Thursday, August 31, 2006
BYE BYE PINK HATS: As Red Sox slide, demand for tickets is coolest in years
Those with non-traditional colors and a penchant for front running are jumping off the bandwagon.
Those with non-traditional colors and a penchant for front running are jumping off the bandwagon.
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Patriots are asking for two first-round draft picks in exchange for WR Deion Branch, according to a report on WIP in Philadelphia.
-- 610Wip.com
-- 610Wip.com
OVER-RATED
Executives around the league don't necessarily share Danny Ainge's confidence about the quality of the Boston roster. A very unscientific poll indicates that other executives believe guys like Al Jefferson, Delonte West, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins and Gerald Green would be good rotation players, but not starters.
-- Boston Globe
Celtic Nation Speaks:
Those Celtic 5 and 10 game packs aren't selling like hotcakes, as this team isn't much better than the 30 something win team of last season.
Executives around the league don't necessarily share Danny Ainge's confidence about the quality of the Boston roster. A very unscientific poll indicates that other executives believe guys like Al Jefferson, Delonte West, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins and Gerald Green would be good rotation players, but not starters.
-- Boston Globe
Celtic Nation Speaks:
Those Celtic 5 and 10 game packs aren't selling like hotcakes, as this team isn't much better than the 30 something win team of last season.
Manny's Brother Carl?
"There is a widespread perception in the Yankees' clubhouse that Carl Pavano simply does not want to pitch. With each physical setback, that feeling grows. Pavano may start this week for the Yankees. But no one around the team will believe it until it happens. -- New York Times"
"There is a widespread perception in the Yankees' clubhouse that Carl Pavano simply does not want to pitch. With each physical setback, that feeling grows. Pavano may start this week for the Yankees. But no one around the team will believe it until it happens. -- New York Times"
Bloody Irony
THE SOX COUGH UP 2006
And what is this doing to Terry Francona, the manager of the 2006 Sox? He was coughing up blood and spitting it into a towel while he answered questions after yesterday's loss.
``I might have OD'd on my blood thinners," explained the beleaguered manager. ``I think I took too much."
``I might have OD'd on my blood thinners," explained the beleaguered manager. ``I think I took too much."
(Globe)
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
No Tito, It isn't your medication that makes you cough up your own blood...It may in fact be Kevin Youkilis in the cleanup spot. If this keeps up, Red Sox Nation will soon be Prozac Nation.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Patriots give Branch week to seek trade - NFL - MSNBC.com
Patriots: Has Branch Fallen From Every Tree?
Belichick gives Deion a week to seek trade
Patriot Nation Speaks:
This is an obvious attempt by the Patriots to open up Deion's eyes and show him that they are being fair in their contract offers. He has until 9/1 to make a deal with another team, so look for him to be in uniform with the Patriots for the third preseason game.
Belichick gives Deion a week to seek trade
Patriot Nation Speaks:
This is an obvious attempt by the Patriots to open up Deion's eyes and show him that they are being fair in their contract offers. He has until 9/1 to make a deal with another team, so look for him to be in uniform with the Patriots for the third preseason game.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Red Sox Pulled This Video, But It's Back
Denis Leary tells Mel Gibson to shove it (video)
Rem Dawg and Orsillo Laugh So Hard They Can't Breathe, While Lenny Clarke Does His Sidekick Best To Leary's Rant.
Denis Leary tells Mel Gibson to shove it (video)
Rem Dawg and Orsillo Laugh So Hard They Can't Breathe, While Lenny Clarke Does His Sidekick Best To Leary's Rant.
DANCE MAILMAN:
"Francona tap-danced around the question of whether it was true or not that Ramirez had to be convinced to play Saturday, taking off on scorer Joe Giuliotti's decision, going so far as to say he told Ramirez in the dugout after the play that he thought the call should be changed and would see what he could do about getting it changed."
"If you toss a penny 10,000 times, it will not be heads 5000 times, but more like 4950. The heads picture weighs more, so it ends up on the bottom."
