Umpires Are LIVID Over Commisioner Office's Questions...And They're Right!

Hello on this cold and dark Thursday, the last Thursday of January. I came across an article this morning from the AP, and I was floored. Literally shocked and confused. Here's why. The commisioner's office of security has been going door to door to some of the major league umpires' hometown neighbors and asking RIDICULOUS questions. Here's a bit of that very article, and then boy oh boy, will I be back with some comments. Just try and stop me! Here you go...

NEW YORK (AP) -- "Umpires are livid that Major League Baseball has sent investigators to their hometowns, asking neighbors a series of questions that include whether the ump belongs to the Ku Klux Klan.
"The questions that we found out are being asked are about beating wives, marijuana use and extravagant parties," World Umpires Association president John Hirschbeck said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "And then finally with this whole thing about the Ku Klux Klan.
"You get someone from security, shows his credentials and starts asking these kind of questions, and right away what's the neighbor going to think other than the umpire is in trouble, he's done something wrong and he's going to lose his job."
Hirschbeck and union spokesman Lamell McMorris said Tom Christopher, the Milwaukee-based supervisor of security and investigations in the commissioner's office, had asked questions about Klan membership to neighbors of umpires Greg Gibson and Sam Holbrook, who reside in Kentucky. In addition, Hirschbeck said similar questions had been asked to neighbors of umpire Ron Kulpa, who lives in suburban St. Louis."

Peter here again...what the heck is going on here? This is the first time I've ever heard of these shenanigans by the office of the commish, and it seems to me to be a complete bashing of the umpires' personal rights. I'm not a lawyer, but ANYONE with a head on their shoulders can see that the umpires' Constitutional freedoms have been compromised. Not only have the umps' personal freedom guarantees been totally annhililated, but at the same time, remember this. What will the neighbors think? If this happened to me without a shred of evidence damning me in the first place, I'd have my lawyers speaking for me. And their comments would be directed to Mr. Bud Selig, Mr. Looney Tunes himself, just to find out the reason(s) why this has happened. Imagine if a security agent was canvassing YOUR friends and neighbors and asking them insane and baseless questions about you.

So...do any of you have any ideas? I'd love to hear them. I'd also like to hear what you think...are you as stunned and surprised as I am? Please leave those thoughts in the comment section, and I will read them and try to respond to them as quickly as I can. And I linked the entire AP article...all you have to do is click on the title of this post. It was too lengthy to run in its entirety. As always, my Constant Readers, have a great Thursday. Spring training is approaching every one of us on winged feet.

Oh, I wanted to wish NOLAN RYAN a happy and healthy 61st birthday. Live long and prosper, Mr. No Hitter. And as always, my friends, BE WELL. Don't forget to click on that title! Thanks for stopping in yet again. I appreciate it so very much. And I always will.

Mets Land Santana...Bye Bye Tina C.

It looks like Johan Santana will be pitching for the New York Mets next season. The Twins apparently did not want to face the lefthander during the regular season (think of the boos from the fans!), so even though the Mets offer was not as strong as those of the Red Sox and the Yankees, Minnesota accepted it. The Mets have until Friday to sign the southpaw, and he must go through the formality of taking a physical, but neither will impede the deal in ANY way. This automatically makes the Mets the favorite to take the NL East, if not the National League pennant itself. And the fact that Santana did not go to that other New York team, you know, the ones who wear pinstripes, makes me a happy guy. The Mets NEEDED Johan Santana. The Yankees and the Red Sox WANTED him. There's quite a difference. Going to Minnesota will be the Mets' number two overall prospect, pitcher Deolis Guerra, and righthanders Phillip Humber and Kevin Mulvey. Centerfielder Carlos Gomez rounds out the quartet of young talent.

In Boston Red Sox news, on-the-field reporter Tina Cervasio will be leaving Boston when her NESN contract expires in March. She's from New Jersey and wanted to be closer to her family. Of course, we wish her all the good luck in the world. She'll do a great job wherever she lands. And she will land on her feet...we ALL know that!

Click on the title of this post for the Boston Globe's Gordon Edes' great article on the end of the Santana wheelings and dealings. Have a great Hump Day Wednesday, my Constant Readers (thank you Stephen King), as we start our slide towards the weekend. And as always, BE WELL.

The Boston Globe PRESELLS History? It Sure Looks Like It...

Happy Tuesday! I came across this article at the Yardbarker dot com sports website, and I had a good laugh. Here it is, and then I'll be back with a comment. Remember, these are Gordon Edes' words, not mine. But he IS one of my favorite sportswriters...

***Boston Globe Pre-Selling***

"Not the way I wanted to start my day. I know I'm sounding paranoid here, but I do believe fully in karma when it comes to sports. I don't bet on my teams (their winning is joy enough) and I don't like to talk sh*t before a game... I don't even rub it in after (well, unless its the Colts, Jets and of course, the Yankees).
So you can see why I'm a tad disappointed and upset by an email I got from Amazon.com stating that, "19-0: The Historical Championship Season of New England's Unbeatable Patriots" by the Boston Globe was now available for pre-order.
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600781500/ref=pe_snp_500).
I got the email because I have previously purchased Red Sox championship collections from the Globe -- they are a great way to re-live the glory days. One thing was different though -- THEY DIDN'T START SELLING IT UNTIL AFTER THE SOX WON THE DAMN WORLD SERIES."
******
Peter here. Are you superstitious? I guess the brain trust of the Boston Globe isn't. The New England Patriots have been installed as overwhelming favorites, to no one's surpise, as the "blue flu" bug marches through the entire New York Giants team. I'm sure those who are affected will rebound in plenty of time for the "big game." But needless to say, a 19-0 season would be unprecedently sweet, even though it HASN'T HAPPENED YET! Talk about jumping the gun...my goodness!

In baseball news, that genius who goes by the name of Chuck Knoblauch has replied to the Congressional committee and has agreed to appear before them to "tell the truth and nothing but the truth." Just the fact that he failed to reply to their inquiries and had to force them to file an arrest warrant makes him look guilty as sin. He knows it. We know it. Congress knows it. THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS IT!!! And I'm so glad I don't walk in his shoes.

Hey, enjoy your Tuesday, which promises to be a warm one here in north central Connecticut. High temperatures will be in the middle 40s, and the strength of the sun's rays is becoming more and more noticible as the days fly by, quickly turning late January into early February. Before we know it, March will be staring us right in the face, and that means one thing to me...SPRING TRAINING & BASEBALL 2008. So hold on to your hats and wait for that wild ride to begin. The Red Sox are THE favorites to take it all yet again, but I've learned one important thing when it comes to a six month season...ANYTHING can happen, and probably will.

Oh, I almost forgot. Click on the title of this post for a Boston Globe "Extra Bases" blog article that details the Red Sox signing of reliever David Aardsma. And as always, BE WELL. Forever.

Johan Santana Deal Happening Soon! I'm Confused!!

I was perusing the sports sites this morning in preparation for this post and came upon something very interesting. And we all knew it was going to happen...sooner or later. Well, now IS later. Here is the ESPN blurb, and then I'll be back with some comments...

"There is lots of Twins-related news this Sunday morning. First, Charley Waters, columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, writes today that a Johan Santana deal is expected to come down within 10 days. He has been dead on in forecasting forthcoming Twins machinations, so after weeks and weeks of start-up talks and lingering talks and pending talks and non-stop talks, we could view this as a two-minute warning in this whole Santana conversation. You can read pretty clearly between the lines of Waters' piece about who is saying what.
I also heard from a couple of sources that Boston has taken Jon Lester off the table, for good, in the Santana trade discussions."

Peter here, and now I'm a little confused. If the Red Sox have taken Lester off the table, does this mean that the Ellsbury package is still ON the table. Or are the Sox out of the "competition" and the likely dealmaker will be the Mets? Or the Yankees. The Yankees have said they will not part with ANY of their young pitching talent, so they would seem, accent on SEEM, to be out of it. The Mets think they have been used as pawns since day one. So, hmmm. I don't know WHAT to think. It happens sometimes. Often, in fact. Hey, it's early Monday morning. I'm forgiven, right? We'll all have to wait on this one, and it surely looks like it won't be a long wait. If obtaining Santana's services would mean parting with Jacoby Ellsbury, I say this. Think twice, Sox front office. But with Coco waiting to be the starting centerfielder, the Red Sox might be thinking differently. And with Jon Lester off the table, well, you can see why I'm confused,

Confusion aside, and yes, it is, for the moment, I hope your weekend was great and the coming week will be a good one. Click on the title for SI dot com's John Heyman's THE DAILY SCOOP, with details of a possible blockbuster deal between the Orioles and the Mariners. The object of Seattle's desire? None other than Baltimore's excellent pitcher, Erik Bedard. Just click that title. My readership is still down, but I thank you everydayers. And I know the blog hits will increase as the smell of spring in Florida enters into our senses. And as always...be safe out there! I love every one of you.

Two Down And Just One To Go!

Good Sunday morning, early, WAY too early in the day. I woke up at 4am, listened to "Coast To Coast AM" on the radio until 4:35, and decided to get up and do "my chores," as my girlfriend Nadia would say. P.S. She's even more beautiful than her name, inside AND out. Oh, OK, back to what I was saying. Umm, I'm thinking, I'm thinking. Ok, got it! The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with long/middle relief guy Kyle Snyder, and that leaves our Gold Glover supreme Kevin Youkilis as the only one facing arbitration. This is from the Boston Globe...

"Theo Epstein is one signing away from keeping a perfect record intact.
The Red Sox are down to their last unsigned player eligible for salary arbitration after righthander Kyle Snyder agreed to a one-year, nonguaranteed contract worth $835,000 yesterday. He will get an additional $5,000 if he makes 50 appearances and $10,000 more for 60 games. He had been seeking $1.025 million, while the Sox offered $725,000.
First baseman Kevin Youkilis is the remaining unsigned player eligible for arbitration."

