times in this department...Was on the All-NBA first team in 1959, 1963 and 1965, and the NBA All-Defensive first team in 1969...Named to the NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1970; 35th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1980 and One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996...Was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975...Declared the Greatest Player in the History of the NBA by the Professional Basketball Writers' Association of America in 1980...Was Head Coach of the Celtics for three seasons, 1966-67 through 1968-69, finishing with a record of 162-83 (.661) and two world championship titles in 1968 and 1969.
JoJo White - #10 - (Number retired April 9, 1982)
JoJo White was the point guard who led the Celtics offense and propelled the 1974 and 1976 teams to NBA World Championship titles...Was a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team in 1968...Played for the Green and White from 1969-70 to the 1978-79 season...Named to the 1970 NBA All-Rookie team...Named to the All-NBA second team in both 1975 and 1977...Was a seven-time NBA All-Star...Was the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1976, which featured him playing 60 minutes in the famous triple-overtime Game 5, 128-126 triumph, over the Phoenix Suns at the Boston Garden.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sox sign agreement to stay in Fort Myers for 30 years
BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox will keep their spring training home in the Fort Myers area for 30 more years after signing an agreement on Saturday with Lee County, Fla.
The Red Sox have played in the 7,290-seat City of Palms Park since moving from Winter Haven in 1993, selling out 73 straight spring training games there. The team had a buyout that would have allowed it to leave in 2010, and it talked with Sarasota about moving to the Cincinnati Reds' former home.
Instead, the Red Sox and Lee County will work together on a new complex that would open in 2012. The Lee County Commissioners approved the plan this week.
The Red Sox have played in the 7,290-seat City of Palms Park since moving from Winter Haven in 1993, selling out 73 straight spring training games there. The team had a buyout that would have allowed it to leave in 2010, and it talked with Sarasota about moving to the Cincinnati Reds' former home.
Instead, the Red Sox and Lee County will work together on a new complex that would open in 2012. The Lee County Commissioners approved the plan this week.
Remember Refrigerator Perry?
Refrigerator Perry fights serious illness
Could it be that 23 years have passed since William "The Refrigerator" Perry burst onto the "Monday Night Football" scene as a 350-pound defensive lineman who also could run and catch passes for touchdowns?"Yes, it does seem that long ago," Perry said Monday from his home in Aiken, S.C. "It even seems longer than that, trust me."Perry, 45, remains good-natured despite suffering the sometimes life-threatening effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects the peripheral nervous system and causes progressive weakness. He was hospitalized for five months and is using a wheelchair as he rehabilitates."I'm doing fine," Perry said. "I'm walking a little bit and rehabbing and doing what I'm supposed to. Tell everybody that I'm doing a whole lot better. It just takes time. I hope to be up and about in a walker real soon."
On Oct. 21, 1985, Perry became a national folk herowhen Bears coach Mike Ditka deployed him in the backfield. Perry took a handoff and scored on a 1-yard plunge against the Packers."I remember mainly playing on special teams that night, running up and down the field with guys like Ron Rivera and Jim Morrissey," Perry said. "I was also blocking for Walter [Payton] in the backfield. Then all of a sudden coach Ditka gave me the go-ahead and got me the ball to score a touchdown."Perry scored three touchdowns as a rookie, one on a 4-yard pass from Jim McMahon against the Packers
This day in Red Sox History
November 1 1995: The first Red Sox Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held, with Tony Conigliaro, Dom DiMaggio, Frank Malzone, Johnny Pesky, Jim Rice, Smokey Joe Wood, Jean R. Yawkey, Joe Cronin, Babe Ruth, Bobby Doerr, Carl Yastrzemski, and Ted Williams gaining admittance.
October 31 1916: Ken Keltner is born in Milwaukee. He would go on to play the final season of his career with the Red Sox in 1950.
October 30 1922: The Red Sox trade Del Pratt and Rip Collins to the Detroit Tigers for Howard Ehmke, Babe Herman, Carl Holling, and Danny Clark.
October 29 1920: Ed Barrow, manager of the 1918 World Champion Red Sox, becomes the Yankees' general manager. He leaves the Sox because he's upset over the sale of Babe Ruth the previous year.
October 28 1961: Bob Melvin is born in Palo Alto, California.
October 27 2004: At 11:40 pm, Edgar Renteria of the St. Louis Cardinals grounds out to Keith Foulke for the final out of the World Series. The Red Sox win Game 4, 3-0, and capture their first World Championship in 86 years.
October 26 1934: The Red Sox trade Lyn Lary to the Washington Senators for Joe Cronin. Cronin goes on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Sox.
October 25 1986: Despite leads of 2-0, 3-2, and 5-3, the Red Sox are unable to finish off the Mets in Game 6 of the World Series.
October 31 1916: Ken Keltner is born in Milwaukee. He would go on to play the final season of his career with the Red Sox in 1950.
October 30 1922: The Red Sox trade Del Pratt and Rip Collins to the Detroit Tigers for Howard Ehmke, Babe Herman, Carl Holling, and Danny Clark.
October 29 1920: Ed Barrow, manager of the 1918 World Champion Red Sox, becomes the Yankees' general manager. He leaves the Sox because he's upset over the sale of Babe Ruth the previous year.
October 28 1961: Bob Melvin is born in Palo Alto, California.
October 27 2004: At 11:40 pm, Edgar Renteria of the St. Louis Cardinals grounds out to Keith Foulke for the final out of the World Series. The Red Sox win Game 4, 3-0, and capture their first World Championship in 86 years.
October 26 1934: The Red Sox trade Lyn Lary to the Washington Senators for Joe Cronin. Cronin goes on to have a Hall of Fame career with the Sox.
October 25 1986: Despite leads of 2-0, 3-2, and 5-3, the Red Sox are unable to finish off the Mets in Game 6 of the World Series.
Friday, October 31, 2008
2009 Baseball Odds
Kind of early for this, but they have already put this out and I thought we could take a look at the odds to win the World Series. Definitely not a good time to put $$$ on the Sox at 3-1. Of course these should change as free agents are signed and players are traded.
it's never too early to wager on next year's champion. Free agency starts in 15 days? Winter meetings still more than a month away? No matter. The Red Sox, at 3 to 1, are your early favorites to win the World Series. Here is the full list, courtesy of BetOnline.com:
Boston Red Sox 3/1
Chicago Cubs 5/1
LA Angels 5/1
Philadelphia Phillies 6/1
New York Yankees 6/1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10/1
Chicago White Sox 10/1
New York Mets 12/1
Milwaukee Brewers 15/1
Minnesota Twins 15/1
LA Dodgers 15/1
Toronto Blue Jays 20/1
Detroit Tigers 25/1
Florida Marlins 30/1
Houston Astros 30/1
St. Louis Cardinals 30/1
Cleveland Indians 30/1
Atlanta Braves 30/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 40/1
Colorado Rockies 40/1
Texas Rangers 50/1
Cincinnati Reds 50/1
Oakland Athletics 50/1
San Francisco Giants 80/1
KC Royals 100/1
Baltimore Orioles 100/1
Seattle Mariners 100/1
San Diego Padres 100/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
Washington Nationals 300/1
it's never too early to wager on next year's champion. Free agency starts in 15 days? Winter meetings still more than a month away? No matter. The Red Sox, at 3 to 1, are your early favorites to win the World Series. Here is the full list, courtesy of BetOnline.com:
Boston Red Sox 3/1
Chicago Cubs 5/1
LA Angels 5/1
Philadelphia Phillies 6/1
New York Yankees 6/1
Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10/1
Chicago White Sox 10/1
New York Mets 12/1
Milwaukee Brewers 15/1
Minnesota Twins 15/1
LA Dodgers 15/1
Toronto Blue Jays 20/1
Detroit Tigers 25/1
Florida Marlins 30/1
Houston Astros 30/1
St. Louis Cardinals 30/1
Cleveland Indians 30/1
Atlanta Braves 30/1
Arizona Diamondbacks 40/1
Colorado Rockies 40/1
Texas Rangers 50/1
Cincinnati Reds 50/1
Oakland Athletics 50/1
San Francisco Giants 80/1
KC Royals 100/1
Baltimore Orioles 100/1
Seattle Mariners 100/1
San Diego Padres 100/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
Washington Nationals 300/1
Sox may be after Junichi Tazawa,
Japanese starter Junichi Tazawa, whom the Red Sox have scouted extensively, was passed over in yesterday’s draft of amateur players in Japan, and is now available to Major League Baseball teams.Tazawa is bidding to become just the third Japanese-born player to play in the majors without playing pro ball in his native country. He asked Japanese teams to bypass him in order to more easily sign with an MLB team.
The Sox and Chicago Cubs were among the most interested teams scouting Tazawa when he pitched Nippon Oil to the corporate championship. His fastball is said to touch 97 mph, though some scouts believe that to be an exaggeration.
One baseball executive noted while Tazawa is now free to sign with any MLB team, there were “unspecified issues” at play that will prevent him from signing anytime soon.
Tim Wakefield coming back?
The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox will exercise their $4 million option on Tim Wakefield for 2009.Under the terms of the contract Wakefield signed in 2005, the Red Sox essentially have a perpetual $4 million option that can be picked up within five days of the World Series each year. This season will be his 15th in Boston.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Manny Ramirez Sage
Yankees may be in market for Manny Ramirez
Nothing concrete here, just mere speculation. Today's New York Post suggests the New York Yankees may be in the market for Manny Ramirez. For those wondering whether Manny Ramirez ties in with Brian Cashman's goal of building a younger team, the Post writes.
Manny Ramirez doesn't fit the New York Yankees ' desire to get younger and more athletic, but several industry sources believe the Yankees will make a serious push for the free agent to play right field next year.Though GM Brian Cashman says the top offseason priority is starting pitching, he did not rule out interest in the 36-year-old Ramirez.The Dodgers have offered Ramirez $60 million over two years, but according the Post it's likely he'll seek out something around the $80 million mark.
Nothing concrete here, just mere speculation. Today's New York Post suggests the New York Yankees may be in the market for Manny Ramirez. For those wondering whether Manny Ramirez ties in with Brian Cashman's goal of building a younger team, the Post writes.
Manny Ramirez doesn't fit the New York Yankees ' desire to get younger and more athletic, but several industry sources believe the Yankees will make a serious push for the free agent to play right field next year.Though GM Brian Cashman says the top offseason priority is starting pitching, he did not rule out interest in the 36-year-old Ramirez.The Dodgers have offered Ramirez $60 million over two years, but according the Post it's likely he'll seek out something around the $80 million mark.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Boston Celtics Retired Numbers
Here we go again. Another season is upon us and we have a good possibility to repeat. We need to keep away from serious, long-term injuries.
The C's have a total of 22 players with retired numbers and I will highlight about 6-7 each week, starting with #1, Walter Brown.
Walter Brown - #1 - (Number retired October 17, 1964)
The founder and first owner of the Boston Celtics franchise...Owned the Celtics from 1946 through 1964...Passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Cape Cod house on September 7, 1964...Born on February 10, 1905...Also was the owner of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, and President of the Boston Bruins hockey team...was instrumental in the creation of the first NBA All-Star Game in 1951, which was played in the Boston Garden.
The C's have a total of 22 players with retired numbers and I will highlight about 6-7 each week, starting with #1, Walter Brown.
Walter Brown - #1 - (Number retired October 17, 1964)
The founder and first owner of the Boston Celtics franchise...Owned the Celtics from 1946 through 1964...Passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Cape Cod house on September 7, 1964...Born on February 10, 1905...Also was the owner of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, and President of the Boston Bruins hockey team...was instrumental in the creation of the first NBA All-Star Game in 1951, which was played in the Boston Garden.
Arnold 'Red' Auerbach - #2 - (Number retired January 4, 1985)
The number signifies the fact that Auerbach is second only to Walter Brown as the most significant person in the history of the Boston Celtics organization...Was Head Coach of the team from 1950-51 through 1965-66, winning nine NBA world championship titles, that included eight straight from 1958-59 through 1965-66...He went on to serve as President and General Manager, leading the Celtics to an additional seven NBA championships...Named NBA Coach of the Year in 1965...Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968...Named the NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time team coach in 1970...NBA Executive of the Year in 1980...Was selected as the "Greatest Coach in the History of the NBA" by the Professional Basketball Writers' Association of America in 1980...Was named one of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA history in 1996...passed away on October 28, 2006.Dennis Johnson - #3 - (Number retired December 13, 1991)
"DJ" played for the Celtics for seven seasons, from 1983 through 1990...He helped lead the Celtics to a pair of NBA world championship titles in 1984 and 1986...Was also a member of the Seattle SuperSonics world championship team in 1979, and earned Most Valuable Player honors that year in post-season play...Was named to the All-NBA second team in 1980...Was named an All-NBA first team member in 1981...Was named to the NBA All-Defensive first team five consecutive seasons (1978-79 through 1982-83) and again in 1987...Was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team three straight years (1984, 1985, 1986)...Was a five-time NBA All-Star 1979-82 and 1985...Was an Assistant Coach for the Celtics from 1992-93 through 1996-97...Passed away on February 23, 2007.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sporting News All Star Team
The Sporting News announced their All-Star team for the American League late last night and the Boston Red Sox have one member of their team, Dustin Pedroia, who was named to the team.
