It's been over two months since I last posted. I don't know if anyone is even checking this small corner of the Internet anymore. I really wish that I had been better about keeping a regular blog schedule. I enjoy the creative writing. I never did any creative writing in school until I had an English course in college. I think that I'm a pretty good writer when I have a decent idea and the motivation to write. I haven't given up hope for this blog just yet, I simply needed to live life and wait to find the opportunity to write more. Now back to the nitty gritty.
The Red Sox won the World Series. Again.
Can you believe it?
For some reason I'm still soaking in the World Series victory. I think of it on occasion and find myself pleasantly surprised and happy. In 2004 the World Series was an epiphany, a moment of total emotional release. It was real and complete in a single instant. For some reason the current championship has a more dream-like feel to it. Maybe it's the occasional long hours at work during the playoffs and the long nights watching baseball.
The team that I live and bleed for won a second title in four years. 2004 meant redemption for the fans. I felt simply validated as a fan, as a human being; all the pain and suffering had been worth that one moment. Since 2004 I have felt differently about the Red Sox. I still live and bleed Red Sox. They just didn't need to win it all for my life to have meaning. I still watch every playoff game with a nervous energy and my own stupid rituals and superstitions. I still celebrate every key base hit, defensive play, and strikeout.
Hell, I went to game two of the division series this year with my dad. I had the opportunity to buy tickets through the second chance lottery. I got two obstructed view tickets in right field, one in front of the other. The view was great but the tunnel to the concourse was just to our left and fans were constantly streaming by us. I think no fewer than three different people spilled beer on my dad. By the time Manny hit a ridiculous walk-off homerun it didn't matter. We were there for that moment. We had a natural high that took more than a week to come down from. We arrived at my home at 3 AM and he crashed in the guest room for the night. We had such a natural buzz going the next morning.
The fact that the Sox went the distance made that particular game a part of history. We went to a game that was won in memorable fashion during a World Series title run. My dad bought me a picture of the two of us at the game and Jerry Remy's scorecard for the game for my birthday. I think that was an awesome idea.
I already have one championship t-shirt and one AL championship t-shirt. I plan to buy another championship t-shirt. I may still buy the special hard-bound "Sports Illustrated". I may not. I bought the special SI after the Patriots first Super Bowl victory. I didn't buy the subsequent issues nor did I buy the subsequent t-shirts.
Imagine living at the poverty line for most of your life. Then you hit the lottery. If you won the lottery again a few years later, would it feel the same as the first time you won?
All I know is that now is a GREAT time to be a Boston-area sports fan.
Showing posts with label Red Sox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Red Sox. Show all posts
Friday, November 09, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
An Open Letter to JD Drew
Dear David Jonathan (JD) Drew II:
We the fans of the Boston Red Sox, also known as Red Sox Nation, are extremely passionate about our beloved team. We love the Red Sox, our mothers, our spouses, the Red Sox, our children, our pets, and the Red Sox. Essentially in that order.
We are a forgiving sort. Ask the once maligned Bill Buckner.
That said, you, sir, are pressing your luck.
You have no heart. You play without any passion. And you have the guile to wear the number of a recently departed dirt dog, a true Red Sox, Trot Nixon.
If you were actually skilled at the sport of baseball, you could be a deadly, silent assassin. Instead you are a deadly, silent saboteur. You kill the team from within.
Tonight you played in a game against the rival New York Yankees. You probably were aware of the history of the Yankee franchise before receiving this letter. We do not need to make you aware of the intensity of the rivalry or the arrogance of the New York fans.
In the 8th inning of the game tonight you were facing a rookie pitcher still wet behind the ears. You were batting with two men on base with the Red Sox behind by two runs. You had an opportunity to earn your rather sizable paycheck.
Instead you phoned it in.
You watched five pitches to draw a full count, 3-2. Then you decided to take a meager, half-hearted check swing at a pitch in the dirt.
