On to Fenway!

Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
I wonder - is Manny describing his phone call from the Green Monster? Or imploring the Mariners to call him if his option isn't picked up? Whatever, Manny sure seems to be enjoying his captive audience! And I sure enjoyed the victory last night - the first since the All Star Break. Jon Lester looked awesome - really commanding. Without a doubt, he is our #2 pitcher right now.

Meanwhile, according to the Seattle Times, Manny ran into a little trouble leaving Safeco last night --

Seems that Boston slugger Manny Ramirez was leaving the ballpark, with headphones on trying to look inconspicuous and quickly get away from the crowds still leaving the stadium. He started to cross South Royal Brougham Way, against the signals of a traffic cop who was directing pedestrians. The police officer demanded that Ramirez open his wallet and show identification. He warned him that he could face a $500 fine and possible arrest for disobeying a police officer.

It became clear to those watching that the policeman had no idea who Ramirez was. He didn't ask for an autograph or anything, but did ask Ramirez if he'd attended the game. After the brief lecture, and no argument from Ramirez, the police officer let him go with no further trouble.

I love that the cop asked Manny if he'd been to the game! Yeah, kind of...

So, I've just finished closing the last suitcase. Don't ask how many I've filled for my trip northward - that's the great part about driving. You can bring TONS of stuff. I just hope my wonderful sisters - with whom I am crashing at various times over the next weeks - don't have heart attacks when they see how much I've packed. And you just know that I will have forgotten something!

On Friday, I'll be seeing this scene:
I'll be at the Yankees-Red Sox game Friday night (thanks to my sister Meg!), then the three games vs. the Angels Monday thru Wednesday. Here's hoping we can return the favor and sweep them!

Then it's off for a few days on that little slice of heaven we call Block Island:


There's nothing like spending a long day at the beach, reading a trashy novel, returning to the house and using the outdoor shower (!), then heading to the Oar for a Mudslide. Mmmm...

I'll probably not be doing much blogging (unless I make use of the Boston Public Library again!), so see you on the other side!

Caution: rant ahead

The centerpiece for last night's All Star Game was meant to be Yankee Stadium. "The Colliseum of our present day society," waxed Joe Buck over on Fox last night. Fox took every opportunity to push their point, with montages of great moments at the Stadium, and of the great players who'd used the Stadium as their stage.

But the true "stars" of the night were the Yankee fans. From the start of the "red carpet" parade until JD Drew accepted his MVP Award before a full stadium, they epitomized class and intelligent fandom. Their knowledge and appreciation for the game itself and for the men who play it was inspiring, a lesson for all of us who aren't quite as committed.

Oh, no, wait. I was dreaming for a moment.

The exhibition by the "Yankee Faithful" last night was one of the most disgusting things I have seen in a long while. I have never truly despised their fans - I always have chalked up some of their antics merely to misdirected enthusiasm.

Last night, however, my abhorence of them soared. When I heard they had showered Jonathan Papelbon and his pregnant wife with obsenities and threats, that they had loudly hurled curses at Jason Varitek in front of his small children - my anger began to grow. I had expected the "fans" to boo during the player introductions, but the volume was unexpected. Each at-bat by a Red Sox player was greeted by cat-calls and boos - to the extent that I began to suspect the Yankee fans would rather the AL lose than the Sox perform well. Even JD Drew's seventh inning home run to tie the game was booed. What are they thinking, I could only ask myself.

But the most venom and vitriol was saved for Papelbon's eighth inning appearance. Their incredible performance didn't rattle Paps - I actually think it inspired him to shove it in their faces - but it did manage to rattle catcher Dioner Navorro into a throwing error. Which was, of course, blamed on Pap.

The supposed cause of their hate was that day's New York Daily News, which featured a quote - taken out of context - that Pap thought he should be the closer in the game. Which is the mentality a closer should have - he always should think he's the only man for the job. Other reporters included how Pap was complimentary of Rivera, calling him the "godfather of all closers," and how he fully expected Rivera to be the closer that night. And when Pap came out in the 8th inning, wasn't that a sure indication that Rivera WOULD close out the 9th?? Surely those intelligent fans could have figured that out?!

I must admit that, although I was rooting for the AL, when Mariano Rivera finally appeared in the 9th, I truly hoped he'd blow it. That he'd give up a two or three run home run, and shut up those idiots. Nearly happened, too. And because of the fan-caused throwing error by Novarro in the 8th - which eventually resulted in the tying run - the game continued on (and on) without their star closer finishing out.

