BASEBALL 4: GAME ROLLS ON

[XPEG]

Well, the Pitcher of the Day has to be ROGER CLEMENS :D of the Astros. He won his 330th games yesterday by pitching strong against the Marlins in Florida. 7 innings, no runs on 4 hits, 3 BB and 6 K. Rogers ERA is 1.10. Astros finally win 2-1.

Also have to give a POD to DANIEL CABRERA :) of the Orioles for his performance yesterday against the Twins. 8 innings, no runs on 3 hits, 2 BB and 11 K’s as the O’s win 3-0.

Saw the Yankee game last night. That’s 3 wins in a row. :angel Wow. Wang goes tonight, so who knows what will happen.

[Yankees Suck 01]

Bronson Arroyo pitched a 3 hitter tonight and still didn't get the win (Welcome to Boston Arroyo, shall we call you Derek Lowe?) Kevin Millar hit a two run homer in the ninth to win it ( Yea Kevin)
Apparently Jason Varitek was where I work again but I wasn't there yet and David Ortiz now lives even closer then he did before (He bought a new house and it is a 2 minute car ride away from mine:) Big Papi is my neighbor.lol (Okay so not close neighbor but still)
Anyone live in Massachusetts? I need to borrow someones kids Halloween night so I can trick or treat at my new neighbors house (Just for the record I am kidding)


I will be at tomorrow's game. Can't wait since my other game was rained out. Sammy Sosa is on the DL. I hope he is better by June 2nd for the make up game.

[Beth2000]

The Braves are back on track. I know, I know, so they lost a game the other day. But, when they lose you think they are in a slump. Well, at least I do. They won last night.

[MarcellaMichelle]

Yay for last night when Mike Lowell comes out of his slump with a great hit to bring in the go ahead runs!

Tonight I'll be at the game. Finally get to see the D-Train pitch (he was actually a pinch hitter last night) and, of course, Mr. MM will be rooting for the Astros and Roy "wizard of" Oswalt. For some reason, every time we see the Astros, he's the pitcher. I think I'll make Mr. MM sit a seat or two away from me if he wears his Astros gear instead of his Marlins gear! LOL.

[XPEG]

The Pitcher of the Day today is KEVEN MILLWOOD :D of the Indians for his great performance against the Angels of Los Angeles and Anaheim on Monday night. Kevin went 8 innings, giving up only 1 hit, no runs or walks and struck out 8. The Indians win 3-0.

Break up the Yankees; they've won 4 in a row! I'm watching them play Seattle right now. Not actually a pitchers duel; it's only the 2nd inning and 10 total runs have been scored so far.

[Beth2000]

okay did I miss something here. Did Kevin Millwood get traded to the Indians? When? Where was I when this was announced?

[ceap]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Two days in a row, the Red Sox hit a walk off homerun to win the game! Last night it was Kevin Millar and just now, Jason Varitek! Sox swept Oakland!!!!!!!

Oh, Keith Foulke, you make me nervous!

[mr pru]

Unless I'm mistaken-which is entirely possible-Mr. Millwood signed as a free agent over the winter. I don't think it was a long term deal. I'm thinking just a year or two. Buuuutt-like I said before-I could be...

[ceap]

YankeesSuck,

Today's game must have been awesome! Where were your seats?? Although the 9th was nerve wracking...Foulke giving up 4 RUNS...but seeing your neighbor, Jason Varitek, hit the walk off homerun must have been fantastic to witness. How cool! Was Fenway going crazy???? It sure sounded loud on TV.


MKKandNYYfan,

So, what's the word on Giambi? The TV and radio are saying he's going to the Minors. They showed an interview with Joe Torre and he more or less said Jason would be going to the Minors for a few weeks to work on his hitting.

Tino Martinez is on fire! Glad he's hitting so well. What is it, 5 homers in 5 games? That's great and he's such a nice guy.

[michelle2006]

My Yanks are back! Tino....I wish I could give him a hug. Pavano- Carl man, its ok, everyone has a bad day.

Well, according to the Post, Giambi will not go to the minors and be back in the lineup.....ehh!

[Yankees Suck 01]

Actually Ceap my section was kind of tame (except for my crazy sister.lol) I was sitting in the rooftop section about 50 yards from the tables. Not very close seats but you could see the whole field. I have never been to a walk off home run game before so that was great. I feel bad for Foulke, he was pretty much booed after giving up the second hit but Tek saved the day.
My section woke up after Papi got on base. The whole place was crazy after the home run even the lazy people sitting below me:)

[MKandNYYfan]

Word here is the Yanks are leaving it up to Giambi to make the decision to head to the minors. They think his confidence is shot...OK, so he thinks he can't play without the steriods...How awesome is it that his predecessor has become his successor?! And is doing so well! Yeah, Tino made a bad error last week that cost us a game, but his bat has made up for it, and who would've thoughht! It's amazing to hear the fans at the stadium whenever Tino comes up to bat, even if he grounds out, they cheer so loudly for him, I always get chills!

Anyway, Giambi is supposed to be back in the line-up as DH tomorrow at Oakland, where he is sure to hear more boos, so maybe this is part of the plan to get him to accept a minor league assignment??? I feel bad for the guy, partly, because he obviously is down, but he needs to do what's best for the team.

[kjesse]

Hi everybody, just popping in to say hi. Finals are next week so hopefully I be able to concentrate on baseball soon.

The Angels are really stinking it up. They are lucky the teams in their division are losing too. They are in a huge batting slump and the pitching stinks as usual. Hopefully this slump will be over soon. It's better to have it now than later.

[KwanFan1212]

ITA that its better to slump now than later but it sure seems like a lot of teams hit a bad slump at the same time! :eek

Reds did win tonight 7-5 over the Phillies (and in Philly too so I am thinking that Heather will be all over this one, LOL :D ) and my baseball induced ulcer is a bit quieter tonight thanks to some great Reds baseball. Ramon Ortiz pitched pretty well overall and got his first win of the season. Adam Dunn and Griffey Jr are doing some fab hitting (2 HRs for Dunn and one for Jr. tonight!) and thank goodness Danny Graves didn't make it too interesting at the end of the game as he's been doing more and more this year (not always coming away with the save either). He makes me nervous this year!! :eek More games with Philly as the weekend rolls on. :D

[MKandNYYfan]

I had to post in fear that the "Baseball" thread will disappear!!! I haven't been able to keep up with Basball Tonight or any other sort of program to hear how other teams are doing lately, busy with horse shows, except for my Yanks. So, I like coming here and reading posts here!