For shame, Mr. Drew, for shame!
Any member of Red Sox Nation could have performed at least as ably in that situation. A ninety-year old grandmother with a stroller and cataracts, recently declared legally blind, could have done the same thing at the plate.
Only she would have been pissed off about striking out.
You, sir, simply turned and walked back to the dugout. You showed no disgust, no anger, no fire or passion.
That behavior will NOT BE TOLERATED. You better get your head together and find a reason to play baseball with passion. We may be a forgiving lot, but you are sinning in the worst way.
If you are not up to the task at hand, may we suggest that you simply donate your entire salary to a charity such as the Jimmy Fund?
You can expected to be booed unmercifully for the rest of your days in Boston if you don't improve your performance. Consider yourself warned.
With best regards,
Red Sox Nation
We the fans of the Boston Red Sox, also known as Red Sox Nation, are extremely passionate about our beloved team. We love the Red Sox, our mothers, our spouses, the Red Sox, our children, our pets, and the Red Sox. Essentially in that order.
We are a forgiving sort. Ask the once maligned Bill Buckner.
That said, you, sir, are pressing your luck.
You have no heart. You play without any passion. And you have the guile to wear the number of a recently departed dirt dog, a true Red Sox, Trot Nixon.
If you were actually skilled at the sport of baseball, you could be a deadly, silent assassin. Instead you are a deadly, silent saboteur. You kill the team from within.
Tonight you played in a game against the rival New York Yankees. You probably were aware of the history of the Yankee franchise before receiving this letter. We do not need to make you aware of the intensity of the rivalry or the arrogance of the New York fans.
In the 8th inning of the game tonight you were facing a rookie pitcher still wet behind the ears. You were batting with two men on base with the Red Sox behind by two runs. You had an opportunity to earn your rather sizable paycheck.
Instead you phoned it in.
You watched five pitches to draw a full count, 3-2. Then you decided to take a meager, half-hearted check swing at a pitch in the dirt.
For shame, Mr. Drew, for shame!
Any member of Red Sox Nation could have performed at least as ably in that situation. A ninety-year old grandmother with a stroller and cataracts, recently declared legally blind, could have done the same thing at the plate.
Only she would have been pissed off about striking out.
You, sir, simply turned and walked back to the dugout. You showed no disgust, no anger, no fire or passion.
That behavior will NOT BE TOLERATED. You better get your head together and find a reason to play baseball with passion. We may be a forgiving lot, but you are sinning in the worst way.
If you are not up to the task at hand, may we suggest that you simply donate your entire salary to a charity such as the Jimmy Fund?
You can expected to be booed unmercifully for the rest of your days in Boston if you don't improve your performance. Consider yourself warned.
With best regards,
Red Sox Nation
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Comeback Kid(s)
Wow. What a change of emotions for me tonight.
I worked late and got home around 8:30 PM. I left work with sinus pressure and a slight headache. I was hoping it would improve on the drive home. Unfortunately, I was nearing a migraine by the time I got home. I took some medication and my sinus spray. I was feeling down about getting a headache and the Sox approaching a tough 1-0 loss to the Devil Rays.
I took more medication a little later and started to feel just a little better. I decided to walk to Dunkin' Donuts and get a small ice coffee. When I got home the Sox had escaped a bases-loaded jam thanks to Mike Timlin. Eric "gag me with a spoon" Gagne had just entered the game. Surprisingly, Sir Chokes-a-Lot only allowed one hit and struck out the side.
My head was starting to clear and the ice coffee was helping. Ever an optimist, I liked the Sox chances in the bottom of the 9th.
After Mike Lowell tied the game on a solo homerun I was feeling really optimistic. (He should have won the game on a two-run homer, but that's a different story.)
I decided that Jason Varitek needed some inspirational music. I started up "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" on the laptop. It worked. Tek lined a ground rule double to right field. Now I decided on "Heat of the Moment" for Coco Crisp. It also worked. Sox win 2-1. My head feels fine.