Peter here, and good for you, Theo. Now please lock up Youk with a contract that matches what he means to the Sox. And that is EVERYTHING! Unparalleled first base defense, a good eye at the plate and the quick bat speed we all know and love. And it's nice to have Kyle Snyder back in the fold, for he is a multiple-use type of bullpen guy. He can come in around the sixth inning or so and hold a lead, he can mop up when a starter falters and the deficit MUST be held or he can enter in an extra inning game, and we've seen enough of them, and keep it close. Way to go, Kyle.

Everyone, have a great Sunday, a football free Sunday. But we all know what happens NEXT Sunday. Whether you love the commercials or are a football fan in the first place, it should be a fun day. And the Patriots going for the perfect season? That's priceless. Click on the title for Michael Silverman's Boston Herald piece all about Kyle Synder's signing, and a few other tidbits, too. Be well, be safe and be happy. Forever.

The Odd Couple? Maybe. Rivals? Oh Yes

Who, you might be asking? Why, the New York Yankees' Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein of the Boston Red Sox. One month after the pair appeared in Boston for a Q & A session, they were together again, in Wayne, New Jersey. It seems like the two get along in the off season, to a degree, when the wheeling and dealing puts them at opposite ends of the spectrum. This is from Sports illustrated dot com, and then I'll be back with a comment...

I deal with all 28 teams," the Yankees' Cashman said with a wink when asked about his negotiating strategy, pointedly leaving out the 29th team, Boston. "Then, when I'm about to hang up with the 28th team, I say, 'Hey, do you know what Boston's up to?'"
During a session with reporters before the (Wayne, N.J.) event, Epstein brushed off a question about Boston's interest in Minnesota left-hander Johan Santana and refused to make any predictions for the upcoming season.
"We're just trying to build a team that can compete in the toughest division in baseball," he said. "Baseball's a long season and it's fairly humbling, and once you start that kind of talk, bad things can happen."
Cashman wasn't nearly as reluctant to anoint the Red Sox the team to beat.
"Until someone takes that away from them, they'll have that swagger," he said. "When they step on the field in spring training, they'll know what they can do because they've done it. That's important."

Peter here, and thank you, Brian, for your kind and accurate words about that world championship team from Beantown. The one I love. Just because you work for a Steinbrenner and your players wear pinstripes does not make you a bad person. Not at all. And baseball fans nationwide know that you are smarter than Sir George when it comes to logical thinking during trade decisions or free agent signings. For that I respect you, and I think the "Bombers" would be lost without you. They might be lost anyways, but it's too early to take out my crystal ball, which is actually plastic, and fortell what will happen in this upcoming 2008 season.

My Constant Readers, have a wonderful Saturday and a great football-less Sunday. The Pats need the extra week because Tom Brady hasn't been seen in practice OR the locker room the last couple of days. But do not worry. As Lisa said, and I agreed with her, I do hope he stays away from the clubs and their dance floors. Good point, Lisa.

I linked the entire SI dot com article...just click on the title of this post. Your comments are always welcome, and will always be answered, especially in these lean off season blog times. But I'll be here. Everyday. If I have nothing to write about, well, I'll find something. That's a promise to you. And as always, BE WELL.

Two Grizzled Vets Vie For A Bullpen Job

Peter here on this very early Friday morning. I don't know why, but I wake up at 5am EVERY MORNING and can't go back to sleep, so I listen to the 30 minute newscast on a local radio station and slowly crawl out of bed, half-closed eyes searching for the shower, or, God forbid, the razor and shaving cream. But I'm off subject...my mind wanders this early in the pre-dawn day. Here we go...

The Red Sox have signed two pitchers, one more promising than the other, and hope one or both make the big club to strengthen the set-up portion of the excellent Red Sox 'pen. This is from the Boston Herald, and then I'll be back...

"Right-handed relievers Dan Miceli and Dan Kolb signed minor league deals of the classic low-risk, high-upside variety for the Sox.
Each would make $650,000 if added to the major league roster, plus incentives according to the Associated Press. Miceli would make $84,000 in the minors while Kolb would make $78,000.
Miceli, 37, did not pitch at all in the majors last season, spending the last of his 14 major league seasons with the Devil Rays in 2006. In his career, the journeyman is 43-52 with a 4.48 ERA with 10 different teams.
The 32-year-old Kolb’s best season was in 2004 with the Brewers, when he was an All-Star and finished with 39 saves. He pitched for the Rangers from 1999-2002. Last year with the Pirates, he made just three appearances."

Peter here, between yawns. This news is a couple days old, but nothing big for the Red Sox is breaking, and that's why I'm giving you this. But the Boston bullpen IS big news, and there can never be enough set-up men. Delcarmen is good some of the time, excellent some of the time and downright bad some of the time. But he's another year older with another year under his belt. He's got a tremendous fastball and possesses the ability to blow it past ANY hitter. And his breaking pitches are more than adequate. He's our number two set-up guy, number one being the incomparable Hideki "Darkman" Okajima, the All Star Sox lefthander. Mike Timlin is also in the mix. Given enough rest, given that he is in the "over 40" club, he can be great for an inning plus. So he's number three in the set up cast of characters. So now we come to Miceli and Kolb. Kolb's past history jumps off the page with his 2004 All Star game selection. But last year, as you read above, he only made three appearances with the Pirates. Miceli, on the other hand, is a "journeyman" with a sub .500 record and a plus 4.00 ERA...not good for a reliever. But sometimes pitchers are rejuvenated when the possibility of a world championship is staring at them right between the eyes. So we'll see. I'm just glad the Sox FO recognizes the team's need for another set up arm or two.

Hey, it's Friday! Have a wonderful weekend. I linked the original Herald article. It's there when you click the title of this post. And most importantly, be happy, be healthy, be safe. Those are the most important things in life. I'll be back before tomorrow if there is any Sox news about anything. We're three weeks away, give or take, from pitchers and catchers reporting to Ft. Myers, and then the fun will begin. Yet again. Share it with me!

Hey Chuck, You Can Run But You Can't Hide, YOU IDIOT!!

Chuck Knoblauch doesn't have a lick of sense in his near empty and befuddled head. I mean, gee, read this, from ESPN dot com, and then I'll be back with more "kind" words for him...

"Former major leaguer Chuck Knoblauch had not been tracked down as of early Wednesday evening by federal marshals trying to serve him a subpoena from a House panel investigating steroids in baseball, a committee staffer told The Associated Press.
Knoblauch, a four-time All-Star who played for the Yankees, Twins and Royals from 1991-02, originally was asked to appear Thursday for what was supposed to be the first of five depositions or transcribed interviews scheduled by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
When the committee didn't hear from Knoblauch or a representative, it issued a subpoena to force the 1991 AL Rookie of the Year to submit to a deposition next Tuesday.
As of 7 p.m. Wednesday, though, that subpoena had not reached the former infielder."

Peter here, and what is steroid user, excuse me, "alleged" steroid user Chuck Knoblauch trying to accomplish? Does he think he can duck his head in the sand and avoid federal marshalls? That might work in the movies, but not in real life, you idiot! Doesn't he think this will only make him look more guilty? DUH! You see, I don't understand his thought processes, so I can't comment on them. But I CAN say this, just as I did in the title of this post, which, when clicked on, will direct you to the original ESPN article...WHAT AN IDIOT!

To my Constant Readers, and you know who you are, have a great Thursday, and if there is any Red Sox news, you can be sure I'll be all over it. Even though readership is way down, I can attribute that to this...it's not anywhere near the start of spring training and the '08 season itself. I appreciate your kind comments of support. I ALWAYS will. And I promise you this...I ain't going nowhere! I love you and I thank you SO MUCH. I'm so happy writing, and I know, or hope, that you like it too. Be well. ALWAYS.

The Lefthanded Hitter Search For The Red Sox Continues...

As I reported in an earlier post a few days ago, the Boston Red Sox have stepped up their search for a lefthanded bat, a player who can give Kevin Youkilis a game off once in a while. Boston is concerned because as the season unfolds, Kevin's average drops. His defense is ALWAYS there, but fatigue might be a factor. This is from the Tuesday Globe internet publication "Extra Bases," and then I'll be back with a few thoughts of my own...

"There are still interesting ones (lefthanded bench bats) out there such as Sean Casey, Tony Clark, Doug Mientkiewicz, Mark Sweeney, and Eric Hinske.
Casey, 33, is an intriguing possibility. He's lost his first base job to Carlos Guillen in Detroit. He's limited defensively, but he hit .296 last season with four homers and 54 RBIs. There are also lefthanded-hitting outfielders such as Trot Nixon (!!), Shawn Green, Luis Gonzalez, and Ryan Klesko (who can play first), but the need is more for a true first baseman or third baseman from the left side.
Clark indicated in an e-mail yesterday he would love to return to the Red Sox. He has a very good relationship with Terry Francona, but sources indicate Clark would be further down on the list of preferences.
The Red Sox are hoping to obtain a player who can give Youkilis more rest. Because of the hard-nosed nature of Youkilis's play, the Sox are concerned he wears down at the end of the season."

Peter here. There are some old and familiar names in that excerpt from EXTRA BASES. Old friend Tony Clark, who was a bust at the plate while with the Sox, and our much missed Trot Nixon, to name two. Sean Casey intrigues me, because he can give Youkilis a rest and seems to be potent enough at the plate to fill the void. I didn't mention ball stealer Mientkiewicz because his name is too hard to spell, and I don't want to spend the summer typing out the many confusing letters. Seriously, we all know he can play a good first base, but his plate skills are suspect. The team will sort out this bunch of charactors and choose one, but I do hope they will not forget that the bullpen needs one or two more arms added to their magnificent collection of clutchness. Setup type of guys, who can build that bridge to Paps and make it strong. The basic setup guys (Timlin, Delcarmen) are there, but one or two added arms would not hurt. Not at all.