Well, my Yanks are on a roll, even Giambi got a double last night, and 2 runners on base scored (although that was due to an error by Oakland's LF Kielty). Actually, Giambi probably only got a single, and then Kielty got a 2-base error...Sorry to see that Karsay was released. I thought he would come back! Too bad. Moose is back to his usual self, thank goodness!

[ceap]

Trot Nixon coming through for the Red Sox! Grand Slam and we beat Seattle! Good game, but Johnny Damon's hitting streak is over. :( 18 straight games. I wish they gave him the hit instead of giving the error to Beltran. Sigh.

Wade Miller is pitching really well. I wish he wouldn't throw so many balls and despite giving up two homeruns last night, he is looking great. I fell asleep before the game ended, but I heard our bullpen was on fire! Good for them!!!

Let's win another today and win the series.


MKKandNYYfan,
Tino is on a roll! Another homerun!

[michelle2006]

Holy Martinez!!!!

Tino hit 2 MORE HOMERS TODAY!!!!!!! LOVED THAT double from Giambi......good for him....I felt so bad for the guy!We swept Oakland. The more important thing is the fact that we have reached .500 and in STYLE!

Eight Games STRAIGHT........and TINO!!!!!!

[MKandNYYfan]

Did you guys hear about the guy that threw beer on Giambi last night? He was arrested, spent the night in jail, abnd is facing multiple criminal charges. Giambi isn't pressing charges, though. Then today, two fans got on the field. Crazy. And dangerous. I wonder what goes through people's heads.

Whatever.

Tino has been amazing! Randy, though...Hope that groin injury isn't the problem, and he's trying to cover it up. And how about Robinson Cano! Pretty good bringing him up now! On to Seattle!

[Beth2000]

thanks Mr. Pru :) That is what happens when one stays busy all the time. I missed hearing that.

Well, the Braves took 2 out of 3 from the Dodgers!!!!

[mr pru]

Beth2000
You mean Goddess's are busy? I figured you laid around and had studly types feeding you grapes and rubbing your feet!!

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It’s sooooo good to see Tino back in pinstripes and tearing it up. :angel

I missed a number of PODs lately. I’ll just give then out in a group:

TOM GLAVINE :D of the Mets wins a POD for his great performance against the Cardinals several days ago.

KENNY RODGERS :) of the Rangers wins his second for a complete game shutout of the Twins in Minnesota on Saturday.

And BRANDON BACKE :) of the Astros last night pitched a complete game shutout of the Giants. He also had an RBI

[ceap]

Good God, what the heck is up with the Red Sox? We are leaving too many men on base. We should have won yesterday against Oakland. Absolutely. NO excuse for that.

[Beth2000]

Mr. Pru :lol Don't I wished. I am hardly home. When I am home I am spending time with our son and my husband. After this week I will start having a little more time.

[ceap]

Shoot me now...David Wells just gave up 7 damn runs in two innings, was taken out and replaced by Jeremi Gonsalez and he gave up 2 runs. How pitiful...we are losing to Oakland 9-0 and we're only entering into the 3rd inning!!!! Our batters aren't batting well either. Terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, Jason Varitek, my man, just hit a solo homer! Yay! 9-1. Let's get it started guys!

[mr pru]

Brave fans-three blown saves and four losses in a month and a half for closer Kolb. OUCH!! How much longer can management wait?
Yankees are hot-Red sox are not. Even my pathetic Pirates are playing better recently. The Yanks and Sox need the O's to cool off. The Yanks haven't made much ground despite their winning streak.
Nick Zito is 26-27 since winning the Cy Young Award. What's up with that.
Roger Clemens-WOW! How would you like to stand in against him with the game on the line?
Clamping down on steroids-home runs are down-hmmm.....

[Carolyn2]

Ceap, I couldn't believe it when I turned on the t.v. after work and it was 13-2. Is Wells back too soon?? Well on the upside (if there is one) is that Wade Miller is looking strong so he may be able to pick some of the slack up. Matt Mantei looks good too. What is up with the hitting?? Varitek's still hot, but the rest are up and down. Well it's no surprise the Yankees woke up at the same time. Too early to press the panic button, but still...

[Carolyn2]

A little off topic. I just saw on ET about Rob and Amber from Survivor/Amazing Race's wedding. Amber's gift to Rob was to have an artist make a beautiful painting of the Sox celebrating the World Series, and Amber went to spring training to get all the Sox to autograph the painting. They showed Johnny Damon, Tim Wakefield, Jason Varitek and Bronson Arroyo signing it for her. All I can say is, lucky Amber :) (and Rob)

[MKandNYYfan]

Just passing some time before the game starts...then I'll fall asleep by the 6th inning and will wake up at like 4am to rewatch it! LOL...the benefits of tiVo! Rumors around here are that the Rocket to the NYY (again) trade is not totally out there in left field. I doubt it would happen, but I'd love him back! Just not at the expense of Wang. He's been good and we need some young guys!

IL play seems VERY early this year. Any one know why?

I was surprised that Wells was back so soon. Had a lousy game, huh?

Oh-and to Mr pru: Barry Zito is the A's pitcher. Nick Zito is the race horse trainer. My mom always mixes them up!

[ceap]

Carolyn2,
Don't know what's up with Wells. Maybe he IS back too soon or maybe he should have pitched in a couple of AAAA before returning, although I don't think he would have agreed to that.

Cool gift from Amber. That was so nice!

Our batters are not doing well at all. We should have won so many games!!!!! The amount of batters we leave stranded, not to mention having bases loaded SOOO many times and not scoring a freakin run, is driving me crazy.

Now we play the Braves...they are a good team with two great pitchers.

C'mon Sox! Get the job done!!

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I'm writing from my vacation in Florida. The Panama City newspaper is so lame, if a game is played at night, no matter where, the final score doesn't make the paper the next morning. Fortunately, I'm going to Orlando tomorrow so maybe I can keep up with baseball better there.

Missed posting about the Pitcher of the Day for Tuesday, WES OBERMUELLER 0] of the Brewers pitched 8 innings, giving up only 2 hits, NO walks, (I like it when a pitcher really is in control) and NO runs. Brewers beat the Nats in DC 8-2. Wes also got a hit.

Braves have not been doing well against the Padres. Saw today that Kolb will no longer be the closer, but be placed in middle relief. He was just too shakey for the closer role. I hated it when he blew the game for Smotz the other day.