I was elated. My head didn't hurt. The Sox came from behind to win 2-1. My inspirational music selections were 2-for-2. Oh, yeah, the Yankees are getting destroyed 12-0 at home.
It was a great feeling to see the comeback kids pull one out this year. The team hasn't had the same magic so far this year that they've possessed the last three years. I hope they are able to hold onto it.
Speaking of comeback kids, Jon Lester pitched a great game tonight. It's a great feeling seeing him pitch this year after beating cancer. Tonight was his best start of the season. I hope that it portends a strong finish for him. He's a strong person and continues to become a stronger pitcher.
I worked late and got home around 8:30 PM. I left work with sinus pressure and a slight headache. I was hoping it would improve on the drive home. Unfortunately, I was nearing a migraine by the time I got home. I took some medication and my sinus spray. I was feeling down about getting a headache and the Sox approaching a tough 1-0 loss to the Devil Rays.
I took more medication a little later and started to feel just a little better. I decided to walk to Dunkin' Donuts and get a small ice coffee. When I got home the Sox had escaped a bases-loaded jam thanks to Mike Timlin. Eric "gag me with a spoon" Gagne had just entered the game. Surprisingly, Sir Chokes-a-Lot only allowed one hit and struck out the side.
My head was starting to clear and the ice coffee was helping. Ever an optimist, I liked the Sox chances in the bottom of the 9th.
After Mike Lowell tied the game on a solo homerun I was feeling really optimistic. (He should have won the game on a two-run homer, but that's a different story.)
I decided that Jason Varitek needed some inspirational music. I started up "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" on the laptop. It worked. Tek lined a ground rule double to right field. Now I decided on "Heat of the Moment" for Coco Crisp. It also worked. Sox win 2-1. My head feels fine.
I was elated. My head didn't hurt. The Sox came from behind to win 2-1. My inspirational music selections were 2-for-2. Oh, yeah, the Yankees are getting destroyed 12-0 at home.
It was a great feeling to see the comeback kids pull one out this year. The team hasn't had the same magic so far this year that they've possessed the last three years. I hope they are able to hold onto it.
Speaking of comeback kids, Jon Lester pitched a great game tonight. It's a great feeling seeing him pitch this year after beating cancer. Tonight was his best start of the season. I hope that it portends a strong finish for him. He's a strong person and continues to become a stronger pitcher.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Trading Places
It appears that the Celtics are about to get their man. Danny Ainge has essentially completed a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett. It only cost the C’s “Big Straight” Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastion Telfair, Theo Ratliff’s expiring contract, two future first round draft picks, and Tom Brady’s unborn child.
I know the C’s were really trying to cut ties with Telfair in the off season, but this is a little overboard. *rimshot* It seems that Danny Ainge is now following the New York Yankees’ model: spend a ton of money, trade all of your good young talent, win a lot of regular season games, and choke in the playoffs. Right now the Celtics don’t even have enough players on the roster. My sources tell me that Trader Ainge is scouting a YMCA near you as we speak.
Meanwhile, Theo Epstein is afraid to pull the trigger on any deal to improve the Red Sox roster. The Sox desperately need a bat in the lineup. Theo is probably sitting in the corner of his office with the lights off, holding scouting reports of all Sox prospects murmuring, “the precccccciousssss”.
It’s time for Theo to wake up and smell the coffee: no mo Wily Mo, it’s time for him to go. (That sounds like a good protester chant, right up there with the classics like, “Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?”, which of course refers to Lyndon B. Johnson, not LeBron James. If LeBron were killing kids, Michael Vick would be breathing a sigh of relief.)
Speaking of Vick, do you think he’ll play in the NFL again? I hope that he doesn’t. I think that some team will give him a shot when he’s cleared to play again, though. The NFL is always recycling players and coaches. Why try something new when you can try something new to you?