-Tito Francona, answering the media's question as to whether Manny really had a bad hamstring, or another temper tantrum.
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
Javier Lopez over Papelbon decision Monday asise, we actually feel sorry for Francona. Someday, he will write the Red Sox book of all books. For now, he his the Red Sox version of Cliff Claven, taking abuse from every angle and having to absorb it.
THE-WOES
It's Not The Pitching...It's The Leadership
Yankee acquisition Bobby Abreu saw 132 pitches seen in the recent five-game series, while Red Sox catcher Javy Lopez allowed threw out only 1 of 7 attempted basestealers, has been anemic at the plate, and allowed a "stoppable" passed ball ('Belli would have had it) that led to a 2-1 Sox loss on Monday. With a shaky young pitching staff, a steady hand behind the plate was mandated once Varitek went down. Lopez is a shrunken former slugger whose achilles was always defense, and even moreso, his gamecalling. What were they thinking?
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
"Ramirez was enraged by the call, and was so angry about it the next day that he had to be talked into playing the Saturday afternoon game. On Sunday, Ramirez sought out an MLB official to try to get the call reversed.
Think about that: In the middle of the Sox' three most dispiriting losses of the season, suffered at the hands of the team's archrival, Ramirez sulked about losing credit for a meaningless single that didn't even involve an RBI.
That's perspective for you."
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
If this is true, and Manny did finally pull himself out of the game on Monday for such a selfish reason, then this episode may top all of Manny's previous "Manny Being Mannys"...He is one of the greatest right handed bats in baseball history, but lacks great baseball instinct. More importantly, Ramirez lacks the respect for the game, the team, and its fans that would make him an All-Time great player.
Think about that: In the middle of the Sox' three most dispiriting losses of the season, suffered at the hands of the team's archrival, Ramirez sulked about losing credit for a meaningless single that didn't even involve an RBI.
That's perspective for you."
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
If this is true, and Manny did finally pull himself out of the game on Monday for such a selfish reason, then this episode may top all of Manny's previous "Manny Being Mannys"...He is one of the greatest right handed bats in baseball history, but lacks great baseball instinct. More importantly, Ramirez lacks the respect for the game, the team, and its fans that would make him an All-Time great player.
MEET THE NEW SOX
#12 Eric Hinske
Proper Name: Eric Scott Hinske
Born: August 5, 1977
Menasha, WI
Height: 6-2
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 29
Pronounced: hin-SKI
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Pos: RF/3B/1B/DH
Experience: 4 years
2006 Salary: $4,425,000
College: Arkansas
Transactions:
June 2, 1998: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 17th round of the 1998 amateur draft. Player signed June 17, 1998.
March 28, 2001: Traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics for Miguel Cairo.
December 7, 2001: Traded by the Oakland Athletics with Justin Miller to the Toronto Blue Jays for Billy Koch.
Career Highlights:
Was named AL Rookie of the Year by the BBWAA ... Is the second Blue Jay to receive the award (Alfredo Griffin-1979 co-winner with John Castino of Minnesota)... Was also named ‘AL Rookie of the Year‘ by the Players Association and The Sporting News ... Was named to the TOPPS ML ‘Rookie All-Star Team‘ ... Set club rookie records for runs (99), doubles (38), home runs (24), RBI (84), total bases (272), extra-base hits (64), walks (77)... Led ML rookies in home runs, RBI, multi-hit games (48), runs, hits (158), total bases, doubles ...
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
Boston, which initiated the talks, is picking up the $1.1 million US remaining on Hinske's 2006 salary of $4.425 million while the clubs will split the $5.6 million he's due next season. At $2.8 million in 2007, he has a very reasonable contract for a poor man's Trot Nixon, if you will; A left handed, patient power bat. This likely spells the end of rich man's Trot's days in Boston after the 2006 season, and casts doubt on his ability to return anytime soon. A Wily Mo/Hinske platoon in right field now looks likely, with Hinske also getting in the lineup at 1b and LF. If Manny Ramirez is moved for Alex Rodriguez in the offseason, as is the the hot rumor in New York right now, then Hinske and Wily Mo could be your 2007 corner sluggers.