The irony is that Terry Francona treated the Yankee players (and really, all the players) with such respect. When replacing both ARod and Jeter, he didn't make the switch between innings as he did with other players (including his own). He sent in subs after the first out in the inning, allowing each man the chance to leave the game and be saluted by the fans. When it was time to bring in Rivera in the 9th, he let Francisco Rodgriguez come in first, get an out, and then replaced him with Rivera. "Enter the Sandman" to a huge ovation and lovefest from the Bleacher Creatures. (Actually, Tito's very classiness nearly did the AL in, because he could have used more innings from all of his players and pitchers. But in his desire for everyone to get a chance to play, he used up his bench long before the innings were used up!)

If the game were at Fenway, I'm sure NYY players would hear it from the fans. But I think our fans would rise above the hatred, and cheer for the TEAM in front of them, not the laundry. Yes, it killed me several times to find myself hoping Jeter would get a hit, or that Kazmir would pitch well. But for the good of the team, I did it.

I'm glad Yankee Stadium is being blown up. I only wish it could have been done last night.


ETA: Here's a first-hand account of what Papelbon endured during the Parade yesterday - written by his driver.

It's over at last!

Photo by Jim McIsaac

I can't believe that I stayed up for the entire All Star Game last night. Somewhere around midnight, I began questioning my sanity; after all, "it's only an exhibition." You reach the point, however, when you've invested so much time and energy into a game that you just can't quit. You know that as soon as you turn out the lights and close your eyes, someone will pull a triple play or hit a grand slam. So you keep watching.

Which isn't to say I'm not happy with the outcome. The American League won, assuring the Sox of home field advantage in the World Series. Although, as was pointed out by several people, if the AL had lost, it would have meant that the Sox could have completed their four game sweep of the Series at home. Oh well.

And JD Drew being named MVP was sweet. What a turn around for him. I take back any dark thoughts I directed toward Theo when he signed the once-fragile JD. He has rebounded so incredibly this year - he might be our team MVP by season's end. With a healthy Papi back in the lineup next year, I'm predicting an explosive August and September!

All Star Dustin

Photo by Jim McIsaac

Here's our All-Star Second Baseman Dustin Pedroia. I love this photo - it captures to so well the enthusiasm and awe that comes with being a first-time all star. According to reports, the normally "chirpy" Pedie is being somewhat subdued, just taking it all in.

Pedroia was somewhat of a surprise, considering where he was just a year ago at this time. He'd survived (barely) the calls for him to be benched all spring, and had already turned things around enough that the words "Rookie of the Year" were being whispered. He ended up being a key component in our run to the playoffs and, ultimately, the World.

After many forgetable second baseman, he seems to have staying power. And it helps that he is so endearing and such a grinder. Watch him swing a bat, and you have to control giggles. Yet, he unleashes all the power that 5'6" will allow, and there goes the ball out of the park.

Now if we could just find a shortstop who could be his double-play partner. The ones we've had of late have been, well.....

Oh, Captain, OUR Captain

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Jason Varitek has really been struggling offensively of late, and is being ridden hard by the 'EEI-type fan boys. But I know his value is way beyond what his batting average shows. The way he works with the pitching staff, his preparation for every start - I can't imagine there is a better prepared catcher in baseball today. Those who don't understand his value (see: Tom Jones of the St. Petersburg Times) mock the "C" he wears with pride on his chest. But we know he is the Captain, the one who provides direction to the team, provides a positive voice for our often-maligned bullpen. I hear he has a few personal issues he's dealing with right now, and that might be affecting his offensive production, but he is still providing leadership. Look at that photo above - encouraging Okajima, who I think needs as much encouragement and positive affirmeation he can get.

So, here's to the Captain!

And for more Manny fun, another Elsa photo from yesterday's game:
I wonder if that's one of Big Papi's Vitamin Waters?

Order is Restored to the Universe

Order has been restored to the universe. The Red Sox are back in first place in the American League East! They defeated the Orioles today 2-1 (a very long - over four hours! - game, and a real nail-biter at the end). And the Tampa Bay Rays continued their slide - they've lost seven in a row now.

So the Sox head into the All Star Break in first place by 1/2 game, with a record of 57 wins, 40 losses. Now a chance for the guys to relax, for the Bull Pen to recharge for the second half. Because now the REAL season starts!

"Dog Days" of Summer

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Good victory last night for the Sox - actually, another "classless" victory, 12-1. I missed the game - DVR'd it, so I might hang onto it and watch it during the next four days of no live baseball. Kevin Youkilis had 6 RBIs, including his first career grand slam. And Drew, back from several days off with a back strain, had a homer - and Manny followed it immediately with another. Those kind of games are rare - and to have two in one week is, well, great!