I originally listed Scott Kazmir as the tough lefty in the post below. I changed it to Randy Johnson at the last minute.
I hate Red Sox off days…
I know the C’s were really trying to cut ties with Telfair in the off season, but this is a little overboard. *rimshot* It seems that Danny Ainge is now following the New York Yankees’ model: spend a ton of money, trade all of your good young talent, win a lot of regular season games, and choke in the playoffs. Right now the Celtics don’t even have enough players on the roster. My sources tell me that Trader Ainge is scouting a YMCA near you as we speak.
Meanwhile, Theo Epstein is afraid to pull the trigger on any deal to improve the Red Sox roster. The Sox desperately need a bat in the lineup. Theo is probably sitting in the corner of his office with the lights off, holding scouting reports of all Sox prospects murmuring, “the precccccciousssss”.
It’s time for Theo to wake up and smell the coffee: no mo Wily Mo, it’s time for him to go. (That sounds like a good protester chant, right up there with the classics like, “Hey, hey, LBJ, how many kids did you kill today?”, which of course refers to Lyndon B. Johnson, not LeBron James. If LeBron were killing kids, Michael Vick would be breathing a sigh of relief.)
Speaking of Vick, do you think he’ll play in the NFL again? I hope that he doesn’t. I think that some team will give him a shot when he’s cleared to play again, though. The NFL is always recycling players and coaches. Why try something new when you can try something new to you?
I originally listed Scott Kazmir as the tough lefty in the post below. I changed it to Randy Johnson at the last minute.
I hate Red Sox off days…
Monday, July 16, 2007
Swing Away, Sox, Swing Away
I know that it has been too long an absence for me to call myself a true blogger. I'm going to continue to publish, though, and hopefully with improved regularity.
I have an idea for the Red Sox. When they are facing a tough lefty (Randy Johnson), a rookie (Jesse Litsch), or a tough rookie lefty (Ryan Feierabend) simply swing away.
Being patient at the plate isn't working for the Red Sox in these situations. They should take a page from Merrill Hess' book and simply swing away.
Manny Being Manny
Manny Delcarmen has been a pleasant surprise lately. If he continues to be a lights out set-up man, I feel a lot better about an already great bullpen. I also feel relief that Francona won't trudge Mike Timlin out for important situations, although Timlin has pitched well recently.
We need to pick up a bat for the lineup. Shortstop or Right Field would be ideal. We should dump Wily Mo and eat a chunk of Lugo's deal to get a better SS.
Two Thumbs Up
I saw the new Harry Potter movie and enjoyed it this weekend. It's by far the worst of the Harry Potter movies, but it is a good movie. The pacing was improved over the fourth movie. The climax was too fast, though.
I also saw "the Illusionist". I love Ed Norton. I also loved "the Prestige" last year. I wanted to see both films and hoped that "the Illusionist" would be as good as "the Prestige". It wasn't. It was good, but it was easy to figure out where the ending was headed. Unlike Stephen King, I wasn't fooled and didn't require a second viewing.
I have an idea for the Red Sox. When they are facing a tough lefty (Randy Johnson), a rookie (Jesse Litsch), or a tough rookie lefty (Ryan Feierabend) simply swing away.
Being patient at the plate isn't working for the Red Sox in these situations. They should take a page from Merrill Hess' book and simply swing away.
Manny Being Manny
Manny Delcarmen has been a pleasant surprise lately. If he continues to be a lights out set-up man, I feel a lot better about an already great bullpen. I also feel relief that Francona won't trudge Mike Timlin out for important situations, although Timlin has pitched well recently.
We need to pick up a bat for the lineup. Shortstop or Right Field would be ideal. We should dump Wily Mo and eat a chunk of Lugo's deal to get a better SS.