Roger to NY would be nice, but I don't think it'll happen. Roger has it too cushy in Houston (well, other than his bullpen has blown several games for him and his teamates don't hit when he pitches; other than that....)

[KwanFan1212]

The only good thing about the Reds losing so much right now is that my nice big ulcer is getting a work out and just maybe, it will not be so bad heading up to Torino since that will be the next time it flares up again, LOL :lol

COME ON REDS!! Play some good baseball!!! *faints* :(

[mr pru]

Well-a very big DUH on my part!! I knew Zito's first name. I live in Louisville, Ky. and for the past six weeks or so we've had tons of horse racing information drilled down our throats due the coverage before and after the Derby. I guess something in the back of my subconscious took over my fingers while typing.
I graciously stand corrected. Anyone please feel free to correct any future mistakes on my part-because sure as shootin'-they'll be coming.
Thanks again!!

[ceap]

Ohh Foulke scared me again last night, but the Red Sox won and beat the Braves! We haven't had a lot of luck playing them.

Good luck Wakefield! Let's hope Varitek can catch your knuckleballs tonight!!!!

[mr pru]

Maybe it's because I'm an old timer-but I just don't care for interleague play. There are only a few natural rivals-Yanks-Mets, Sox-Cubs, Dodgers-Angels, Giant's-A's-probably a few more, but just not enough to go around the entire league.
The same teams always seem to play each other for the most part. There is just not enough rotation.
Plus, I do believe it can have a bearing on the divisional races. Some teams play stronger opponets than others. At least if you stayed in your own league, this would balance itself out.
The only decent argument I half way agree with is it gives fans to see stars they wouldn't normally have a chance to see play in person. However, I just don't think that is enough to justify the inequities in scheduling.
I'm anxious to hear some other opinions. How about it y'all.

[Carolyn2]

Mr pru, I agree with you about interleague play. It cracks me up that they say the Red Sox and Braves are "natural rivals" because the Braves were once a Boston team -- a million years ago :) But I did like it once upon a time when Glavine was on the Braves because he's from Mass. and grew up a Red Sox fan. He always got a huge ovation coming to Fenway.

Watching the Mets/Yankees right now and what a game it is. Randy Johnson is getting knocked around and I love it :) Sorry but I get as much pleasure out of that as Yankees fans have loved watching Pedro get knocked around. Koo(sp?) the reliever just got a double off of RJ and then did some quick baserunning to score off of a sac bunt. It was awesome to watch. I have to say, I really REALLY like this Mets team. They are a fun bunch who are loose and seem to enjoy themselves a lot. THey remind me of last year's Red Sox (and not just because half the team was on the Sox last year LOL). They just really seem to have chemistry. I noticed they do the same dance/handshake thing in the dugout that the Sox did last year, care of Orlando Cabrera. Kind of copying another team but who cares -- it's fun to watch!

I'll always be pulling for the Phils and Cubs in the NL, but I think the Mets are going to be my guilty pleasure this year.

What happened to Vlad???? He got hurt??? Sorry michellesmom and kjesse-that's really bad news for you guys.

[Carolyn2]

another quick note -- they just showed Pedro in the dugout congratulating Koo and it seems he much more subdued this season on the Mets. I'm not quite sure he 'gells' with the team yet. It was the first time I've seen him today, and last year, on a day he didn't pitch, Pedro would be the first one on the top step cheering on the team and basically just acting like a clown. Remember the years on the Sox when Pedro wore a Yoda mask or when Nomar taped him to a pole so he wouldn't stay put? He used to play with the fans behind the dugout and stuff and I just don't see that side to Pedro anymore. Maybe he needs time to get used to New York.

[MKandNYYfan]

mr pru, carolyn-I agree with you guys as well regarding IL play. The media always hypes up Yanks VS Mets, which in some ways I can see. I think George and the fans consider the Mets the more hated rivals, even more so than the Red Sox. It's all for the fans, though, which is so obvious when you see the pre-games, it's the same thing as last year, like they may as well dig out the tapes of what Jeter has been saying for the past who knows how many years. Well, at least we can do without the whole Piazze-Clemens drama. I guess it is something different though. I've been to a few games. When St. Louis came, I got to attend one game, and it was as wild as they come! But that was cuz Tino was back, Roger was going for his 4,000th strike-out, and 300th win. I did get to see Bonds one year-he crushed a HR. And I loved it when Shane Spencer hit that grand slam off...I forget now who, but a D-Backs reliever who, ironically enough, had come in to relieve Randy. Oh, and then there was the time when Matsui hit a grandslam off...??...against the Mets. But the WORST game I have EVER attended, AL or IL, came when the Astros no-hit us...We go to one IL game a year. I think I have tickets when the Cubs come to town.

Speaking of Randy...I think there's something going on. He hasn't been himself at all since he injured that groin. Last time out was allright, but he had ZERO strike-outs! I really hope he isn't hiding something-I have ZERO respect for any athlete who does that.

[MKandNYYfan]

PS...Pedro may seem some what "subdued" here in NY, but every time they show him on TV, he seems to be same old Pedro. Supposedly he's changed for the good in some ways, shows up when he's supposed to, etc. And also, he has been up to his old antics-wearing various things on his head, or funny shirts. The Daily News had a big write up a week or so ago about how different Pedro and Beltran are, yet they are the main "cogs". It sounded like he's fitting in well and, well, acting like Pedro! Of course I hated Pedro while he was a Red Sox, but he always was entertaining. One time, I was in the field seats during batting practice, he ran up and down the steps chanting over and over,"Derek Jeter! Derek Jeter!" and later on in the game when the fans were chanting,"We want Pedro!" (it was like the 8-9th inning, Yanks were winning, and he was pitching the next day) he stood on top of the steps just gazing around the crowd with a big smile, and kinda outstretched his arms, like he was accepting our "challenge". I never saw an opposing pitcher acknowledge the crowd before. I hope he continues to do well with the Mets though. I always regard the Mets as our pesty little brother, but I do want them to do well, just not against us!

What are you thoughts on how Wells is fitting in? Of course the Daily News makes it seem like Wells only wants to be one place, is only happy in NY, but I'm sure that's pretty fabricated, and that he would get along anywhere. His last stint here though, I don't think he was as a big hit in the clubhouse as he was his 1st time around.

[ceap]

I was shocked to read Randy Johnson had zero strikeouts today. Weird and I can't believe he gave up so many hits. Maybe he is still not 100%.

