NEW ENGLAND SPORTS HUB...Red Sox Nation, Patriots Nation, The State Of The Celtics And B's

IT IS WHAT IT IS: Belichick Blows It

2009-11-16T22:13:00.004-05:00

Was Bill distracted by something?? 4th and 2 call deep in enemy territory a rare mistake for "Beligenius". His D should be insulted, and his O questioning his decisions...until Tuesday. I feel sorry for those Jets.

THROWBACK

2007-06-27T23:08:00.000-04:00

We like the attempt at an 1982 Sox road uniform this past weekend in San Diego, but they just didn't look right to us:

This is a vintage '61 classic road jersey, which is what the 82 knockoff was supposed to resemble...

Red Sox Shortstops-S.O.S.

2007-06-21T01:17:00.000-04:00

Significant Sox Shortstops Since 2004

Nomar
Pokey
O.C.
Renteria
AGone
Lugo

Short Facts:
Defensive whiz Alex Gonzalez has more homeruns than David Ortiz going into 6/20 games...

Edgar Renteria made 30 errors for the Sox in 2005, but only 13 in 2006 in his All-Star Braves season...He is hitting over .330 with 10 HRs and hits 3rd in the Braves lineup on his way to another All-Star appearance...

Orlando Cabrera made just 5 errors for the Angels in 2005 and 16 in 2006, while continuing to show very good range and a knack for getting the big hit...

Pokey Reese is out of baseball due to personal problems...

Nomar Garciaparra declined a 4-year $48 million contract with the Sox in 2003, was hurt in 2004 and subsequently wound up signing a series of 1 year deals with the Cubs($10 million) and Dodgers($6 mill base plus earned another $4 mill in incentives), before signing a 2 year, $18.5 million contract this offseason to remain with LA following his comeback player of the year award in 2006...Nomar essentially cost himself $9.5 million by not signing the then below market deal with the Sox...

Why the media sucks... « 38 Pitches

2007-03-16T18:18:00.000-04:00

38 Pitches
March 15th, 2007

"The Red Sox owe me nothing. They’ve paid me over 40 million dollars for what amounts to two seasons worth of starts. They didn’t ask for a refund in ‘05 when I couldn’t get my mother out, and on top of that they’ve been respectful of my family at every turn."

-Curt Schilling on his blog and his prospects for 2008.

38 Pitches

2007-03-16T17:56:00.000-04:00

CURT ON THE COMPUTER:
Schilling starts a blog...But why?
To put his many words back "in context"...and of course to promote his new software company. We love the competitor that is Curt Schilling. Who on the 2007 Sox staff would you take on the mound in the big game? We still choose Bloody Curt. Here is his blog:

38 Pitches

We hope you stay out of trouble on the mound and on your blog in 2007. God Bless.

-Red Sox Nation

Expert: Baseball must test for HGH, now - Baseball - MSNBC.com

2007-03-16T17:31:00.000-04:00

NEW ENGLAND SPORTS HUB HIGHLIGHTS:
Expert: Baseball must test for HGH, now - Baseball - MSNBC.com
-Red Sox Nation

TWO MORE YEARS!!

2007-01-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

JOHN KERRY CAN BREATHE EASY NOW

Schilling, signed for the 2007 season, is confident that a deal with the Red Sox can be worked out before Spring Training to keep him in red stockings through the 2008 season.

"My wife and kids want me to continue to play, which was the only reason I was retiring in the first place ... they talked me into it and I felt it was a decision that I wanted to make to continue to play, so [2007] will not be my last season. I was convinced and my family was abiding by that decision [to retire], and they talked me out of it, so I will be playing in 2008."

"I've already had talks with them, and I'm hopeful something can get done soon. We'll talk again this week. I think it should be a pretty painless thing."
-Sox 2004 Hero Curt Schilling on WEEI

RUMBLE IN THE FENS 7???

2007-01-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

LUCCHINO UP TO HIS SAME OLD HIDDEN BALL TRICKS?
There were indications in Boston that the Todd Helton trade possibility is developing into another power battle between Larry Lucchino and Theo Epstein, who is reluctant to give up young players after trades in the past year in which he sent shortstop Hanley Ramirez and righthanded pitcher Anibal Sanchez in a package to Florida, and righthanded pitcher Cla Meredith to San Diego.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Trot Trot To Cleveland

2007-01-20T13:12:00.000-05:00

THE END OF AN ERA

Trot Nixon Shunned By Sox, Signs for $3 million with the Indians

Apparently the Jamesian Sox decided that they had had enough of the gutsy, gritty, but often injured leader that was Trot Nixon in a Red Sox uniform. They would rather give $70 million for a similar prototype, the difference being that the new guy is a tin man model missing the proverbial heart and respect of his teammates. I just don't see how having Drew in RF is better than Trot/WMP in RF, with $12 million in the bank for Clemens or another ace at the deadline. After all, any rational Sox fan must fully expect to see WMP in RF for the 60+++ games that Drew will be unable to answer the call anyway.Theo has never had more heat on him than he will if the 2007 team flops, as, finally, this is 100% his team. Let's hope he's right, because last August/September really sucked waiting for the Pats.

This is the end of an era for another reason: Trot was the last player in the organization to be drafted/signed/delivered to the big leagues by sweet Lou Gorman.
-RED SOX NATION

Rocket Redux

2007-01-15T09:49:00.000-05:00

“I don’t think it’s any different than last year. Three teams are always players in this situation: my hometown team, Boston and the Yankees...I’m really not any closer to making a decision.”

-Rocket Roger Clemens tells MLB.com

2007-01-15T09:44:00.000-05:00

Goose Gossage, who is a favorite to be voted into the Hall of Fame next year, said he hopes former Sox slugger Jim Rice joins him.

“From my standpoint, there was no more fierce guy than Jim Rice. No one scared me, but Jim Rice got my attention.” . . . -Goose Gossage

2007-01-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

WHEN IN DOUBT, HUG IT OUT

Way too much has been made of "THE HUG"...

If anyone can stop the Chargers, it is the Dynamic Duo of Belichick and Brady...And of course, the Patriots best defensive line of all-time...

Mismatch:

Belichick vs. Marty Scottenheimer in the playoffs may level the playing field for the Patriots

The keys to a Patriots victory:

Use the dominant defensive line to hold L.T. to around 100 yards and 1 score

Utilize the stellar ball control skills of Tom Brady to minimize L.T.'s touches

Still more ball control via the runningback duo of Maroney-Dillon

The dangerous playoff mind of Bill vs. the post season brain lock that is Marty

If the ball control works, AND the Pats have 3 or less turnovers, then:

Philip Rivers will be forced to throw

Rivers vs. Beligenius

=PATRIOTS 27, Chargers 24

-PATRIOTS NATION

2007-01-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

FA'TOINE?