On the season, Pedroia hit .326 with 118 runs, 54 doubles, 17 homers, 83 RBIs and had 20 stolen bases.
This is how the American League team stacks up:
C - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
1B - Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
2B - Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
SS - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
3B - Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
OF - Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
OF - Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
OF - Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
DH - Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
SP - Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
RP - Francisco Rodriguez,
On the season, Pedroia hit .326 with 118 runs, 54 doubles, 17 homers, 83 RBIs and had 20 stolen bases.
This is how the American League team stacks up:
C - Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
1B - Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
2B - Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
SS - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
3B - Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
OF - Carlos Quentin, Chicago White Sox
OF - Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
OF - Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
DH - Aubrey Huff, Baltimore Orioles
SP - Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians
RP - Francisco Rodriguez,
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Dodgers offer Manny $60 for 2 years
The Dodgers have offered Manny Ramirez a two-year deal worth $60 million to remain in Los Angeles.
But are the Dodgers serious about having Ramirez return or mollifying their fans?
According to a person familiar with the Dodgers' thinking, the offer was designed to appease the team's fan base rather than actually retain Ramirez, who saved the Dodgers' season with two sizzling months in which he batted .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 53 games and continued to mash in the postseason, batting .520 with four homers and 10 RBIs in eight games.
According to the person, the Dodgers know the 36-year-old and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking for a long-term deal - at least four years - and will certainly reject the two-year offer.
By having the offer leak out, the Dodgers hope that fans who fell quickly in love with Ramirez would believe the organization was making an extreme, good-faith effort to sign him, and that Ramirez and Boras simply wanted too much to be retained.
But are the Dodgers serious about having Ramirez return or mollifying their fans?
According to a person familiar with the Dodgers' thinking, the offer was designed to appease the team's fan base rather than actually retain Ramirez, who saved the Dodgers' season with two sizzling months in which he batted .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 53 games and continued to mash in the postseason, batting .520 with four homers and 10 RBIs in eight games.
According to the person, the Dodgers know the 36-year-old and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking for a long-term deal - at least four years - and will certainly reject the two-year offer.
By having the offer leak out, the Dodgers hope that fans who fell quickly in love with Ramirez would believe the organization was making an extreme, good-faith effort to sign him, and that Ramirez and Boras simply wanted too much to be retained.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Josh Beckett's injury
Josh Beckett wanted to keep it a mystery. It’s the same thing I kept telling the coaching staff, the training staff,” said the Red Sox starter following his team’s elimination from the American League Championship Series, “I just said, ‘Terrific.’ It was what it was.”
There were those words, and then there was the reality. And that, despite the best efforts of Beckett, he admits was almost impossible to completely disguise. Everybody,” said Beckett, referencing his teammates, “knows what I’ve gone through.” This much became evident after the question marks were cleared …
Beckett was planning to fight off his lingering oblique injury and pitch in the World Series, albeit with more ‘help’ than he had been administered prior to his American League Division Series outing. “I would have made my next start, although it would have been done through chemistry,” he said, referencing the kind of cortisone shot he received after initially injuring his oblique. “And I know I would have needed more chemistry than I had last time.”
When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein describes Beckett’s five-inning performance in Game 6 as “borderline heroic” it is with good reason.
Beyond the fact that he had to adjust his game to the point of throwing nearly 40 percent off-speed pitches because of the ailment, there was the immense obstacle that the pain presented.
Even with the assistance of pain-relieving medication following the ALCS win, Beckett still struggled to put his shirt on just before getting exiting the Tropicana Field visitors’ clubhouse.
There were those words, and then there was the reality. And that, despite the best efforts of Beckett, he admits was almost impossible to completely disguise. Everybody,” said Beckett, referencing his teammates, “knows what I’ve gone through.” This much became evident after the question marks were cleared …
Beckett was planning to fight off his lingering oblique injury and pitch in the World Series, albeit with more ‘help’ than he had been administered prior to his American League Division Series outing. “I would have made my next start, although it would have been done through chemistry,” he said, referencing the kind of cortisone shot he received after initially injuring his oblique. “And I know I would have needed more chemistry than I had last time.”
When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein describes Beckett’s five-inning performance in Game 6 as “borderline heroic” it is with good reason.
Beyond the fact that he had to adjust his game to the point of throwing nearly 40 percent off-speed pitches because of the ailment, there was the immense obstacle that the pain presented.
Even with the assistance of pain-relieving medication following the ALCS win, Beckett still struggled to put his shirt on just before getting exiting the Tropicana Field visitors’ clubhouse.
Bill Buckner
Of course, we all remember him. He's now selling cars in Emmett, Idaho and has a pretty decent looking website. On this website he has a game similar to CONCENTRATION where you try to match up the cars. Kind of difficult.
http://www.billbucknermotors.com/memory_challenge.php
http://www.billbucknermotors.com/memory_challenge.php
Thursday, October 23, 2008
This day in Red Sox Histoy
October 25 1986: Despite leads of 2-0, 3-2, and 5-3, the Red Sox are unable to finish off the Mets in Game 6 of the World Series.
October 24 1973: The Red Sox trade Marty Pattin to the Kansas City Royals for Dick Drago.
October 23 1973: The Red Sox trade Ben Ogilvie to the Detroit Tigers for Dick McAuliffe.
October 22 1923: The Red Sox name Lee Fohl manager. He replaces Frank Chance, whose Red Sox finished last with a 61-91 record that year.
October 21 1975: The first World Series night game at Fenway Park is played. Carlton Fisk's shot off the foul pole in the 12th inning wins a dramatic Game 6 for the Sox.
October 20 2004: Johnny Damon has two home runs including a grand slam, and Derek Lowe pitches a gem on two days' rest, as the Red Sox complete their ALCS comeback with a 10-3 Game 7 victory over the Yankees. They become the first team in baseball history to trail 0-3 in a seven-game series and come back to win.
October 19 1986: Dave Henderson and Dwight Evans homer as the Red Sox pound out 18 hits to beat the Mets 9-3 and take a 2-0 lead in the World Series.
October 18 1975: The Boston Globe reports that the distance from home plate to the Green Monster down the left field line is not 315 feet, but only 304. It was calculated using aerial photography. Many years later the reported distance was officially changed to 310, but that number is still not accurate.
October 24 1973: The Red Sox trade Marty Pattin to the Kansas City Royals for Dick Drago.
October 23 1973: The Red Sox trade Ben Ogilvie to the Detroit Tigers for Dick McAuliffe.
October 22 1923: The Red Sox name Lee Fohl manager. He replaces Frank Chance, whose Red Sox finished last with a 61-91 record that year.
October 21 1975: The first World Series night game at Fenway Park is played. Carlton Fisk's shot off the foul pole in the 12th inning wins a dramatic Game 6 for the Sox.
October 20 2004: Johnny Damon has two home runs including a grand slam, and Derek Lowe pitches a gem on two days' rest, as the Red Sox complete their ALCS comeback with a 10-3 Game 7 victory over the Yankees. They become the first team in baseball history to trail 0-3 in a seven-game series and come back to win.
October 19 1986: Dave Henderson and Dwight Evans homer as the Red Sox pound out 18 hits to beat the Mets 9-3 and take a 2-0 lead in the World Series.
October 18 1975: The Boston Globe reports that the distance from home plate to the Green Monster down the left field line is not 315 feet, but only 304. It was calculated using aerial photography. Many years later the reported distance was officially changed to 310, but that number is still not accurate.
Brady has more procedures for infection
Doctors are aggressively fighting an infection in Tom Brady's surgically repaired left knee.
Brady recently acknowledged on his Web site that doctors went in "to clean and to test the wound" on Oct. 15 because of the infection. The New England Patriots quarterback has had two more similar procedures since then.
The story was first reported by the Boston Herald and confirmed by ESPN's Wendi Nix.
The Patriots, as an organization, are upset with the situation because they were clear that they wanted Brady's surgery done under the direction of doctors of their choosing in Boston, sources told ESPN.
Instead, Brady opted to have the surgery in California by a doctor his family preferred, and now there are major problems. Brady was supposed to be back in New England by now, but a timeline for his return remains unclear. A person close to Brady told ESPN: "Tom is looking at months, not weeks, to fix this."
According to the Herald, Brady is on a six-week course of intravenously administered antibiotics, and is still having follow-up exams at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, where the surgery took place. If the infection is not brought under control, the patellar tendon graft used to replace Brady's anterior cruciate ligament could become compromised, according to the Herald's report. If that happens, he will have to undergo another surgery on the ACL. That would reset the clock on his rehabilitation.
Brady had surgery on Oct. 6 -- 29 days after he was injured in the Patriots' season opener -- on a hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. Brady reportedly tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee.
Brady recently acknowledged on his Web site that doctors went in "to clean and to test the wound" on Oct. 15 because of the infection. The New England Patriots quarterback has had two more similar procedures since then.
The story was first reported by the Boston Herald and confirmed by ESPN's Wendi Nix.
The Patriots, as an organization, are upset with the situation because they were clear that they wanted Brady's surgery done under the direction of doctors of their choosing in Boston, sources told ESPN.
Instead, Brady opted to have the surgery in California by a doctor his family preferred, and now there are major problems. Brady was supposed to be back in New England by now, but a timeline for his return remains unclear. A person close to Brady told ESPN: "Tom is looking at months, not weeks, to fix this."
According to the Herald, Brady is on a six-week course of intravenously administered antibiotics, and is still having follow-up exams at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, where the surgery took place. If the infection is not brought under control, the patellar tendon graft used to replace Brady's anterior cruciate ligament could become compromised, according to the Herald's report. If that happens, he will have to undergo another surgery on the ACL. That would reset the clock on his rehabilitation.
Brady had surgery on Oct. 6 -- 29 days after he was injured in the Patriots' season opener -- on a hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard. Brady reportedly tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee.
Lowrie reportedly played with wrist injury
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Boston Red Sox's Jed Lowrie slumped down the stretch and in the playoffs this season, and an injury might have been partly to blame. In an e-mail to the Boston Globe on Wednesday, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein revealed that the infielder played since May with a sprain and a small non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Lowrie underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and the injury has already begun to heal itself. According to Epstein, three weeks of rest will heal the wrist. Lowrie finished ...
The Boston Red Sox's Jed Lowrie slumped down the stretch and in the playoffs this season, and an injury might have been partly to blame. In an e-mail to the Boston Globe on Wednesday, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein revealed that the infielder played since May with a sprain and a small non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Lowrie underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and the injury has already begun to heal itself. According to Epstein, three weeks of rest will heal the wrist. Lowrie finished ...
Dice-K to pitch in March World Baseball Classic
Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Daisuke Matsuzaka will likely pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
"I know he’s very excited about it also. I don’t know how to get around it," Francona said. Matsuzaka was MVP of the WBC in 2006 before signing with the Red Sox. Ichiro Suzuki is also expected to play for Japan.
MY TAKE ON THIS: A great opportunity for Matsuzaka, of course. He deserves to go there. However, one must wonder if this trip will take a toll on him...at the beginning of the season AND in September when we make our run for the pennant.
"I know he’s very excited about it also. I don’t know how to get around it," Francona said. Matsuzaka was MVP of the WBC in 2006 before signing with the Red Sox. Ichiro Suzuki is also expected to play for Japan.
MY TAKE ON THIS: A great opportunity for Matsuzaka, of course. He deserves to go there. However, one must wonder if this trip will take a toll on him...at the beginning of the season AND in September when we make our run for the pennant.
The Manny Ramirez Saga
Dodgers may show Manny the money, but years are another story
According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are motivated to meet Manny Ramirez's salary demands, but only as part of a short-term deal.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Dodgers appear willing to meet or come close to superstar free agent Manny Ramirez's annual salary target but are strongly disinclined from acceding to his wish for a deal of five or six years, people familiar with the club's thinking tell SI.com.
One person who's spoken to Dodgers people suggested that the team is considering proposing a contract that may come close to matching Alex Rodriguez's record $27.5-million average annual salary but on a much shorter term, perhaps only two years. That person hinted he could see the Dodgers even exceeding A-Rod's salary, as long as the length of the deal was to their liking.
