Coming Tomorrow!

The World Series DVD comes out tomorrow - I've had mine on pre-order for weeks. After seeing the trailer, I CANNOT wait to see it!

Movie Review: Enchanted

I LOVED THIS MOVIE! (I have a friend who says he can never tell if I REALLY like a movie - so there you go, Michael!!) A total chick flick or kid flick, but it was a really enjoyable 107 minutes! I have been looking forward to this film for weeks, and was worried that I'd be disappointed. Not so!

The basic story: a Disney princess wanna be (Amy Adams) is tossed down an abyss by her BFs stepmother. She ends up in New York City - and is now a live action heroine. She has to make her way in this world, while trying to find her way back to her Prince Edward (James Marsden). In the meantime, she meets sad single parent Robert (Patrick Dempsey, aka McDreamy) and his equally sad daughter, and relies upon them to take care of her.

It's a terrific storyline - filled with shout-outs to all of the Disney favs (I dare you to watch Giselle run up a hillside in Central Park and not think of Julie Andrews, who also narrates). Giselle's interaction with small animals is totally out of the Disney Bible - but, it being New York, she has to rely on rats, pigeons and other vermin for help! Susan Sarandon is terrific in the scenery chewing role of the evil Stepmother; Marsden is funny and romantic as the prince; Dempsey is satisfying as Robert.

But Amy Adams must be a really smart actress, or have a very savvy agent. This role is absolutely perfect for her - the wide-eyed innocent, trying to absorb her new surroundings. Perfectly cast, and a new archtype for the Disney theme book.

The music is terrific, with many echoes to the recent Disney princess tales. The opening animated story is terrif., and it transitions well to the live action tale. One reviewer called it the best live-action Disney musical since "Mary Poppins" and I would definitely agree.

Terrific, terrific!

(And as a side note: our local newspaper omitted the 12noon showing at the theater, so we watched it with a small crowd; the rest of the afternoon showings were sold out! Yeah!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm getting ready to head to a friend's house - we three bachelors celebrate together every year. By tradition, we always have WAY too much food, so we're trying to be better about that this year. Not that anything goes to waste - just to the waist!

What am I thankful for this year? The World Series victory, of course, the Red Sox' second in four years. I'm thankful for the many friends I've made in the Red Sox virtual community - and for the great times I've had with them virtually and in person. I'm thankful for having the wherewithall to afford some great trips this year - to Washington, to San Diego & Seattle, to Boston this summer.

And of course, thankful for continued good health, for myself and my family. And I hope to be thankful next year at this time for a Democrat being back in the White House!!

Further Lowell revelations

This from Jayson Stark:

Although there were lots of reports that the Phillies made a four-year offer to Mike Lowell over the weekend, that isn't quite true. They were prepared to make that offer if Lowell had told them he wanted to be a Phillie. But instead, Lowell was so intent on going back to Boston, he called the Phillies and told them it wouldn't be right to even ask for an offer. Just one more example of how one of the classiest humans in baseball operates 24/7.

The more I read about the contract negotiations, the more I'm glad we've kept Mike for another three years. The fans love him, he loves Boston - it's a perfect fit.

From the New York Times:

“I really don’t believe everything should be about money,” Lowell said. “I just didn’t think my happiness should be bought just by dollars.”

Class act, man. MLB.com has the audio of his conference call yesterday. Listen to it, and picture Mikey kicked back, in his velvet smoking jacket, snifter of brandy in hand, fielding questions from the media. Sigh.

More Mikey!

It looks like the deal has been struck! Late into the night, the Levinson brothers and Theo were hammering out a deal for Mike Lowell to return to Boston for three more years. Buster Olney reports tonight that he had a firm offer from the Phillies, and as late as last night, it looked like it was going to be signed. But RS owner John Henry called Mike, told him how much he meant to the organization, and pulled on his heart strings. So Mike walked away from several millions, to stay in a place where he's beloved and appreciated. The deal isn't official - no contract has been actually signed - but they should announce the deal tomorrow.

So we can look forward to three more years of hits...


....of great plays at third base....


...of "in-depth interviews" on NESN.... (wait, did he say something??)

...and of general hotness....

I love a parade!

Here's some video of Jacoby Ellsbury being welcomed back to his hometown of Madras, Oregon. They had a big parade for their "hero," and this video includes an interview with his mom. Some really touching stuff!