Remember my post a few days ago, about first pitches and not knowing how they choose who does them? Well, the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday called upon a world class, award-winning athlete:

AP Photo by Morry Gash

Yes, it's Uno - winner of this year's Westminister Dog Show! A much better choice than Paul Reiser, IMHO!

Would you believe...

Globe photo by Jim Davis

I love this photo. During a pitching change during yesterday's beat-down, Manny stepped inside the Green Monster - and apparently used the time to catch up on some phone calls! If he ever gets a shoe phone, we're in trouble!

Now that's more like it!

AP Photo by Steven Senne

Now that's what I needed to truly put that road trip behind me. A good old fashioned beat down, a real ass-kicking. The Sox annihilated the Minnesota Twins this afternoon, 18-5. The scored 7 runs in the bottom of the 7th alone. It was great to be on the delivering end of such an upset, rather than having to sit by sadly. I hope they haven't used up all their offense - we've still got three more games before the All Star Game!

Happy Manny = Happy Sox fans

AP Photo by Winslow Townson
Boston Herald photo by John Wilcox

I love to see a happy Manny. And we got to see that joy last night, as Manny blasted a two-run homer in the bottom of the 8th inning to tie the game. Shortly thereafter, Brandon Moss hit one up the middle to score Youkilis, and the Red Sox went on to win 6-5.

I hope this means Manny's little batting slump is over. It's been painful to watch him of late, the worse being against the Yankees Sunday night when he watched three strikes fly by him without swinging the bat. Horrible. But Monday he got the game-winning RBI in the 1-0 victory over the Twins, and he made the big difference last night.

Now if some of that good luck can just rub off on Tek....

Deja Vu

As anyone who has ever attended a baseball game can tell you, a lot goes on that you don't see on your home broadcast. Special attendees are recognized, the National Anthem is sung (or played), and then there's the ceremonial first pitch.

I often wonder how they choose who throws out that first pitch. I mean, some are obvious - who else but Jerry Remy would throw out the pitch on Jerry Remy Day? But others, well, I'm not so sure about. While I was in Tampa recently, the first pitch was thrown out by Paul Reiser - who once starred on the sitcom Mad About You. Kind of a B-list celebrity at this point (IMDB has nothing more recent than 2005 for him). An unremarkable choice.

Yet, from my perspective, an eerie choice. Why? Well, when I was at a game last year at Safeco Field in Seattle, who threw out the first pitch?

Yes, you guessed it, Paul Reiser. The odds must be astronomical to see the same passed-his-prime sitcom star throw out a pitch a two different parks, a continent apart, and in consecutive years! Bizarre

Your American League All-Stars!

Missed the selection show, but here is the AL team (courtesy of the Boston Globe):

Starters (won fan vote):
Catcher: Joe Mauer, Twins
First base: Kevin Youkilis, Sox
Second base: Dustin Pedroia, Sox
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Outfield: Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Outfield: Manny Ramirez, Sox
Outfield: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
Designated hitter: David Ortiz, Sox

Reserves (voted by players):
J.D. Drew, Red Sox
Jason Varitek, Red Sox
Joe Crede, White Sox
Carlos Quentin, White Sox
Grady Sizemore, Indians
Carlos Guillen, Tigers
Justin Morneau, Twins
Milton Bradley, Rangers
Ian Kinsler, Rangers
Michael Young, Rangers
Dioner Navarro, Rays

Pitchers:
Scott Kazmir, Rays
George Sherrill, Orioles
Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
Mariano Rivera, Yankees
Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
Justin Duchscherer, Athletics
Joe Nathan, Twins
Joakim Soria, Royals
Cliff Lee, Indians
Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
Ervin Santana, Angels
Joe Saunders, Angels

No Beckett, no Matsuzaka. What, no Lugo?? LOL Also interesting that no Yankee players chosen as reserves, and only one Ray (as well as Kazmir, which is deserved)

I'm so excited for first time All Stars, Youk & Pedie. And glad that the other players recognized the value and contributions of Tek and JD.

I choose to ignore

Photo by Jim McIsaac (whose work I am loving of late!)
Today's Red Sox-Yankees game was carried nationally by the despised Fox Network. They have increased my hatred by deciding folks in my area would rather watch the Cubs-Cardinals game. So I had to resort to my backup: MLB Game Day Audio. (The only reason I pony up the money to be a member of "Red Sox Nation" is to get free access to this service). Now, I am a visual learner - I do much better if I can read or watch rather than hear something. So, normally I would also follow along on the SG chat and GameDay Live on mlb.com.