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said he didn't want to say too much about their thinking until after the team had a chance to meet with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras. But Collettti did say, "We don't have too many six-year deals,'' a reference to Ramirez's own public proclamations that he is shooting for a six-year deal. The Dodgers actually have no six-year deals; but they don't have any other players like Ramirez, either.
The Phillies, Yankees, Blue Jays, Mets, Orioles and Rangers are all seen as potential suitors for Ramirez, who hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 53 games with the Dodgers and .332 with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs overall in the regular season. Ramirez has proven to be one of the game's two or three most dangerous hitters, and perhaps its most clutch hitter (he was otherworldly in the postseason, hitting .520 with four home runs and 10 RBIs even though opposing teams were pitching around him)
According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are motivated to meet Manny Ramirez's salary demands, but only as part of a short-term deal.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Dodgers appear willing to meet or come close to superstar free agent Manny Ramirez's annual salary target but are strongly disinclined from acceding to his wish for a deal of five or six years, people familiar with the club's thinking tell SI.com.
One person who's spoken to Dodgers people suggested that the team is considering proposing a contract that may come close to matching Alex Rodriguez's record $27.5-million average annual salary but on a much shorter term, perhaps only two years. That person hinted he could see the Dodgers even exceeding A-Rod's salary, as long as the length of the deal was to their liking.
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said he didn't want to say too much about their thinking until after the team had a chance to meet with Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras. But Collettti did say, "We don't have too many six-year deals,'' a reference to Ramirez's own public proclamations that he is shooting for a six-year deal. The Dodgers actually have no six-year deals; but they don't have any other players like Ramirez, either.
The Phillies, Yankees, Blue Jays, Mets, Orioles and Rangers are all seen as potential suitors for Ramirez, who hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 53 games with the Dodgers and .332 with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs overall in the regular season. Ramirez has proven to be one of the game's two or three most dangerous hitters, and perhaps its most clutch hitter (he was otherworldly in the postseason, hitting .520 with four home runs and 10 RBIs even though opposing teams were pitching around him)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series record for most hits in game/series
Most hits game—5, Paul Molitor, Milwaukee A.L., first game vs. St. Louis N.L., 1982.
Most 4-hit games, series—2, Robin Yount, Milwaukee A.L., first and fifth games vs. St. Louis N.L., 1982.
Most hits inning—2, held by 17 players.
Most hits series—13 (7 games) Bobby Richardson, New York A.L., 1964; Lou Brock, St. Louis N.L., 1968; Marty Barrett, Boston A.L., 1986.
6 game series - 12 Most recent Roberto Alomar 1993 (tied with 3 others)
5 game series - 9 Derek Jeter, Paul O'Neil, 2000 (tied with 10 other)
4 game series - 10 Babe Ruth (1928)
Most 4-hit games, series—2, Robin Yount, Milwaukee A.L., first and fifth games vs. St. Louis N.L., 1982.
Most hits inning—2, held by 17 players.
Most hits series—13 (7 games) Bobby Richardson, New York A.L., 1964; Lou Brock, St. Louis N.L., 1968; Marty Barrett, Boston A.L., 1986.
6 game series - 12 Most recent Roberto Alomar 1993 (tied with 3 others)
5 game series - 9 Derek Jeter, Paul O'Neil, 2000 (tied with 10 other)
4 game series - 10 Babe Ruth (1928)
Most Strikeouts by hitter in World Series
With Ryan Howard striking out 199 times this season we can expect him to approach the record, unless he gets on his horse and starts hitting!!!
Most strikeouts, series—12 (6 games) Willie Wilson, Kansas City A.L., 1980;
11 (7 games) Ed Mathews, Milwaukee N.L., 1958; Wayne Garrett, New York N.L., 1973;
9 (5 games) Carmelo Martinez, San Diego N.L., 1984;
7 (4 games) Bob Muesel, New York A.L., 1927; Ken Caminiti, San Diego N.L., 1998.
Most strikeouts, series—12 (6 games) Willie Wilson, Kansas City A.L., 1980;
11 (7 games) Ed Mathews, Milwaukee N.L., 1958; Wayne Garrett, New York N.L., 1973;
9 (5 games) Carmelo Martinez, San Diego N.L., 1984;
7 (4 games) Bob Muesel, New York A.L., 1927; Ken Caminiti, San Diego N.L., 1998.
Canseco regrets
Canseco regrets naming names in his book about steroids.
Jose Canseco, whose book "Juiced," which focused attention on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball and led to congressional hearings on the subject, now says he never should have written the book and named names of alleged steroid users.
During the A&E Network's one-hour documentary, "Jose Canseco: The Last Shot," Canseco said he "regrets mentioning players [as steroid users]. I never realized this was going to blow up and hurt so many people."
During the program, the 44-year-old Canseco said he "wanted revenge" on Major League Baseball because he believed he had been forced out of the game. The book was his means of getting even, and he named names "to show I was telling the truth" about steroids in baseball, he said.
Canseco last played in 2001 and retired in 2002 with 462 career home runs, a .266 batting average, 1,407 RBIs and 200 stolen bases for eight major league clubs. Among the players Canseco named in "Juiced" as alleged steroid users were Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. All three addressed the March 2005 congressional hearing on steroids, with McGwire's testimony damaging his chances of being voted into Cooperstown, and Palmeiro's unequivocal denial of steroid use haunting him when he later tested positive and was suspended.
Jose Canseco, whose book "Juiced," which focused attention on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball and led to congressional hearings on the subject, now says he never should have written the book and named names of alleged steroid users.
During the A&E Network's one-hour documentary, "Jose Canseco: The Last Shot," Canseco said he "regrets mentioning players [as steroid users]. I never realized this was going to blow up and hurt so many people."
During the program, the 44-year-old Canseco said he "wanted revenge" on Major League Baseball because he believed he had been forced out of the game. The book was his means of getting even, and he named names "to show I was telling the truth" about steroids in baseball, he said.
Canseco last played in 2001 and retired in 2002 with 462 career home runs, a .266 batting average, 1,407 RBIs and 200 stolen bases for eight major league clubs. Among the players Canseco named in "Juiced" as alleged steroid users were Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. All three addressed the March 2005 congressional hearing on steroids, with McGwire's testimony damaging his chances of being voted into Cooperstown, and Palmeiro's unequivocal denial of steroid use haunting him when he later tested positive and was suspended.
Red Sox after Jake Peavy?
According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox will make a run at dealing for Jake Peavy this offseason.
The asking price is going to be monstrous, but Boston certainly has enough young arms to swing a deal. Peavy, 27, has said he prefers the National League, though industry sources believe he won't veto a trade to an AL power. The Padres are thought to be asking for two pitchers and a position player, most likely an outfielder.
MY TAKE ON THIS: I don't think that any one of us are that enthused about giving up any of our established kiddie Korps...Lester, Masterson, etc. Outfielder? Probably Coco Crisp, even though he finished very strong. I don't think we'll give up on Ellsbury, since he is pegged as our future center-fielder but had a very disappointing finish.
The asking price is going to be monstrous, but Boston certainly has enough young arms to swing a deal. Peavy, 27, has said he prefers the National League, though industry sources believe he won't veto a trade to an AL power. The Padres are thought to be asking for two pitchers and a position player, most likely an outfielder.
MY TAKE ON THIS: I don't think that any one of us are that enthused about giving up any of our established kiddie Korps...Lester, Masterson, etc. Outfielder? Probably Coco Crisp, even though he finished very strong. I don't think we'll give up on Ellsbury, since he is pegged as our future center-fielder but had a very disappointing finish.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Here we go - Deja vu all over again
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Now look who's one win away from the World Series.
The Boston Red Sox, playing like the defending champs they are, came out swinging and beat Tampa Bay 4-2 Saturday night to force a Game 7 in an AL championship series the Rays all but wrapped up two days earlier.
Slumping Jason Varitek hit a tiebreaking home run in the sixth inning as Boston evened the ALCS at 3-all. No late drama needed by the Red Sox this time -- they rallied from seven runs down with only seven outs left to win Game 5.
Now Jon Lester starts Game 7 for the Red Sox on Sunday night against Matt Garza in a rematch of Game 3, won by the Rays 9-1 at Fenway Park. Last year, the Red Sox trailed Cleveland 3-1 before winning three in a row, then sweeping Colorado for their second Series title in four seasons.
"It's great to get to Game 7, to battle like this," said Kevin Youkilis who homered and drove in two runs. "We went out there and played like it was our last game. It was awesome." Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who struggled in his first two starts of the playoffs, allowed two runs and four hits in five innings despite reduced velocity, and Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson and Jonathan Papelbon combined for hitless relief.
"It's probably pretty appropriate. We come down to the last game, and whoever plays better gets to move on," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. B.J. Upton tied an AL record with his seventh home run of the postseason. After Boston went ahead 2-1, Tampa Bay tied it on Jason Bartlett's fifth-inning homer. But the Rays didn't get another hit, and the Red Sox improved to 9-0 in ALCS elimination games under manager Terry Francona.
The Boston Red Sox, playing like the defending champs they are, came out swinging and beat Tampa Bay 4-2 Saturday night to force a Game 7 in an AL championship series the Rays all but wrapped up two days earlier.
Slumping Jason Varitek hit a tiebreaking home run in the sixth inning as Boston evened the ALCS at 3-all. No late drama needed by the Red Sox this time -- they rallied from seven runs down with only seven outs left to win Game 5.
Now Jon Lester starts Game 7 for the Red Sox on Sunday night against Matt Garza in a rematch of Game 3, won by the Rays 9-1 at Fenway Park. Last year, the Red Sox trailed Cleveland 3-1 before winning three in a row, then sweeping Colorado for their second Series title in four seasons.
"It's great to get to Game 7, to battle like this," said Kevin Youkilis who homered and drove in two runs. "We went out there and played like it was our last game. It was awesome." Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who struggled in his first two starts of the playoffs, allowed two runs and four hits in five innings despite reduced velocity, and Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson and Jonathan Papelbon combined for hitless relief.
"It's probably pretty appropriate. We come down to the last game, and whoever plays better gets to move on," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. B.J. Upton tied an AL record with his seventh home run of the postseason. After Boston went ahead 2-1, Tampa Bay tied it on Jason Bartlett's fifth-inning homer. But the Rays didn't get another hit, and the Red Sox improved to 9-0 in ALCS elimination games under manager Terry Francona.
Joba the Drunk for President
Yanks' Chamberlain held for DUI, speeding; formal charges due Monday
LINCOLN, Neb. -- New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman Deborah Collins said Chamberlain was stopped for speeding on U.S. 77 near his hometown of Lincoln at about 1 a.m. Saturday. Collins said Chamberlain was taken to the Cornhusker Place Detox in Lincoln, which she said is the normal protocol.
Chamberlain was lodged at the center on charges of driving under the influence, having an open container of alcohol and speeding. Collins said the county attorney likely would file formal charges Monday. An e-mail sent to Chamberlain's agent Saturday was not immediately returned
LINCOLN, Neb. -- New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Nebraska State Patrol spokeswoman Deborah Collins said Chamberlain was stopped for speeding on U.S. 77 near his hometown of Lincoln at about 1 a.m. Saturday. Collins said Chamberlain was taken to the Cornhusker Place Detox in Lincoln, which she said is the normal protocol.
Chamberlain was lodged at the center on charges of driving under the influence, having an open container of alcohol and speeding. Collins said the county attorney likely would file formal charges Monday. An e-mail sent to Chamberlain's agent Saturday was not immediately returned
MY TAKE ON THIS: Can't be a slow day for baseball news. I guess this will be blown out of proportion and looks like some sportswriter just wants to upstage the Red Sox. Kind of funny though especially the part about emailing his agent. Should have emailed his mother,
Friday, October 17, 2008
Largest comebacks in Playoff history
The Sox have won eight straight elimination games, and nine of their past 10. … The Sox comeback was the second largest in postseason history; the only larger one was Game 4 of the 1929 World Series, when the Philadelphia A's rallied from an 8-0 deficit to beat the Cubs 10-8. … The Rays lost for the first time this season in 39 games when leading by five or more. … It was Boston's 11th postseason walkoff win. … David Ortiz's homer ended a 15-game, 61 at-bat postseason drought. … 2B Akinori Iwamura has reached base in all nine postseason games.
Most Home Runs by team in Playoff series
With three more homers Thursday, the Rays ran their total to 13, the most for any AL playoffs series. The Red Sox hit 12 in seven games against the Yankees in the 2003 ALCS.
The Rays have 19 homers overall in the postseason, matching the 1995 Braves for sixth most. The overall record for postseason homers is 27, by the 2002 Giants.
The major-league record for one playoff series is 14 by the Astros, in seven games in the 2004 NLCS. The record for a five-game series was 10 by the 1996 Yankees.
The Rays have 19 homers overall in the postseason, matching the 1995 Braves for sixth most. The overall record for postseason homers is 27, by the 2002 Giants.