Mikey in Mickey land

Photo by Disney
Yesterday, Mike Lowell was honored at Disney World, appearing as Grand Marshal in the daily parade.That's him, riding the teacups with his daughter. The day before, he was honored at his elementary school in Miami. At the event - during which his jersey number 4 was retired and he ran the bases with his 8th grade teammates - Mike said:

The baseball star has two World Series rings. He is now a free agent with a chance to sign for big money, but he said he fits in Boston."There are certain teams and stadiums that have a different aura, and Fenway is one of them," Lowell said.

So, Mike, quit the Mickey Mousing around, and sign the damn contract!!

Edit to add video:

Jerks

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

All of the sports news for the past two days has been focused on these two jerks. As mentioned in the previous post, Bonds was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury yesterday, and most of the talking heads have spent the past 24 hours discussing it. Some are surprised at the timing - why now, after nearly four years of investigations. Some are saying he's been persecuted (okay, it's mainly his defense attorney and Stephen A. Smith who are saying this). Others express little surprise beyond why it took so long. What is their evidence, one wonders? Must be good.

The jerk on the right is, of course, Alex Rodriguez, now the highest paid man in baseball. After opting out of his contract with the Yankees in search of more money. His agent, the spawn of the devil, Scott Boras, convinced Alex that there was huge $$ out there. Well, a week later, Alex has crawled back to the Yanks and renegotiated a deal - with Boras forbidden entrance into the room.

One has to wonder how the New York fans will receive ARod on opening day. Many had begun to boo him at the Stadium, and I would imagine those he had begun to win over will be miffed. Could be interesting.

Not a shocker

AP Photo

Barry Bonds was indicted yesterday on Federal charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. They weren't able to actually prove he's done steroids, but found proof that he lied to the Grand Jury about testing positive for them. What this means is that Bonds will be like Capone - they could never get Capone for murder or other felonies, but got him on tax evasion. So it is with Bonds - couldn't get him on steroid use, so we'll go a different route.

Random Thursday thoughts

Taking a break from the Lowell saga, well maybe not...

1) Last night, it began to look like ARod will remain a Yankee next year. There are many theories as to why he has gone crawling back to the Steinbrenners. I think it most likely was that Boras over-estimated the interest in his client. Reports are that most GMs at last week's GM meetings kind of shrugged, smiled and speculated about who would be foolish enough to give Boras and ARod all that money. Apparently, none were. So, ARod went over to Tampa and pleaded for another shot. Without Boras sitting at his side.

I think that's my favorite part of this whole "epic drama." The man who just two weeks ago was praised in a lengthy New Yorker article as one of the toughest and best negotiators - forced to remain out of the room. Forbidden entry by management. Forced to try to manipulate the negotiations from the lobby. I hope that other teams will follow the Yankees' lead, and try to gain some control over that Demon.

2) The New York Daily News says that, even though it looks like the Yankees will have a 3rd baseman, they still are interested in Mike Lowell, as a First Baseman! Amazing. Is it just to keep him from the Sox? Mike has never played first base before - what could he be thinking? (Other teams mentioned as having "offered" him a four contract - St. Louis, Atlanta and Houston.) So, the Yankees could end up with two infielders playing out of their natural position, all to keep a less and less effective Derek Jeter at SS?

3) I'm sorry Josh Beckett didn't win the Cy Young - but I wasn't shocked. CC Sabathia had a terrific regular season, impressive numbers. Granted, he totally fell apart in the post-season, spanked especially hard by our "Commander Kick Ass." And, as many have pointed out, I bet Josh is just as happy to have a WS ring as another trophy for his case.

4) The Sox published their schedule yesterday. I'm not enthused about the National League opponents this year, although they do play three games in Cincinnati in June. Bronson? I've been looking it over, and trying to decide which games to attend. Tampa Bay in June? Baltimore in May? Definitely not Japan in March!

PedROYa!!

AP Photo by Elise Amendola

Yeah! Our Dustin Pedrioa was today named the American League's Rookie of the Year. It was a landslide victory - according to the Boston Herald:

Pedroia was a landslide winner with 132 points. He was chosen first on 24 of the 28 ballots and was the only player named on every ballot. Tampa Bay outfielder Delmon Young was a distant second with 56 points. Kansas City pitcher Brian Bannister was third with 36 points and Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka finished fourth with 12.

US House Resolution 782

Thanks to Texas Gal for pointing out the way to this -- the US House introduced a resolution in honor of the Red Sox victory on October 30 - it is awesome reading! House Resolution 782
Here's the text:
110th CONGRESS 1st Session

H. RES. 782

Expressing the sense of the House with respect to the Boston Red Sox victory in the 2007 Major League Baseball World Series.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 30, 2007

Mr. CAPUANO (for himself, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. OLVER, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. LYNCH, Ms. TSONGAS, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. HODES, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

---

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House with respect to the Boston Red Sox victory in the 2007 Major League Baseball World Series.