I'm not too crazy about inter-league play. Especially when we (Red Sox) have to play tougher teams like the Braves. Other teams seemed to get easier picks, although I was shocked to read the Orioles lost to Kansas City. Shocked. No offense to any Kansas City fans.



MKKandNYYfan,
Edited to add: Hope Jeter is OK. Read that he was taken out in the 6th inning after being hit by a ball in the elbow (ouch!)earlier in the game. X-rays were negative and they are watching him.

[MKandNYYfan]

Thanks Ceap! So far, the preliminary reports are he's "day to day", and in Jeter language, that means play unless his hand's falling off. I'm concerned about Randy, and Sheffield (can't close his hand, so was a late scratch today). We need those 3!!!

Today was bad enough for Randy-most hits given up in 4 innings, 12 overall, but he had 5 strike-outs. It was his last outing where he had none (or was it 2 outings ago..?).

[ceap]

Oh, I thought I read earlier in article on-line that he had zero strikeouts. That would have been very un-Randy like. How did Gary hurt his hand?

[GoldenMichelle]

With the combination of me moving, and all the west coast games, I've haven't seen an entire Braves game since almost two weeks ago. I did finally catch the game last night though. This road trip has been pretty bad, and so I guess I should be glad that I missed most of it. Anyhow, I just wanted to post, and let everyone know I havne't dropped off the earth. LOL

[michelle2006]

We won 2/3 against the Mets. When it was like 3-0 in the first 7 or so..I just couldnt accept losing the game. What an exciting victory!

Ceap, Sheff apparently burst a blood vessel or something. I don't kno what to tell you about Randy.

[MKandNYYfan]

Sheff said that he has some broken blood vessels in his hand, from swinging too hard. He first felt it in Oakland, but he didn't let it keep him out of the lineup. They feel he'll be fine for tomorrow's game. Posada has a sore right shoulder when he fell on Koo's cleats after tagging him out at the plate (yes, when you watch the replays, the umpire got it wrong and the guy was obvioulsy out, BUT I give Koo props for heads-up baserunning and scoring a run the way he did. Where was Randy on that play?!). Jeter was out of the line-up for the 1st time all year-elbow puffed up.

TwinnerA-what are your thoughts re: Vazquez? I really hope he's put his troubles behind him and continues to have some good games. I always liked him and was so happy when we traded for him last winter. He had a great 1st half-10-4, but struggled badly the 2nd half and in postseason. Maybe it was injuries, that would be better than a mental issue.

[Beth2000]

well GoldenMichelle, last night the Braves made up for one of their losses on their road trip. The Braves beat the Mets. It was a close game but it was a good game.

[kjesse]

Injuries? To bad the Angels fall into that category. Vlady & KROD are both on the 15 day disable list.

Now to better things, last nights game was awesome. Rookie, Santana, in his debut at Anaheim Stadium and only his 2nd ML appearance throw a 5 hit shutout against the CH White Sox. It was beautiful.

About IL. I don't have anything against it, except I suppose it could upset some standings, but I still like it. They need to rotate the teams more. But if there were no IL then I would never get to see teams like the Phillies, Reds, Giants, etc.

[TwinnerA]

MKandNYYfan, I like Vasquez. It seemed in the beginning he didn't want the trade, but now I think he likes it here. He doesn't have the same kind of pressure he had in NY and he is pitching great. I don't think he has walked a batter in his last 4 games and is going deep into games and even got a complete game shutout this week. I am going to see the D'Backs play the Padres on Thursday and was hoping he'd be pitching, but it's not his turn until Friday (I think). Brandon Webb will be pitching and if his sinkerball, which is one of the best around, is sinking he should get a win to go 7-0 so far this season. Even thought he D'Backs are playing great so far this year, all the attention is on the Phoenix Suns for now.

[KwanFan1212]

kjesse-Sorry to hear that some of the Angels are having injury troubles. Hopefully they just get them out of the way early and are fine for the rest of the season. :)

My Reds are still playing the Nationals tonight where the game is tied 3-3 in the 14th inning!! They beat them 5-3 last night so hopefully they can pull that off tonight. Sigh...the big news in Cincy land is that the Reds released Danny Graves yesterday. I would be more upset about it if he were pitching better this year but after two incidents of him being rude to the fans, I knew the club wasn't going to look the other way. He has not been himself all season long so I don't know what's going on. He will be missed by the guys I think but most of the fans are pretty annoyed that he's blown games for them this season which he doesn't normally do. So yeah, that's the news here. Sigh............:(

CincyHeather :eek

[Beth2000]

well Tim Hudson got us another win. The Braves beat the Mets 4-0. At first I thought it was going to be a pitching match between Glavine and Hudson. But, Glavine started giving up the hits and the runs.

[KwanFan1212]

Reds ended up with the win last night 4-3 (in fourteen innings!) and then they won again today 12-3!!!!!!!!! They were awesome today. Nice to see them on a winning streak for a change, LOL :lol

CincyHeather (Who is ready to strangle JJ Abrams for the summer cliffhangers on both Lost AND Alias tonight. :eek )

[Beth2000]

the Braves swept the Mets. Sheesh this new kid Davies is awesome!!!!! Not sure where they have been hiding him. Anyhoo, he got hit in the chest but, he got the guy out :lol : He is fine. Nothing broken. Of course he will be sore today.

[ceap]

Toronto swept us! What is up with the Red Sox? We are so FLAT out there and our pitching hasn't been that good either. Figures Edgar and Kevin have a great night last night, although Kevin, what was up with the huge lead at 2nd? You're not fast enough to get back to the base...of course they were going to throw you out!!!!!!!!!!!!! Major brain cramp!

We need to step it up tonight. We're in 4th place. It kills me to say that. Yankees series starts tonight. Oh, God, we HAVE to play better against the Yankees!!!!!!!!!!!

C'mon, guys, and go Tim Wakefield! I have faith...Tim always pitches well against the Yankees.

[Carolyn2]

Ceap, I can't believe how flat the Red Sox are now. The pitching's off and the hitting's off. Manny's batting .230 for the first time in his career :( Millar looks bad, REnteria is picking up thankfully but the team isn't gelling. Let's see what the weekend brings.

[ceap]

Carolyn2,
The radio said Manny Ramirez is hitting just over .100 for May. I just about fell over. When have we EVER heard that about Manny???????