The major-league record for one playoff series is 14 by the Astros, in seven games in the 2004 NLCS. The record for a five-game series was 10 by the 1996 Yankees.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Got 'em where we want them
ROLL THE DICE!!!!
A small but vocal contingent of Boston fans buys into the premise that a 3-1 American League Championship Series deficit is merely a character builder for the Red Sox. It's the old "we've got them right where we want them'' theory run amok.
One of those true believers made his feelings known to Tampa Bay left fielder Carl Crawford from the stands during the Rays' 13-4 thumping of Boston on Tuesday night. The fan reminded Crawford that the Red Sox escaped an even bigger hole when they recovered from being down 3-0 to the to the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.
We know we're going to get reminded a lot about it,'' Crawford said. "One guy was yelling, 'Go ask Derek Jeter. Go ask Derek Jeter.' He was yelling it real loud, so I know everybody heard it. I'm sure there's going to be some more of that.''
A small but vocal contingent of Boston fans buys into the premise that a 3-1 American League Championship Series deficit is merely a character builder for the Red Sox. It's the old "we've got them right where we want them'' theory run amok.
One of those true believers made his feelings known to Tampa Bay left fielder Carl Crawford from the stands during the Rays' 13-4 thumping of Boston on Tuesday night. The fan reminded Crawford that the Red Sox escaped an even bigger hole when they recovered from being down 3-0 to the to the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS.
We know we're going to get reminded a lot about it,'' Crawford said. "One guy was yelling, 'Go ask Derek Jeter. Go ask Derek Jeter.' He was yelling it real loud, so I know everybody heard it. I'm sure there's going to be some more of that.''
Monday, October 13, 2008
Most Home Runs by player in one post season
The most home runs by a player in one post season is 8 by Carlos Beltran
In the 2004 MLB playoffs, Beltrán tied Barry Bonds's single postseason record with 8 home runs. He had one in each of the first four games of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, including a game-winner in Game 4. Following his two home runs in Game 5 of the previous NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, this gave Beltrán five consecutive postseason games with a home run, setting a record.
In the 2004 MLB playoffs, Beltrán tied Barry Bonds's single postseason record with 8 home runs. He had one in each of the first four games of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, including a game-winner in Game 4. Following his two home runs in Game 5 of the previous NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, this gave Beltrán five consecutive postseason games with a home run, setting a record.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
David Price - Tampa Bay Rays -- ROY 2009?
Bats: Left, Throws: Left Height: 6'6", Weight: 225 lbs Born: August 26, 1985
This promising left-hander could very well be the Rookie of the Year in 2009. He excelled at the A-level, AA and AAA in 2008. With Vero Beach in the FSL, he appeared in 4 games, went 34 innings and was a perfect 4-0 whjle striking out 37 batters.
Moving up to AA Ball with the Montgomery Bisquits in the Southern League he appeared in 9 games and went 7-0. 57 innings, 54 K's.
In AAA, he wasn't quite so superb, but did pretty good before being called up to the Rays in September and now appearing in the playoffs. He went 1-1 for the Durham Bulls. And with Tampa Bay, he went 0-0 in 5 relief appearances throwing 14 innings and having an ERA of 1.93.
Prospect Rankings*2008 - 10th ranked Major League prospect2008 - 2nd ranked organizational prospect for Tampa Bay Devil Rays*According to Baseball America
Drafted: Selected by Los Angeles Dodgers in 19th Round (568th overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft (June-Reg) ... Selected by Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1st Round (1st overall) of 2007 amateur entry draft (June-Reg) Transactions: [Aug 16,2007] - Signed by Devil Rays Signed by: Brad Matthews
2007: Finished 11-1 on the year with 2.63 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 133.1 innings pitched ... 194 strikeouts shatters his school single season record of 155 set last year. It also is the second most in a single season in SEC history behind Ben McDonald's 202 in 1989 ... 11 wins is a career high and is second most in school history ... Strikeout total leads the nation while his strikeouts per nine innings ranks second (12.8) ... First in the league in wins ... First in the league in Innings Pitched ... 12 Double Digit Strikeout games, 7 against SEC opponents ... Vanderbilt is 16-1 in games he started ... Named to the NCAA Nashville Regional All-Tournament team ... Charged with his only loss of the year in a relief performance against Michigan in the championship game of the regional (was pitching on two days rest) ... Tied a career high with 17 strikeouts in nine inning five-hit performance over Austin Peay (6/1) in the first game of the NCAA Nashville Regional.
2006: Third-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after posting a 9-5 ledger with a 4.16 ERA ... Set a school record for strikeouts in a single season with 155 (third in NCAA, tops in SEC) in 110.1 innings with just 43 walks ... Was one of five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top player in college baseball ... Was a semifinalist for the Roger Clemens Award, given to the top pitcher in college baseball ... Was a second-team All-SEC pick by the coaches ... First-team All-South Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association ... Was the ace of the USA Baseball National Team's Gold Medal Winning squad that competed at the FISU World University Championships in Cuba over the summer. Finished 5-1 with a 0.20 ERA in eight starts with 61 strikeouts and only seven walks in 44.0 innings ... Named the top prospect on the USA squad, which included 22 of the top collegiate players in the country ... Price won National Pitcher of the Week honors three times this season and had four SEC Weekly Honors as well ...
2005: A Freshman All-American by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball ... Went 2-4 with a 2.86 ERA in 19 games including 10 starts ... Showcased dominating stuff with 92 strikeouts in 69.1 innings pitched ... Opponents only hit .207 against him ... Posted wins over Lipscomb (3/8) and Ole Miss (4/3) ... Did not allow more than four runs in any of his appearances ... Struck out season and career best 11 batters against Tennessee (4/24) and Florida (5/21) ...
click here to read more http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl
This promising left-hander could very well be the Rookie of the Year in 2009. He excelled at the A-level, AA and AAA in 2008. With Vero Beach in the FSL, he appeared in 4 games, went 34 innings and was a perfect 4-0 whjle striking out 37 batters.
Moving up to AA Ball with the Montgomery Bisquits in the Southern League he appeared in 9 games and went 7-0. 57 innings, 54 K's.
In AAA, he wasn't quite so superb, but did pretty good before being called up to the Rays in September and now appearing in the playoffs. He went 1-1 for the Durham Bulls. And with Tampa Bay, he went 0-0 in 5 relief appearances throwing 14 innings and having an ERA of 1.93.
Prospect Rankings*2008 - 10th ranked Major League prospect2008 - 2nd ranked organizational prospect for Tampa Bay Devil Rays*According to Baseball America
Drafted: Selected by Los Angeles Dodgers in 19th Round (568th overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft (June-Reg) ... Selected by Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1st Round (1st overall) of 2007 amateur entry draft (June-Reg) Transactions: [Aug 16,2007] - Signed by Devil Rays Signed by: Brad Matthews
2007: Finished 11-1 on the year with 2.63 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 133.1 innings pitched ... 194 strikeouts shatters his school single season record of 155 set last year. It also is the second most in a single season in SEC history behind Ben McDonald's 202 in 1989 ... 11 wins is a career high and is second most in school history ... Strikeout total leads the nation while his strikeouts per nine innings ranks second (12.8) ... First in the league in wins ... First in the league in Innings Pitched ... 12 Double Digit Strikeout games, 7 against SEC opponents ... Vanderbilt is 16-1 in games he started ... Named to the NCAA Nashville Regional All-Tournament team ... Charged with his only loss of the year in a relief performance against Michigan in the championship game of the regional (was pitching on two days rest) ... Tied a career high with 17 strikeouts in nine inning five-hit performance over Austin Peay (6/1) in the first game of the NCAA Nashville Regional.
2006: Third-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after posting a 9-5 ledger with a 4.16 ERA ... Set a school record for strikeouts in a single season with 155 (third in NCAA, tops in SEC) in 110.1 innings with just 43 walks ... Was one of five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top player in college baseball ... Was a semifinalist for the Roger Clemens Award, given to the top pitcher in college baseball ... Was a second-team All-SEC pick by the coaches ... First-team All-South Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association ... Was the ace of the USA Baseball National Team's Gold Medal Winning squad that competed at the FISU World University Championships in Cuba over the summer. Finished 5-1 with a 0.20 ERA in eight starts with 61 strikeouts and only seven walks in 44.0 innings ... Named the top prospect on the USA squad, which included 22 of the top collegiate players in the country ... Price won National Pitcher of the Week honors three times this season and had four SEC Weekly Honors as well ...
2005: A Freshman All-American by both Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball ... Went 2-4 with a 2.86 ERA in 19 games including 10 starts ... Showcased dominating stuff with 92 strikeouts in 69.1 innings pitched ... Opponents only hit .207 against him ... Posted wins over Lipscomb (3/8) and Ole Miss (4/3) ... Did not allow more than four runs in any of his appearances ... Struck out season and career best 11 batters against Tennessee (4/24) and Florida (5/21) ...
click here to read more http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl
Timlin on to pitch
bdeep, bdeep, bdeep. That might be the ball game folks. Hasn't pitched in almost a month. Going to give up a long ball, I can feel it. Should have brought on the 'Byrd' man. Leadoff walk....oh oh. Dammn. Good night. It WAS a good game!!!!
Fancona to Umpires
"You guys will run out of baseballs before I run out of gum!!!" Terry still chewing in the 10th inning; umpires retrieving two more boxes of baseballs.
Sox win Game One - 2-0 over Tampa Bay
Oct 10. Tampa Bay. Daisuke Matsuzaka took a no-hitter into the seventh and combined with three relievers on a shutout as the Red Sox topped the Rays in Game 1 of the ALCS.Matsuzaka walked the bases loaded in the first, but he was outstanding after that. The no-hitter concluded when he gave up back-to-back hits to start the seventh, giving the Rays a great chance to at least tie up a 1-0 game. However, he pitched out of the jam. After the Red Sox added an insurance run in the eighth, Dice-K allowed two more singles to start the bottom of the inning. The Red Sox went to the bullpen, and Hideki Okajima got Carlos Pena to fly out on a 3-0 pitch. Justin Masterson took over then and induced a double-play ball from Evan Longoria. Jonathan Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth to finish it. Game 2 will be played Saturday. Josh Beckett and Scott Kazmir will pitch. Oct. 11 - 12:05 am
Friday, October 10, 2008
Playoff No-HItters
NEVER. Except for Don Larsen, there has never been a no-hitter tossed in the playoffs. I hope I didn't jinx him.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
"McCarver's right" says Karros on Manny
Despicable? Once we've wiped all the spit off the salad bar shield following Tim McCarver's disarming, delicious description of Manny Ramirez's recent performance in Boston before he came to the Dodgers we wondered if former Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros would use the same word to sum up the situation.
He didn't have to since McCarver had already thrown it out there. "He's absolutely right," Karros said of McCarver's adjectivication over Ramirez's lack of committment when playing for the Boston Red Sox before his trade to the Dodgers in late July. "There is nothing worse as far as being athlete than you can do to a fellow player and not going out and playing, or pulling yourself out of a game, and that's essentially what he did. And the guys on that team voted him off the island. That's a fact."
Karros is referencing, of course, the situation Ramirez had when he was accused of not running out ground balls, complaining about injuries so he could stay out of a game, even not remembering which knee was hurting him. None of his Red Sox teammates clamored for him to stay. On top of that, Ramirez had an incident where he pushed down and roughed up a 60-plus year old traveling secretary over a ticket dispute.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Manny is a scumbag who quit on us. Unfortunately, he'll be okay for the next couple years. He was here 2 years too many.
He didn't have to since McCarver had already thrown it out there. "He's absolutely right," Karros said of McCarver's adjectivication over Ramirez's lack of committment when playing for the Boston Red Sox before his trade to the Dodgers in late July. "There is nothing worse as far as being athlete than you can do to a fellow player and not going out and playing, or pulling yourself out of a game, and that's essentially what he did. And the guys on that team voted him off the island. That's a fact."
Karros is referencing, of course, the situation Ramirez had when he was accused of not running out ground balls, complaining about injuries so he could stay out of a game, even not remembering which knee was hurting him. None of his Red Sox teammates clamored for him to stay. On top of that, Ramirez had an incident where he pushed down and roughed up a 60-plus year old traveling secretary over a ticket dispute.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Manny is a scumbag who quit on us. Unfortunately, he'll be okay for the next couple years. He was here 2 years too many.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bonds 'enjoying' freedom
Oct 7. San Francisco, CA. Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance Tuesday and said he is enjoying life away from baseball. "I'm happy now that I have more time," Bonds told the crowd at the kickoff event of the Macy's Christmas tree lighting. "I've actually enjoyed myself immensely."