Whereas in the early moments of October 29, 2007, the Boston Red Sox won their second World Series title in four seasons by besting the Colorado Rockies in just four games;

Whereas the Red Sox won their seventh world title in the 107-year history of the storied franchise;

Whereas the 2007 Red Sox World Champion team epitomized sportsmanship, selfless play, team spirit, determination, and heart in the course of winning 96 games in the regular season, winning the American League East Division Championship;

Whereas Josh Beckett, the major league's only 20-game winner in the 2007 regular season, cemented his place as one of the greatest post-season pitchers of all time, winning four games in the playoffs, including a dominating performance in Game One of the World Series, and keeping the hopes of Red Sox Nation alive by overpowering the Cleveland Indians in Game 5 of the American League Championship series when the team was down 3 games to 1;

Whereas Curt Schilling proved once again his greatness as a post-season pitcher by winning Game 2 of the World Series;

Whereas rookie sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka followed with a win in Game 3, tossing his famed gyroball on baseball's biggest stage;

Whereas left-hander Jon Lester completed a storybook comeback by overcoming adversity and leading his team to victory from the mound by pitching 5 and two-thirds scoreless innings, winning Game Four and completing the sweep;

Whereas Mike Lowell was named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series after batting .400 while scoring six runs and batting in four more, capping off a stellar regular season with an equally impressive post-season and capturing a richly deserved honor;

Whereas Jonathan Papelbon demonstrated complete dominance as the team's closer, saving three of the four World Series games for the Red Sox and not allowing a run in the 10 and two thirds post-season innings he pitched;

Whereas team captain Jason Varitek once again exemplified the qualities that make him a great team's great captain, guiding his pitching staff with patience and determination, and making one of the toughest positions in baseball seem effortless;

Whereas the 2007 post-season produced many memorable moments from young players and veterans alike, including emerging talents like Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Hideki Okajima and more seasoned players like Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew, Bobby Kielty, Coco Crisp, Julio Lugo, and Mike Timlin;

Whereas David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez further enhanced their legendary status as two of the game's greatest hitters ever throughout the regular season and beyond;

Whereas the 2007 Red Sox also included the longest serving member of the Red Sox franchise, Tim Wakefield, along with other integral players Manny Delcarmen, Julian Tavarez, Eric Gagne, Javier Lopez, Kyle Snyder, Doug Mirabelli, Alex Cora, and Eric Hinske;

Whereas the 2007 season brought fans many magical moments, including rookie Clay Buchholz's September no-hitter in just his second major league start;

Whereas Red Sox Manager Terry Francona continued to lead his team with grace and a steady hand, transforming them into one of the greatest Red Sox teams of all time and capturing his second World Series title in just 4 short years;

Whereas Red Sox owners John Henry and Tom Werner and Red Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lucchino continued their quest to field the best team in baseball, culminating in another World Series celebration for Red Sox Nation;

Whereas Red Sox Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein assembled all the parts for a winning team that featured the major league's best pitching staff, a dominant offense, and most important, the hearts and souls of true champions;

Whereas the entire Red Sox organization maintains a strong commitment to charitable causes in New England, demonstrated by the team's decades-long support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Jimmy Fund in the fight against childhood cancers;

Whereas Red Sox fans are everywhere, in the ball parks of opposing teams, in every State in the Union and in many foreign lands; and

Whereas a grateful Red Sox Nation thanks the team for an unforgettable season and for bringing another World Championship home to Boston: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) congratulates--

(A) the Boston Red Sox for winning the 2007 Major League Baseball World Series and for all of their accomplishments during a stellar 2007 regular season; and

(B) the eight Major League Baseball teams that played in the postseason;

(2) recognizes the achievements of the Boston Red Sox players, manager, coaches, and support staff whose hard work, dedication, and spirit made this all possible;

(3) commends--

(A) the Colorado Rockies for a solid year, including an impressive late season surge that brought them to their first World Series; and

(B) the fans and management of the Colorado Rockies for their hospitality towards all the Red Sox fans who traveled to Denver for the World Series; and

(4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to--

(A) the 2007 Boston Red Sox team;

(B) Red Sox Manager Terry Francona;

(C) Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein;

(D) Red Sox President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Lucchino;

(E) Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry; and

(F) Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner.