Two Thumbs Up
I saw the new Harry Potter movie and enjoyed it this weekend. It's by far the worst of the Harry Potter movies, but it is a good movie. The pacing was improved over the fourth movie. The climax was too fast, though.
I also saw "the Illusionist". I love Ed Norton. I also loved "the Prestige" last year. I wanted to see both films and hoped that "the Illusionist" would be as good as "the Prestige". It wasn't. It was good, but it was easy to figure out where the ending was headed. Unlike Stephen King, I wasn't fooled and didn't require a second viewing.
In a nutshell both movies are good and worth seeing, but neither is great.
Simpsonize Yourself
If the website ever recovers, go to http://www.simpsonizeme.com/index.php to "Simpsonize" yourself. It's much better than the avatar creation at the official Simpsons movie site.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Round One Goes to the Bronx Buttheads
The Yanks beat the Sox 9-5 last night. So what?
Let's see the Yankees beat Schilling and Beckett. Then they'll have something to talk about.
I can't help but feel like the Sox find the Yankees to be a let down this year. It seems like the Sox haven't faced the Yankees with the same fire they have shown against the Tigers, Braves, and Indians this year. Francona threw our 4, 5, and 1 starters against the Yanks 1, 2, and 3 starters during the last series. If he hadn't decided to hold Freddy Kreugar out of this weekend set, we would have faced the top of the Yankee rotation with our 4, 5, 1 starters again.
I want to crush the Yankees on Saturday and Sunday. I want to step on their collective throat, hold their head under the water, keep the pillow pressed firmly to their face. If the Sox can take the series, they will have increased their lead against New York to 14.5-games. If the Sox manage to win only a single game, the Yanks will have only improved by a single game in the standings. We need to embarrass the Yankees.
And for something completely different, here's my first round NBA mock draft. I don't follow the NBA draft, let alone the NBA, with the same vigor I did four or five years ago. It became too hard to keep up with high schoolers and foreign prospects. I don't even follow college hoops until March Madness rolls around these days. I was pleased with my first round NFL mock draft this year. I have no sense of how good or bad my NBA mock could really be. It was simply a nice waste of five minutes.
Let's see the Yankees beat Schilling and Beckett. Then they'll have something to talk about.
I can't help but feel like the Sox find the Yankees to be a let down this year. It seems like the Sox haven't faced the Yankees with the same fire they have shown against the Tigers, Braves, and Indians this year. Francona threw our 4, 5, and 1 starters against the Yanks 1, 2, and 3 starters during the last series. If he hadn't decided to hold Freddy Kreugar out of this weekend set, we would have faced the top of the Yankee rotation with our 4, 5, 1 starters again.
I want to crush the Yankees on Saturday and Sunday. I want to step on their collective throat, hold their head under the water, keep the pillow pressed firmly to their face. If the Sox can take the series, they will have increased their lead against New York to 14.5-games. If the Sox manage to win only a single game, the Yanks will have only improved by a single game in the standings. We need to embarrass the Yankees.
And for something completely different, here's my first round NBA mock draft. I don't follow the NBA draft, let alone the NBA, with the same vigor I did four or five years ago. It became too hard to keep up with high schoolers and foreign prospects. I don't even follow college hoops until March Madness rolls around these days. I was pleased with my first round NFL mock draft this year. I have no sense of how good or bad my NBA mock could really be. It was simply a nice waste of five minutes.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Life is Goooooood
I can't think of better time to be a Red Sox fan. The Sox are red hot, winners of five straight games, and they have the best record in baseball. That alone would put a smile on the average Sox fan's face. The icing on this wonderful cake is the drama provided by our rivals in the Bronx.
The Yankees are simply awful. Steinbrenner's $200 million toy is broken. At 14.5-games out of first place, with a record of 21-29 (and tied with the D-Rays for last place), the Yankees are dead. Done. Finished.
Not even the $28 million hired gun can save that pathetic excuse of a ballclub. Besides, he's ducking the Sox this weekend.