[mr pru]

I know it is only late May-still a lot of time left-so how big is the series this weekend between the Yanks/Sox?
The Sox seemed to be on the verge of falling completely apart. The pitching has been horrendous lately-and the bats have been silent.
Someone has to step up and get this team going.
The Yanks have been on fire, obviously. Their pitching has begun to come around like people thought it would in the beginning. ARod seems to have finally settled into his surroundings.
If the Yanks sweep-the Sox could further swoon downhill heading to Baltimore-while the Yanks would likely soar with KC next up.
Whatta' think-Is this the beginning of the end for the Sox?

[MKandNYYfan]

I predict that the Sox wake up and start playing well against us! I think this will be a wild series and hopefully a good one. We've been playing well at times, and SLOPPY at other times. The difference is our opponent has been sloppier!

My concern is our starting pitching. Kevin Brown has been decent his last 4 starts, but I always feel his on the verge of exploding. I believe Randy is injured, I refuse to believe he can't handle NY or is on the downfall. Wang has been solid for us and I really hope they do not trade him mid-season! We need youth! I can't decide what I think of Pavano. He's had some impressive moments and other times, he's lucky our guys score lots of runs for him. Who knows what's going on with Wright...Moose is fine, though, as is the BP for the most part. Then there's the whole rotating position players thing. At 1st I was really worried, but now it seems a good way to make sure some of our aging guys get their rest.

I had the opportunity to go to the game tomorrow! Argh...have to work...

Toronto and Baltimore have really stepped up while NYY and Boston have slumped and played very well thus far. I think the AL East is going to be the division to watch. We'll have to see!

[michelle2006]

MKNNYfan. Cheer up!

We are doing awsome right now. Sure, we have loopholes, but what team doesnt. Our bullpens are amazing right now. Unit will be fine.....give him 2 more starts. Pavano has been just wonderful, and we have to give him credit. Moose is making me so happy. Thats the guy we want! Wanh is a young star. I dont think we need to worry that much about Brown.

I am very happy for A-Rod.

PS. WE wil NOT sweep the Sox......I think the world champs are better than that.

[KwanFan1212]

My Reds are finally finding their game again. They beat the Pirates tonight 6-5 (after losing 8-4 yesterday in a poorly played game) and it turned out to be a really great game. Ortiz is pitching pretty well now and that is a very good thing since that's definitely not the Reds strength. And my ulcer is a bit more under control now that they are playing better, LOL :lol The Reds have won their last four of five games!! *cheers* :D

CincyHeather 8)

[XPEG]

Well, the Yankees did just fine against the Red Sox last night. Although Randy wasn't his old dominant self, he got the job done. Good fielding helped too. And Cano is turning out really well. Go Yanks!

The Pitcher of the Day is PEDRO MARTINEZ :) of the Mets who won a pitching duel against Brian Moehler of the Marlins. Both pitchers went 8. Pedro allowed no runs on 5 hits, walked none and struck out 10. Brian allowed only 4 hits, but 1 run. Mets win 1-0.

I also noticed that old guy Kenny Rogerse of the Rangers won again the other day. Wonder how long he can hold up.

[mr pru]

Red Sox 17 Yanks 1-Top of the 9th??!!?

WOW!

Looks like I may have typed too soon. Just saw the score.

Who tha'...What tha'...What the heck happened in that ballgame?

[Carolyn2]

LOL now XPEG has Pedro be a POD with a big smiley face now that he's not on "that other team" :)

Well speaking of that other team, there is no way Matt Clement doesn't deserve POD for today's game vs. the Yamkees. Wow is all I can say!

Was ir 18-1????? or 17-1??? I lost track.

[ceap]

Today, I think I died and went to heaven. Red Sox won and I went to the U2 concert at the Fleet Center in Boston. They were awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today's game was incredible. The Red Sox beat the Yankees 17-1! Woo hoo! Absolutely fabu! Edgar is back on track and everyone (except Youkalis, who came in late in the game) got hits! John Olerud was fantastic! I feel badly for Kevin Millar, but I'm so glad we aquired Olerud Let's keep it going tomorrow!

[GoldenMichelle]

I feel like there hasn't been a Braves game on TV in ages. I think I've only seen 3 full games in the last 3 weeks. :( Ugh. Braves lost today, still behind the Marlins in the standings, but hopefully that will be remedied by the time the ASG rolls around.

Hey Heather, I was browsing google trying to find a pic of Michelle's Owen spiral from FOG, and in the middle of all the Kwan pics was a picture of a shirtless, and quite buff, Pat Burrell. I have no idea how it came up under a search for Michelle Kwan, but I thought of you when I saw it..especially being in the MK pics. LOL

[Heather]

Hey Heather, I was browsing google trying to find a pic of Michelle's Owen spiral from FOG, and in the middle of all the Kwan pics was a picture of a shirtless, and quite buff, Pat Burrell. I have no idea how it came up under a search for Michelle Kwan, but I thought of you when I saw it..especially being in the MK pics. LOL
It's there because I posted it in a thread here on the forum. So, somehow, it comes up in a search. I know, I did a search recently for Michelle and it came up, it cracked me up. ;) (And isn't it a *nice* picture? :P)

[GoldenMichelle]

Ah well that makes sense then, and yes it was rather nice.

[MarcellaMichelle]

GoldenMichelle: I think the Marlins and Braves are on the same wavelength lately. One wins, the other wins. One loses, the other loses.

I'm ticked that Mr. MM and I went to several games last week and the one we didn't have tickets for, Delgado hits a home run that landed EXACTLY (and I mean to the chair) where we sit! He also hit one near our seats a few games earlier, but we were in the upper deck with our dog for Bark At The Park.

[GoldenMichelle]

Ugh...what is with the Braves? It seems like everytime I turn around they are losing. They've lost 4 of the last 5....and I don't even want to mention how many they lost on the last road trip. I'm not worried yet, I'm just frustrated and venting. Tomorrow's another day.

[XPEG]

Well, the Royals get a new manager and then go out and beat the Yankees. Bummer.

The Nationals trashed the Braves bullpen.

Pitcher of the Day is CARLOS ZAMBANO of the Cubs who pitched 8 innings, giving up only 1 hit, 1 unearned run, walked 2 and struck out 9 against the LA Dodgers of LA. Cubs win 2-1. (however, since they beat the Dodgers, Carlos does not get a smiley face).

[GoldenMichelle]

The Nationals trashed the Braves bullpen.
Unfortunately I think the 'pen was trashed before they even got to DC. *sigh* We need some pitching help.