Enjoy your Hump Day Wednesday as we slide yet again towards the weekend. It seems that time is flying by uncontrollably quickly for me...is that what happens as the years go by? If so, I DON'T LIKE IT! But I'll survive. And you will too.

Please click on the title of this post to be linked to the entire Boston Globe article. And thanks for being here...yesterday I hit an alltime low in reader hits. I guess it's that time of the year. But I ain't going to stop writing a post or two, everyday. I don't and won't quit. EVER. Not until my last breath. Again, I appreciate your being here SO very much, and as always, be safe and BE WELL. That's my wish for you. FOREVER.

This Boot Is Made For Walking

Tom Brady was spotted in New York City yesterday and it appeared that he was wearing a walking cast on his lower right leg. For the Boston Globe article WITH a picture of a flower-carrying TB, just click on the title of this post. Here's what he had to say, also from the Boston Globe...

"Brady appeared to be limping Sunday as he left his news conference following the Patriots' 21-12 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game.
Yesterday, Brady did not directly answer a question about being hurt during his regular appearance on WEEI's "Dennis and Callahan" show. When he was asked about having his leg looked at on the sideline early in the fourth quarter, he replied:
"There are always kind of bumps and bruises. I'll be ready for the Super Bowl. I'm not missing this one. I'd have to be on a stretcher to miss this one. There will just be some treatment this week and, like I said, games like this you get a little nicked up, but it's nothing serious."

Peter here, and I know this is nothing to worry about. A walking cast is JUST that...a cast made to support the bone structure of the affected area, in this case Brady's right foot/ankle, while he CAN put his full weight on that foot. Plus we all have to remember that the "big game" is not until February 3rd, a little less than two weeks away.

I hope your Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was a great one, and I hope you had a moment or two to remember the man himself. When they made him, they broke the mold. Have a great Tuesday, and don't forget to click on this post's title, if only to see the picture of the Patriot's quarterback with flowers in his hands and a walking cast on his foot. And you'll also find a link there to watch the Chargers/Patriots game highlights. All in one place...just click on that title. Have a great Tuesday, and if there is any Red Sox (remember them?) news, any at all, I'll have it for you right here. BE WELL.

Congrats To The Patriots And The Giants (The Giants??)

Yes, that's right. The New York Giants went to frozen Green Bay and beat the Packers 23-20 in overtime. That game followed the New England Patriot's 21-12 victory over the visiting San Diego Chargers. The Giants had a chance to win in regulation, but a missed field goal resulted in the overtime period. And in the first contest, Tom Brady did not have one of his best games, throwing three interceptions, but his defense was stellar, holding the Chargers to four field goals. And so, on Sunday, February 3rd, it will be the New York Giants going up against the still undefeated New England Patriots, our guys, in a rematch of the final game of the season, won, of course, by the Pats, who have been installed as two touchdown favorites. The game will take place in the land of Kaylee (a favorite reader), Phoenix, Arizona, where numb fingers and toes will not be a factor. Being from Connecticut, there is a sharp divide amongst football fans here, with many residents being either a Giants or a Pats fan. There is NO IN BETWEEN, much like the split between Yankee and Red Sox fans in this small state that is tucked almost exactly between the New York tundra and the Massachusetts state line. So it should be a fun time during these long two weeks that preceed the "Big Game."

I'll be back a little later with something Soxy, but I have to tell you, the sports pages are crammed with all things football. I must say this...both games were close, and both were very exciting. I guarantee you that CBS and Fox are extremely happy, and the Fox rating numbers for the Super Bowl will be through the roof here in the Northeast. As they should be.

I hope every one of you had a great Sunday. I sure did. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and take a moment to remember that great man, who yearned for peace but died in violence. As always, be well. Oh, I almost forgot. Click on the title to access the Hartford Courant's sportswriter supreme Jeff Jacobs' Monday column about the Pats/Chargers game, and Junior Seau in particular. Good stuff from Jeff, as always. Thank you for popping in. I don't know what I'd do without you.

A Reader Speaks! And I Listen...

Peter here, on this still early Sunday morning, and since my last post two hours ago, the temperature has gone down to 18 degrees F. But my heart was warmed when I read this. Please share it with me...

Hi Peter,
I was going to post this as a comment on "Room for Two?" but I don't have a Google Account (yet), so I figured I'd just e-mail it to you:

"Those early morning posts are something you can always count on. Every day, about anything and everything Boston Red Sox. I wouldn't have it any other way. Would you?" (Peter here, and those were MY words in the post "Room For Two?") Here is the rest of her email...

--Of course not! The only reason I wake up for school on time everyday is so that I can read this each morning (and then I re-read it when I get back from school and before I go to bed, just to make sure I didn't miss any of your wonderful posts)!
----------------------
I just wanted to let you know that even though I don't comment, I read your excellent site everyday. How else is a Jersey girl supposed to keep up with what's going on with her Sox?
--Keep up the great work (please)!

Peter here...I promise I will, and you made me so happy with your kind words. You see, this makes the work and the writing so worthwhile. I thank you, "Jersey Girl," for being a fan. P.S..I love New Jersey because of BRUCE! Have a great Sunday....Peter N.

Red Sox Eying Brad Wilkerson

Good morning on this football Sunday, a cold one, as promised. But not as cold as it will be in Green Bay, which will have an absurd high temperature in the LOW single numbers, WITHOUT any wind chill factored in. But I digress. I'm good at it! The Boston Red Sox are reportedly looking into the possibility of obtaining Brad Wilkerson, an outfielder/first baseman lefty, to take on the role that Eric Hinske filled so well last year. This excerpt is from the Herald's Rob Bradford and the great site MLB Trade Rumors. Read on...

"As was first suggested by MLB Trade Rumors, it has been learned that the Red Sox do have some interest in outfielder/first baseman Brad Wilkerson, although there still figures to be healthy competition for the free agent. It has been reported that he is asking for a three year deal worth $21 million.
The idea would be presumably be to slot Wilkerson in the role filled last season by Eric Hinske, a left-hander off the bench who can play both outfield and first base. For his career, Wilkerson has actually hit lefties better than righties, boasting a .245 against right-handers and .265 vs. southpaws. His power numbers, however, do suggest much better success against righties (90 compared to 28 against lefties)."

Peter here, and I know it's always important to have a back up guy for the first base position and a back up to our four (for now) man outfield contingent, and I am also aware how important it is to add another lefthanded hitter to come into the game from the bench, if only for a pinch hitting swing or four. But $21 million bucks for three years? That's what he is reportedly looking for. I guess those in the know will make this decision, and a lefty who can come off the bench and hit the ball to the opposite field (the Green monster) would be valuable. His power numbers against right handed hurlers look much better than Hinske's, so by adding him to the club, an improvement would be obvious. But the price? Time will tell. And there is competition from other teams, some of them more desperate for a player like Wilkerson. With another 'pen arm and a couple new contracts, the Boston Red Sox, MY team, and maybe yours, too, is in great shape. On paper. And in experience. Bring on April!

Have a great Sunday, root for the Patriots if you wish, and just have a wonderful day. I linked an aricle from today's Boston Globe which has all the latest on Kevin Youkilis and his arbitration proceedings. Here's a little bit of that Globe piece...

"Youkilis, who turns 29 March 15, ranked third in batting average among all AL qualifiers at first base in 2007 with a .288 average. His on-base percentage of .390 ranked second only to Carlos Peña, and he was also second in OPS (on-base plus slugging) at .843. His 35 doubles ranked second to the Angels' Casey Kotchman. Youkilis also established a career high in home runs with 16, and while he hit just .238 after the break (.328 before), he hit .500 in the AL Championship Series against the Indians, with three home runs and seven RBIs."

Peter here, and do not forget that Kevin Youkilis, at first base, had ZERO (no, none, nothing!) errors! As always, stay warm and BE WELL.

Room For Two?

Terry Francona yesterday expressed his feelings about the prospect of heading into the 2008 season with two centerfielders- Coco Crisp AND Jacoby Ellsbury. Here is a little bit of what he had to say, and then I'll be back with my two cents, whatever that's worth (two cents?)...

"I have no problem with that," Francona said yesterday before the Boston Baseball Writers dinner. "I told Theo [ Epstein] that early on. I know the players might not be the most thrilled, but I have no problem with that. I think that would be just fine. If you had an outfield of [J.D.] Drew, Crisp, Ellsbury, and Manny [Ramírez], pretty impressive.
"I'd have told Theo if I did [have a problem with it], not necessarily that means he's going to make a change, but I told him I have no problem with this."
"They both [Crisp and Ellsbury] are on our team, so it's a little easier to talk about that than if somebody was traded," Francona said. "Those are the things we always do, though. When something's not perfect for somebody, we talk to them. We explain to them what we're going to do, then we go out and try to do it the best way we can. We're going to play the best team we can. If there ends up at some point being some competition, I'm not sure that's so bad."

Peter here, and as we all know, during the course of a six month plus season, injuries always come into play, hopefully not on a widespread scale. So I see no negatives in carrying Drew, Crisp, Manny and Ellsbury. But Coco HAS expressed his opinion, loudly and clearly in fact, that he does not want to be the number four outfield guy. He might have to live with exactly that, however. Time will tell. Of course, if the Johan Santana trade comes to pass, one of the two will be playing centerfield in the midwest. We'll find out about that soon enough.

In other news, Javier Lopez has been signed to a one year deal worth $840,000. That's a nice bump in pay for Lopez, more than doubling his 2007 salary of $402,500. Only Kyle Snyder and Kevin Youkilis remain on the arbitration schedule. So the team is almost complete. Other than the Johan Santana possible deal, Tito Francona and Jason Varitek need contracts and the bullpen can use another reliable set up arm. Other than that, all is hunky dory in the land of the Boston Red Sox, and anticipation from members of both Red Sox Nation and Red Sox International will slowly and deliberately build until it's time to "PLAY BALL!" And then we'll come out ROARING, with Josh Beckett kicking off the '08 marathon.