Antoine Walker told to slim down by Pat Riley

2007-01-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

And A Firm Handshake:
“We do a lot of self-scouting after the game - what we did well, what we did poorly - and I (don’t) really evaluate those things,” said Mangini, before deadpanning, “but I thought my handshake was strong. Firm. My dad always told me it’s important to have a good handshake and I try to be consistent with that. I’ve experimented with a couple other different kinds that haven’t worked for me.”

-Jets Coach Eric Mangini

Patriots Go From Papa Gino's To Pepto Bismol At Kicker

2007-01-06T09:18:00.000-05:00

"I’ve probably gone through four bottles of it this season,” he said, laughing. “It’s no big deal.”
-Pats Runny Kicker Steve Gostkowski

OUR KICKER IS "THE SHIT"

PATRIOTS GET MAD AND EVEN

2007-01-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

NOW IT MAKES SENSE:

Patriots, enraged about Bobby Wade's dirty knee cutter on Rodney Harrison, have Vinny T throw the ball to run it up in the 4th quarter.

“It was a dirty play. He wasn’t just trying to block me. He dove at my knees intentionally. He was trying to hurt me. The whole play was dirty.”

-Hard Hittin' Rodney Harrison

"Patriots players were particularly incensed at Titans coach Jeff Fisher, whom they believed winked and smiled toward the field after Harrison was injured. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi [stats] charged the Titans sideline before being restrained.
Bruschi declined comment, and Fisher apologized, “if there was a misunderstanding.”

Harrison wasn’t having any of it.
“It was a dirty play,” he reiterated. “I don’t even know the guy (Wade). I don’t even know him. But their whole offensive line is dirty. Their whole offense is dirty. They’re a dirty team.”
Incensed, the Patriots [team stats] went for the jugular. They left their starters in for most of the game and let Vinny Testaverde [stats] throw a 6-yard touchdown to Troy Brown [stats] with 1:45 left." (Herald)

Some teams, notably Mike Shanahan's Denver Broncos, teach a technically, or at least gray area of legal but dirty strategy broadly labeled as "cut blocking" on offense. Offensive players dive low at the backs of defensive player's legs near the line, making it tough to detect. In the open field, players aim at or below the knees, which is what happened to Rodney. Or, even worse and riskier to the offensive player:Two players will go high and low on a defensive lineman, brushing close to an illegal block, with the low player going after the calves of the defensive player. Remember that playground prank, when one friend would crouch low behind you and another would push you? Think of that in high speed, delivered from an NFL linebacker.

-Patriots Hub

Nomar and D'Lowe Party On

2006-12-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

INSIDE TRACK FLASHBACK

And speaking of over-served, there was the night in 2001 that shortstud Nomar Garciaparra, much to the chagrin of his then-galpal Mia Hamm, got shattered on shots of his favorite Jose Cuervo Tequila Reserva in Barclay’s office.
“Oh, yeah, I heard him hiding in the back hallway telling her (on the phone), ‘I’m not undermining you, I’m just hanging out with my friends.’ ”
(Add whip sound effects here . . .)
During the night in question, No. 5 drank himself silly and then a few hours later found himself - and his hangover - in the Rose Garden at the White House!
“I got up around 11 that morning, turned on the TV and there’s Nomar in the Rose Garden with President Bush dedicating a T-ball field,” the Rackie reminisced. “I’m looking at his face, and he looks green around the gills, so I call his cell phone. ‘I’m in the Oval Office right now,’ he said. ‘And when I get home, I am going to kill you.’ ”

One of our fave tales concerns former Red Sox [team stats] whipping boy Derek Lowe, who, thinking he wouldn’t start against the Yankees the next day, was in a jolly mood when he arrived at the Rack at 10 p.m. one night in 2004.

“ ‘You don’t have to worry about me,’ ” the happy hurler declared, according to Barclay.
“He was in a good mood and drinking heavily,” the Rack maestro recalled. “At one point he was behind the bar pouring drinks and then checking coats. He was having a helluva time.”
But wouldn’t you know it, the next day the hungover party boy got the call to the mound to start against the Bronx Bombers. Do we even have to tell you he went four innings, giving up 10 runs?
“I’ll never forget the headline in the Herald the next day, ‘Lowe Down Dirty Shame,’ laughed the Rack owner. “I thought, ‘Whoops, I hope we don’t get blamed.” (You didn’t.)

Sage Advice For Both Theo And The Dirt Dogs

2006-12-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

SIGN 'EM EARLY AND OFTEN

Nomar Garciaparra had a similar situation with the Red Sox in 2004. Nomar was making a superstar's salary of $11.5 million that year and during the season the Sox offered a $60 million, four-year extension. Nomar said no, figuring he could get more on the free-agent market. That forced the Sox' hand. Knowing he wouldn't likely leave, they traded him to the Cubs midway through the season. Then he got hurt. He was hurt again in 2005 and landed with the Dodgers last season. After a good comeback year Nomar signed a two-year, $18.5 million deal to remain in L.A. Not bad, but still short of that $60 million package he turned down with the Sox.
So the smart thing is to re-up when your team offers you a fair-market deal. That's what Vernon Wells did. It's an old story. A bird in the hand... You know the rest.

Nomar screwed up big time by rejecting the Sox deferred $48 million deal, but he still gutted it out and wound up with around $40 million from 1 and 2 year deals. As for the Sox, they obviously made one of their best moves here, dealing Nomar for a World Series Championship. The Lesson? Sign the players that you would like to keep at least 1 year before free agency, and deal the ones that you don't plan on resigning. With an average 9% salary increase over the last few seasons, waiting is extremely costly. Exhibit A is Iron Man Johnny Damon, who signed for what the Sox thought was an outrageous $52 million over 4 years with the Yankees. Fast forward to 2006, and the Sox are now forced to give a talented but brittle(He has only played over 140 games once in 8 full big league seasons) J.D. Drew $70 over 5 years to fill a hole that was essentially created by Damon's departure.

Exhibit B is Pedro Martinez, who would have signed for Schilling money (3 years and $33 million) before the 2004 season. Sure they would have lost the 2006 season, paying him $11 million to sit on the D.L.. Instead, they ended up paying Matt Clement $9 million last season to sit on the D.L., and another $10 million this season to rehab for a 2008 season with another club. The most important point is that Pedro was healthy in 2005. Adding Pedro to the 2005 rotation would have given the Sox a great shot at back to back World Series titles. A little hindsight? Maybe, but the sign 'em or deal 'em formula pans out much more often than not. Just try it. The Red Sox seem to finally be getting this, as they signed Crisp and Beckett to deals that are now below market value. Nice job Theo.

-RED SOX HUB

MONEY SOX

2006-12-21T01:10:00.000-05:00

Average MLB salary is up 9%, 2nd highest increase in history.