[Beth2000]

GoldenMichelle,

I have avoided this thread out of pure frustration. I think some aliens came down and switched the Braves player's. I can't believe how much they suck right now. But, I still love them. To me they are the best team out there.

[ceap]

Just have to vent...Could the Red Sox leave more men stranded on base??????? We could have won so many games if we just took advantage of that! Bases were loaded twice today and both times, the batter grounded out to the infield.

UGH!!!!!!!! I am so frustrated! The game isn't over yet, so hopefylly we win. It's tied now...Red Sox 3 and Baltimore 3.

Man, those Orioles are good. They hit anything!

[ceap]

OK, the Red Sox are forgiven for leaving the bases loaded twice today! David Ortiz just won the game with a walk-off homerun! Red Sox 6, Baltimore 4. Awesome, but we need to improve our hitting and pitching. We are so much better than this.

[holysalchow]

Ceap, I know your frustration! Except you guys won. Izzy blew the save on a game we should have won. I was going crazy. Hopefully we can get our act together soon.

[GoldenMichelle]

I just have to vent about the TV schedule. There are only 8 games on TBS this entire month! Four others are slated for ESPN or Fox, but most of the time they show some other game here so I'll be lucky if I get one of those games. I know they've been losing lately, but I'd rather watch the Braves when they lose than any other team when they win....(of course I'd rather the Braves just win).

[Yankees Suck 01]

My make up game was the David Ortiz walk off homerun. That place went nuts.lol I got to sit in the first row next to the dug out for the first 3 innings. That was fun (till those mean people came and took my seat. Who goes to a game in teh forth inning anyway???)
Keithe Foulke is driving me crazy (this is his second blown save, walk off home run game I have been too in the last 2 weeks) The walk off home runs are fun though.


It was great to see Orlando again. I wanted to be at that game but could not get tickets and wasn't up for 100 dollar bleacher seats from a scalper. He was interviewed before the first game on TV and didn't think he would get a standing ovation. He should get used to that for awhile around here:)

[TwinnerA]

Heather, I know you have probably been busy with, among other things, the message board hijacking, but thanks to the D'Backs, aren't the Phillies only 1 game out of 1st place in their division??? I could live with losing 2 games to you guys, but I did get royally pissed when that stupid umpire overruled the double that hit on the top of the wall and said it into a home run. How about just not having any referee out there in the outfield if he umpire is going to overrule what the ref saw with his own eyes. Grrrrrrrrr. Game 4 of the Phillies/D'Backs series starts in a few minutes. We need a win!!!

Holy moly! I just checked and the game already started and we're up 5-0 in the top of the 1st inning!

[handlem9z]

What a surprise season so far for my Orioles. Still 3 games a head of Boston in the East.

The hitting is definitely coming through. Brian Roberts and Miguel Tejada should be in the All Star Game. They got my votes.

[Carolyn2]

YS, glad you got to go to the winning Sox game this weekend. I went on Saturday, swelted in the bleachers, and finally went outside to Yawkey Way too cool off with a cold beer when they were up 5-1. Next thing I know, it's 7-6 Angels! And Millar even hit 2 homers in the game.

Interesting they're back in St. Louis tonight. Should be fun to step on the field where they made history :)

Ceap, how was U2? I saw them at the Fleet Center a few years ago and it happened to be the night Ray Bourque won the STanley Cup with the Avalanche and Bono announced it during the concert and put on a Bourque Bruins jersey -- it was awesome :)

[ceap]

I was so excited for a rematch of the Red Sox and Cardinals...that is, until the Red Sox were shut down. Wow, Matt Morris was good and we didn't hit well! I hate when we hit into so many double plays!!! It's like the Red Sox had no spark last night. Hopefully, we do better in games 2 and 3.

Carolyn2,
Whst a nice thing for Bono to do. He's so cool.

U2 was amazing and I had never seen them live. We were standing the entire time. They didn't play slow songs, just fast ones and some new songs. The stage was great and the lighting was awesome. It was one of the best concerts I had ever been to.

[ceap]

Oh God, what is up with the Red Sox? 2nd inning and we're losing to the Cardinals 6-1. Edgar has to stop hitting into those double plays! Clement, what's going with your pitching? He is so much better than this. Sigh.

[ceap]

Yes, Red Sox won last night against the Cardinals. A shut out to boot! Yay - finally and they didn't sweep us. David Wells was on fire and I'm so glad Renteria got that homerun in St. Louis.

Let's hope they do great against the Cubs. First time in Wrigley Field since 1918. That's going to be so cool!

[mr pru]

...the Sox had not won the Series last year-this series with the Cubs would be billed as the "loser's" World Series. :lol

Will the Cubbies' day ever come?

[Carolyn2]

Mr pru, I think it'll come. After seeing what I saw last year, ANYTHING is possible. Just hope there's another lunar eclipse the night of the World SEries, and I can see them winning :) And it would be poetic justice in a way. The Cubs got rid of their franchise, most popular player Sosa. Just like the Sox did with Nomar last season. Who knows-so many strange things happen in baseball, it could be the Nomar on the Cubs was more fitting for a WS win than him on the Red Sox LOL. (even though he's injured).

I can't wait for this series. I just wish it was at Fenway so I could see the kind of reception Nomar would get (which I truly think would be good). What's weird is, we don't play the Mets or Cubs at Fenway this year. I'd be interested in the Pedro reception as well. I know Cabrera got a huge ovation every night last week and I believe that Lowe would too, especially based on the ring ceremony this year.

[GoldenMichelle]

I"m totally depressed about my Braves. I'm barely getting any games, so I'm having to rely on my limited tv time, and very limited internet time to get any news. Not only have they lost 10 of thier last 13, but We've got both our catchers, and Chipper injured, not to mention two of our starting pitchers. Things are so crazy I had a dream last night that Julio Franco was catching the catcher since both Estrada and Perez are out.
First to third in just a week....oy vey.

[KwanFan1212]

I got to go to my first game of this season at Great American Ballpark on Tuesday night and it was AWESOME. Ramon Ortiz nearly gave me a stroke by giving up SIX runs to the DRays in the SECOND inning but then this new pitcher, Randy Keisler, came in and pitched six and 1/3 innings of ONE run baseball and all was forgiven. Especially when that pitcher then went up for his first at bat in the third inning and hit a HR!!! Rock on. He can stay. ;) It was a fab game. The Reds bats came alive in that third inning and the game was tied 6-6 by the end of it! Crazy times but awesome too. Besides Keisler, Junior and Joe Randa also had HRs and everyone else was hitting pretty well too. Lots of things to cheer about and it was an awesome game. Reds won that one 9-7 and we got some rocking fireworks at the end of the game too. 8) And not only that for good news in Cincy, but the Reds then went on to sweep the DRays on Wed and tonight too (11-9 and 14-5 tonight, holy crap!!!). Maybe they've remembered how to play the game again?!? I can hope, right?! :eek

CincyHeather 8)

[mr pru]

How about Mr. Maddox?