Click on the title of this post for the Boston Herald's Rob Bradford's article all about the arbitration situation. I wish you, my Constant Readers, a great Saturday and a wonderful weekend to come. Tomorrow is "Football Sunday" in America, as the NY Giants take on the Green Bay Packers up in bitter cold Wisconson and the warm weather San Diego Chargers invade the Patriot's home turf in cold Foxboro. Both games will take place in temperatures ranging from the teens in Massachusetts to five below zero in Green Bay. And those are ACTUAL temperatures, with no wind chill factored in. Anyone for a sideline heater? I'm sure they'll be going full force.

OK, that's enough from me...I'll be back if there is any further Red Sox news today, or, as always, tomorrow morning by 7AM. Those early morning posts are something you can always count on. Every day, about anything and everything Boston Red Sox. I wouldn't have it any other way. Would you? Your comments are always welcome and will always be responded to promptly. BE WELL.

Roger Clemens Hires New D.C. Powerhouse Lawyer

As if Rusty Hardin wasn't enough, Roger Clemens, in anticipation and preparation for his meetings with members of Congress, has hired a "big gun," a Washington D.C. lawyer named Lanny A Breuer. This is from the January 18th New York Times, and then I'll return with some comments...

"Roger Clemens has bolstered his legal team, hiring a powerhouse Washington lawyer, Lanny A. Breuer, who represented former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment hearings as well as numerous corporations that were the subject of Congressional investigations.
Lanny A. Breuer, the Washington lawyer hired by Clemens, represented Bill Clinton during his impeachment hearings.
Rusty Hardin, Clemens’s Houston lawyer, said late Thursday that he had recruited Breuer to be his client’s “local counsel” in Washington because of his expertise.
“We’d talked to him, and we’d just been waiting a day or two to check out conflicts,” Hardin said. “He had no conflicts.”
Clemens, who has won seven Cy Young awards but now finds his legacy in jeopardy, is facing a Congressional investigation as the result of his challenge to the Mitchell report released last Dec. 13. Breuer specializes in Congressional investigations.
That committee now wants to hear what Clemens has to say under oath about the accusations in the Mitchell report made by his former trainer, Brian McNamee. Clemens contends the accusations are false.
Lanny J. Davis, another prominent Washington lawyer, who worked with Breuer as White House counsel for Clinton, said bringing in Breuer was an excellent decision by Hardin and Clemens.
“I can’t think of a better lawyer in Washington to represent Mr. Clemens or anybody that needs help in the Congress or in the public arena than Lanny Breuer,” Davis said in a telephone interview. Davis, who said he had been following news reports about Clemens, said: “I think Mr. Clemens has to be transparent and tell the truth, and I think that’s what Lanny Breuer is all about. I hope he told the truth to ‘60 Minutes,’ but if he didn’t, then he’s got to do it in front of Congress, and I think there’s no one better than Lanny Breuer to do that job.”

Peter here, and I know that the preceding Times excerpt was a little long, but I pared it down, leaving only the most important information. If you ask me, Roger is doing a smart thing. Breuer knows all about the D.C. comings and goings, and, most importantly, has the experience necessary to do a competant job. But, as Lanny (another Lanny?) Davis, Jr. said in one of the preceding paragraphs, Clemens MUST TELL THE TRUTH. So it's up to you, Mr. Rocket Man. As Tom Hanks said in the movie A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, "there's no crying in baseball." I'll add this..."there's no lying in front of Congress." Words that Clemens will have to live by. Or else!!

Click on the title of this post for the Boston Herald's Tony Massarotti's great article dealing with this...it's time to sign our skipper, Terry "Tito" Francona, to a contract deal, hopefully for more than one year. I think we would all agree that he, more than anyone, deserves it. Two World Championships in four years? Case closed. PERIOD. The Massarotti piece is linked there just for you. Simply click on this post's title. Have a great Friday and a knock out weekend as we wait in anticipation for the NFL League Championship games. I'll tell you this..I'm rooting for the Patriots (of course..they're MY team) and, believe it or not, the Green Bay Packers, led by their grizzled but still clutch quarterback, Brett Favre. Why don't I root for the Giants? Easy...I think of them as the Yankees in helmets!
Hey, BE WELL!! And thanks for coming by.

Yes, It's Arbitration Time...

Kevin Youkilis, who I think is due for a long-term contract instead of another one year deal, Javier Lopez and Kyle Snyder have filed for salary arbitration, it was reported in the Boston Globe. Here are a few details...

"Youkilis and Lopez are arbitration-eligible for the first time. Snyder signed last January for $535,000 and avoided arbitration in 2007. Youkilis was paid $424,500 last season after he and the Sox could not come to contract terms and he was renewed at that figure by the club; he figures to get a substantial bump."

Peter here, and my goodness! $424,500 for the best fielding first baseman in the game today? And he's no slouch at the plate, either, with a keen eye when it comes to the strike zone and the ability to hit to ALL fields, with power. And in a pinch, he'll move across the diamond to third base. What a bargain for the Boston Red Sox! I don't know about you, but I think it's time that the club inks him to a multi-year deal, commensurate with his overall value to the club. He is the anchor at first, with nary an error all season long. And that's remarkable for a first baseman, because that fielder has his glove on the ball so many times each and every game. Without fail. So c'mon, Sox front office, show Kevin some respect. Snyder and Lopez will also prove to be valuable additions to a bullpen that still needs a new arm or two. The club cannot have too many set-up candidates, for when it comes to the ninth inning, with the Sox holding a slim lead, it's Paps' time, and nine times out of ten, he will slam the door, nail it shut, and then, just to make sure, Super Glue those nails permanently into the wood. It's called a one-two-three ninth inning, with three strikeouts. As the advertisement goes, "Oh what a relief it is." We have Paps, no one else does!

Here are the starting times for the two exhibition and two regular season opening games in Tokyo, the center of Red Sox International, borrowed from the Boston Herald...

"The Sox will play two exhibition games at the Tokyo Dome. On March 22 (11:07 p.m. EDT on March 21) they will face the Hanshin Tigers and on March 23 (6:07 a.m. EDT March 22) the Yomiuri Giants.
The major league season opener against the Oakland Athletics will start at 6:07 a.m. EDT on March 25 at the Tokyo Dome. The teams will play again the next day at the same time."

I'll be watching, and I'm sure you will, too. You can bet that Josh "Baseball" Beckett will start game number one on March 25th, and, most likely, Schilling in the second game, unless, of course, there is a certain somebody named Santana on the team roster. Oh, please click on this post's title for the entire Herald Red Sox wrap-up, with all the Youk details included. Have a great Thursday, and BE WELL.

This Is Nice...

Hello again...Peter here...and this news blurb caught my attention...

"The House That Jeter Built has a new sign that unmistakably promises great baseball will be played there.
The words "Yankee Stadium," solidly etched in gold-leafed stone, were hoisted by crane onto the team's new South Bronx home this week.
And now there's rock-solid proof that unlike countless other sports teams that have given up stadium-naming rights to big corporations, Yankee tradition is not for sale."

Peter again. And you know what? No matter what the stadium is called, it's still the home of the Pinstriped Yankees. I wish them the best. And I'm happy they did not sell out!

The Future Is NOW!

Good morning! Boston College was the workout location for some of the young Red Sox future superstars, including Clay Buchholz, Dustin Richardson and Jed Lowrie. This blurb is from the Boston Globe...

"Clay Buchholz and Dustin Richardson hope they're in the running to make the Red Sox. When you looked out at the football field in the indoor bubble at Boston College's Alumni Stadium yesterday, you saw the reason why many Red Sox fans don't want to make the Johan Santana trade.
You saw a confident, personable, Derek Lowe-like Justin Masterson and shortstop-of-the-future Jed Lowrie, both of whom have been mentioned in a possible trade for Santana. You saw a bulked-up, maturing Clay Buchholz, who may be the Red Sox' lone untouchable, though he may not even break camp with them, given the depth of their rotation.
The talent on the field - invited guests to the Red Sox' annual rookie development program - was a testament to how far the system has come. Baseball America, the bible of minor league baseball, ranks the Red Sox farm system second overall (Tampa Bay is first)."

Peter here, and untouchable is the perfect word to describe young Buchholz. And knowing that our farm system, the literal foundation for the future, is rated so highly just simply bodes SO well for the many years to come. I recently rewatched Clay B's no-hitter against the Orioles and again noticed the unbelievable movement on his fastball, the impossible break on his curve and the way he kept the O's hitters off balance throughout his nine inning masterpiece. AND he's been working out, which can't help but add zip to his pitches and even more amazingness to his off-speed stuff. We'll see him sometime next year, even though he is "officially" our number six guy in such a rich rotation. Believe me, he won't be numero seis for long.

In other Sox comings and goings, Hideki Okajima, our surprisingly effective lefthanded weapon coming out of the 'pen, is excited that the Sox season will be starting in his own homeland. He had this to say, taken from the Boston Herald...

"It’s great that Japanese fans will get to see the No. 1 team in the world," Okajima said. "It will be a great experience for me and the other players as well."

Peter here, and I love the sound of that..."the No. 1 team IN THE WORLD." I know, I know, I've had enough time to digest the World Series victory, but just the thought of it STILL gives me thrills and chills during these deadly quiet and cold winter mornings. I think it's time to break out the 2007 World Series DVD set. Every included game resulted in a Boston win, for the set starts with game number five, after the Indians went up three games to one in what could have been an ill-fated American League Championship Series for the Sox. But with their backs literally to the wall, nailed there, in fact, the Sox won seven straight games, ensuring themselves of that number one ranking. Old history? No...I look at it as one of the high points of my life. TWO of 'em, in fact. 2004, and then 2007. So for this baseball starved Red Sox fan living in Connecticut in the middle of January, screening a couple of the games, Josh Beckett's masterpiece(s) first and foremost, might be the perfect antidote to any and all winter doldrums.