Red Sox players make an average of 3.99 million dollars a season.

-Red Sox Nation

Dice-K In "The Departed"

2006-12-19T17:23:00.000-05:00

"Matsuzaka also said he was familiar with Boston's reputation as the meanest sports city in America."

"Asked if he had heard that some city's fans and media have a tendency to rip new players in the hope that they might fail, Matsuzaka said: "I don't think that is different from anywhere. I think Boston is the kind of town I could really come to love."

-Daily Yomiuri Online

Apparently, we have a mean reputation in Japan. The Japanese are big American movie buffs, so it must just be the newest Damon, Wahlberg scary movie from Southie...We all know that Sox fans are gentle like newborn kittens.

-RED SOX NATION

Schilling And The Green Monster

2006-12-18T14:35:00.000-05:00

Curt Schilling is the first professional athlete to open his own video game studio, Green Monster Games (GMG). Located in Maynard, MA, Schilling's GMG will focus solely on creating massively multiplayer online (MMO) games aimed at the mass market. Schilling has been a passionate gamer for a long, long time and he's decided to spend the second chapter of his career making video games.

Curt will be fat and happy playing his own version of Everquest

Red Sox Land Dice-K And Rockets

2006-12-18T00:31:00.002-05:00

Japanese pitching rockstar and Red Sox #3 starter Daisuke Matzusaka's wife Tomoyo has an interesting nickname: "Rockets". Fire away.

Meanwhile, the Texas Rocket is waiting for the Sox to call, according to his agents, the Hendricks brothers.

-Red Sox Nation

J.D. DONE?

2006-12-17T20:54:00.000-05:00

Drew will get 2nd opinion on bum shoulder at request of the Red Sox-Deal still on hold

NOW THAT THE RED SOX-GLOBE-CARTEL HAS CONFIRMED THE STORY, IT HAS TO BE TRUE. OH, DREW...

Drew's Shoulder Not Strong Enough To Handle Boston?

2006-12-17T20:45:00.000-05:00

While Dice-K and Julio come out to play down by the Olde Ball Yarde, J.D. Drew still hasn't signed that $70 million contract. The Herald's Tony Massarotti reported on Saturday that problems with his physical have held up the contract. Now, other sources are reporting that Drew still has shoulder problems that have caused the Red Sox to request injury/out clauses in the deal. Stay Tuned...

-Red Sox Nation

PLEASE TAMPER BOSTON

2006-12-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

“Actually, most GMs feel it was a stupid sign and they did the Dodgers a favor.”
-An MLB G.M. on the Red Sox, tampering, and J.D. Drew

2006-12-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

SCAAARY!!!

OLDE TOWNE TEAM'S PAYROLL TO EXCEED $150 MILLION THIS SEASON

While we might not agree with a lot of their decisions, we have to agree that the "Out Of Town Owners" deserve a lot of credit here, as they are certainly living up to their promise to at least spend the dough in an attempt to put a competitive product on the field every season.

-RED SOX NATION

RED SOX THROWBACK:NOMAR BEING NOMAR

2006-12-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

This archived Globe article captures the misunderstood Ex-Red Sox star.

LUGO THEO!

2006-12-06T08:51:00.000-05:00

THEO EPSTEIN GETS HIS MAN JULIO DOWN BY THE POOL YARD

Sox pay the going rate in this crazy market for a new shortstop-Let's hop his personal issues are behind him and he only hits the baseball in 2007.

2006-12-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Bill Mueller on J.D.Drew
"I tell you what, he's a great player, a great individual, and a character guy. Any left-handed bat like his, the way he uses the whole field, he could have great success there. Unfortunately for us, he went somewhere else, which is his option. The market is great and he took advantage of it."
-Red Sox Nation

Billy Mueller Loves Sox Signing Of J.D. Drew

2006-12-05T20:20:00.000-05:00

Billy Ballgame is now a member of the Dodger's front office.

HEY THEO: WHO DREW THIS UP?

2006-12-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

J.D./D.L. Drew gets over $70 million from the Dumb Sox

Durable J.D. for $52 million sounds like a steal now, now doesn't it, short sighted Sox management?

Sheigh and J.D. Drew rob Tommy Lasorda

Lance Bass Sings To Tom Brady

2006-12-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

(You Tube Link)
Not That There's Anything Wrong With That

A Schilling For Your Thoughts?

2006-11-30T20:14:00.001-05:00

SCHILLING:

MORE FIRESTARTER THAN FIREMAN IN 2006

ONCE AGAIN, THE SOX ARE LEFT TO DOUSE SCHILLING'S VERBAL FIRE...

Too bad he didn't leave his mouth at home like he did
during the steroid hearings...

Curt On The Microphone Determines

Thoughts And Feelings For Yet Another Teammate...

This time, he tosses Manny out of town.

Jessica Simpson Shows Off Her "Big Papi's" In Sex Tape

2006-11-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Jessica Simpson joins Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson with her very own sex tape! What does this have to do with the Red Sox or Patriots? Absolutely nothing.

THE LOST BOYS

2006-11-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

Ye Of Little Vision:

Meet your caretakers of the Olde Towne Team

EPSTEIN GOES FROM GORILLA IN THE MIDST TO DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS AT THE WINTER MEETINGS.

Theo and Kerry: Two guys whose stock is on the big slide...

Iron J.D. for $52 million? Idiot Go Yankee. J.D. Drew-ciaparra for $70 million? Thank you Scotty, may I have another? He is Nomah without the heart...So why not go get the real thing for a lot less dough?

Dodger waterboy Julio Lugo? We'll just pay him $8-10 million a year and call him "Wil Cordero Lite": A hot head who is another very bad idea in Boston.

Hall of Famer Manny Ramirez? He's now got a relatively palatable deal...So We'll deal him for middle relief help. Brilliant.

YE OF LITTLE RESPECT:

LUCCHINO PLAYS DIRTY LAWYER WITH THE LIONS...YOU DON'T BID AND THEN TRY TO BLACKMAIL THEM INTO A DISCOUNT. DIDN'T YOU LEARN ANYTHING FROM YOUR SABOTAGE OF THE A-ROD DEAL? HOW ABOUT NOMAR AND ARN TELLEM??

Whether it ends up $90 million or $100 million, your risk is still much greater than your reward for the Dice-K.

NOMAR NAMED

2006-11-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

GARCIAPARRA TESTS POSITIVE...

FOR DODGER BLUE AND LOYALTY TOO.

Nomar named Dodgers first baseman for at least the next 2 seasons, as he has re-signed with the Dodgers. Nomar could shift to the outfield or third base, depending on the Dodgers offseason moves.