Bonds, honorary chair of this year's lighting, did not talk to reporters and left quickly after giving a brief speech during the 30-minute ceremony. Lights adorning the large tree in Union Square are sold to benefit the UCSF Children's Hospital palliative care program, and nearly $700,000 has been raised during the past five years.
Bonds was questioned by a young patient about potentially returning to baseball.
"I had fun," Bonds said. "But I like my freedom." Bonds has donated time and money to the program, hosting golf tournaments and visiting patients and their families. He passed out autographed baseball cards of himself and politely chatted with several patients, many confined to wheelchairs.
"We all go through adversities and tragedies," Bonds told the crowd, which greeted him with a standing ovation. "It takes every one of us to stick together to make all of our children's times as precious as we can."
Bonds pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of making false declarations to a federal grand jury and one count of obstruction of justice, and his trial is scheduled to start March 2. Bonds is accused of lying when he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs during 2003 grand jury testimony.
MY TAKE ON THIS: It's nice that Mr. Bonds is getting involved in a worthwhile cause. However, he would rather be playing ball then enjoying his 'freedom', which might not last very long. Nonetheless, he's been blackballed, plain and simple and he can't do a thing about it. The MLB owners have co-conspired against him.
Bonds, honorary chair of this year's lighting, did not talk to reporters and left quickly after giving a brief speech during the 30-minute ceremony. Lights adorning the large tree in Union Square are sold to benefit the UCSF Children's Hospital palliative care program, and nearly $700,000 has been raised during the past five years.
Bonds was questioned by a young patient about potentially returning to baseball.
"I had fun," Bonds said. "But I like my freedom." Bonds has donated time and money to the program, hosting golf tournaments and visiting patients and their families. He passed out autographed baseball cards of himself and politely chatted with several patients, many confined to wheelchairs.
"We all go through adversities and tragedies," Bonds told the crowd, which greeted him with a standing ovation. "It takes every one of us to stick together to make all of our children's times as precious as we can."
Bonds pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of making false declarations to a federal grand jury and one count of obstruction of justice, and his trial is scheduled to start March 2. Bonds is accused of lying when he said he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs during 2003 grand jury testimony.
MY TAKE ON THIS: It's nice that Mr. Bonds is getting involved in a worthwhile cause. However, he would rather be playing ball then enjoying his 'freedom', which might not last very long. Nonetheless, he's been blackballed, plain and simple and he can't do a thing about it. The MLB owners have co-conspired against him.
Report: Manny wants 5 years, $85 million
The Rocky Mountain News reports that "agent Scott Boras has let it be known through his media outlets that the expectation is for at least five years and $85 million in a deal for" Manny Ramirez.
A five-year contract would involve committing to Ramirez through his age-41 season, so that's going to be a very tough sell. Something along the lines of three years and $50 million seems more likely
A five-year contract would involve committing to Ramirez through his age-41 season, so that's going to be a very tough sell. Something along the lines of three years and $50 million seems more likely
Schilling considers second half (2009) comeback
Curt Schilling said Monday that he'd retire if he had to make a decision now, but is considering coming back from shoulder surgery to pitch the second half of next season.
"I won't come back for a full season, that much I know," Schilling said. "If I do decide to come back I would work to the point I was ready and somewhere around May 1 let the teams know I wanted to pitch the second half. I'd obviously need to spend June in the minor leagues building it all back up and then hopefully come back and help a team in contention win a World Series. All of this is predicated with the fact that I am completely healthy and able to pitch like I did prior to breaking my shoulder early in 2007. If I had to make that decision today, yes, I'd retire."
"I won't come back for a full season, that much I know," Schilling said. "If I do decide to come back I would work to the point I was ready and somewhere around May 1 let the teams know I wanted to pitch the second half. I'd obviously need to spend June in the minor leagues building it all back up and then hopefully come back and help a team in contention win a World Series. All of this is predicated with the fact that I am completely healthy and able to pitch like I did prior to breaking my shoulder early in 2007. If I had to make that decision today, yes, I'd retire."
Red Sox Rotation for the Ray's
Red Sox manager Terry Francona today announced his rotation for the ALCS, which kicks off on Friday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. against the Rays:
Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: Josh Beckett
Game 3: Jon Lester
Game 4: Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Matsuzaka
Game 6: Beckett
Game 7: Lester
Game 1: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 2: Josh Beckett
Game 3: Jon Lester
Game 4: Tim Wakefield
Game 5: Matsuzaka
Game 6: Beckett
Game 7: Lester
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
If Sox win, Manny gets a ring
Because Manny 'trader scumbag, etc' Ramirez was with the Red Sox for part of the regular season, he will be given a World Series ring should they win the Series. Do you think that he would actually wear it?
Red Sox Bayrely Win 3-2
Oct 6. BOSTON. MA. The Sox advanced to the ALCS as John Lester shutout the Angels over 7 innings and Jed Lowrie drove in Jason Bay with the winning run in the 9th inning.
Jason Bay scored with a headfirst slide on Jed Lowrie's two-out single in the ninth inning and the defending World Series champions took advantage of a botched suicide squeeze, beating Los Angeles 3-2 Monday night to win their first-round playoff series in four games.
Boston, which also won it all in 2004, will have a chance at a third title in five years if it can get past the Rays in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series that starts Friday night at Tampa Bay.
Boston, which also won it all in 2004, will have a chance at a third title in five years if it can get past the Rays in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series that starts Friday night at Tampa Bay.
"That's what this team is about, especially the last few years," said Lowrie, a rookie who was called up as a midseason replacement when shortstop Julio Lugo was injured. "It's October, they've won a lot of games, and to be a part of that is awesome."
held the Angels to four hits in seven shutout innings but lost his chance at a second victory in the series when they scored twice in the eighth to tie it 2-all. Los Angeles had a chance to go ahead in the ninth before Erick Aybar, whose 12th-inning single was the winner in Game 3, missed on a squeeze attempt.
In the bottom half, Bay lofted a fly ball down the right-field line that Reggie Willits pursued and dove for before it one-hopped into the stands for a ground-rule double. First baseman Mark Teixeira made a diving catch of Mark Kotsay's line drive for the second out.
Friday, October 3, 2008
100 Greatest Home Runs of All Time
Awhile back, two sports writers at ESPN compiled a list of what they considered to be the 100 Greatest Home Runs of all Time. Here are the first twenty:
1. Bill Mazeroski wins Game 7, 1960 World Series (Pirates)
2. Bobby Thomson wins 1951 playoff (Giants)
3. Hank Aaron, No. 715, breaks Babe Ruth's record (Braves)
4. Joe Carter, wins 1993 World Series, Game 6 (Blue Jays)
5. Mark McGwire, No. 62, 1998 (Cardinals)*
6. Carlton Fisk, 1975 World Series, Game 6 (Red Sox)
7. Roger Maris, No. 61, 1961 (Yankees)
8. Kirk Gibson, Game 1, 1988 World Series (Dodgers)
9. Barry Bonds, No. 71, 2001 (Giants) *
10. Bucky Dent, 1978 playoff game (Red Sox)
11. Kirby Puckett, 1991 World Series, Game 6, game-winner in 11th (Twins)
12. Scott Brosius, 2001 World Series, Game 5, second straight 9th-inning, game-tying HR (Yankees)
13. Reggie Jackson, third HR, 1977 World Series, Game 6 (Yankees)
14. Chris Chambliss wins 1976 ALCS (Yankees)
15. Dick Sisler, 10th-inning HR wins 1950 pennant (Phillies)
16. Ozzie Smith wins Game 5, 1985 NLCS (Cardinals)
17. Dave Henderson, 1986 ALCS, Game 5 (Red Sox)
18. Hank Greenberg, 9th-inning grand slam clinches pennant on final day, 1945 (Tigers)
19. Ted Williams homers in final at-bat (Red Sox)
20. Babe Ruth called shot, 1932 World Series (Yankees)
To see the entire listing click on the link: http://espn.go.com/page2/s/greatesthomerunslist.html
MY TAKE ON THIS: Take this list with a grain of salt. To each and every one of us, the significance of home runs on this list will vary and we all will not agree upon the placement on the list. Interesting though. I'd like to throw out any of the home runs on this list hit by Bonds and McGwire, notable steroid users. I've placed an asterisk beside their entries.
1. Bill Mazeroski wins Game 7, 1960 World Series (Pirates)
2. Bobby Thomson wins 1951 playoff (Giants)
3. Hank Aaron, No. 715, breaks Babe Ruth's record (Braves)
4. Joe Carter, wins 1993 World Series, Game 6 (Blue Jays)
5. Mark McGwire, No. 62, 1998 (Cardinals)*
6. Carlton Fisk, 1975 World Series, Game 6 (Red Sox)
7. Roger Maris, No. 61, 1961 (Yankees)
8. Kirk Gibson, Game 1, 1988 World Series (Dodgers)
9. Barry Bonds, No. 71, 2001 (Giants) *
10. Bucky Dent, 1978 playoff game (Red Sox)
11. Kirby Puckett, 1991 World Series, Game 6, game-winner in 11th (Twins)
12. Scott Brosius, 2001 World Series, Game 5, second straight 9th-inning, game-tying HR (Yankees)
13. Reggie Jackson, third HR, 1977 World Series, Game 6 (Yankees)
14. Chris Chambliss wins 1976 ALCS (Yankees)
15. Dick Sisler, 10th-inning HR wins 1950 pennant (Phillies)
16. Ozzie Smith wins Game 5, 1985 NLCS (Cardinals)
17. Dave Henderson, 1986 ALCS, Game 5 (Red Sox)
18. Hank Greenberg, 9th-inning grand slam clinches pennant on final day, 1945 (Tigers)
19. Ted Williams homers in final at-bat (Red Sox)
20. Babe Ruth called shot, 1932 World Series (Yankees)
To see the entire listing click on the link: http://espn.go.com/page2/s/greatesthomerunslist.html
MY TAKE ON THIS: Take this list with a grain of salt. To each and every one of us, the significance of home runs on this list will vary and we all will not agree upon the placement on the list. Interesting though. I'd like to throw out any of the home runs on this list hit by Bonds and McGwire, notable steroid users. I've placed an asterisk beside their entries.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sox, Lester, Bay take game one 4-1
OCT 1. Anaheim, CA. Jason Manny Bay's two run shot in the 6th inning paved the way to a Red Sox victory in Game Number One.
"I think we proved a lot," Bay said. The Angels won eight of nine regular-season games between the teams this year, outscoring the Red Sox 42-17 in the final six. But the Red Sox have won 10 straight postseason games against the Angels dating to 1986, including first-round sweeps in 2004 and 2007 en route to World Series titles. The World Series champion Red Sox tied a major league record for consecutive postseason wins over the same opponent, a mark Oakland set against the Red Sox from 1988-2003
Lester got the Game 1 assignment after Josh Beckett was pushed back to Game 3 because of an oblique problem. He retired his final seven batters, striking out four, and only one outfielder had a putout during his stint. Lester struck out seven and walked one.
"Early he established his fastball in," Francona said. "Once we got the lead, he really went after 'em. He came with a vengeance and struck out the side." That was in the bottom of the sixth, when Lester fanned Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli and Matthews.
The Angels, who wrapped up the AL West title with 2 1/2 weeks left in the regular season, finished with a franchise-best 100-62 record that was tops in the majors. But they lost for the eighth time in 10 postseason home games since winning the 2002 World Series.
Lackey, who won Game 7 of that World Series, allowed two runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings with three walks and five strikeouts
"I think we proved a lot," Bay said. The Angels won eight of nine regular-season games between the teams this year, outscoring the Red Sox 42-17 in the final six. But the Red Sox have won 10 straight postseason games against the Angels dating to 1986, including first-round sweeps in 2004 and 2007 en route to World Series titles. The World Series champion Red Sox tied a major league record for consecutive postseason wins over the same opponent, a mark Oakland set against the Red Sox from 1988-2003
Lester got the Game 1 assignment after Josh Beckett was pushed back to Game 3 because of an oblique problem. He retired his final seven batters, striking out four, and only one outfielder had a putout during his stint. Lester struck out seven and walked one.
"Early he established his fastball in," Francona said. "Once we got the lead, he really went after 'em. He came with a vengeance and struck out the side." That was in the bottom of the sixth, when Lester fanned Howie Kendrick, Mike Napoli and Matthews.
The Angels, who wrapped up the AL West title with 2 1/2 weeks left in the regular season, finished with a franchise-best 100-62 record that was tops in the majors. But they lost for the eighth time in 10 postseason home games since winning the 2002 World Series.