Everyone, I wish you a great Wednesday, as we start sliding, uncontrollably at times, towards yet another weekend. And yes, you can click on the title of this post for the entire Boston Globe article. My thanks go out to each and every one of you for continually coming back to my blog, and me. Readership in the off season is up, and then down and then even LOWER than down, but I'll keep plugging away, God willing, until I draw my last breath. And that's a long, long time from now, I have to hope!! BE WELL. FOREVER.

Bye Bye Tina? Say It Ain't So!

Hello again. This is from CENTERFIELD, a very nice place to visit. The original story was from the Boston Herald. My thanks go to both...

"NESN's Red Sox go-to gal Tina Cervasio was spotted in the Fox 5 newsroom down in NYC recently.
That would be the same Fox 5 that currently has an opening for a weekend sports anchor!
Word is, Tina's contract with the Sox-owned NESN is up and they haven't exactly shown our girl the love that she deserves. Pity...
Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Fox 5 GM Lew Leone hired Tina to work for him when he ran CBS2 in the Big Apple. So he is a fan.
Does this mean we're going to be seeing Tina interviewing the Pinstripe gang and the 'Ropolitans? Are we going to need to start up some sort of letter-writing campaign to keep her around - because who else is Papelbon going to have to oogle from behind?"

Peter here. I just thought I'd put that out there for you. Tina is a mainstay of our wonderful NESN coverage of EVERY RED SOX GAME ON EARTH. And we'd miss her. Say it ain't so!! Please??

Santana Continuing What-Ifs...

Rumors of continuing talks between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins, with the Mets still in the mix, are still being reported. This is what the man himself, Johan Santana, had to say recently. This is from ESPN dot com...

"I'm a Minnesota Twin. That's all I know. It's up to them (the Twins). Whatever they have to do is going to happen. It has nothing to do with me at all," Santana told the News-Press of Fort Myers recently. "I said it from the beginning during the season last year, whatever will be the best for this team and this organization, I'll agree with that."

Peter here, and that makes sense to me. He knows he's eligible for free agency after the '08 season, and to the highest bidder he will go...unless the Twins do the understandably logical thing and trade him for multiple prospects. I just wanted to update you, my Constant readers, with anything new, but the murmurs are just that...whispered mutterings almost under the limits of human hearing. The GM of the Twins, Bill Smith, had this to say today, taken from the (Tuesday) Boston Globe...

"There are enough rumors coming out of Boston and New York," he said. "I don't need to fuel any of them or comment on any of them."
There have been newspaper reports in New York that the Yankees have pulled out of the Santana hunt and that it was down to the Red Sox and Mets, but Yankee owner Hank Steinbrenner yesterday told the Associated Press, "we're still discussing it." Smith did not indicate that any team had been ruled out.
"Like I said, there's no timetable on my part," Smith said. "We're just trying to do what's best for the Minnesota Twins. We're trying to do the right thing by our team for now and in the future.
The Red Sox have been very quiet as of late about their interest. A Jon Lester-Coco Crisp-Justin Masterson and possibly Jed Lowrie package could still be in play. But some Sox officials would prefer to keep their young players and not make the deal."

Peter here. Interesting, because that's exactly how I feel. With Lester in the rotation, healthy and ready for his first full season after beating cancer, and Jacoby Ellsbury patrolling centerfield with his lightning-like speed and ability to slap hits to all fields with his quick bat and basepath speed, our team will be golden! Six quality starters, a line up identical to their World Series one and a general good feeling that the team members all get along like an extended family...add 'em all up and that makes the Boston Red Sox the frontrunner to take it all yet again. Clay Buchholz will make a statement...I just KNOW it! Add Josh Baseball, Curt Schilling, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester and Timmy Wakefield to that magic rotation mix and you realize what this team is capable of doing. And I hope they do it all!! Don't forget Paps at the back end of our bullpen. Yes.

I hope your Tuesday will be a great day, and I thank you for stopping by. Click on this post's title to be linked to an article from the Boston Herald, a piece that encapsulates everything! A must read!! It tries to answer this question..."Where will Johan Santana play in 2008?" I have a distinctive feeling that it will NOT be in that huge mid-western state that starts with an "M".

As always, be well, and don't forget to click on this post's title for that Michael Silverman Boston Herald article. I'll be back when or if the news changes...about anything! Or nothing!! Such is my nature.

Angry Baseball Fan Sues Yankees Because Of PEDs, Claiming Consumer Fraud!

Good Monday morning. I came across a story from the website of the Press Association. Here is a bit of it, and I'll be back after you check it out...

"A long-time baseball fan is suing the New York Yankees over some players' reported use of performance-enhancing drugs, saying he wants repayment for 221 US dollars (£112) in tickets and a public response from his once-beloved team.
"I look at it almost as consumer fraud," said Matthew Mitchell, 30, a Brooklyn resident who said he went to his first game at Yankee Stadium in 1984. "If I'm going to watch a baseball game, then I expect it to be the real thing."
The Yankees declined to comment."

Peter here, and if the Yankees DID have a comment, I have no idea what it would be! But it will cost him far more than the $212.00 in legal fees if he goes through with the proceedings, but that is his legal right. I double checked to make sure this was a real news story and not a goof, and I found a report from ABC news that verifies it. I have linked that report...all you have to do is click on the title of this post. I have to say it's a "must read."

Winter Storm Christopher turned into a moist monster rather than a heavy snow-dumper. It's still snowing, but with the temperature hovering around the freezing mark, the snow is moist and water-laden. Four inches of this slick precipitation would equal about ten inches of the fluffy dry kind of flakes. The white stuff is sticking to every branch and power line, and when it starts getting light, it should be a beautiful sight. But the power has already gone off twice, once when I was in the shower. Needless to say, it went completely BLACK. But the interruptions were only a minute or so each, and I hope I can get this post up before it happens again, if it does. I hope it won't...there's absolutely NOTHING to do without power except for cracking open that book that I'm halfway through...by flashlight. So I have my fingers crossed.

Congrats go out to the Giants and the Chargers, both teams pulling off upsets yesterday. So it will be the Chargers at the Patriots and the Giants up north at Green Bay. Oh, what a Sunday it shall be! Remember to click on this post's title for that ABC news report, and as always, BE WELL.

CHA..CHA..CHA..CHING CHARGERS!

28-24...San Diego Chargers! It will be the Chargers AT the Patriots!! The Colts go down....hard! And I'll say this. YES!!!!!!!!

Winter Storm Christopher Is About To BOP Us...

Hello...it's me, just a few minutes after my last post on this still dark Sunday morning, a morning to go to the supermarket and stock up. That's what everybody's mindset will be, because when a big storm is forecast to hit in the nighttime hours and every school in the state will be closed tomorrow, people MUST GO OUT AND BUY MILK. Milk? Why, will the cows not make it through this storm? Moo to my bovine readers! Oh, another item that will be on people's shopping lists...BREAD. Milk and bread. All I know is that I will be one of those who will be at the market when they open up at 8AM. But I was going anyways, and milk and bread are NOT on my list. Does that make me different in any way? No, I'll just be another person waiting in the checkout line, chatting about the weather to come with my fellow friends and neighbors while waiting for my items to be lucky enough to be scanned by a trained professional. Just one of the masses.

I'll be back early tomorrow morning, with a link to the northeast radar so that you, like me, can follow the expected foot of snow AS it falls! There's nothing like the school boy feeling of waking up in the morning, and prying open sleep-encrusted eyes with wonderment as the snow falls quickly and wonderfully.

Comments are always welcome and always responded to here...so feel free. BE WELL. And enjoy your Sunday!

Butt, Butt...

Good Sunday morning. I'll file this post under the heading "might contain too much information." It concerns the buttocks of one Roger Clemens, known as "Rocket" to some, "future All Star" to others, and "liar" to a growing number of sports enthusiasts and members of Congress. This is from ESPN dot com, dated January 12...

"Brian McNamee told federal law enforcement officials that Roger Clemens developed an abscess on his buttocks around the time that McNamee said he was giving him steroid injections in 1998, a lawyer with knowledge of details of the case told The New York Times.
'It is far less likely that any injection of vitamin B12 or lidocaine, which is usually not injected deep into the body, would have created an abscess," said Dr. Gary I. Wadler, a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency, according to the Times. "Steroid users tend to repetitively inject the drug deep into the muscle and this has been associated with the development of sterile abscess.' "

Peter here, and this, of course, proves absolutely nothing. But right now Roger Clemens is surrounded by a fuzzy haze of unbelievability, and if it IS found out that he has been lying through his teeth, I can't even begin to imagine the embarassment and shame that will be heaped upon him AND his entire family. So a big part of me hopes that he has been telling the 100% honest truth, but there also is a big chunk of me that does not believe him. NOT ONE BIT. He certainly has stood his ground in utter defiance, and I hope that by doing that he is not making a huge mistake. Because the truth WILL COME OUT just like the sun will set this afternoon and rise again Monday morning. At least we have to hope so, or the end of the world as we know it would be at hand.

Have a great Sunday. I'll be back with something a little later. Congrats to the Packers and the Patriots, and OH, WHAT A GAME Tom Brady had! He completed 26 of 28 of his passes, with 3 TDs. That set the NFL playoff record for pass completion percentage. Oh my!! Or as Ned Martin always said, "MERCY!"

Click on the title of this post for the entire Clemens ESPN article. It's there for you. Have a wonderful weekend, root for the Chargers, and, as always, BE WELL.

Daisuke Is Getting Ready For 2008...His Sophomore Season

This blurb was in the Friday Boston Herald, and it concerns our Japanese starting pitcher. His name? Daisuke Matsuzaka. Remember him? Of course you do. Boy, it's been a long time since I've even typed his name! Here it is, in its entirety, and then a couple comments from yours truly will follow...