Yeah, we have a Nomar bias, but still think that Nomar at 1b/3b, or the outfield would have been a smart short term option for the Red Sox over giving $50-60 million to J.D. Drew, who makes Nomar look like Cal Ripken. -Red Sox Nation

Psycho, Part IV

2006-11-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

Steve "Psycho Lyons" could be replacing Trupiano as a radio voice of the Boston Red Sox. He was drafted by the Red Sox out of OSU and did 3 major league tours of duty with the Sox in 9 big league seasons.

NANCY DREW

2006-10-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

“The only thing I didn’t like about that situation (in New England), that was different from this one, I felt like in that instance I was treated dishonestly. In this situation. ... Bill (Parcells) was honest with me. We sat down and had a conversation about it and there was nothing dishonest about it.”
-A Sulking Drew Bledsoe

"So you walk the tightrope. You become a cheerleader who understands his chance of a lifetime always is one play away. The backup has to be a good guy... The one thing you can't do is what (Dallas') Drew Bledsoe did (last Monday against the New York Giants). You can't give the stink eye to the guy playing in front of you."
-Career backup and Ex-Patriot Hugh Millen

We respect Drew Bledsoe as a person (perhaps his best touch pass was on his full page Thank You he put the Globe when he left the Patriots) and as a tough football warrior, but we are disappointed in his whiny handling of this situation. More than ever, Drew needs the perfect offensive line in order to succeed, a situation that doesn't exist in Dallas, or perhaps any place else in the NFL. At 34, his career is at a crossroads, and he may have to accept a backup role somewhere else next season. In order to survive, he must unselfishly play the role of the enabler to a young quarterback, while staying poised enough in this backup role to step in and start if an opportunity presents itself due to a injury or a lack of success, a common scenario in today's NFL...just look at the current situation in Dallas. On second thought, Drew's best chance to start again may in fact be in Dallas...this season. Stay poised Drew.

Manny Ramirez Not In Demand

2006-10-28T14:29:00.000-04:00

"I don't think the Red Sox will trade him unless they get a quality, established pitcher in return," one general manager opined, on the condition of anonymity. "That said, I don't think the supply-demand dynamics work for the Red Sox. There is decent corner bat supply on the market and almost no pitching supply. "Maybe that is why two rookies are starting Game 1 of a World Series. My bet is Manny stays in Boston with perhaps less of a soap opera in the offseason." -Newsday

A Taste Of The Corner Market:

Carlos Lee

Alfonso Soriano

Gary Sheffield (will be dealt)

Moises Alou

Luis Gonzalez

Barry Bonds

Jim Edmonds(buyout likely)

Cliff Floyd

Mike Cameron

-Red Sox Nation

O'Donnel and Karp To Get 17% Of The Red Sox?

2006-10-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

"If the Times, the Globe’s corporate parent, were to sell the struggling broadsheet, would the deal include the New York media giant’s 17 percent stake in the Sox ownership group?
O’Donnell teamed up with Stephen Karp, dean of the Boston retail development community, to wage a fierce campaign to buy the Sox back in 2001. He came close to succeeding, but a deal to join forces with John Henry’s successful bidding group collapsed at the 11th hour. Karp might join O’Donnell in any Globe bid."
-Red Sox Nation

The Rich Tax The Rich

2006-10-28T12:54:00.000-04:00

"Bring back the pornstar moustache Larry." -Red Sox Hub

Bizzaro Larry

"The right way to increase revenue, Larry, is to consistently make the playoffs and win a title or two over the next 5 years." -Red Sox Nation

Here's How: When those confrontational thoughts pop into your head, don't react as you normally would. Instead, utilize a restrained perspective. Simply follow the lead of front office legend George Costanza, who changed his life when he lived by the rule of "The Opposite." As proven by that Seinfeldesque October, 2005 Espteinsode "Gorillas In The Fens", and the resulting disasterous 2006 Red Sox season, it certainly can't hurt, and it will likely help a great deal. There is no doubt that you are are brilliant businessman and legal mind, so a little less ego and a little more cerebrum could keep ticket prices down and revenue up.
-RED SOX HUB

Red Sox Fan Platt Does The Boss

2006-10-26T23:22:00.000-04:00

Boston Red Sox fan OLIVER PLATT had to call on all his acting expertise for his latest TV mini-series role - as iconic New York Yankees owner GEORGE STEINBRENNER.Like most Red Sox fans, Platt hates the team's New York baseball rivals and was staggered when he was asked to play Steinbrenner in new series THE BRONX IS BURNING.But Platt admits playing the Yankees' tough guy boss gave him a new-found respect for the baseball bigwig.He says, "Steinbrenner makes it easy to do a caricature, but I'm profoundly impressed by what he has accomplished."

Bill Belichicken?

2006-10-21T15:09:00.000-04:00

No, Not really. But maybe a rubber chicken in Bill Polian's soup.

Classic.
That’s about the only way to describe the bit of tweaking the Patriots sent the way of combustible Indianapolis president Bill Polian this week.
The Pats have asked the NFL to make sure that Polian doesn’t endanger the physical safety of team personnel when the Colts play at Gillette Stadium Nov. 5. The request came after Polian reportedly grabbed a Jets official by the lapels three weeks ago and threw him into a wall at Giants Stadium. Polian’s beef was apparently over the fact that the Jets were pointing loudspeakers at the Colts bench. -Herald Scoop

"Bill Belichick is funny like a clown. Check out his cameo in Dennis Leary's hit show 'Rescue Me'...http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter/index.cfm?ac=VideoNewsdetail&pid=20687&pcid=111My favorite sport is Lacrosse? Bill is here to win Super Bowls and to amuse you. Now go get your shine box, Polian" -Patriots Hub

Rodney Is NFL's "Dirty Dog"

2006-10-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

"Rodney Harrison is a guy that you love when he is on your team but hate when he is the opposition." -Patriots Hub

“Do I take perverse pride in this?All I can say is as many guys as say I’m a dirty player, just as many come up and tell me they admire how I play, the hard work, the commitment, the toughness. That’s the pride you’re looking for. I take pride in that.
But dirty? I don’t think you guys can look in my eyes and say I’m a dirty player.”

-Defensive "Pervert" Rodney Harrison

The Curse Of The Billy Goat

2006-10-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

Shocking Buckner Discovery 20 years later...

Buckner's error wasn't his fault, nor was it the Babe's. It was the Cub's fault!!!

What are the odds that "The Curse of the Billy Goat" would be befall Boston's best known Billy Goat? Craziness. In curse terms, the curse has been doubled up on the poor Cubbies.

You're screwed, Sweet Lou.

DIRTY BOMB THREAT HITS NFL

2006-10-18T21:11:00.000-04:00

Plot threatens to hit 7 NFL stadiums this weekend. Case in point as to why the government must be able to monitor suspicious phone and email correspondence.