Lackey, who won Game 7 of that World Series, allowed two runs and four hits in 6 2/3 innings with three walks and five strikeouts
Most Post Season Home Runs
Oct 2. Yesterday, Manny extended his record for most post-season home runs to 25. Here are your all time leaders:
25....Manny Ramirez
22....Bernie Williams
18.....Reggie Jackson
18.....Mickey Mantle
17.....Derek Jeter
17.....Jim Thome
15.....Babe Ruth
14.....Dave Justice
13.....Jim Edmonds
13.....Chipper Jones
13.....Albert Pujols
25....Manny Ramirez
22....Bernie Williams
18.....Reggie Jackson
18.....Mickey Mantle
17.....Derek Jeter
17.....Jim Thome
15.....Babe Ruth
14.....Dave Justice
13.....Jim Edmonds
13.....Chipper Jones
13.....Albert Pujols
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tommie Harper' Stolen Base Record
BOSTON –– Tommy Harper and Jacoby Ellsbury spoke in the clubhouse yesterday, but the record that unites them did not come up. In all likelihood, Harper was too modest to discuss it and Ellsbury too embarrassed. But it’s hard to believe it wasn’t on both their minds.
In 1973, 35 years ago, Harper stole 54 bases, setting a Red Sox franchise record, and this weekend, Ellsbury has a chance to break it.
A proud man, Harper nevertheless hopes it happens.
“I’ve had the record for a long time,” said Harper as he watched the Red Sox go through batting practice yesterday afternoon. “I would never root against him. I worked with him, so if it happens, I’d be happy for him. It would be neat, yeah.”
In 1973, 35 years ago, Harper stole 54 bases, setting a Red Sox franchise record, and this weekend, Ellsbury has a chance to break it.
A proud man, Harper nevertheless hopes it happens.
“I’ve had the record for a long time,” said Harper as he watched the Red Sox go through batting practice yesterday afternoon. “I would never root against him. I worked with him, so if it happens, I’d be happy for him. It would be neat, yeah.”
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Dome-O Arigato
Well, it looks more and more like this first AL playoff series is going to be played completely in domed stadiums. Minnesota is charging like a mad bull and the White Sox are collapsing. Ozzie Guillen? Well, Ozzie will be Ozzie.
And of course, after we beat the Angels (I hope), we would have to play 4 games in one of those two domes, should that occur. Just win baby, just win!!!
And of course, after we beat the Angels (I hope), we would have to play 4 games in one of those two domes, should that occur. Just win baby, just win!!!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I'll Bet you didn' know that......
Dick 'Moose' Radatz holds the Major League Record for Most K's in a Season by a Relief Pitcher. In 1964, he struck out 181 batters while a member of the Red Sox. He threw a total of 157 innings and strutted out to the mound a total of 79 times and had a record of 16-9.
He was, more or less, a closer but his career didn't last long. He had a couple great seasons in 63-64 but things went downhill and his career only lasted 8 years, 4 with the Sox.
Nowadays, used exclusively as a real closer, he might have been one of the most dominating closers for many years. Never know though.....something to think about. His fastball was clocked at 95 MPH back then and I would imagine with the training we know have, he'd be up over 100 and we'd be calling him Mariano Francisco Jonathan Radatz.
Back then I was a teenager (13-14) and he was one of my favorite players.
He was, more or less, a closer but his career didn't last long. He had a couple great seasons in 63-64 but things went downhill and his career only lasted 8 years, 4 with the Sox.
Nowadays, used exclusively as a real closer, he might have been one of the most dominating closers for many years. Never know though.....something to think about. His fastball was clocked at 95 MPH back then and I would imagine with the training we know have, he'd be up over 100 and we'd be calling him Mariano Francisco Jonathan Radatz.
Back then I was a teenager (13-14) and he was one of my favorite players.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tough Loss for Red Sox as they are scalped 4-3
This is a hard loss to take especially since the Rays held on. Beckett really wasn't that bad, except for a couple bad stretches.... walk, two hit batsmen...another batter hit. Very uncommon of him. We definitely had our chances.
Doesn't look like we can take the division and we had better get people in shape for the Angels because that is going to be tough. Never could I have ever imagined the Rays taking the division. They have a very easy schedule the rest of the year.
Doesn't look like we can take the division and we had better get people in shape for the Angels because that is going to be tough. Never could I have ever imagined the Rays taking the division. They have a very easy schedule the rest of the year.
Tuesday is most important
Could be a decisive day on Tuesday. The Rays are playing two and we are facing Cliff Lee. Of course, we don't want to fall farther behind, but by the end of tomorrow's games, we will have a good idea as to whether or not we can take the division. It doesn't look like J.D. Drew is coming back and I guess Lowell will play some in the playoffs. Unfortuanatley, he really needs to rest up until Game One of the Playoffs against the White Sox (gotta think positive on both accounts).
What fans did after the game.
Here's a list of headlines or stories I would have liked to have seen in this mornings New York Post:
1. Fans torch Yankee Stadium, burns to ground. Steinbrenner overjoyed at not having to pay for tearing down park.
2. Fans go wild after game. Tear out seats, take signs, grab toilet seats and whatever else they could get their hands on. Nobody arrested. By Monday afternoon, there were 30,000 fans selling all this stuff on Ebay.
3. Group of Red Sox fans bury Alex Rodriguez in Center Field.
4. Fans hang Yankees' announcer Susan Waldman upside down on flagpole.
5. Cars, trucks, buses, ATV's, plow through barriers into Yankee Stadium
6. Local entrepenours cuts deal with Yankees and allows fans to camp out after game. Home plate camping site goes for $2,000. Center field monument area $1,500. Center field $1.00 where Johnny Damon Stands, shortstop area $2,500, third base area $.25.
7. 15 Red Sox gun enthusiasts break into Yankee Stadium at 4:00AM and bring posters of Yankee players and use them for target practice.
8. Yankee fans destroy monuments in Center Field, pieces going for $25,000 apiece on Ebay.
9. While digging up the ground (for souvenirs), fans find 100 buried Red Sox jerseys including the one used by Roger Clemens in 1985. Manny Ramirez jersey found underneath home plate along with Pedro's.
1. Fans torch Yankee Stadium, burns to ground. Steinbrenner overjoyed at not having to pay for tearing down park.
2. Fans go wild after game. Tear out seats, take signs, grab toilet seats and whatever else they could get their hands on. Nobody arrested. By Monday afternoon, there were 30,000 fans selling all this stuff on Ebay.
3. Group of Red Sox fans bury Alex Rodriguez in Center Field.
4. Fans hang Yankees' announcer Susan Waldman upside down on flagpole.
5. Cars, trucks, buses, ATV's, plow through barriers into Yankee Stadium
6. Local entrepenours cuts deal with Yankees and allows fans to camp out after game. Home plate camping site goes for $2,000. Center field monument area $1,500. Center field $1.00 where Johnny Damon Stands, shortstop area $2,500, third base area $.25.
7. 15 Red Sox gun enthusiasts break into Yankee Stadium at 4:00AM and bring posters of Yankee players and use them for target practice.
8. Yankee fans destroy monuments in Center Field, pieces going for $25,000 apiece on Ebay.
9. While digging up the ground (for souvenirs), fans find 100 buried Red Sox jerseys including the one used by Roger Clemens in 1985. Manny Ramirez jersey found underneath home plate along with Pedro's.
Yankee Dirt
I thought it was hilarious when the old players, etc., stepped out onto the mound and began taking away dirt and packing it into containers. Oh gosh, I said to myself, just wait until you see all this on EBay. But I guess they never allowed the fans to trounce their way around after that game, 'collecting' whatever souvenirs they could find. Funny, I pictured the end of the game and the fans going wild, tearing up the seats and lugging them home, grabbing signs, toilet seats and whatever else they could get their hands on. Completely ransacking the place. Of course, we know that could never happen. It'd be funny to see a parady of this on some TV comedy show.
So, I just searched Ebay and didn't find anything much. An auction that started 5 days ago of somebody selling dirt for $125. Kind of wondering how he got access to it?
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZdirtQ20fromQ20YankeeQ20StadiumQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ
So, I just searched Ebay and didn't find anything much. An auction that started 5 days ago of somebody selling dirt for $125. Kind of wondering how he got access to it?
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZdirtQ20fromQ20YankeeQ20StadiumQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ
New Fenway Park
This is/was an illustration of the New Fenway Park that was proposed several years ago. I can't find much else around on it. Seriously, games just wouldn't be exciting after the 'novelty' wears off. 3-5 years down the road, you be crying for the Old Fenway Park. Thank gosh, we still have the one, only and original still around. Balls wrapping around Pesky's Pole, hitting off the Green Monster, bouncing around in the left hand corner, the excitement of watching someone go deep in the farthest part of the ball park or losing a home run out there....
There were a large number of ballparks fans were glad to see go...Candlestick, etc. The classics, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park can never be taken down.
YANKEE STADIUM RIP
I guess that a lot of us watched the 'ceremonies' or whatever you want to call it at Yankee Stadium yesterday. I enjoyed it and thought back to occasions during the past several years where we have seen many of the Red Sox old-timers appear at various festivities, i.e. World Series, Opening Day, parade, etc. and that was really nice.
So, I guess this was really great for the Yankee fans. Where was George? Where was Clemens? No mention of Roger at all...I guess he never played for the Yankees and all that was a dream or should I say, nightmare.
I cringed when I saw them show Damon. You just can not put that trader up there with the greatest Yankee centerfielders. He could have been a real, genuine Red Sox Dirt Dog, diving for balls, leading off games with hits and stealing bases igniting rallies; smacking home runs.
A lot of players from the Oakland A's ending up playing for the Yankees and made names for themselves and some pretty decent bucks. I guess that's one of the things really wrong with baseball. They lost so many players. Great organization, but just can not keep up with the salaries.
A lot of Sox fans want to see a new Fenway Park but many of us like it the way it is now. I think that selling out nearly 500 consective games speaks for itself. Fenway 'pock' is a classic. While I watched the ceremonies yesterday, I thought about how great it would be to see them flashing all the older Red Sox players on the screen with personal appearances as they close out the old Fenway Park. But you know what, once it's over....it's over. Isn't it really great to still be able to envision Ted, Yaz, and all the others while you view the ball park during games?
Watching a game at Fenway is a lot more than just viewing it...IT IS AN EXPERIENCE!!!
After Damon socked his home run yesteray, I just couldn't imagine his name up there alongside Babe Ruth's as being the players that hit the first and last home runs in Yankee Stadium. Of course, a lot of people wanted to see that distinction go to Jeter, but this is baseball and anything goes. Who would have expected Jose Molina to have hit the very last home run in Yankee Stadium!!! Great!
So, I guess this was really great for the Yankee fans. Where was George? Where was Clemens? No mention of Roger at all...I guess he never played for the Yankees and all that was a dream or should I say, nightmare.
I cringed when I saw them show Damon. You just can not put that trader up there with the greatest Yankee centerfielders. He could have been a real, genuine Red Sox Dirt Dog, diving for balls, leading off games with hits and stealing bases igniting rallies; smacking home runs.
A lot of players from the Oakland A's ending up playing for the Yankees and made names for themselves and some pretty decent bucks. I guess that's one of the things really wrong with baseball. They lost so many players. Great organization, but just can not keep up with the salaries.
A lot of Sox fans want to see a new Fenway Park but many of us like it the way it is now. I think that selling out nearly 500 consective games speaks for itself. Fenway 'pock' is a classic. While I watched the ceremonies yesterday, I thought about how great it would be to see them flashing all the older Red Sox players on the screen with personal appearances as they close out the old Fenway Park. But you know what, once it's over....it's over. Isn't it really great to still be able to envision Ted, Yaz, and all the others while you view the ball park during games?
Watching a game at Fenway is a lot more than just viewing it...IT IS AN EXPERIENCE!!!
After Damon socked his home run yesteray, I just couldn't imagine his name up there alongside Babe Ruth's as being the players that hit the first and last home runs in Yankee Stadium. Of course, a lot of people wanted to see that distinction go to Jeter, but this is baseball and anything goes. Who would have expected Jose Molina to have hit the very last home run in Yankee Stadium!!! Great!
Sox shutout Jays 3-0; Rays lose
September 21 TORONTO.. The Red Sox moved one step closer to the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. Big Papi hit a two-run homer, Dice-K remained unbeaten on the road and the Red Sox beat Toronto 3-0 on Sunday, eliminating the Blue Jays from postseason contention and clinching at least a tie for the AL wild card. Boston (91-64) needs one more win or a New York loss to secure a playoff spot. New York beat Baltimore 7-3 in the final regular season game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night, a game Red Sox manager Terry Francona said he didn't plan on staying up late enough to watch.
Matsuzaka (18-2) improved to 9-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 13 road starts, holding the Blue Jays to just two hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two. Varitek said Matsuzaka was "phenomenal." "That's not an easy lineup to face," Varitek said. "He was able to move the ball in and out, use his breaking ball to both sides, set it up with his heater. He did an awesome job today."