"Daisuke Matsuzaka began preparing for his 2008 season Sunday with a five-hour workout at his former team’s Seibu Lions stadium in Tokorozawa, Japan.
Matsuzaka told reporters he planned to work out in Japan for about a month and that unlike last year, he would not be conducting his January workouts in Southern California. A year ago, Matsuzaka spent much of this month throwing and exercising near his agent Scott Boras’ home office in Newport Beach, Calif., before reporting to Fort Myers for his first season with the Red Sox."

Peter here, and we all expect great things from the talented pitcher who enthralled all of us last year, his first season in the United States' baseball system. When he was good, he was great. When he was mediocre, he was just plain old average, with plate location and pitch counts the major culprits. But now that he has a year under his belt and a good dose of major league experience, he will undoubtably be a better pitcher in 2008. Nothing will be new, the language barrier will be less immense, as will the culture shock, and things new to him last year will NOT be this year. And if he's more comfortable, not only with the hitters he will face but in every other facet of life here in America, it should add up to a more confident and consistant Boston Red Sox pitcher. And that's just what we need. Our starting rotation looks so good right now, and that's without the elusive Johan Santana included in the mix. In fact, I would be ecstatic if Jacoby Ellsbury AND Jon Lester are on our 2008 squad. Lester will also be better...he showed what he was made of in the fourth game of the World Series. And Ellsbury? All I can say is WOW when I think of what he can and hopefully will accomplish in the years to come.

I didn't link anything to the title of this post. The entire article is pasted above. But I did want to add one more thing. "Sox Fan" left me two comments about my last post, entitled "Believe It Or Not (Not)." And I responded to them. Please check out his smart words, and my humble ones, for my writing did not firmly reflect my true feelings. I explained those feelings in a comment all my own. It's the previous post, dated Friday, January 11, 2008. SOX FAN, again, I thank you for your spot-on comments. And to all my readers, few as you are right now, I wish you a happy and safe weekend to come. There's a chance of a Nor'easter type of snowstorm Sunday night and Monday, and I'll keep you posted right here. There's too much grass showing right now, especially for the second week of January. BE WELL.

Believe It Or Not (NOT!!)

This is from a NY Yankees fan web publication.....

"Kennedy: Member Of '04 Red Sox Used PEDs..."

"On the drive home tonight, from work, I caught the very last minutes of The Show on X-Radio (MLB Home Plate) with Rob Dibble and Kevin Kennedy.
At that time, Kevin Kennedy was addressing a caller who had some thoughts on the Mitchell Report.
I was pretty surprised at what Kennedy had to say there. In wanting to make a point about the Mitchell Report not being the all-inclusive bible of naming PED users, Kevin Kennedy said that a current colleague of his, who was with the Boston Red Sox in 2004, told him that he (the colleague) witnessed, for a fact, a member of the '04 Red Sox injecting himself in the buttocks with a needle full of PEDs. Kennedy said that the user is no longer a member of the Red Sox - but, he was a player on the team that won the ring in 2004. As per Kennedy, his colleague said that the "user" was giving a demo (to the "colleague") on how to do the injection.
It's pretty interesting that Kennedy would throw this out there, in the last few minutes of a radio broadcast. I wonder if anyone will pick up on it? Too bad George Mitchell missed this one."

Peter here, and this isn't worthy of ANY attention from Sen. Mitchell. In fact, Kennedy was bitter about his release from the Sox, way back when. But it's a "he said, he said, and then he said" type of story. In other words, complete bulls*it. Or maybe not, but I guarantee you this...that "person" is not with the Boston club now, if he ever existed in the first place. I just wanted to put it out there for you. You see, I TOLD you I'd be back! Be well. P.S. Click on the title of this post!

Back To Back, 'Belli To 'Belli

Tim Wakefield's "personal" catcher will be back for another season in 2008, and I'm happy about it. Yes, he can catch the unpredictable Wakefield knuckleball as well as anyone, but we all have to hope he can raise his batting average to a more respectable number. This is from the Boston Herald...

"According to sources, Mirabelli has agreed in principle a one-year deal from the team that will pay him in the range of a guaranteed $550,000 to serve as backup to Jason Varitek. The guaranteed portion of the deal is down from the $750,000 Mirabelli earned last season, but incentives allow the catcher to reach an approximate $1 million ceiling that he had last year."

Peter here. Our catcher situation (for now...think Varitek and new contract) is secure, but the Red Sox have done nothing yet to bolster the bullpen with another arm or two. And the skipper still needs a contract deal. And, of course, the Santana talks seem to have been on hold for a long time. In fact, there is more trade talk coming from the Mets' camp than anywhere else, so who knows what will happen. Johan is building a new house in the Fort Myers, Florida area, the city where both the Twinkies and the Red Sox have their spring training facilities. But with the size of his coming contract, he can afford to build another home virtually anywhere on the globe. Oh, what a feeling that must be!

That's all I have time for on this cold and rainy Friday morning, but I will be back later today if there is any news I can hunt down. Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend, my friends, and be safe out there. You can click on this post's title for the entire Herald article.

Clemens' Congressional Hearing Postponed...Buddy LeRoux

Congress wants to be prepared, fully ready and armed when Roger Clemens and his lawyer(s) walk through their door. This is from the Globe of Boston, and then I'll be back with a few other things on this slow Red Sox news day...

"Congress wants to be prepared when Roger Clemens and his former trainer, Brian McNamee, head to Capitol Hill.
The House hearing involving Clemens, McNamee and Andy Pettitte was postponed Wednesday from Jan. 16 until Feb. 13, giving lawmakers more time to gather evidence, to take depositions from the witnesses and to coordinate their investigation with the Justice Department."

Peter here, and now I don't know who to believe. McNamee, with seemingly no reason in the world to lie to Sen. Mitchell, HAS lied in the past, reports that have recently surfaced say, so he's no angel either. The facts WILL come out, but this cannot and will not help Clemens' chances for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Remember, Mark McGuire received the same paltry vote total as he did last year...I think his Hall of Fame dreams are JUST that...dreams, whisps of unreality mixed with truth conjured by the active mind while the body is at rest.

In other news, rest in peace Buddy LeRoux, who passed away a couple days ago. He went from being a trainer for the Sox, one of the ones huddled over the mortally wounded Tony Conigliaro, to becoming a part-owner of the club. Jim Lonborg, the Impossible Dream team's ace on the mound, had this to say...

"I think it shows what a really bright guy he was, to be able to not only take care of professional athletes with regard to being a trainer, but he also had thoughts about providing for his family and sustaining the interests that he had outside the world of baseball," said Jim Lonborg, a pitcher whose time with the Red Sox overlapped with Mr. LeRoux's years as a trainer.
"The fact that he was astute enough to recognize what it would take to own the Boston Red Sox, to deal with the politics of owning the Red Sox, to surround himself with people who understood the business and would be able to provide the economic resources to buy the ball club, it takes a very bright and engaging person to be able to accomplish all that."

Peter back, yet again. Hey, it's my blog! I can't stay away!! In all seriousness, Buddy was always a controversial figure in all of sports, but there was one thing that shined so bright...his love for the Boston Red Sox. And for that, we all have to say thank you.

Click on the title of this post for the entire Boston Globe LeRoux article, and have a wonderful Thursday. Thanks for stopping by yet again, and remember, BE WELL.

GOOSE Is Golden, Rice Is Cooked, Again!

The intimidating flamethrower Goose Gossage roared into the Hall of Fame, named on 86% of the ballots, and deservedly so. The story was a different one for Red Sox slugger Jim Ed Rice. He was named on only 72% of the ballots, 16 votes shy of the number needed for election to the hallowed shrine in Cooperstown. It took Goose nine years to get in. He had this to say...

"It's just off the charts," Gossage said Tuesday from his home in Colorado, where he was informed he was at last elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. "Having to wait so long, if anything, made it sweeter than if I was elected on the first ballot."

Peter here. I wish Jim Rice had something to be elated about, and he is running out of years of eligibility. Next year will be his last shot. He was magnanimous in defeat, however, and had this to say after learning the sad news...

"Today's results are obviously a disappointment," Rice said in a statement distributed by the Red Sox. "I believe my accomplishments speak for themselves, and a majority of the voters seem to agree. It is tough to come this close, but I remain hopeful for the 2009 results.
"I appreciate all the kind words from so many players, including Rich Gossage, and I congratulate Goose on his well-deserved election today."

Peter here, and as always, Jim Ed is a good man, honest and able to congratulate a fellow baseball colleague even while burning with sadness. Deep down, where it counts, in his heart. I know he had his very soul set on a possible Hall election. The conditions were right, but the votes weren't there. Hey Jimmy, we all feel for you. We're with you. We love you! Never forget that.

I linked a Boston Globe article-just click on the title of this post. It goes into the Hall of Fame voting results completely. Hey, have a great Hump Day, as again we slowly slide towards the weekend. And, as always, be safe. Be well. Be happy. Those are the most important things in life. Thanks for being here.

The Hall Of Fame Voting Is Here, And Another Choice Quote From Roger Clemens

Today is the day that, if all is right in the world, Goose Gossage will roar into the Baseball Hall of Fame and Jim Ed Rice should also get the 75% of the votes needed for admission. IF ALL IS RIGHT IN THE BASEBALL WORLD. Gossage was a savage hurler who had many saves of more than one inning. And we all know about Jim Ed Rice, once one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball. The conditions are better than they ever have been or will be for his induction. This is from the Hartford Courant's ace sportswriter, Jeff Jacobs. He is my favorite sports scribe....

"Gossage should roar into the Hall of Fame. Rice, a power hitter, should slide into the Hall of Fame barely under the tag of the naysayers.
Gossage won 124 games, saved 310 and struck out 1,502 batters in 1,809 innings. He had 52 saves of at least seven outs. Mariano Rivera has one. With a 100 mph fastball, he was a two-inning knockout artist.
Arguing Rice's qualifications has become as much a New England winter pastime as counting Patriots Super Bowl rings. I'm not going to bore you with all the talking points beyond saying Rice, who goes off the ballot after next year, deserves it in a close call."