2006-10-13T22:02:00.000-04:00

"No, you won't see me anywhere near that movie, I just do comedy."
-- Pats coach Bill Belichick on the upcoming football movie, The Game Plan, which is shooting scenes at Gillette Stadium this week

Glass Nomar

2006-10-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

Now, it's a tear in his quad. As much as we respect the way Nomar plays the game and hits in the clutch, he has clearly proven to be too big an injury risk for any sort of longterm deal, at least one that doesn't have clauses for games played. A healthy Nomar would have been a nice RH bat option in LF or 1b for the Sox in 2007, but that player seems to be long gone.

2006-10-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

Don't hide behind the injuries, Theo.
This dumb move was only your first of many in 2006...

"Everything that could go wrong did go wrong, to an extent that I've never seen before and probably was close to unprecedented in modern baseball."
-- Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on the team's second-half decline

Red Sox Nation Speaks:

The loss of significant scouting, development, and senior advisor guys such as David Chadd and Bill Lajoie, who couldn't stand the bickering between Theo and Larry and fled to the Tigers and Dodgers respectively, had a huge effect on the fortunes of the 2006 Red Sox. Most of this can be blamed on the childish behavior of Theo and Lucchino, and the lack of action of owners John W. Henry and Tom Werner, and the blubbery mouth of Lucchino henchman/Dentist Charles Steinberg. Yes, the Sox were hit by a huge amount of injuries, but the team was fatally flawed going into the season with old and shaky starting pitching and a suspect bullpen. The swoon started in June, not after the trading deadline, Gorilla boy.

2006-10-05T19:05:00.001-04:00

(internet photo)
A-Rod On His Way To Boston

2006-10-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

It's A Cub's Life For Tito?
"Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona is far from being on the hot seat, but many observers -- some connected to the Cubs -- say they wouldn't be surprised if there was an offseason showdown between Francona and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein.
Francona, who signed a two-year extension in March, took the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2004 but has butted heads at times this season with Epstein. Considering the rocky situation facing the Red Sox' front office last offseason -- when Epstein shocked fans by quitting, then eventually returning -- there is no such thing as business as usual. That could be especially true this offseason for the Red Sox, who are due for some sort of shake-up after failing to reach the postseason for the first time since 2002.
Francona, 47, was a backup outfielder/first baseman for the Cubs in 1986 and has inside knowledge of what it's like to play day baseball at Wrigley Field. He has managed in Philadelphia (1997-2000) and Boston, so he would be comfortable with the smothering Chicago media. "

2006-10-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

THEO: MASTER OF THE OBVIOUS
"We have to get better with our personnel decisions,' he said. 'There's no secret or magic formula. But our personnel decisions have to be better."
-Theo "Who Is Buried In Grant's Tomb?" Epstein

2006-10-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

NIXON FOR PRESIDENT
Trot does everything the right way:

“It’s a situation where I hope I have an opportunity to come back, I really do. I love this organization, I love the city, I love the people, and if it doesn’t work out, maybe there’s an opportunity later in my career in the next couple years where I can come back and be a part of this organization, if I’m not playing every day. Obviously, I’d love to play my entire career with one team.”
-TROT ON BOSTON

“Maybe (the fans) will pick up the paper and read how much it truly means to me, the eight years I’ve been here. There were a few times I struggled (keeping my emotions) because this is the only organization I’ve ever known. I didn’t want to break down, but I really do care about this organization, I really do care about this town. This town has been unbelievable for my family and I. I’m going to look forward to what the future has in store for me and my family. Obviously, if I’m not here next year, a lot of these guys I’ve played with are going to be on my mind. This is not going to be a situation where I hold any ill-will or upset with the organization because maybe they don’t want me. It’s professional sports. You’re going to have turnover.”
-Free Agent Trot Nixon

RED SOX HUB BUB:
When a free agent openly pines for returning, they knowingly give up leverage. Rather than taking advantage like a shark, the Sox need to reach out and get a fair deal done. Wily Mo Pena is a butcher in RF, and Manny's future is uncertain. Signing Nixon to a 1 to 2 year, fair-fair market deal makes sense for both sides.

Grim News on Martínez: Rotator-Cuff Surgery Looms - The New York Times

2006-09-30T23:03:00.000-04:00

Grim News on Martínez: Rotator-Cuff Surgery Looms - The New York Times
The Times says Pedro won't throw until June...Could be back after the All-Star Break

2006-09-30T22:59:00.000-04:00

Rotator Cuff Surgery will keep Pedro Martinez out 8 months
Looks like the Sox brass gauged this one right. Best wishes to Petey.

2006-09-30T11:29:00.000-04:00

Did We Give Up When The Bears Bombed Keith Foulke??

John W. Henry: Bears???...
Theo: Let it go...He's Rolling
Tito:Forget the Bears; It's a Cubs life for me in 2007

"I want to be out there, and I want to pitch in 85 ballgames a year, 100 innings. If I can get myself in shape to do that, then I'll come back. If I'm sitting around my house drinking beer, I'll take it to the house. I'll stay there." -Bluto Foulke

Red Sox Hub Bub:
Uhmm, Foulkey, you might want to leave the beer out of your training regimen.

2006-09-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

Retirement on Foulke's mind
Johnny from BK says: "Now that's a whopper of a statement...You want fries with that 84 mph fastball, Foulkey?"
"My contract status, right now, I could care less about it. I might retire. I don't know. It's a big option. If I can't have fun playing this game, if I don't have the motivation to prepare, you know, as far as strength and training and all that. I'm not going to be a middle bullpen, 5 ERA guy. Either I can come back and be a dominant pitcher, or I'll take it to the house." -Foulkey from Fenway

2006-09-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

TROT TROT TO BOSTON IN 2007???
Red Sox Hub Bub:
Nixon belongs in a Red Sox uniform. He needs to be reasonable, and Henry/Werner/Lucchino need to stop playing lowball games with Sox mainstays.

"I don't think the door is already closed (from the Sox' point of view), but I don't know how far it's open. That's something the organization and my agent will talk about...The contract situation is out of my hands and in God's hands. That's the only way I look at it. I may have a lot of options. I may not have a lot." -Trot on staying in Boston

Nixon on Thursday was named along with his wife Kathryn as winners of the Ernie Tavilla Award, given for a demonstration of outstanding character and leadership on the field and in the community by Athletes in Action New England, an interdenominational Christian sports ministry.
This has not been Nixon's best year, he acknowledges. He was hitting close to .300 for most of the year before a right biceps strain knocked him out of action from July 30 until Sept. 4. Since then, his average has been steadily declining. He was at .270 before last night's game.
'My confidence hasn't been all there, and it's not the uncertainty of next year. I just haven't been feeling good at the plate since I came back,' said Nixon. 'Anyone who doesn't have a contract wants to go out and play well enough to force someone to give you a (new) contract by being healthy and having a good season. But that will take care of itself.'
For now, Nixon will just be trying to get through the last two games.
Nixon, the Sox' first-round pick (seventh overall) in 1993 after a standout high school career in Wilmington, N.C., isn't ready to call it quits in Boston just yet. He will prepare himself to help the team win these last two games because, above all, he has been a team-oriented player in Boston ever since manager Jimy Williams stuck with him during a rough start to his Boston career." -PROJO

2006-09-30T09:03:00.000-04:00

YO-YO JULIAN
Tavarez entertains with flakiness on and off the field, his latest a crazy dive from the mound into 2nd base in an attempt to tag out Brian Roberts.