Giambi is ailing and about to get a beat down from Bud Selig.
Finally, to add a little extra spice to the drama, A-Rod decided to stray from his wife in Toronto.
This should be a great summer. The Sox are rolling and the Yanks are a massive train wreck. Go ahead, fire Torre, that will fix everything. (Tee hee!)
UPDATE: Even 3/4ths of Yankee fans think the season is over.
The Yankees are simply awful. Steinbrenner's $200 million toy is broken. At 14.5-games out of first place, with a record of 21-29 (and tied with the D-Rays for last place), the Yankees are dead. Done. Finished.
Not even the $28 million hired gun can save that pathetic excuse of a ballclub. Besides, he's ducking the Sox this weekend.
Giambi is ailing and about to get a beat down from Bud Selig.
Finally, to add a little extra spice to the drama, A-Rod decided to stray from his wife in Toronto.
This should be a great summer. The Sox are rolling and the Yanks are a massive train wreck. Go ahead, fire Torre, that will fix everything. (Tee hee!)
UPDATE: Even 3/4ths of Yankee fans think the season is over.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Counter Strike
The first Sox-Yanks game of 2007 was a great one. The "Slappy McPurplelips Show" accounted for 5 of the 6 runs scored by New York. Curt Schilling wasn't in top form, scuffling a bit, serving up a pair of homers to McPurplelips. The Sox offense bounced back against the mediocre Yankee bullpen in the 8th inning. Hideki Okajima earned the save in the 9th.
R.I.P. Mariano Rivera. An 88-MPH cutter with no movement isn't going to "cut it" in the major leagues.
I've been listening to Death Cab for Cutie's "Plans" the last few days. It's a great melancholy CD. It's soothing and sweet and feels honest at the core.
R.I.P. Mariano Rivera. An 88-MPH cutter with no movement isn't going to "cut it" in the major leagues.
I've been listening to Death Cab for Cutie's "Plans" the last few days. It's a great melancholy CD. It's soothing and sweet and feels honest at the core.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Schil-lacked
Curt Schilling demonstrated that a great Spring Training doesn't guarantee a lick of success in the regular season as the Red Sox dropped the season opener 7-1 in Kansas City today. Schilling's control was decidedly lacking today. I laughed this afternoon when Yankee's starter Carl "I Think I Pulled My Glute and Will Miss the Rest of the Season" Pavano couldn't get out of the fifth inning against the Rays. I cried this evening when Schilling didn't even go out for the fifth inning.
If the Yankees lost today, it would have supported my assertion that the team doesn't have enough starting pitching to succeed this year. Unfortunately, their come-from-behind victory supports the pundits who said they have enough offense to overcome the poor rotation.
I think that J.D. Drew is going to get on base at a crazy clip this year, but end up scoring something like 30 runs. We don't have anyone who can bat 6th this year.
What state do the Royals play in? Kansas or Missouri? While we're at it, do the Chiefs play in Kansas or Missouri? I always assumed the Chiefs played in Missouri, but I'm not so sure about the Royals. Can the state of Missouri really support two baseball teams?
How can a professional team allow water fountains to spray water across the camera locations? The Royals probably don't broadcast in HD, but they should realize that other teams do.
We've got a whole extra day to brood about the first loss of the season. I hope that Beckett can provide a pick-me up on Wednesday.
If the Yankees lost today, it would have supported my assertion that the team doesn't have enough starting pitching to succeed this year. Unfortunately, their come-from-behind victory supports the pundits who said they have enough offense to overcome the poor rotation.
I think that J.D. Drew is going to get on base at a crazy clip this year, but end up scoring something like 30 runs. We don't have anyone who can bat 6th this year.
What state do the Royals play in? Kansas or Missouri? While we're at it, do the Chiefs play in Kansas or Missouri? I always assumed the Chiefs played in Missouri, but I'm not so sure about the Royals. Can the state of Missouri really support two baseball teams?