Monday, August 21, 2006
New York Daily News - Yankees - Mike Lupica: Bombers' best not buddies
THE BIG CHILL
"The other day, a reporter was talking to another star Yankee and the Yankee saw the crowd in front of A-Rod's locker and said, 'Better get going, you don't want to miss today's excuse."
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
AROD is still AFRAUD, even in his own city. A Manny for ARod swap, while sounding foolish while Rodriquez is struggling and Manny is ripping the ball, is actually now an opportunity for the Red Sox. Playing 2nd fiddle to Big Papi would still allow Alex to be king of the infield, moving back to his comfortable shortstop position, and would allow the Sox to go with cheap options like Hinske and Wily Mo at the outfield corners, save a few million dollars annually (Yanks owe ARod around $16 million a season versus approx. $20 million annually to Manny), get younger(ARod is 30, Manny 34), and have plenty of money under the luxury tax threshold to sign a couple of top starting pitchers and setup guys. The clutch thing is the obvious risk, but this scenario lines up as less pressure on a guy who could once again be the top all around shortstop in the game. If I'm Theo and the Trio, I take the risk.
"The other day, a reporter was talking to another star Yankee and the Yankee saw the crowd in front of A-Rod's locker and said, 'Better get going, you don't want to miss today's excuse."
RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:
AROD is still AFRAUD, even in his own city. A Manny for ARod swap, while sounding foolish while Rodriquez is struggling and Manny is ripping the ball, is actually now an opportunity for the Red Sox. Playing 2nd fiddle to Big Papi would still allow Alex to be king of the infield, moving back to his comfortable shortstop position, and would allow the Sox to go with cheap options like Hinske and Wily Mo at the outfield corners, save a few million dollars annually (Yanks owe ARod around $16 million a season versus approx. $20 million annually to Manny), get younger(ARod is 30, Manny 34), and have plenty of money under the luxury tax threshold to sign a couple of top starting pitchers and setup guys. The clutch thing is the obvious risk, but this scenario lines up as less pressure on a guy who could once again be the top all around shortstop in the game. If I'm Theo and the Trio, I take the risk.
"The cruise is over and so is the free ride for Theo. No disgrace in that, it happens to all of them, but the Sox need a quick turnaround to keep Epstein out of the shark-infested waters that devoured the likes of Lou Gorman and Dan Duquette." -CHB Nails It
Friday, August 18, 2006
Junior Seau, Sea-Yes To Patriots :
"Junior left a message for Chargers President Dean Spanos today alerting him that he may sign a contract and play for the New England Patriots."
Patriot Nation Says:
The Patriots are thin at linebacker with the retirement of Ted Johnson before last season, the departure of Willie McGinest this offseason and now the arm injury to Tedy Bruschi, so this is a low cost, smart move by the Patriots.
"Junior left a message for Chargers President Dean Spanos today alerting him that he may sign a contract and play for the New England Patriots."