“I got them (at second base), I got them at first base and third base, too, and in the winter leagues, too,” said Tavarez about his unorthodox and unassisted pickoff sprint. “That’s why they call me ‘Yo-Yo.’ They think I’m crazy. Wild guy. I’m wild out there. I have to wait five, six days to pitch, I have so much energy out there, I’m too focused on the game. A lot of guys, it works for them to laugh and smile - I don’t like that. Everyone’s different. I can’t smile out there. I can’t smile, I’m too serious about my game.”
Tavarez said he had been trying to get the attention of Dustin Pedroia but the rookie shortstop was too busy chatting up Roberts. That irked Tavarez, who had created a jam and wanted his shortstop’s help to get out of it.
“Since I couldn’t get Pedroia’s attention I thought about doing it myself,” Tavarez said.

Red Sox Nation Speaks:

At least somebody still gives a crap about winning...Manny.

2006-09-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

Sox Spin, Doctors At Their Worst During 2006 Collapse

Dr. Bill Morgan and his staff were dumped for Tom Gill and his New Red Sox Medical Group, rumored to be in the name of (SURPRISE!) profits. Result: A record number of player injuries, mismanagement, and misdiagnosis of key players, with the lowlight being a big whiff on Matt Clement's shredded shoulder. How do you miss 3 separate, major injuries in one shoulder?

In other news, the Sox continue their trend of mistreatment of longtime employees. This time, it is a key off the field contributor, as they decide to treat longtime radio broadcaster Jerry Trupiano "Waay Bad".

Off the field, longtime radio broadcaster Jerry Trupiano was seething over a report in the Boston Herald that said he has been told he will not be back next season, with former Sox public relations boss Glenn Geffner replacing him. “A bald-faced, (expletive) lie,” Trupiano said, adding that he has not heard one way or another if he will be return. Trupiano was also angry with part of the Herald story that had him saying, “Way back…way back…foul ball.” “I’ll put my accuracy up against anybody in baseball’s,” Trupiano said.

2006-09-21T15:07:00.000-04:00

Patriots Hit Rookie Paydirt

ACTION JACKSON AND LORD MARONEY

2006-09-21T13:44:00.000-04:00

Doug "Jimmy" Mirabelli

``These guys have seen me around here a lot. To be taken so literally on some occasions was unfortunate. I don't apologize for wanting to come back here to Boston. I do apologize for the fact that if he has that strong of an opinion of Doug Mirabelli over a month or two months of time, I didn't do my job as a player or a person. I wouldn't want that opinion of me by anybody. That's not the perception of Doug Mirabelli that I would want anywhere."

Red Sox Nation Speaks:
'Cause Jimmy's pretty sweet on you. Jimmy's down! Jimmy holds grudges Kramer!

2006-09-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

FENWAY SUCKS
RED SOX FANS GET FLEECED, AND SPEAK OUT
(MLB - Fan Value Index: Boston Red Sox)

2006-09-20T20:59:00.000-04:00

HERE'S THE ARTICLE THAT EVERYONE'S TAULKIN' ABOUT:
SI.com - Magazine - A-Rod Lightning Rod In New York
Yankees Call Out Alex Rodriguez

"I can't help that I'm a bright person. I know that's not a great quote to give, but I can't pretend to play dumb and stupid." -AROD, August 2006

"(ARod's)displaying "a false confidence,"
-New York first baseman Jason Giambalco

Before Giambi went to Torre, he had scolded Rodriguez after a 13-5 win in Boston on Aug. 19. Irked that Rodriguez left four runners on base in the first three innings against a shaky Josh Beckett, Giambi thought A-Rod needed to be challenged. "We're all rooting for you and we're behind you 100 percent," Giambi recalls telling Rodriguez, "but you've got to get the big hit."
"What do you mean?" was Rodriguez's response, according to Giambi. "I've had five hits in Boston."
"You f------ call those hits?" "You had two f------ dinkers to rightfield and a ball that bounced over the third baseman! Look at how many pitches you missed!
"When you hit three, four or five [in the order], you have to get the big hits, especially if they're going to walk Bobby [Abreu] and me. I'll help you out until you get going. I'll look to drive in runs when they pitch around me, go after that 3-and-1 pitch that might be a ball. But if they're going to walk Bobby and me, you're going to have to be the guy." -Giambi to AROD

"One day last month, wading into that current, I asked Rodriguez whom he has relied on most during his difficult summer. He first mentioned Cynthia. "

But to whom has he turned on this Yankees team?
He looked down and thought in silence. Ten seconds passed.
Finally he said, 'Rob Thomson.' Thomson is the team's special-assignment coach who throws batting practice.
'And Mo. Mariano is the best. Those three.'
And that was it."

2006-09-20T20:57:00.000-04:00

Yankees Calling Out A-Rod
Giambi To Torre: "Stop Coddling A-Rod."
Red Sox Nation Speaks:
Unless Alex Rodriguez produces in the 2006 postseason, this will be his last season in Yankee pinstripes. The Angels are looking to make a splash, as owner Artie Moreno is tired of waiting for young players like McPherson and Kotchman to succeed. Moreno also loves having hispanic players play for the Angels, an area with a large hispanic community. A-Rod makes sense for the Angels, and could give the Yankees top young talent in return. This is a fit.

2006-09-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

Meet Your Newest Celtic
No A.I., but we do have a Pittsnogle
At home in West Virginia:
"'I grew up in a trailer park. I used to shoot all day on a gravel court. You couldn't dribble because the rocks made the ball go the opposite way. So I would just shoot, you know, all day. We'd go out at 9 in the morning and come back at 9 at night. We never stopped, except to ride bikes and get drinks...My family is from West Virginia from way back. I love my state and I love representing my state on my team. That's all I can really say about that."