It reads like a fan letter, doesn't it? Who says Congress gets nothing accomplished!

Offensive superiority

I've been re-watching game one of the World Series this afternoon, and a thought struck me. Every time there is any kind of interleague game, there is all this discussion about how the AL is at a disadvantage, because they can't use the designated hitter. But in watching today, I realized that the National League is at a HUGE disadvantage when they have to play under our rules. Look at game one: the designated hitter for the Rockies, Ryan Spilborghs, batted NINTH!! Their bench is filled with guys who can pinch hit for the pitcher, not guys who can actually hit consistently. In the AL, most DHs bat third, fourth or fifth - which shows the strength of these guys at the plate. Yet, the NL can't muster an extra slugger.

So, maybe having the home field advantage goes beyond having the crowd on your side. It allows you to put your best possible offensive team on the field. It forces the opposition to insert lesser players into the batting order.

Maybe that's why the Sox have swept two consecutive World Series. They (and the American League teams) are built to put runs on the scoreboard.

Please retire, Roger

Can you believe this guy??? From MSNBC:

Roger Clemens apparently isn’t ready to move into that office at Minute Maid Park just yet.

Clemens, if healthy, would consider pitching for Team USA during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, according to a report on MLB.com.

The 45-year-old righthander considered the prospect of pitching in the Olympics when he first retired from the New York Yankees after the 2003 World Series, but Team USA was eliminated that fall by Mexico in the qualifying round, and it was not represented in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

For the love of Pete, Roger, just go home and leave us alone. Let me put it in terms even you can understand - a line from an old country song, "How can we miss you if you won't go away"!!

Getting nervous about Lowell

I'm beginning to get a little nervous about the Lowell situation. From today's Boston Globe:

Epstein believes daily conversations with Lowell's agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, progressed. Major league sources said the Red Sox could give Lowell a three-year deal, but Lowell's agents believe he can get four years in the $13 million-$14 million annual range on the open market. The Red Sox have wrestled with the length of the deal, and whether Lowell, who turns 34 in February, has peaked offensively. Lowell hit .324 with a career-high 120 RBIs in 2007.

That "four years" dangling out there is what scares me. I believe if he hits the open market Monday at midnight, SOMEONE will offer four years. That puts the whole issue on Mike. Does he take what is probably a $13-15 million deal for three with the Sox - and stay in a city that obviously adores him, with a team he clearly loves playing with? Or sell out for another year, and go someplace without the Fenway atmosphere and championship possibilities?

Face it, if he hadn't been traded with Beckett, today he'd be a free agent after languishing for another two years in the baseball purgatory that is south Florida. From listening to his interviews, it's clear Mike knows what playing in Boston has done to revitalize his career and his marketability. After the WS, he talked about how different it is to play in Fenway on a Tuesday night in mid-July, how with the Marlins such a game would only attract a few thousand fans, and then only because they were offering $1 hot dogs or fireworks. Imagine the difference in your attitude when you're playing before a packed house every night. You're not going to find that in Pittsburgh, Mike, or back with the Marlins. You might find it at Yankee Stadium, but are you willing to sell your soul for that?

I don't begrudge him wanting to get the best deal and to take care of his family when his playing days are over. This will undoubtedly be the last big contract of his career - he's 33, which is getting on in baseball years - but he doesn't strike me as someone who's been blowing his money up to this point. He's made a nice bit of cash off this last contract and, if he's been smart, he's socked away that money. So, it's not like he needs the money that extra year will yield.

Seems like a no-brainer to me. Stay in a place you like working with people you like and with a real chance for that 3rd World Series ring, or take the money and go to yet another new town with a bunch of strangers with not nearly as good a chance of a championship....

Do.Not.Want.

Yesterday, in the SG comments, "a little night musing" came up with this brilliant anti-A Rod rant - thanks, alnm!



Would you take him in a car?
Would you take him in a bar?

You may like him.
You will see.
You may like him
if he's free!

I would not, could not, even free.
Nor in a bar. You let me be!

I did not like him when he slapped
I do not like his lips - they're chapped
I do not like his clubhouse ways
I do not like his glove - Mike stays!
I do not like him here or there
I do not like him anywhere
I do not like A-Rod the ham
I do not like him, NJ fan!