One of the classiest individuals in the game.

He is my pitcher of the day. A good effort and a HOMERUN!!

Brilliant!!

[Yankees Suck 01]

W'ere Baaack!

The Red Sox of old are back and it isn't that fun. I had to laugh today though when Mueller through home and Tek missed the ball, when he got it back he tried to throw the guy at third out and he over threw it into the outfield.lol Now that is the Red Sox I know and love from before last year:)

St Louis wanted pay back and they got it big time. (I'll take the world series thank you very much) and today we lost to the Cubbies (Poor Arroyo) but oh well. Last night I watched a special on ESPN about the Red Sox off season (that I taped on opening day) along with the first game of the season and today I am watching the World series parade to cheer me up.
If they copntinue losing I am opening up the ALCS and World Series tapes.

[ceap]

YS and Carolyn2,
In the paper this morning, Theo said he's going to make changes and fast. I wonder what they'll be. No doubt the pitching, since he mentioned that, but I wonder what else? I love Mark Bellhorn but he's not hitting enough and what about Kevin Millar? We already have John Olerud to replace him. What's up with Manny? The radio said at batting practice the other day, Manny kept asking Papa Jack about his arms when he was swinging, if his feet were placed correctly, how he was swinging, etc. He is questioning everything he's doing because he doesn't know why he is hitting so poorly. I wonder who's getting traded at the trading deadline. Embry? Mantei? Bellhorn? Millar? What pitchers can we get? No one is out there or too many teams are in the hunt and won't let any pitchers go. What other Second Baseman can we get??? Again, no one is really out there to get. Mark's a great 2nd baseman...I just wish he hit more consistently.

Good thing is that Curt should be pitching a rehab game in 2 weeks and could be back with us soon after that.

I just wish we had more pitching prospects in the minor leagues. The radio was mentioning a few Minor League pitchers but they weren't sure if those pitchers could handle the Major Leagues. I'm freaking now. Our lineup hasn't been hitting well enough to give the pitchers' support, so I'm not sure what they'll do. Baltimore lost again today and the Yankees are winning 2-1 in the 7th. Forget that, just checked and the Yankees are losing 5-2 now against the Cardinals.

C'mon Red Sox...salvage this series with the Cubs. We can't get swept. We have to win today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO RED SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can do it!

[KwanFan1212]

Reds won last night 10-1 and this afternoon 10-6 taking two games of three from the Orioles. So they have now won 5 of their last 6 games which is totally awesome. 8)

And this thread should get pretty entertaining this week because of my Reds next road trip. First up, a three game series.....in FENWAY!!!!!!!! This should be great. Be nice to my guys though girls! They are all ready near the bottom of our division so please don't be too mean since its like, kicking guys when they are all ready down and that's just mean, LOL :rollin

CincyHeather 8)

[Carolyn2]

Ceap,
I was wondering the same thing about Theo's "changes". Well, at least Tim Wakefield's back to handling that knuckleball and he ever drove in a run and scored (sliding into home plate LOL) :) Fun to see an AL pitcher get a hit. And Maddux's homerun the other day was awesome. (well, for him, not me).

YS, I watched the ring ceremony this weekend twice :)

Cincyheather, I can't wait for the Reds to come here! They're celebrating Fisk's homerun in 1975 off of the Reds this weekend (was that the last time they visited Fenway?). Anyway, I wish I was going to a game this week. How's Ken Griffey Jr doing?

[ceap]

Carolyn2,

At tonight's game, they are naming Fenway's left foul pole after Carlton Fisk. They said the Peskey Pole was never officially named after Johnny Peskey. People just started calling it that and the name stuck. I didn't know that.

I was laughing so hard watching Tim Wakefield running. My God, he runs like he weighs 300 pounds. That was hysterical. I was so glad for him! He pitched a great game last night and yes, he even scored a run to boot!!!!!!! Gotta just love that guy.

Let's hope we do well against the Reds!!!

[michelle2006]

Good for Tim! I have so much respect for him. My favorite RS. A real classy guy.

My Yankees:rolleyes :| :( :x

[ceap]

michelle2006,

Get this...Tim Wakefield even SLID into home last night! It was awesome!

What's up with Matsui? I heard his x-rays were negative, but x-rays don't show torn ligaments. My x-rays didn't and I had a good size tear. It looked like he really rolled his ankle. I hope he'll be OK.

[KwanFan1212]

My Reds lost 10-3! :( Yikes. I guess they forgot how to play again (although actually, I think Milton has forgotten that the idea of pitching is to NOT let the other guys score runs. :rolleyes ). Bad game for my guys tonight. Oh well. There's two more to come and hopefully they recover to do well and not get swept. :D

Carolyn-Yes, the last time the Reds and BSox played was back in the 70s! My Big Red Machine, I love those guys! ROCK ON. 8) Its pretty neat that the teams finally get to play again now. Hope you are able to get to one of the games. :D And Griffey has been doing great this year (knock on wood!) so hopefully he does great up there too. I always worry about him but he's having a great year so far! :D

CincyHeather 8)

[TwinnerA]

After losing two of three to the Royals over the weekend due to a horrendous bullpen that sucks big time, my D'Backs beat the White Sox two nights in a row. Estes beat Contreras last night and Javy Vasquez beat El Duque tonight! Glaus and Green have really been heating up lately. I like them both players, but I still think of them as an Angel and a Dodger sometimes!

[GoldenMichelle]

And my Braves lose again :( I'm barely getting any games on TV, and it seems like they lose all the ones I do get. This is getting depressing. I know the guys have it in them to win , it just seems they're having a hard time pullilng it all together. That combined with the constant influx of new players due to that darn injury bug just isn't making a very conducive envrironment to winning.

[MKandNYYfan]

Just got home from the Yankee game...WOW! I mean, this was a game where luck ran on our side. Our SP, Brown, didn't make it out of the 5th due to back spasms-this after missing a start due to that back. I was happy to see we were getting base hits, but then we'd hit into like 3 or 4 double plays. The game should have been over, I think in the 8th (or 7th?) when the pitcher misplayed a ball, then came an error, next thing you know, Yanks scored 2 runs. At this point, we're down 5-3, the stadium was crazy, and noone was leaving! Some drunk fan ran out onto the field, it was insance.