52 saves of seven outs or more! Wow!! Well said, Jeff. I'm rooting for both of them, because they DESERVE to be there. If Jim Ed did not suffer from nearsightedness, which affected his hitting and outfield defense in his later years, he would have played two more seasons, at least. And with those kind of numbers, he would already be a member of baseball's elite club. The Goose is a lock for today's vote, much like Obama is in New Hampshire. And yes, Obama IS a lock. He will make Hillary cry yet again.

Speaking of the Hall, Roger Clemens, who will appear before a Congressional hearing next week, had this to say. Remember, he knows baseball's history and revels in it. For him to say this was unfathomable to me. Here you go...

"Do you think I played my career because I'm worried about the damn Hall of Fame?" Clemens said seconds before storming off the podium. "I don't give a rat's ass. If you have a vote and [are affected] because of this, you keep your vote. I don't need the Hall of Fame to justify that I put my butt on the line and I worked my tail off. I defy anybody to say I did it by cheating or taking any shortcuts."

Wow, Roger, why aren't you more forthcoming? Just kidding, but he might have done more harm to his Hall of Fame chances in those few sentences than anything I could imagine. Talk about speaking your mind! And remember, Roger is a student of the history of America's favorite sport...remember how he used to walk out to the monuments in Yankee Stadium's centerfield and touch Babe Ruth's forehead? So it DOES matter to him. IMMENSELY. Hey Roger, wait and tell it to Congress. DO NOT LIE. If they find any untruthful statements, you will go through the same broohaha that the very guilty Barry Bonds is going through right now. Do you want to share a lifeboat with HIM? I wouldn't.

Everyone, thanks again for stopping by, and I wish you a great Tuesday, January 8th. I linked the entire Jeff Jacobs piece...all you have to do is click on the title of this post. Take care and BE WELL. Forever.

TICK TICK TICK....

I hope you had a chance to see the Mike Wallace 60 Minutes interview of Roger Clemens. I did, although the phone interupted me for an important long distance phone call right as it began. So I missed a little, but there was a report this morning from Front Row Sports Report dot com that listed the key points. Here are most of them, with my comments in brackets. And then I'll leave you with a few more...

"Clemens is very angry and upset he is not getting the respect he thinks he deserves. (AWWW)
He got to where he was and played for so long through hard-work - that’s it. (TELL IT TO CONGRESS)
Clemens looked visibly uncomfortable at various points in the interview. (HE DID!)
Clemens denies everything that McNamee said. (OF COURSE HE DID!!)
Steroids are a “quick fix” and why did his body not break down after his alleged use. (ROCKET, YOUR INJURIES MOUNTED AND MULTIPLIED LATE IN YOUR CAREER, ESPECIALLY LAST YEAR)
Clemens was completely shocked to learn about Andy Pettitte’s involvement with steroids. (WHAT ELSE COULD HE HAVE SAID?)
Clemens would say the same things to Congress that he said during his 60 Minutes interview. (AND I CAN'T WAIT!)
Clemens would take a lie detector test…even though he doesn’t know if they are good or bad. (AHEM, I PLEAD THE 5TH)
Clemens is probably retiring..maybe. (AFTER HIS '07 YANKEE MINI-SEASON, WHO COULD BLAME HIM?)"

Peter here. First of all, I recommend that web site, and the full article will be linked to this post's title. My thoughts about the Wallace interview? Ok...Clemens seemed indignant and outraged at times, and visibly recoiled when Mike mentioned the lie detector test. He said his "counsel" advised him NOT to appear before the Mitchell inquiry board, and he never did, claiming he had no idea that MacNamee would implicate him. He probably didn't, by the way, but I doubt that he would have appeared in the first place. To me, a sports fan and observer/blog writer, he was hiding something, and if he DOES appear before the Congressional hearings to come, I'd be more than a little surprised.

I hope every one of you had a wonderful weekend, the first of the new year. I linked the entire Front Row Sports dot com article...just click on the title of this post, but most of the high points are right here for you. Enjoy the week, and I'll be back before you know it. Thanks for stopping in yet again. BE WELL.

Cashman And Steinbrenner And Santana...The New Boss And The GM Disagree??

I came across an article from the Sunday Boston Herald, written by the always readable Rob Bradford, that I'd like to comment about. Here's a bit of it, and I'll link the entire piece to this post's title. Read on!

"As Brian Cashman walked out of Fenway Park's EMC Club yesterday, the New York Yankees general manager offered a final message.
“Right now,” said Cashman, “all is quiet.”
But when it comes to the Yankees and a potential trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana, comments from both Cashman and the team’s senior vice president, Hank Steinbrenner, suggest serenity is anything but the norm these days.
On Friday, Steinbrenner told the Associated Press: “Nothing is really decided at this point. I’m still leaning toward doing it. There’s others leaning not to do it. There are some others that are leaning to do it also. Disagreements within the organization. Nothing major, but just different opinions. I’ve changed my opinion a couple times.”
(Steinbrenner then said this about Cashman) “I always told him, ‘I’m going to make the final decisions because when you’re the owner you should,’ ” Steinbrenner said. “He is the general manager, and he has the right to talk me out of it and he has talked me out of some things.”

Peter here. Internal strife on a cohesive team like the Yankees? Nah (just kidding)!! Well, it would seem so, because in real life, rather than in the attempts from the teams's publicity machine that would suggest "all is well, no icebergs in sight," there are disagreements between the new Boss, son of the old Boss, and their competent (at least in my opinion) general manager, Brian Cashman. When Hankie says he wants to pull the trigger and do it, and by that I mean trade for the services of the best lefty in all of baseball, that means the Yankees WILL give it their best shot(s), young pitchers deemed previously untouchable be damned. Touchable you very well might be! But everything right now on this still dark but warm January Sunday morning is up in the air, like the hazy outline of a shimmering "something" haunting the upper reaches of your house, feet sliding on the floor and the rattle of chains barely audible over the sound of your own body shaking uncontollably, heart palpitating, madly out of control with unfathomable fears. OOPS, I was reading a horror novel last night, a good one, and I guess a little of that quivering and shivering spilled over into this post. Forgive me, but I can give you more. No? Oh well, back to Johan and his new suitor. Until Minnesota gets its internal thinking together, nobody knows what the Twinkies will do. We all know one thing...they DO NOT want to watch Johan walk away to free agency and be left with a couple draft picks. So January might be a news-filled month. Stay tuned...same Red Sox time, same Red Sox channel...RIGHT HERE!

Don't forget to watch 60 Minutes tonight, with the Mike Wallace/Roger Clemens segment. It will air after the CBS football coverage on your local CBS affiliate. I've had fun writing this post, and when you click on its title, you will be directed to the original Boston Herald Rob Bradford article. Have a tremendous Sunday, and as always, EVERY DAY, I thank you for being here. You make me happy! Be well.

Knock Knock. CONGRESS Calling.....

The United States Congress has been gracious enough to invite Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, among others, to testify in front of a Congressional hearing that will look into the Mitchell investigation. This is from the Boston Globe, and then I'll be back with a comment. Boy oh boy, you bet I will....

"Now Roger Clemens gets a chance to tell his side of the story under oath. So does his good pal Andy Pettitte. And their former trainer, Brian McNamee, too. Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, was asked Friday to testify before a congressional committee looking into the Mitchell Report on doping in baseball, nearly three years after the same panel brought sluggers Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro to Capitol Hill.
Also invited to appear before the House Oversight Committee on Jan. 16 were Clemens' former New York Yankees teammates Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch; McNamee, who has said he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone; and former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, whose allegations were central to the findings released last month by former Senate majority leader George Mitchell.
Although no one had agreed to show up for the hearing as of late Friday afternoon, the committee's announcement listed Clemens and others under the heading, "Witnesses will include."
"Roger is willing to answer questions, including those posed to him while under oath," said Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin. "We hope to determine shortly if schedules and other commitments can accommodate the committee on that date."

Peter here. I'm sorry that Globe excerpt was so long, but I didn't find any of it that I wanted to delete. The words "witnesses will include" seem to me to be a firm invitation, not one that Clemens and Pettitte could duck out of. But his lawyer Rusty Hardin seemed in no way definite that his client WILL comply. We'll have to wait and see, I guess. I wish there would be some kind of punishment meted out if he or his lefty teammate fail to comply. But failing to show is as damning as admitting that he partook of the banned substances. In the 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace, which was conducted in Clemens' Katy, Texas home, he told Wallace that McNamee DID inject him, but only with a vitamin and a painkiller more often found at the dentist's office. So all of us know that SOMEONE is lying. MacNamee was granted immunity for his testimony, so there is not ONE reason on this good earth for him to spew fiction. Clemens, on the other hand, is spewing something....he has everything to lose and nothing to gain, and that's why I don't believe a word he has said. The hearings should be televised somewhere on some network...you judge for yourself. In THIS country, a person is innocent until proven guilty, but Roger should just look at Barry Bonds' plight to know what happens when someone lies to Congress. My best guess is that the schedules of the committee and for Clemens himself will never mesh, or he and his lawyer will think of something, ANYTHING (!!) to shirk his responsibility

60 Minutes will air on CBS Sunday night, as soon as the NFL coverage ends, probably between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. I know I'll be watching, and so will countless millions of Americans and baseball lovers the world over.

Have a great weekend. The weather here in north central Connecticut is at the beginning of a week long warming trend. The core of the warm air, with temperatures approaching 6o degrees (!!!), will arrive in time for Tuesday and Wednesday. A January thaw in the true sense of the words! Click on the title of this post for the entire Clemens' piece, and as always, thank you for stopping by. Your comments will be read, devoured actually, and responded to almost instantly. BE WELL.

Long-Term Deal For Youkilis Would Be Nice!