2006-09-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

Tiger Woods and Doug Mirabelli Fight Back Against Character assassination

"This is my character that he's attacking. I don't think anybody deserves that . . . I find it very bad business as a GM to come public with details of a private conversation we had behind closed doors."
-Doug Mirabelli defends himself against Kevin Towers's barrage

SAN DIEGO: BOSTON'S INBRED RELATIVE

The Headline: "Ryder Cup Filth for Dublin?"
"Most American golfers are married to women who cannot keep their clothes on in public. Is it too much to ask that they leave them at home for the Ryder Cup?" The article continues, "Consider the evidence. Tiger Woods' wife can be found in a variety of sweaty poses on porn sites." "Ryder Cup Filth for Dublin?"
-The Dubliner Magazine

"My wife, yes, she has been a model prior, and she did do some bikini photos. But to link her to porn Web sites and such is unacceptable, and I do not accept that at all. Neither does our team....I know the media can be a little bit difficult at times, but when you ... it's hard to be very diplomatic about this when you have so much emotion involved, when my wife is involved in this. As I said, I don't want that to deter from the beauty of this event."
-Tiger Woods comes to the defense of Wife Ellen Nordegren.

http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5435419&nav=0nqx

2006-09-19T16:38:00.000-04:00

DOUG "Cadillac" MIRABELLI
The Pacer shaped backup catcher likes it his way

"“He called (Dave) Roberts (when Mirabelli was traded) and said, 'I guess I'm getting called back to the big leagues,' ” Towers said before Monday's game with the Dodgers. “I'm glad I didn't hear that. . . . I don't miss him. These guys don't miss him.” "

“He was (upset) when we got Piazza,” Towers said. “ . . . He was (upset) because Rob Bowen was hitting in a group with Piazza and it should have been him. . . .

“The Sunday before the trade, Mirabelli was calling my phone like 5-6 in the morning. I finally get to (Petco) Park . . . I get into the clubhouse and he says, 'KT, can we have some private time?' ”
When they were alone, Towers said, Mirabelli told him the Padres might want to start Bowen behind the plate against the Dodgers that day, “because I'm not focused on the game.”

“I said, 'What?' ” Towers recalled. “He said, 'My boys, the (Red) Sox have been calling me. I got to tell you, it's all I watch on TV; all I think about is the Red Sox. Do me a favor and you guys a favor (and make a deal).”

Bard was then leading the major leagues with 10 passed balls, unable to come to grips with Wakefield's knuckleball. The Red Sox were desperate to bring Mirabelli back to Boston. But the last thing Towers wanted to do was accommodate a player whom he considered a pain.

“I said, 'You're (expletive) catching today,' ” Towers said. “ 'Theo (Epstein) ain't paying you. I'm paying you.' . . . Then in the worst way, I wanted to trade him to the Yankees. In the worst way.”

Red Sox Nation Says:
If this were the other way around, Sox fans would be up in arms, and this guy would be enemy #1. Instead, we got a guy who either couldn't resist the Chalupa at 3am, or radically changed his "regimen" before the 2006 season. A fat, slow, overpaid backup catcher who can't hit his weight (He is well beyond 183 pounds)is our Red Sox reality, while Bard and Cla Meredith thrive in San Diego. Sorry to be so harsh, but better to face reality than to live in denial. I wish the arrogant Mirabelli (rumor has it that it was his primadonna attitude that got him out of Boston in the first place) would take this advice to heart. What gives you the right, Douggie?

2006-09-19T08:15:00.000-04:00

WHILE PAPI AND CO. PLAY (OR SIT ON THER MANNY'S), EX-SOX PLAY MEANINGFUL BASEBALL...NOMAR...LOWE...ROBERTS...CLA...SELE...BELLHORN...BARD...
"Los Angeles hit four consecutive homers in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game, and Nomar Garciaparra's two-run homer in the 10th lifted the Dodgers to an 11-10 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night and back into first place in the NL West. "

2006-09-06T22:25:00.000-04:00

OH, NO-NO THEO...

THEO GETS A DIRTY SANCHEZ AS ACE ANIBAL

THROWS A NO-HITTER

WHY CAN'T WE GET PLAYERS LIKE THIS?!!!:
"Florida acquired Sanchez last November in the trade that sent Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell to the Boston Red Sox. He went 3-6 this season for Double-A Carolina before joining the Marlins, and on June 25 became the second starting pitcher in 10 seasons to win his major-league debut as a visitor at Yankee Stadium."

RED SOX NATION SPEAKS:

Hindsight is 20/20, but in this case Theo and the Red Sox must feel a blinding pain from getting burned, at least by the early returns of this deal. While Josh Beckett has set records for giving up homeruns this season, Hanley Ramirez has already become one of the best shortstops in baseball, hitting around .290 with 13 homers and 44 stolen bases. The sky is the limit. Sanchez, considered the B player in the deal, has continued where he left off in the Sox minor league system, and looks like a top of the rotation starter. These two guys make the minimum, while Beckett will make over $10 million a year for the next 3 years. Ouch.

BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: The Ex-files: Red Sox refugees

2006-09-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox: The Ex-files: Red Sox refugees
The Los Angeles Dodgers were headed toward the 13th inning when Derek Lowe got up from his seat in the dugout on Tuesday night. The pitcher then strolled up to manager Grady Little and told him he was available to pitch if the Dodgers needed him.

Little took Lowe up on the offer.

Not much later, Lowe had given the Dodgers three full innings en route to his 12th win of the season as Los Angeles posted a critical 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds in the nip-and-tuck National League playoff race.

Unusual? Hardly. Blessed with a resilient arm during his career with the Red Sox, Lowe both started and relieved during his career in Boston. He did both during the club’s 2003 American League Division Series against the Oakland A’s, starting Game 3 and closing Game 5 as the Sox overcame a 2-0 series deficit to advance to the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees.

This type of guts and performance is what the Sox have been lacking all season, and why they were never really serious contenders in 2006. This organization needs to get back to looking at the total player; This team overvalues statistics and severely underrates the mental aspect of the sport, the major aspect that separates champions from chumps. Matt Clement versus Derek Lowe. ARod versus Derek Jeter. Case closed.strong>

2006-08-31T11:24:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-31T00:48:00.000-04:00
Opinion: Red Sox might not be contenders for awhile

2006-08-28T17:26:00.000-04:00
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

2006-08-28T17:22:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-28T17:18:00.000-04:00
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"

2006-08-28T11:31:00.000-04:00
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."
(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.

Patriots give Branch week to seek trade - NFL - MSNBC.com

2006-08-25T19:56:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-23T21:52:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-23T21:36:00.000-04:00
David Ortiz Rises To The Occasion
Dominican Erectile Dysfunction Commercial

2006-08-23T12:06:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-08-23T11:44:00.000-04:00

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?

2006-08-22T20:59:00.000-04:00

MAN-CHILD:
"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.

2006-08-22T20:44:00.000-04:00

Mark Fidrych WIKI

2006-08-22T09:25:00.000-04:00

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.

New York Daily News - Yankees - Mike Lupica: Bombers' best not buddies

2006-08-21T11:23:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-21T11:08:00.000-04:00
"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

2006-08-18T01:07:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-08-15T20:44:00.000-04:00
Mark Fidrych WIKI

WORD TO BIG BIRD-Fidrych Joins Sox (1982)

2006-08-15T19:59:00.000-04:00

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.