However, Comcast has decided they don't want me to have fast access. For the second day in a row, I have experienced extreme slowdowns in access. Yesterday, after an hour of no access, I called Comcast; after screwing around on their end, they decided they needed to send a technician. When? Sometime between 8 and 5 today. Aaargh. Miraculously, by 6pm, I was back at full function - and was whizzing around the net this morning. So I cancelled. But, between this same time frame today - 2pm and 6pm - I again experienced problems. Aaargh.

In order to preserve my audio connection, I had to shut down everything else. Talk about frustrating!! So, since I was not able to actually see the game, nor participate in any discussions of it, I choose to ignore that the game ever happened. I will pretend we are going for a sweep tomorrow.

Seriously, I'm bummed we lost - but not in despair. It was a very close game - it was within our grasp to win it several times - and it's made us doubt that the Yanks will be a contender this year. I never count them out - but comparing what I saw in Tampa


with what I've seen in the Bronx of late - I think we all should be much more worried about the Rays.

In the meantime, here's Tim Wakefield playing some air trumpet to a Sinatra tune:


Now, don't you feel better?!

Happy Fourth of July

Photo by Jim McIsaac
Now here's the Captain American I'd like to be rescued by! Happy Independence Day!

ETA: Paid attendance at tonight's Tampa Bay Rays' game: 16,830....Pitiful

Why I love Red Sox Baseball

It's exciting
It doesn't matter if we're down by four in the bottom of the 8th (like on Tuesday) or ahead by 5 in the top of the 9th (like Wednesday), the Red Sox can always be counted on to provide drama and excitement. Even when they're losing, you always feel like they're only one good inning away from taking back the lead. People are suprised to hear I've stayed up until the last out is made - even on a West Coast game - but I can't sleep until I know that game is really and truly over. It's rough on the digestive system - and on my tab at the local "packy" - but it makes for compelling viewing, both in my home and at Fenway (like Papi's walk-off homer above).


It's reliable
It's good reliable baseball entertainment. No losing streak is ever in a danger of dragging on too long. Not when you can rely on our Knuckleball King, Tim Wakefield:

to start every fifth day, and give our often taxed bullpen a break. And not when you can rely on having the Captain behind the plate:

Sure, he hasn't been an offensive threat of late. But the way he handles our pitching staff - well, it's the work of a maestro.

It's unpredictable
Whether it's Jonathan Papelbon and Manny DelCarmen helping us wait out a rain delay in this already classic video:



Or Mike Lowell cutting a rug at his charity event:



You can always count on the Sox to provide us with some quirky entertainment. And it's an old tradition, stretching back to the Bill Lee, Bernie Carbo, Kevin Millar. They're always are capable of surprising us.

It unifies usOne thing that has struck me in watching the Red Sox in their away games is the huge crowd that follows them. This was in Cincinnati two weeks ago, and this was the crowd watching the team warm up before batting practice! Waiting to get in when the gates opened were thousands of fans, all in their Red Sox gear - and very few home fans. When you walk on the streets when the Sox are in town, when you go into restaurants and bars, all you see are RS jerseys.

That common passion ensures you're never without friends when you're out of town or at a game. In Baltimore, I went into the ESPN Zone for a quick lunch and sat at the bar. Within minutes, I was in the middle of a lively discussion about the Sox with the folks around me. We talked about the players, games we'd been to, how our love of the Sox was born and when it became our passion. Last year, as we walked down the streets in San Diego, people would stop and give you a fist bump or simply say "Go Sox." It's so cool!

It's a part of usI call this photo the Red Sox family. It's two generations of RS fans. We were actually in Boston for a game, and were on our way to Faneuil Hall to the Build a Bear Workshop, so that the kids could make Wally bears. When I talk to my family, it always comes back to how the Sox are doing, what they can do to improve. And my love spans the generations - my grandfather was a good amateur pitcher, my dad took me to my first Sox game when I was 8, and here I was taking these guys to a Sox game where we sat in the Green Monster seats. And my sister even got them out of bed last October to see the final out of the World Series. It's a family tradition, like it is in most New England households.



It's pretty

Whether it's Dennis Eckersley:Or Jacoby Ellsbury:


Photo by Kelly O
The Sox know how to provide us with some pretty scenery to look at. And the fact that underneath that pretty packaging is some incredible athletic talent, well, that's enough for me!

