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
Friday, October 31, 2008
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