How can a professional team allow water fountains to spray water across the camera locations? The Royals probably don't broadcast in HD, but they should realize that other teams do.
We've got a whole extra day to brood about the first loss of the season. I hope that Beckett can provide a pick-me up on Wednesday.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Random Tidbits
Here are some lingering thoughts from the past week or so.
The Patriots appear to be interested in linebacker Ed Hartwell. I think he'd a be a great pickup for the team if he's healthy. Hartwell can play inside and stop the run. He was great in Baltimore before joining Atlanta as a free agent two years ago. He's been plagued by injuries since joining the Falcons but he's only 28 years old. Even if he's able to compete as a part-time linebacker for the Patriots he could be a nice value signing.
I liked the Minnesota Vikings as a kid and I've been a big Randy Moss fan since his rookie year. I got a nice surprise on Christmas from my parents during Moss' rookie season when my dad was able to find a Moss replica jersey for me. I have never, however, condoned his actions off the field, or often, on the field. He can be a total jackass. I think that he is helpless without proper guidance and leadership on a football team. I think that the Patriots have the stability to reign Moss in, but I don't want him on the Patriots' roster. Moss is on the decline and his attitude sucks. Yes, he might behave in New England, but I don't think he'll put in the effort.
Donte Stallworth isn't high on my list of free agent wide receivers. He's lazy and has never reached his potential. His draft stock shot through the roof based on his 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. He's rested on his laurels since then. The Saints tried to dump him for at least year before actually doing so. I don't think that Stallworth will bring much to the Patriots as a wide receiver, especially for the amount of money he wants.
I do like Kelley Washington at wide receiver, though. He's a big guy (6' 3") who probably won't require a lot of cash to sign. To the best of my recollection he's had some injury problems, but I don't believe that he's had any attitude or discipline issues.
The Red Sox starting rotation looks like it could be very special this year. I am well aware that Spring Training games are both meaningless and a terrible predictor of regular season performance. However, the starting pitching has been dominant so far this spring. Curt Schilling has been working on a changeup this year. Josh Beckett has been using his curveball effectively. Daisuke Matsuzaka has baffled hitters with his off-speed pitches. Jonathan Papelbon has looked as fiery as a starter as he was as the closer last year. Tim Wakefield has been mixing in a curveball this year. Jon Lester is an amazing story simply being able to compete with the team this spring after being treated for cancer last year.
Schilling has officially joined the blogging the community. His new blog, "38 Pitches", has been an interesting read this week.
Speaking of new bloggers, Rob Bradford also has a new blog this year, "Bradford on Baseball".
I will be adding both links to the sidebar of "Digital Sox" along with a few other new links.
The Sox bullpen has looked simply awful this spring. No one has looked good enough to provide any relief to the fanbase. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Hansen is fat and out-of-shape causing his back to flare up. Donnelly got crushed the other the day. Pinerio doesn't seem comfortable with his arm slot. Hansack and Delcarmen have failed to impress. Timlin can't even get onto the field. I really hope that the bullpen pulls together, and fast, because the starting pitching is going to go to waste when the real games start if the 'pen struggles this mightily.
On a personal note, we got a new laptop last week. It's a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4467 running Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit). It's a great laptop that I found on sale for a very good price. It has a dual-core 1.6 GHz Centrino processor with 1GB of PC4200 RAM. It comes with a 160 GB SATA hard drive and a dual-layer DVD burner. The screen is a 15.4-inch 1280x800 widescreen display.
I'm quite happy with the laptop and overall I'm rather impressed with Windows Vista. I wouldn't run out and upgrade any computer running Windows XP SP2, but Vista offers some nice upgrades to the overall arrangement of Windows. Many set-up operations, like setting-up a home network, have been streamlined. The overall appearance has been tweaked not only for looks, but also for simplicity and ease-of-use. I also really, really like the new layout of the menu system in Office 2007. Users no longer have to hunt down obscure toolbars or sub-menus to find advanced options.