It's me

I got some flak from the family when my love for the Sox re-bloomed in 2004. A few sneeringly labeled me a "bandwagon" fan. The truth is, I had fallen out of love with the Sox after the heart-breaking loss in 1986. Up until then, I had been pretty rabid. But after that Series, I had a hard time recommitting. It's like when the boy you deeply love does something stupid to cause you to walk away, and then years later he realizes that you were the one. He comes back, courts you with flowers and woos you with seemingly sincere words, but it takes a while for you to trust him again, to allow yourself to forgive him. So it was for me and the Sox. But, they were persistent, and eventually they proved to me that I could trust them and love them again. And like that new commitment in an old relationship, it's proven stronger than ever.

Every Day is Remy Day - if you're lucky

AP Photo by Winslow Townson

Today, they are celebrating Jerry Remy's 20 years as a broadcaster with NESN. Some of us are old enough to remember him back in his playing days - another local boy who lived out every New England boy's dream of playing for the Red Sox. (You see another one who did it above - Carlton Fisk). As I recall, he was a fair player - no Hall of Famer, certainly, but a good journeyman player, one who played tough enough to earn the name "Rem Dawg."

But it's been in the broadcast booth that his place in New England legend/folklore has been born. It's a hoot to look back at him in those early days with Ken Coleman - with a voice not yet tainted by 20 years of cigarette smoking. He seems to have the gift of making his partner in the booth even better.

I wasn't able to see those broadcasts until recently, thanks to DirecTV and the MLB Extra Innings package. My enjoyment has been greatly expanded this year, as EI seems to be offering the NESN broadcast for every game - no more suffering through the home broadcasts when the Sox are on the road. Remy and DO make every game - even a blow out or a heartbreaker - a total entertainment experience!

I'm looking forward to many more broadcasts - although I get nervous that some national network will come to their senses and poach him. On the other hand, I think Remy likes being a big fish in a small pond, one who can expand his empire at will. As a matter of fact, I believe they are even opening a RemDawg Restaurant in Logan Airport later this year! Bon appetit, amigos!

Youk!

Photo by Winslow Towson/AP

What a game today! The Sox dropped the first two to the Cards, two really depressing losses. Today, it looked like the game was well in hand - down to one strike to win in the ninth, Papelbon on the mound. But...the Cards tied it up.

Both teams had tons of opportunities to win this one, but couldn't do it. Top of the 13th, the Chris Duncan (brother of the MFY Shelley) tried to score from first. JD Drew grabbed the single, fired in to home, and Duncan was out by a mile. He tried to bowl over Tek - now that's not a wall I'd choose to run into! Out!!

Lowell led off the bottom of the 13th with a wall-ball single. Then up steps Youk. He'd already homered once in the game, and BOOM - there goes another into the Monster Seats!

A very exciting game. Plus Tampa lost, so our lead in the AL East is back to 1 1/2 games.

One week from today - I'll be in Tampa!

Blame it on the Rain

All kinds of awesome goodness here!

Paps & MDC do the Nilli Vanilli thing

Oh, Curt

Sad news today. Curt Schilling is going to have season-ending surgery on his shoulder Monday. Optimistically, he could pitch in 6 to 10 months, but it seems more likely that this is the end of his career.

He's 41, so the end was clearly in sight. Yet, there was part of me that hoped he could come back for a last hurray. It's probably what the Sox hoped, too.

Say what you will about his bloviating, his long blog entries, his love of the camera. Remember that Kevin Millar once dubbed him "red light" because of his love of face time. But for me, he was the difference in 2004. He was the warrior, or perhaps the mercenary. Yes, he was brought in to win a world championship. But he did it, didn't he? The bloody sock...it will always live in legends in Boston.

The surgery is no guarantee he'll pitch again. I really hope it will allow him to live pain-free. He deserves a happy, comfortable retirement.

Here are Curt's thoughts on the impending surgery. In the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with Curt and his family.

Home again

Blogger is acting sssoo bad! I can't seem to upload any photos, so you'll have to wait for shots of Jacoby, Lowell and Bronson...

But I had a great trip to Cincinnati! I took the ballpark tour - was actually the only one who showed up Thursday morning for it, so I had a personal tour. Saw the Sox lose Friday (boo), but then had two exciting wins on Saturday (10 innings, 6-4) and Sunday (9-0 baby!)

I got some great photos, I think Kelly secured excellent seats for us all three days - but the best were Sunday, 3 rows behind the Sox dugout. Plus, Justin Masterson walked by us on the street! Woo...

Now, only two weeks til I get to see the heavyweight rematch, Sox vs. Rays in Tampa!