It's Friday already. Talk about the joy of a short week. Two of 'em, in fact! I could get used to this...easily. I was reading the sports section of the Boston Herald online this early morning, and I came across an article about our first baseman supreme, Gold Glover Kevin Youkilis. In it, Youk's agent mentions Kevin's contract status, and whether the Sox will sign him to a long-term deal rather than the previous series of one year deals. Here's part of what he had to say....

"Joe Bick, who represents Kevin Youkilis, might be right. Bick contends if there was ever a perfect fit of player and team it would be Kevin Youkilis and the Red Sox. So while Bick and his staff continued to prepare potential arbitration cases for clients, including Youkilis, there's a small possibility that the two sides could discuss a multi-year deal.
"At this point we haven't had a conversation with the Red Sox about that (a long-term deal)," said Bick from his Cincinnati office. "That's their call at this point. There's nothing we can do to force any long-term deal at this point so we're just assuming we're going year-to-year."

Peter here, and Bick is correct. In Kevin Youkilis, the Boston Red Sox have the best defensive first baseman on the planet. Imagine, he had ZERO errors at first in that magical 2007 season. When you think of how many times each and every game that a first baseman handles the ball, well, having absolutely NO errors is an AMAZING feat! And we were lucky enough to see each and every game. Wow!! At the plate, Kevin's ability to avoid the strikeout and keep his batting average high is known throughout the league. And it doesn't hurt that the New York Yankees AND their fans think he is some type of biker/ruffian. Yankee fans, YOU ARE CLUELESS! What else is new...we should be used to their shortcomings. So, Red Sox front office, why not sign him to more than a one year deal? And while you're at it, there is a certain guy named Terry "Tito" Francona who remains unsigned....let's not forget about the skipper. After all, he guided his "ship" to the Promised land. TWICE!

You can access the entire Rob Bradford Boston Herald article when you click on the title. Have a wonderful weekend. I wish I could say that next week will be another short one, but alas, that's beyond my powers, mighty may they be (Ha ha). I'll be back later if there is any breaking baseball news, or tomorrow morning, before 7 AM, for sure. BE WELL.

Patriot Head Coach BILL BELICHICK NAMED THE AP COACH OF THE YEAR!

Hello on this Thursday afternoon. It's not MUCH warmer than it was when I wrote my Thursday morning post...back then it was 0.5 degrees F. Now it's a balmy 9.7 degrees F. My sincere best wishes go out to the New England Patriots' head coach, Bill Belichick...read this breaking news, from Boston dot com...

"New England's undefeated season now includes yet another achievement: Bill Belichick is The Associated Press 2007 NFL Coach of the Year. The first coach since Don Shula in 1972 to lead his team through a spotless regular season, Belichick won the award Thursday for the second time in four years."

Peter here. And this is to Bill. "WOW!! You and your team continue to AMAZE us! Thank you. 3 MORE VICTORIES!"

My Constant Readers, if that happens, it will be New England bedlam yet again....I can't wait! GO PATS!!!!!

With Johan On The Red Sox, The Door Opens For Kielty...Maybe

Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald wrote a nice piece today (Thursday) about our 2007 reserve "outfielder/righthanded hitter off the bench" Bobby Kielty. Kielty, whose home run in the World Series was pivotal, knows that the trade talk involving Minnesota lefty ace Johan Santana includes the name of Coco Crisp, who would, in most scenarios, go to the Twinkies to fill their centerfield void. This is what Bobby had to say when asked his feelings. I'll be back with a comment after you read this...

“Unless another team comes in with an unbelievable offer, I’m just going to wait it out and see what happens. I love Boston and I’m hoping something can work out.”
Kielty, who has drawn interest from “three to four” other teams, is just a .228 career hitter left-handed but a .296 hitter from the right side. He was brought in by the Sox last season to serve as their primary righty hitter off the bench, and he highlighted his stay with a pinch-hit home run in Game 4 of the World Series.
Although his preference is to remain with the Red Sox, Kielty might have to look at other options more intensely if Crisp’s situation isn’t resolved.
Other than waiting to see where he will be calling home next season, Kielty has been very pleased with his offseason.
“I’m excited about how I feel,” said Kielty, who has been able to work on his legs and mobility more than any point since suffering a torn meniscus in his knee in 2007.
“I’m finally where I need to be.”
“When I think of the Minnesota Twins, I think of Johan Santana,” he said. “You can’t get much better than him.”

Peter here, and when I think of Bobby Kielty, I think of his smash into the leftfield stands last September, up in the rarified air of Denver. I hope he'll be back with the Sox in '08, because that would mean the Sox would be "Coco-less" AND have another lefty in the rotation. But, and I've said this SO many times, the world champion Boston Red Sox, my team, and yours, are just fine the way they are right now. But to part with Jon Lester and Coco Crisp, AND two hot prospects, in order to add Johan Santana, well, that's the stuff that dreams are made of. I like to dream....don't you? And 2008 COULD be a dream season. But that's the future, and now is NOW.

Click on the title for the entire Bradford piece, and enjoy your Thursday, the third day of our new year. As always, thanks for being here to read my words, and click on that title. BE WELL!

Red Sox And Yankees In This Year Of 2008

Good morning. I came across an article at fox sports dot com, which is not my primary or secondary source of Boston Red Sox News, but at this time of the year, when winter has us in its icy grip, the baseball news is hard to come by. Sometimes I just stumble upon it, and sometimes a search becomes a determined quest. But I'm not the type of guy who gives up, hands held over his head in disgust. Uh-uh...that ain't me! I was lucky this time, for the Globe and the Herald and the Courant were pretty much devoid of Red Sox news and filled to the brim with college football. So I punched in ESPN, USA Today, and then Fox, and I hit paydirt. Or at least I hit something with the words Red Sox and Yankees in it. Actually, it's a great article that focuses on a breakdown of these two hated rivals, offensively and defensively and every other which way. I'll link the entire article with this post's title, but for now I'll leave you with a taste of it, the summary at the very end of the piece. Here it is....I'll be back with some comments, and then I'd like to read yours. Here you go...
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"These are two very good teams, and there's a strong chance that both will wind up in the playoffs. While there's still time for a blockbuster trade to tilt the scales, right now Boston is clearly the better club. The Yanks get the nod on offense — both in terms of starters and in terms of bench talent — but Boston is better in the rotation and in the bullpen, and they also have the better team defense and the better manager. To be sure, another thrilling AL East chase is in the offing, but right now the smart money is on the Boston Red Sox."
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Peter here. I have smart money! Just kidding, because if I ever hazard any sheckals on a bet, it is never on a team I love...my heart gets in the way of my common sense, so it's better not to bet at all. As balanced and good as our offense is, Perry, the writer of this entertaining article, is right...the Yankees have a better "on paper" offense that is capable of more. By a scinch! The rotation edge belongs to the Red Sox, and that's true even without the much discussed Santana trade in the mix. The bullpens, at least when it comes to the closer and the set-up guys, are as close to even as they could get. (P.S. I'll take Paps anyday, anytime, anywhere, any planet!). The edge on defense belongs to our Boston club. THAT I agree with. I recommend you click on the title of this post and decide for yourself. And then leave me a comment. I will read and respond to any and all of them. What with the long holiday weekend, readership has been down, but I know most of you are here for the long run, while I keep on keeping on, writing EVERYDAY. You see, I love this!

Have a wonderful Wednesday as we return to the regular grind, if there is such a thing. And I hope your New Year holiday was rich with family, friends and loved ones. Be well.

HAPPY 2008...Bob Ryan's Take On The State Of Sports Euphoria Here In New England

Well, it's Tuesday morning, January 1st, 2008, and that is actually the first time I've typed 2008, our NEW year. Will the new year hold many surprises for us? Will the Celtics continue to march through their NBA schedule while taking no prisoners? They sure have so far. Will those New England Patriots, the object of both love AND scorn throughout this nation of ours, win three more games and firmly establish themselves as one of, if not THE greatest football teams of all time? I don't know, but I am sure of one thing....January will be a fun month just because of them. And of course there are the Bruins, the also-rans, that team who has so far to go to recapture their "glory days." Bob Ryan, in an article from the Boston Globe last week (last year!), encapsulates all of those teams, including the three teams I call "my own," the Pats, the Celts and, of course, the Sox, OUR Sox. Here's a little bit of that aforementioned article, borrowed from the Boston Globe. Click on the title for the entire piece. Here you go....

"It appears that allowing the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics to shower the sports fans of New England with victory after victory - with one championship secured, another very likely to follow, and a third now a reasonable goal - does not spoil any vast eternal plan whatsoever.
The State of Our Teams is embarrassingly good."

Peter here, and I say this. "SHOWER AWAY!" The entire article, which includes each team and their 2007 fortunes or MISfortunes, is an entertaining one. I'd love your comments, even though I know that some of you, if not most, will be sleeping late this morning after celebrating the arrival of 2008 with family and/or friends, maybe with a cold one or other type of adult beverage. It's ridiculously early right now anyways, with the arrival of dawn's first light not expected for more than 40 minutes. But this is the most peaceful time of the day for me, the hours between 6am and 7:15am....I always write my morning post and have it up by 7am. So after my breakfast, I sit down at my computer desk, which has a beautiful view out the living room sliding glass door, and gaze at the beautiful trees and green grass in my backyard, which is covered by a mantle of stale looking snow. And then, believe it or not, I write. That little voice in my right (not left!) ear tells me what to type, and I just do it! When or if that voice is silenced, I'd be in trouble, but it's coming in loud and clear, 10 x 10, wall to wall, as the trucker CBers say. And that's good!

Wow, where did I begin? Talk about going off on a tangent! You know me, though. I do that a lot. Oh yes, I remember...Bob Ryan's great Boston Globe piece. Please, my Constant Readers, click on the title of this post for the entire article, and have a wonderful Tuesday, January 1st, 2008. Sounds nice, doesn't it? BE WELL. And have a wonderful year, a year overfilled with happiness and good health, a year when all your loved ones will be as happy as you will be. In short, A YEAR TO REMEMBER.