2006-08-04T20:56:00.000-04:00
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. "

2006-08-04T17:35:00.000-04:00
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.

2006-08-04T17:20:00.000-04:00
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.'"

2006-08-02T01:24:00.000-04:00

Pregnant Sch'dy woman dies at Red Sox game
Our thoughts and prayers to the Quickenton family.

2006-08-02T00:48:00.000-04:00
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.

THEO CAN'T DANCE

2006-08-01T08:54:00.000-04:00
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

Red Sox Trade Rumors

2006-07-31T14:30:00.000-04:00

RED SOX HUB TRADE RUMOR CENTRAL
Trade Deadline is 4 p.m. EST

The Red Sox are attempting to strike a three-way deal with the Rockies and Padres, with third baseman Mike Lowell shipped out of town and first baseman Ryan Shealy arriving here from Colorado. The Sox also would presumably obtain a more-than-reputable starter.

Another name to keep in mind as a trade option today is San Francisco right-hander Jason Schmidt, who, according to multiple sources, was being made available by the Giants.

Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox starter David Pauley also was mentioned as part of the Red Sox’ trade packages-primarily to the Rockies.

According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox are discussing a deal with Tampa Bay and San Diego that would bring Devil Rays infielder Julio Lugo and Padres setup man Scott Linebrink to Boston, with Mike Lowell going to the Padres. The Devil Rays presumably would get prospects from one or both clubs.

A baseball source says that Roy Oswalt is likely to not be traded, and that the Astros are shopping him to assess his market value, ESPN The Magazine's Amy Nelson reports.
The Astros have had preliminary discussions about a contract extension in the last week with Oswalt, and since then have begun shopping the right-hander to gauge his long-term value.
The Mets, Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles all have expressed interest in Oswalt.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported that the Red Sox and the Braves have talked about a deal that would send Andruw Jones to Boston for Coco Crisp, Craig Hansen and a prospect.
But according to an executive familiar with the discussions, the Braves made a counter offer, asking for Jon Lester to be the third player. The Sox have since countered with offers of prospects both to Atlanta and in return as part of the deal.

THE YANKEES ARE AN 80’s THROWBACK

Alex Cora is one Sox player who isn’t convinced Abreu and Lidle will turn the Yankees into champions.
“I just don’t know,” he said. “We’ll have to wait two months and see what happens. They were in Philly, and the Phillies are in last place, so, you know?”

2006-07-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

A-Rod this season has had 55 at-bats in close and late situations. He is hitting .182 with 16 strikeouts. With less than two outs and a runner on third, he’s hitting .250 with eight Ks...

The Nation Speaks:
A-Rod single handedly has made Bill James rethink the concept of "clutch." The only cure for this choking appears to be what we will call the "A-Rod Maneuver": Get him out of town, and your team will get better.

THE A-ROD MANEUVER
Instructions:
Remain calm...pick up the phone...dial Jim Bowden... make a 3-way deal that sends A-Rod to D.C. for Soriano and pitching.
-RED SOX NATION
.

2006-07-23T09:24:00.000-04:00

FENWAY FRANK
Vacation to Camden Yards doesn't cost much more than Fenway foray

According to the 2006 fan cost index by Chicago-based Team Marketing Report, the full Fenway Monty costs about $288 for a family of four, including tickets, beer, sodas, hot dogs, parking, a program and a team cap. It would cost a family of four Red Sox fans only $200 more to see their team play at Camden Yards in Baltimore than it does to catch them at Fenway Park.

But for that price - about $500 - you get face-value tickets, a warm bed, a complimentary beverage and bag of peanuts on the plane, along with hot dogs, beers, sodas, a program and a souvenir at the ballpark.

Such are the stratospheric heights a day, or night, at Fenway has reached - the most expensive in the major leagues.

THE NATION SPEAKS:
On the bright side, you get more leg room on a Delta flight to Baltimore than you get in the Grandstand at Fenway Park, and once you actually get there, the seats are spacious, the sitelines fantastic, and beer, beer, beer...oh yeah, and food, is delivered directly to your spacious seat. Did I mention that they bring the beer right to your seat?
Camden Even Has Kevin

If you have the means, Cameron, I highly recommend Camden.

-Ferris Fenway

BLUE BALLS

2006-07-21T11:49:00.000-04:00
For Better or Worse:
Old Friend Shea speaks his mind, gets himself thrown out of Toronto.
"You've Got Some Big Ones, My Friend."

JUST WALK AWAY SHEA
JAYS MANAGER GIBBONS CHALLENGED HILLENBRAND TO A FIGHT; SHEA REFUSES TO SIT IN THE DUGOUT IF HE ISN'T IN THE LINEUP
Hillenbrand had been upset because he felt the Blue Jays were not sensitive that he needed several days to complete the adoption of a baby girl on the West Coast over the weekend. The designated hitter and corner infielder was not in the starting lineup when he returned.
Earlier Wednesday, Hillenbrand wrote 'play for yourself' on a board the Blue Jays use to post batting practice times. He later wrote the 'ship was sinking' and Gibbons confronted him.

Shea wouldn't just sit around for the Blue Jays...
So now he can kick back and relax for the next 10 days,
as he is designated for assignment.

"Gibby called a team meeting and then he stood up and reamed me out in front of my teammates. "He challenged me to a fight, and wanted me to get up and punch him in the face...I'm very disappointed about what he did and I find it very unprofessional."-DFA JAY SHEA

"He had a chance yesterday to defend himself in front of his coaches and his teammates. He chose not to." -Jays Skipper John Gibbons

Ricciardi said he wasn't surprised by Hillenbrand's behavior: Hillenbrand once called Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein a (Quote/Slur) "Fag."

"He made some pretty disparaging remarks when he left Boston. I don't think people forgot that."-Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi
THE NATION SPEAKS:
While it is doubtful that Ricciardi would trade Shea to a contender within the division, acquiring the versatile Hillenbrand could allow the Sox to make a move for pitching with a Kevin Youkilis, Wily Mo Pena, or the suddenly trade valued Mike Lowell. The rumored deal of Youkilis and prospects to the A's for free agent to be Barry Zito would make a lot of sense for the Sox, especially if they had Shea to play everyday at first base. Ideally, a deal involving Mike Lowell for pitching makes the most sense; A deal of Lowell, cash, and likely a prospect for Padres starter Jason Peavy, who is being well paid and has been a mild disappointment for the San Diego, is also a decent national rumor. Youkilis at 3b, Shea at 1b, and Peavy in the rotation makes the Red Sox a much improved team. More likely, the Sox would be getting Peavy and Ryan Klesko in the deal, as the Padres want to dump Klesko's salary.
-RED SOX NATION