MY TAKE ON THIS: Here's another case of Dice-K being Dice-K. One of his better outings of the year. He used up a lot of pitches (44) in the first two innings, which was very typical of him. He managed to last 7 innings this time, which is what we really want of him. Going 5, 6 innings really taxes the bullpen. Too bad he's not going to win the Cy Young Award despite his 18-2 record and 2.80 ERA. Pretty darn good numbers.
Matsuzaka (18-2) improved to 9-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 13 road starts, holding the Blue Jays to just two hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two. Varitek said Matsuzaka was "phenomenal." "That's not an easy lineup to face," Varitek said. "He was able to move the ball in and out, use his breaking ball to both sides, set it up with his heater. He did an awesome job today."
MY TAKE ON THIS: Here's another case of Dice-K being Dice-K. One of his better outings of the year. He used up a lot of pitches (44) in the first two innings, which was very typical of him. He managed to last 7 innings this time, which is what we really want of him. Going 5, 6 innings really taxes the bullpen. Too bad he's not going to win the Cy Young Award despite his 18-2 record and 2.80 ERA. Pretty darn good numbers.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sox move into virtual tie with Rays.... win 13-5
September 15. TAMPA BAY. The Red Sox finally caught the Rays, crushing them with 6 home runs and a typical performance by Dice-K.
The Boston Red Sox flexed their muscles, nudging their way into a first-place tie in the AL East.
Technically, the defending World Series champions, who homered a season-high six times to overwhelm All-Star Scott Kazmir and division-leading Tampa Bay 13-5 Monday night, are still percentage points (.002) behind the Rays.
David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jason Bay, Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury homered for the Red Sox, who jumped on Kazmir for four runs in the first inning and never let up. "That was just a good old-fashioned whippin' tonight," Rays manager Joe Maddon said, adding that he doesn't expect it to have an adverse effect on his young team the next two games of the series. "Believe it or not, this is an easier loss to accept. When you lose 2-1 or 3-2 on one play ... those are the ones you go home and kind of beat yourself up after."
The Rays (88-60) went 21-7 in August and were a season-high 5 1/2 games up on Boston heading into September. They're 4-9 this month, with six of the losses coming against the Red Sox and Yankees, who took two of three from Tampa Bay over the weekend.
The Red Sox (89-61), on the other hand, have won three straight and 10 of 14 in September to get as close to the lead as they've been since mid-July, when they erased a five-game deficit in a week to pull ahead by a half game at the All-Star break. While both teams are in excellent position to make the playoffs, neither wants to settle for the wild card. "We want to finish first," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "That's what you set out to do."
Ortiz, who finished with four RBIs, hit a three-run homer in the first inning after Kazmir (11-7) threw nine straight balls to begin the game. Two batters later, Lowell hit a solo shot for a 4-0 lead. The Red Sox added seven more runs in the fourth, helping Daisuke Matsuzaka (17-2) become the first Japanese-born pitcher to win 17 games in a season. Hideo Nomo won 16 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers three times (1996, 2002, 2003).
The Boston Red Sox flexed their muscles, nudging their way into a first-place tie in the AL East.
Technically, the defending World Series champions, who homered a season-high six times to overwhelm All-Star Scott Kazmir and division-leading Tampa Bay 13-5 Monday night, are still percentage points (.002) behind the Rays.
David Ortiz, Mike Lowell, Jason Bay, Jason Varitek, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury homered for the Red Sox, who jumped on Kazmir for four runs in the first inning and never let up. "That was just a good old-fashioned whippin' tonight," Rays manager Joe Maddon said, adding that he doesn't expect it to have an adverse effect on his young team the next two games of the series. "Believe it or not, this is an easier loss to accept. When you lose 2-1 or 3-2 on one play ... those are the ones you go home and kind of beat yourself up after."
The Rays (88-60) went 21-7 in August and were a season-high 5 1/2 games up on Boston heading into September. They're 4-9 this month, with six of the losses coming against the Red Sox and Yankees, who took two of three from Tampa Bay over the weekend.
The Red Sox (89-61), on the other hand, have won three straight and 10 of 14 in September to get as close to the lead as they've been since mid-July, when they erased a five-game deficit in a week to pull ahead by a half game at the All-Star break. While both teams are in excellent position to make the playoffs, neither wants to settle for the wild card. "We want to finish first," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "That's what you set out to do."
Ortiz, who finished with four RBIs, hit a three-run homer in the first inning after Kazmir (11-7) threw nine straight balls to begin the game. Two batters later, Lowell hit a solo shot for a 4-0 lead. The Red Sox added seven more runs in the fourth, helping Daisuke Matsuzaka (17-2) become the first Japanese-born pitcher to win 17 games in a season. Hideo Nomo won 16 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers three times (1996, 2002, 2003).
This Day in Red Sox History
September 18 1996: Roger Clemens ties his own record, striking out 20 Detroit Tigers in a 4-0 win.
September 17 1937: Orlando Cepeda is born in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
September 16 1965: Dave Morehead pitches a no-hitter at Fenway against the Indians. The Red Sox win 2-0, but do not throw another no-hitter for over 35 years.
September 15 1912: Smokey Joe Wood beats the Browns 2-1 to extend his winning streak to 16 games. It ties the consecutive wins record set by Walter Johnson earlier that year. It's Wood's 33rd victory of the year, and he scores the winning run on a wild pitch.
September 14 1901: Cy Young beats Washington to pick up his 30th win of the season against only 9 losses. The final score is 12-1.
September 17 1937: Orlando Cepeda is born in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
September 16 1965: Dave Morehead pitches a no-hitter at Fenway against the Indians. The Red Sox win 2-0, but do not throw another no-hitter for over 35 years.
September 15 1912: Smokey Joe Wood beats the Browns 2-1 to extend his winning streak to 16 games. It ties the consecutive wins record set by Walter Johnson earlier that year. It's Wood's 33rd victory of the year, and he scores the winning run on a wild pitch.
September 14 1901: Cy Young beats Washington to pick up his 30th win of the season against only 9 losses. The final score is 12-1.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Zambrano No-hits Astros
September 14. MILWAUKEE, WI. In his first start in 12 days, Carlos Zambrano threw his first career no-hitter Sunday against the Astros, striking out 10 in the process. If only this game had been played in Houston rather than Milwaukee... well, Astros fans might have gotten to see some history. Zambrano walked just one and hit a batter. He ended up throwing 110 pitches, which is probably at least 10 more than the Cubs would have wanted him throwing given his recent shoulder issues. Still, it was a very efficient performance for a double-digit strikeout game. The no-hitter is the Cubs’ first since Milt Pappas had one against the Padres in 1972.
Sox cool off Jays 7-5 in game two
September 13. BOSTON, MA. Jacoby Ellsbury's little dribbler gave the Red Sox a happy ending to a very long day.
Blue Jays pitcher Scott Downs fell flat on his stomach while chasing the ball that went about 30 feet down the first-base line. The short single scored the go-ahead run in a three-run eighth inning as Boston rallied for a 7-5 win Saturday night after dropping the afternoon opener 8-1. "Obviously, we know what's going on," Ellsbury said. "I don't think there was any more urgency. We try to win every game."
Jason Bay started the eighth with a double -- his third straight hit after an 0-for-13 slump -- and scored the tying run on Jed Lowries single. Lowrie took second on David Ross' sacrifice and third on Coco Crisp's ground out. The speedy Ellsbury then tapped the ball down the line. Downs tumbled after taking five steps as Lowrie crossed the plate. David Ortiz then doubled home Ellsbury. "It would have been a real tough play for him, a left-hander coming down the line" even if Downs hadn't fallen, Ellsbury said. "I saw him slip. At that point, I was hoping it would stay fair."
Justin Masterson (6-4) got the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his 37th save in 42 opportunities. The Blue Jays send Roy Halladay to the mound Sunday, hoping to split the four-game series. "I think we had to win three out of four to get us back in it," Lyle Overbay said.
Dustin Pedroia went 3-for-5 with two doubles, giving him 200 hits and 50 doubles this season. The only other Red Sox players to do that were Tris Speaker in 1912 and Wade Boggs in 1989
Blue Jays pitcher Scott Downs fell flat on his stomach while chasing the ball that went about 30 feet down the first-base line. The short single scored the go-ahead run in a three-run eighth inning as Boston rallied for a 7-5 win Saturday night after dropping the afternoon opener 8-1. "Obviously, we know what's going on," Ellsbury said. "I don't think there was any more urgency. We try to win every game."
Jason Bay started the eighth with a double -- his third straight hit after an 0-for-13 slump -- and scored the tying run on Jed Lowries single. Lowrie took second on David Ross' sacrifice and third on Coco Crisp's ground out. The speedy Ellsbury then tapped the ball down the line. Downs tumbled after taking five steps as Lowrie crossed the plate. David Ortiz then doubled home Ellsbury. "It would have been a real tough play for him, a left-hander coming down the line" even if Downs hadn't fallen, Ellsbury said. "I saw him slip. At that point, I was hoping it would stay fair."
Justin Masterson (6-4) got the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his 37th save in 42 opportunities. The Blue Jays send Roy Halladay to the mound Sunday, hoping to split the four-game series. "I think we had to win three out of four to get us back in it," Lyle Overbay said.
Dustin Pedroia went 3-for-5 with two doubles, giving him 200 hits and 50 doubles this season. The only other Red Sox players to do that were Tris Speaker in 1912 and Wade Boggs in 1989
Sox split; Rays split
September 13. BOSTON, MA... given an excellent opportunity to draw even with the Rays, the Red Sox managed a split in their day-night twin bill and remained a game out after Saturday.
A.J. Burnet stifilled the Sox in the first game beating them handidly 8-1. Late-season call up Travis Snider homered, doubled and drove in five runs, leading A.J. Burnett and the Blue Jays over the Boston Red Sox 8-1 on Saturday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.
Toronto, rebounding from a 7-0 loss to the Red Sox Friday, has won 12 of 14 and moved within 6 1/2 games of AL wild card leader Boston. The Red Sox fell three games behind Tampa Bay in the East after the Rays beat the Yankees 7-1. Boston is still six ahead of Minnesota in the wild card chase, but has lost three of four.
Burnett (18-10), pitching on three days' rest, held Boston to one unearned run on three singles in six-plus innings. He struck out six and left with an 8-0 lead. Staff ace Roy Halladay will also worked on three days' rest in the series finale Sunday. Byrd, making his fourth start against Toronto since August 9, was tagged for 10 hits and five runs in five-plus innings.
"I know I've faced them a lot, but I just didn't make the pitches that I needed to make," Byrd said. "Couldn't throw the ball away very well. It was up and then I just left some key pitches over the middle of the plate." It could have been worse for Byrd. The Blue Jays had two runners thrown out at third in the fourth -- Vernon Wells on Lyle Overbay's single, and Adam Lind trying to advance on his own RBI double.
A.J. Burnet stifilled the Sox in the first game beating them handidly 8-1. Late-season call up Travis Snider homered, doubled and drove in five runs, leading A.J. Burnett and the Blue Jays over the Boston Red Sox 8-1 on Saturday in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.
Toronto, rebounding from a 7-0 loss to the Red Sox Friday, has won 12 of 14 and moved within 6 1/2 games of AL wild card leader Boston. The Red Sox fell three games behind Tampa Bay in the East after the Rays beat the Yankees 7-1. Boston is still six ahead of Minnesota in the wild card chase, but has lost three of four.
Burnett (18-10), pitching on three days' rest, held Boston to one unearned run on three singles in six-plus innings. He struck out six and left with an 8-0 lead. Staff ace Roy Halladay will also worked on three days' rest in the series finale Sunday. Byrd, making his fourth start against Toronto since August 9, was tagged for 10 hits and five runs in five-plus innings.
"I know I've faced them a lot, but I just didn't make the pitches that I needed to make," Byrd said. "Couldn't throw the ball away very well. It was up and then I just left some key pitches over the middle of the plate." It could have been worse for Byrd. The Blue Jays had two runners thrown out at third in the fourth -- Vernon Wells on Lyle Overbay's single, and Adam Lind trying to advance on his own RBI double.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Papi Connects
David Ortiz said after Sunday's game that he's been dealing with "clicking" in his damaged wrist.Ortiz suffered a torn left tendon sheath in his wrist on May 31 and missed nearly eight weeks. He said there's no pain in the wrist, but it still has him concerned. "If it was pain, I wouldn’t be playing," he said. "Pain won’t allow you to play like that. I just try to not think about it and just play. Since I got this thing, my whole swing has changed, you know? I mentally try to keep the same approach coing to the plate and not think about it but it’s hard, man, really tough." It's just something he'll have to deal with for the rest of the year.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Hansack untouchable in playoff outing
Tosses six hitless innings before reaching pitch count.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- That Devern Hansack was on a pitch count Thursday night at McCoy Stadium prevented him from making a run at International League history.