Review: Dan in Real Life

Last weekend, I saw the new romantic comedy "Dan in Real Life," starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. In the film, Dan is an advice columnist, as well as the widowed father of three girls. It's the weekend of his family's annual reunion at their summer cottage in Rhode Island (it was actually filmed in and around Jamestown - I recognized a few shots, like the Pt Judith Lighthouse). Escaping from the family for a few hours, Dan encounters Marie in the local bookstore and is instantly smitten. After sharing coffee and confidences, they go their separate ways - but do they? You see, Marie is in fact headed to Dan's family home - she is his brother's new girlfriend! The rest of the film revolves around Dan trying to suppress his feelings, without success. Further complicating things are his relationship with his daughters - full of conflict, of course.

The film is well cast. I was especially impressed with the three young actresses playing Dan's daughters - not a hint of precociousness, and lots of talent displayed. Carell is understated - there are a couple of scenes where he goes a little over the top, but they are quickly forgotten by his later sweet moments. Binoche hasn't much to do except react to Carell, but that's fine. I was even able to tolerate Dane "there's only one OCTOBER" Cook as the brother.

The script was really strong. Some really great lines:

Youngest daughter to Dan - "You're a great father, but sometimes you're not a very good Dad"

Middle daughter's boyfriend - "Love isn't a feeling. It's an ability."

And middle daughter to Dan after he sends said boyfriend packing - "You are a murderer of love"

A sweet, lovely little film. Not a laugh-out-loud comedy, one filled with smiles of recognition. The relationships between all the characters just feel right - between parents and children, between siblings. And I have to admit, I not only had some tears at the end, I did hiccup a few times too!

Schilling is Back!

I'm a little late on this one, but earlier in the week, the Red Sox and Curt Schilling agreed to a new one-year contract. Schill had said all along that he wanted to pitch one more year, and really wanted to finish his career in Boston. So, now it's done.

I hadn't realized how much I wanted him back until I heard the news on the radio driving in to school Tuesday. I literally shouted with surprise and excitement. I love the idea of seeing him finish in Boston, look forward to the day when I see #38 hoisted up on that right field wall, next to all the other Red Sox greats. Because, say what you like about him being a blowhard and sometimes self-serving, he is a great pitcher. What he did in '04 alone puts him in that pantheon. He did what he set out to do in November '03 - he came to Boston to break the curse (although I might argue that as long as Shaughnessy is writing for the Globe, the curse of him still exists), to bring a world championship to a town that had been starving for one for 86 years. And now he's helped bring a second one to the Hub.

What I especially like about this deal is that it was all worked out between Curt and Theo. No agents to muddy the water. They each brought their offers to the table, and worked through the counteroffers like gentlemen. And when both sides go on record as saying how pleased they each are with the deal, it's like a breath of fresh air.

Now, let's get Lowell wrapped up with a pretty ribbon, too.

Shopping with Mikey

So, I missed this Sunday night. World Series MVP Mike Lowell made an appearance on the Home Shopping Network, pimping some WS items. Texas Gal has the video on her site:


If you overlook the shilling, he's got some great observations on being on the championship team, his teammates, and the Boston Experience.

As David Ortiz said, "Get it done, Theo!" RESIGN LOWELL!

Why, Mr. Snyder, what a nice surprise you are!

Oh, thank you, Cyn for this lovely photo! She says she founded it by Googling Kyle Snyder, and this led her on a labrynthian internet tour. So, thanks also to the nameless blogger who posted this photo - taken at last week's Rolling Rally.

Patriots v. Colts

Nuff said

Is Deja Vu better than 1st Vu?

My friend Holly and I have a lot discussions on this subject. We see many movies. and we often want to know what the outcome is before we see the film. It's sometimes better to know if it's a happy ending, or if the ending is sad and depressing (like real life). Many times I've been caught off-guard by a movie or its ending. The most recent example is The Family Stone. Judging by the trailers, it was a comedy, spoofing family relations. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was a heavy family dramedy, one that had me going through a whole mini-package of kleenex. Not a criticism - but I think I would have appreciated it a lot more if I'd gone into the theater knowing I was going in for a good cry.

With that in mind, tonight, a week removed from the Red Sox' World Championship, I popped in my tape of game 1 of the World Series. And it was incredible to watch again. Last Wednesday, I was tense, trying to keep up with my scorecard, trying to contribute comments over on SG, and hitting the wine too much. Tonight I was free to just enjoy. To enter inning one knowing Josh would strike out the side. To see Pedrioa come to bat in the first, knowing he's going to hit a home run. To listen to McCarver claim the long layoff would have absolutely no effect on the Rockies...

I look forward to watching the rest of the Series!

Go (again) Red Sox!

Papelbon on Letterman

Big Papi on Conan

Manny on Leno