Patriot Nation Says:
The Patriots are thin at linebacker with the retirement of Ted Johnson before last season, the departure of Willie McGinest this offseason and now the arm injury to Tedy Bruschi, so this is a low cost, smart move by the Patriots.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
WORD TO BIG BIRD-Fidrych Joins Sox (1982)
FIDRYCH FLASHBACK
Former Tigers pitching phenom Mark Fidrych, who went 19-9 in 1976 and was the American League Rookie of the Year, and pitched for the Red Sox in spring training 1982, finally retiring from baseball as a member of the PawSox, was on the field before the game.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Borges Calls Out Theo Epstein:
"The third is the worst case scenario for young Theo, who is a talented fellow but arrogant in the way youth can be when it believes it has all the answers and you have none. Life has a way of balancing those scales and the process is usually not pleasant. "
"The third is the worst case scenario for young Theo, who is a talented fellow but arrogant in the way youth can be when it believes it has all the answers and you have none. Life has a way of balancing those scales and the process is usually not pleasant. "
THE JAVY LOPEZ ERA BEGINS AT FENWAY 
Orioles To Red Sox:
You Can Javy
Red Sox Nation Speaks:
This is a guy who has lost about 25 lbs of syringe mass over the last 2 seasons but can still hit enough to justify his poor defense. Realistically, Tek is likely unavailable for most of the regular season, as knee tear/catcher don't mix well (rumor going around Fenway last night was torn meniscus, which means likely done for the season), so Javy is still better than what we have. The timing of the Sox falling behind the Yankees in the division was a blessing in disguise, as the Bombers, with a better record than the Red Sox, now follow the Olde Towne Team in the waiver order and were thus unable to claim Lopez and block the deal. Theo made the best out of a bad waiver wire situation in acquiring the veteran offensive catcher.
UPDATE: PREGNANT WOMAN DIES AT RED SOX GAME
One Life Saved, Another Cut Short after Fenway Collapse:
"She was treated for heat exhaustion, but her husband says the heat had nothing to do with her death. 29-year-old Denise Quickenton of Schenectady was seven months pregnant with her first child. She died Saturday after collapsing at Fenway Park.
Tuesday night, her husband sat down with NEWS10's Alyssa Van Wie and shared the details of what he says really happened.
'This had nothing to do with the heat,' says Todd Quickenton, Denise's husband. 'It had to do with a pre-existing condition that we were unaware of.'"
One Life Saved, Another Cut Short after Fenway Collapse:
"She was treated for heat exhaustion, but her husband says the heat had nothing to do with her death. 29-year-old Denise Quickenton of Schenectady was seven months pregnant with her first child. She died Saturday after collapsing at Fenway Park.
Tuesday night, her husband sat down with NEWS10's Alyssa Van Wie and shared the details of what he says really happened.
'This had nothing to do with the heat,' says Todd Quickenton, Denise's husband. 'It had to do with a pre-existing condition that we were unaware of.'"
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Pregnant Sch'dy woman dies at Red Sox game
Our thoughts and prayers to the Quickenton family.
Our thoughts and prayers to the Quickenton family.
Flutie comeback?
Former CFL star Doug Flutie was poised to return to the Toronto Argonauts last week before having a change of heart. A league source requesting anonymity told Canadian Press Saturday night that Flutie, six times the CFL's outstanding player, had a plane ticket for Toronto and was scheduled to practise with the Argos last Sunday before talks between himself and the Argos broke down. Coach Mike Clemons said he talked to Flutie, 43, about joining the team, and that talks haven't completely broken off.
Former CFL star Doug Flutie was poised to return to the Toronto Argonauts last week before having a change of heart. A league source requesting anonymity told Canadian Press Saturday night that Flutie, six times the CFL's outstanding player, had a plane ticket for Toronto and was scheduled to practise with the Argos last Sunday before talks between himself and the Argos broke down. Coach Mike Clemons said he talked to Flutie, 43, about joining the team, and that talks haven't completely broken off.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
THEO CAN'T DANCE
Yankees make winning moves
CASHMAN DOES THE DEADLINE HUSTLE AND TAKES THE TROPHY-ABREU AND WILSON.
With cash in the bank, at least $10-15 million in payroll savings that was earmarked for yet another failed move- Rocket Roger Clemens, the "not mortgaging our future" excuse just shouldn't fly around here...Fans are obviously giving Theo a free pass because of 2004.
RED SOX NATION
CASHMAN DOES THE DEADLINE HUSTLE AND TAKES THE TROPHY-ABREU AND WILSON.
With cash in the bank, at least $10-15 million in payroll savings that was earmarked for yet another failed move- Rocket Roger Clemens, the "not mortgaging our future" excuse just shouldn't fly around here...Fans are obviously giving Theo a free pass because of 2004.
RED SOX NATION