The right-hander, making just his second start since coming off the disabled list, didn't allow a hit over six innings against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre yet left the game after throwing 80 pitches. The PawSox bullpen was nearly as untouchable, allowing a pair of hits over the final three innings, but it was enough to preserve a 3-1 victory and even the Governors' Cup opening-round series at a game apiece.
"Phenomenal outing," Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. "What can you say? Six innings and no hits against the best team in the league. That was a very, very impressive outing. He dominated that lineup." Hansack was hit on the right arm by a line drive in his Aug. 17 start against Buffalo and didn't pitch again for 13 days. He threw two innings and 37 pitches against Buffalo on Saturday, but his four-hit, two-run effort in that affair provided no indication he would be so dominant against the Yanks.
While Johnson and the rest of the PawSox would have loved to see Hansack continue, there was no room for gambling. "We can't forget where we are and what we're about, not with a talent like Hansack," Johnson said. "We're developing people's careers here. To me, you become a bad employee if you lose your head and he runs up 95, 100 pitches. If we're going to do this [win], it's going to be with 24 people."
Hansack left after the sixth, but not until after some dramatic moments. He retired the first two batters he faced and was at 74 pitches before Johnson came out, just about convinced he would lift Hansack and not let him face Juan Miranda. But pitching coach Rich Sauveur lobbied to keep Hansack in for one more batter, and Hansack wasn't about to turn the ball over. "The choice was tough when I went out to the mound," Johnson said. "Initially, we had talked about [lefty Jon] Switzer coming in to face Miranda. But the props go to Rich, who said, 'Just go out there and see where we are.'"
PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- That Devern Hansack was on a pitch count Thursday night at McCoy Stadium prevented him from making a run at International League history.
The right-hander, making just his second start since coming off the disabled list, didn't allow a hit over six innings against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre yet left the game after throwing 80 pitches. The PawSox bullpen was nearly as untouchable, allowing a pair of hits over the final three innings, but it was enough to preserve a 3-1 victory and even the Governors' Cup opening-round series at a game apiece.
"Phenomenal outing," Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said. "What can you say? Six innings and no hits against the best team in the league. That was a very, very impressive outing. He dominated that lineup." Hansack was hit on the right arm by a line drive in his Aug. 17 start against Buffalo and didn't pitch again for 13 days. He threw two innings and 37 pitches against Buffalo on Saturday, but his four-hit, two-run effort in that affair provided no indication he would be so dominant against the Yanks.
While Johnson and the rest of the PawSox would have loved to see Hansack continue, there was no room for gambling. "We can't forget where we are and what we're about, not with a talent like Hansack," Johnson said. "We're developing people's careers here. To me, you become a bad employee if you lose your head and he runs up 95, 100 pitches. If we're going to do this [win], it's going to be with 24 people."
Hansack left after the sixth, but not until after some dramatic moments. He retired the first two batters he faced and was at 74 pitches before Johnson came out, just about convinced he would lift Hansack and not let him face Juan Miranda. But pitching coach Rich Sauveur lobbied to keep Hansack in for one more batter, and Hansack wasn't about to turn the ball over. "The choice was tough when I went out to the mound," Johnson said. "Initially, we had talked about [lefty Jon] Switzer coming in to face Miranda. But the props go to Rich, who said, 'Just go out there and see where we are.'"
MVP Reality Check
"Everyone remembers what happened last year in the first month (Pedey batted just .182). We kept talking to him and pushing him. He probably didn’t think everyone believed in him, but there were a lot of people in this clubhouse that did." -- 9.3.08, Alex Cora on the MVP
"He has had a great season,and a fantastic last 5 weeks. But lets be real here. Pedroia will not be the MVP of the league. There are a half a dozen other players who will get more votes than him. Pedroia fans need to open thier eyes,and look at the rest of the league as well.Carlos Quentin, K-Rod, Carlos Pena, Josh Hamilton, Justin Morneau has his team in first with a .313/21/109 and 41 doubles. Hello people, there is more out there. Hey, I love Pedroia as much as the next guy, but open your eyes. He IS NOT the American League MVP." -- 9.4.08, Joe via BDD comments
"He has had a great season,and a fantastic last 5 weeks. But lets be real here. Pedroia will not be the MVP of the league. There are a half a dozen other players who will get more votes than him. Pedroia fans need to open thier eyes,and look at the rest of the league as well.Carlos Quentin, K-Rod, Carlos Pena, Josh Hamilton, Justin Morneau has his team in first with a .313/21/109 and 41 doubles. Hello people, there is more out there. Hey, I love Pedroia as much as the next guy, but open your eyes. He IS NOT the American League MVP." -- 9.4.08, Joe via BDD comments
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Now you are thinking!!!
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Tuesday that he sees Joba Chamberlain beginning 2009 back in the bullpen because he hasn't thrown enough innings this season.
More good news for Red Sox and Rays fans. "We'll talk about that stuff obviously at a more appropriate time," Cashman said. "But basically we believe that you can put some guys in jeopardy by putting way too much on them when they haven't been to that level. If someone adds a significant amount of innings from the previous year in an area where they've never been, history says those guys either have breakdown or significant underperformance the year after." You know what else puts young pitchers in jeopardy? Moving them from the pen to the rotation in the middle of seasons. Chamberlain is going to be 23 next year, and it's not like he's a max-effort guy. The Yankees can be cautious with him while still using him as a starter all year.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Perhaps Cashman is auditioning for a GM position with the Sox. Certainly wasn't swift moving Joba from the pen to do starting duties. You are not supposed to have such a matter of urgency with a kid like this and that was one big bonehead mistake. Now, he's taking it easy with Joba ... he's going to be pretty good but hopefully not against the Red Sox. However, I am still not convinced that Joba is ready to pitch the final month of the season. Well, it won't be that much anyway because he won't be in the playoffs unless the Yankees trade him to a REAL TEAM. I think he should sit Joba down the remainder of the year. He is, unfortunately, their future #3 (?) starter.
More good news for Red Sox and Rays fans. "We'll talk about that stuff obviously at a more appropriate time," Cashman said. "But basically we believe that you can put some guys in jeopardy by putting way too much on them when they haven't been to that level. If someone adds a significant amount of innings from the previous year in an area where they've never been, history says those guys either have breakdown or significant underperformance the year after." You know what else puts young pitchers in jeopardy? Moving them from the pen to the rotation in the middle of seasons. Chamberlain is going to be 23 next year, and it's not like he's a max-effort guy. The Yankees can be cautious with him while still using him as a starter all year.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Perhaps Cashman is auditioning for a GM position with the Sox. Certainly wasn't swift moving Joba from the pen to do starting duties. You are not supposed to have such a matter of urgency with a kid like this and that was one big bonehead mistake. Now, he's taking it easy with Joba ... he's going to be pretty good but hopefully not against the Red Sox. However, I am still not convinced that Joba is ready to pitch the final month of the season. Well, it won't be that much anyway because he won't be in the playoffs unless the Yankees trade him to a REAL TEAM. I think he should sit Joba down the remainder of the year. He is, unfortunately, their future #3 (?) starter.
Craig Hansen Update
After entering a one-run game in the eighth, Craig Hansen gave up three runs in one-third of an inning to take a blown save and a loss Thursday against the Reds. Incredible. Not that he struggled, but that manager John Russell actually put him into the game at that point. Russell was dealing with a short-handed pen, as Matt Capps, Denny Bautista and John Grabow had all worked on back-to-back days. Still, Hansen's spectacularly poor results of late should have made T.J. Beam the choice to start the eighth. Hansen has a 10.45 ERA and a 3/14 K/BB ratio in 10 1/3 innings for his new team.
MY TAKE ON THIS: This may have been a player that we brought up too soon and had a lot of pressure placed on him. Other members of the Red Sox Kiddie Korps have done sensational, but this is one that just didn't make it. I guess we had to off load him in the trade.
MY TAKE ON THIS: This may have been a player that we brought up too soon and had a lot of pressure placed on him. Other members of the Red Sox Kiddie Korps have done sensational, but this is one that just didn't make it. I guess we had to off load him in the trade.
Now what do you think of this?
Lupica Going After ARod!
Yankees 'N More has learned that New York Daily News sports columnist Mike Lupica has a copy of a list containing the names of numerous major league baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.One of the names on the list is said to be New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.In 2003, major league baseball directed the collection of more than 1,400 samples in an attempt to get a feel for how prevalent the use of performance-enhancing drugs was in baseball. More than 100 players tested positive.
In their collective bargaining agreement, both owners and players agreed that the list would be kept confidential.However, in 2004, federal investigators raided testing labs being used by major league baseball, searching for the test results of 10 players named in a federal subpoenas and warrants.During those raids, investigators also seized computer files containing the names of the more than 100 players who were NOT named in either the subpoenas or warrants, but who had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during those 2003 tests.Now Lupica is believed to have a copy of this list, which includes the name of Alex Rodriguez.Who knows how Lupica got his hands on the list, or how he plans to use it. But you can bet Rodriguez will be a focal point of whatever does.
MY TAKE ON THIS; I suspected him before. However, this list is the one where no disciplinary action can be taken. Look at his HR totals in 01 and 02....52 and 57. Uh hummm. He hit in the 40's the preceding years but that doesn't signify a darn thing. Innocent until proven guilty? I guess in Barry Bonds' case, he's guilty until proven innocent. Nothing will happen to him (ARod), but at least people will have a pretty good idea that he is a known cheater.
Yankees 'N More has learned that New York Daily News sports columnist Mike Lupica has a copy of a list containing the names of numerous major league baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.One of the names on the list is said to be New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.In 2003, major league baseball directed the collection of more than 1,400 samples in an attempt to get a feel for how prevalent the use of performance-enhancing drugs was in baseball. More than 100 players tested positive.
In their collective bargaining agreement, both owners and players agreed that the list would be kept confidential.However, in 2004, federal investigators raided testing labs being used by major league baseball, searching for the test results of 10 players named in a federal subpoenas and warrants.During those raids, investigators also seized computer files containing the names of the more than 100 players who were NOT named in either the subpoenas or warrants, but who had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during those 2003 tests.Now Lupica is believed to have a copy of this list, which includes the name of Alex Rodriguez.Who knows how Lupica got his hands on the list, or how he plans to use it. But you can bet Rodriguez will be a focal point of whatever does.
MY TAKE ON THIS; I suspected him before. However, this list is the one where no disciplinary action can be taken. Look at his HR totals in 01 and 02....52 and 57. Uh hummm. He hit in the 40's the preceding years but that doesn't signify a darn thing. Innocent until proven guilty? I guess in Barry Bonds' case, he's guilty until proven innocent. Nothing will happen to him (ARod), but at least people will have a pretty good idea that he is a known cheater.
Out for a Troll
Was out trolling around the Yankees ESPN Message Board and came across a couple humorous posts.
Minor League Playoffs 'The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees beat a Pawtucket Red Sox team in the first game of the playoffs. Just beating a Red Sox team in the playoffs is pretty cool.'
yankees wont make playoffs but alex still has a shot at mvp alex might end up with 320 avg. 40 hr 110 rbi. i think thats enough to get him serious mvp consideration. hes on fire right now.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Yup, pretty cool beating a Red Sox in the playoffs. (one game so far). Listen to the words coming out of my mouth... No MVP for AROD, the 'greatest' clutch hitter in baseball. He 'pads' his stats in meaningless games and can not produce with the sacks loaded when they need him. Yah...MVP alright. Actually, he will come in 4th place in the voting, but Pedey is making a good run at it. But you know, he is not a great clutch hitter like A-hole. What is he, like 13 of his last 22 AB's and everytime he comes up, it seems like he's hitting a game winner. The guy needs a big red 'S' on his jersey.
Minor League Playoffs 'The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees beat a Pawtucket Red Sox team in the first game of the playoffs. Just beating a Red Sox team in the playoffs is pretty cool.'
yankees wont make playoffs but alex still has a shot at mvp alex might end up with 320 avg. 40 hr 110 rbi. i think thats enough to get him serious mvp consideration. hes on fire right now.
MY TAKE ON THIS: Yup, pretty cool beating a Red Sox in the playoffs. (one game so far). Listen to the words coming out of my mouth... No MVP for AROD, the 'greatest' clutch hitter in baseball. He 'pads' his stats in meaningless games and can not produce with the sacks loaded when they need him. Yah...MVP alright. Actually, he will come in 4th place in the voting, but Pedey is making a good run at it. But you know, he is not a great clutch hitter like A-hole. What is he, like 13 of his last 22 AB's and everytime he comes up, it seems like he's hitting a game winner. The guy needs a big red 'S' on his jersey.
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