I'll write-up a detailed Vista and Office 2007 review in the coming days.
The Patriots appear to be interested in linebacker Ed Hartwell. I think he'd a be a great pickup for the team if he's healthy. Hartwell can play inside and stop the run. He was great in Baltimore before joining Atlanta as a free agent two years ago. He's been plagued by injuries since joining the Falcons but he's only 28 years old. Even if he's able to compete as a part-time linebacker for the Patriots he could be a nice value signing.
I liked the Minnesota Vikings as a kid and I've been a big Randy Moss fan since his rookie year. I got a nice surprise on Christmas from my parents during Moss' rookie season when my dad was able to find a Moss replica jersey for me. I have never, however, condoned his actions off the field, or often, on the field. He can be a total jackass. I think that he is helpless without proper guidance and leadership on a football team. I think that the Patriots have the stability to reign Moss in, but I don't want him on the Patriots' roster. Moss is on the decline and his attitude sucks. Yes, he might behave in New England, but I don't think he'll put in the effort.
Donte Stallworth isn't high on my list of free agent wide receivers. He's lazy and has never reached his potential. His draft stock shot through the roof based on his 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. He's rested on his laurels since then. The Saints tried to dump him for at least year before actually doing so. I don't think that Stallworth will bring much to the Patriots as a wide receiver, especially for the amount of money he wants.
I do like Kelley Washington at wide receiver, though. He's a big guy (6' 3") who probably won't require a lot of cash to sign. To the best of my recollection he's had some injury problems, but I don't believe that he's had any attitude or discipline issues.
The Red Sox starting rotation looks like it could be very special this year. I am well aware that Spring Training games are both meaningless and a terrible predictor of regular season performance. However, the starting pitching has been dominant so far this spring. Curt Schilling has been working on a changeup this year. Josh Beckett has been using his curveball effectively. Daisuke Matsuzaka has baffled hitters with his off-speed pitches. Jonathan Papelbon has looked as fiery as a starter as he was as the closer last year. Tim Wakefield has been mixing in a curveball this year. Jon Lester is an amazing story simply being able to compete with the team this spring after being treated for cancer last year.
Schilling has officially joined the blogging the community. His new blog, "38 Pitches", has been an interesting read this week.
Speaking of new bloggers, Rob Bradford also has a new blog this year, "Bradford on Baseball".
I will be adding both links to the sidebar of "Digital Sox" along with a few other new links.
The Sox bullpen has looked simply awful this spring. No one has looked good enough to provide any relief to the fanbase. (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Hansen is fat and out-of-shape causing his back to flare up. Donnelly got crushed the other the day. Pinerio doesn't seem comfortable with his arm slot. Hansack and Delcarmen have failed to impress. Timlin can't even get onto the field. I really hope that the bullpen pulls together, and fast, because the starting pitching is going to go to waste when the real games start if the 'pen struggles this mightily.
On a personal note, we got a new laptop last week. It's a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4467 running Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit). It's a great laptop that I found on sale for a very good price. It has a dual-core 1.6 GHz Centrino processor with 1GB of PC4200 RAM. It comes with a 160 GB SATA hard drive and a dual-layer DVD burner. The screen is a 15.4-inch 1280x800 widescreen display.
I'm quite happy with the laptop and overall I'm rather impressed with Windows Vista. I wouldn't run out and upgrade any computer running Windows XP SP2, but Vista offers some nice upgrades to the overall arrangement of Windows. Many set-up operations, like setting-up a home network, have been streamlined. The overall appearance has been tweaked not only for looks, but also for simplicity and ease-of-use. I also really, really like the new layout of the menu system in Office 2007. Users no longer have to hunt down obscure toolbars or sub-menus to find advanced options.
I'll write-up a detailed Vista and Office 2007 review in the coming days.
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