In the 9th, Gary hit into what looked like yet another double play, but we caught a break and the inning continued for a 2 out game tying double from Posada, but a base-running blunder by A-Rod ended the inning, although he COULD have scored the winning run. Then some smart baseball/managing-Tino pinched hit for Phillips (who pinch ran for Matsui in the 8th), Bubba ran for Tino, and ALMOST got picked off, another lucky break-Womack bunted him over and Giambi was up next. The count was 2-2, when Giambi launched a ball and all of a sudden the loud, rocking stadium was deathly quiet. You just know for 1 sec. we were thinking,"Fair? Foul? FAIR!" and the 2nd second was,"GIAMBI just hit..." and the stadium literally errupted! I've NEVER seen/heard it like that, and I've been to a couple extra-inning walk off wins. Amazing.

Hopefully, this will set us right, we really had no business winning, but these guys finally played like a team and made the win happen. Wow...timely hitting, clutch hits, some great defensive plays, smart managing, and Mo was MO. I know it the Pirates, who aren't exactly tearing it up, and not some ML leading team, but you gotta start somewhere!

~A very happy NYY fan :D

[MKandNYYfan]

Randy Keisler???? Did he come up with the Yanks? I believe he had a wicked splitter, but then got bitten by the injury bug, and also was literally bitten by a snake, and the Yanks ended up trading him. I liked him! Ha, if it is the same guy, I was actually talking about him tonight. My dad and I were remembering some of the young pitchers that were traded off before we got to really see what they can do. You guys have Claussen, too, right? How is he doing?

Back to Randy-I saw him pitch against the Tigers once (live, I mean) and everyone was booing, didn't start well, but then picked it up and had a great game. Wonder if it is the same guy.

[Carolyn2]

YS, Daubach was called up for the Mets because Cairo is injured! Happy for Dauber :)

[michelle2006]

Nice!

A sweep, and its about time, and 2 complete games from our starters in the last 3 games.

Moose- The Moose is Loose!
Randy- Dandy Randy, 11 k's!

Matsui will be remembered as a great!

[KwanFan1212]

The Randy Keisler we have now was in our AAA section for a while but got called up after they booted Danny Graves. I don't really know his backstory or where we got him from but he sure is a great find for my Reds. And yes, we do have Brandon Claussen too but he's been a bit hit or miss since we got him. He's done okay so far this year (and did pretty great last year) but he had a rough night tonight against the Braves, who, BTW, will get three wins out of their road trip to Cincy the way my guys are playing right now. My guys lost again tonight, fourth in a row. Sigh......:(

Is it football season yet? :o

CincyHeather :eek

[mr pru]

Yanks-Cubs on the tube.
Belly full of chicken, baked potato, lima beans.
Breyer's Vanilla Fudge Brownie Ice Cream in the freezer-waiting for me.
First four tomatoes of the season on the vine outside to be picked tomorrow.
What a Friday night!

Gee-it's hell to get old!! :lol

P.S.--The Cub announcers just said the trade rumors were swirling all around Gary Sheffield.

Well now!!

[Yankees Suck 01]

I heard about Dauber Carolyn (My sister sent me the article) despite the fact he is playing for a New York team (slightly less evil then their other team:) I hope he does really well.

[mr pru]

Derek Jeter-1st career grand slam today!

There's just something neat about afternoon baseball in Yankee Stadium.

Maybe it brings back visions of World Series past when games were in the daytime-and it always seemed the Yanks were in the post season classic.

[Heather]

Maybe it brings back visions of World Sreies past when games were in the daytime-and it always seemed the Yanks were in the post season classic.
As compared to when World Series games are at night -- and it always seems like the Yankees are in the WS? :b

[GoldenMichelle]

Yay, the Braves have won 3 in a row! I never thought I'd be so happy to say that. Seems like they've been on a home run barrage lately. 4 last night, 5 the night before. Of course the game is on TV this afternoon, so they'll probably lose it like they have 99% of the games I've seen the last two months....

[Carolyn2]

The Sox lost to the Pirates last night with a wasted effort by Tim Wakefield. Wake pitched 7 shutout innings but the Sox couldn't hit. It's so weird when the commentators mention Tim used be a Pirate--my God he feels like he's been a Red Sox longer than I've been a Red Sox fan LOL. Hopefully Clement can help them bounce back today.

Heard about Jeter's first career grand slam--I can't believe he hasn't hit one before!! He's such an amazing player that I would've figured he'd hit many. Weird when you hear these stats.

[MKandNYYfan]

I'm glad Jeter finally hit that ellusive grand slam so now we no longer have to hear,"And now Jeter up with the bases loaded...Jeter is the leading active player with the most bases loaded at-bats w/o a grand slam!...He has the most HR's w/o a grand slam!" Now that stat belongs to...someone on the Phillies, I believe.

Well, the only not so great starting pitcher we've had on this homestand was Pavano, yet we still managed a win, thanks to Matsui. Nice to see them click on all cylinders for more than one game! Tomorrow night is Sean Henn from double A, so I'm not expecting too much. Poor Tino...he's having some foot problem that sounds very painful.

[michelle2006]

Please explain about Tino, what about his foot? Poor guy. I love him to death!

The last 6 games have been all I have ever wanted. That GS from Jeter, I went to the bathroom when he came up to the plate yesterday. I knew he would put the ball in play and score a few runs, but nit a GS! U rock Captain!

I LUV THE MOOSE!!!!!!!

[Heather]

Now that stat belongs to...someone on the Phillies, I believe.
David Bell.

[MKandNYYfan]

LOL..Heather, I knew you would know!

Tino's promblem is he has plantar fasciitis in his right heel. Mark McGwire had this and lost parts of 2 seasons, needed surgery. Albert Pujols also dealt with it, and was able to avoid surgery, some sort of noninvasive procedure fixed him. I think it hurts most when you have to go and stop, which is why you'll see Tino limp a bit after going at line drives. :-(

[mr pru]

Is this the same type of injury Johnny Weir had?

[KwanFan1212]

Of course the Braves won their last few games, they were playing the Reds (who are on my bad list right now because they've apparently forgotten how to play the game again). I hope the next games are better for my Reds but I think we play St. Louis next so it could get even uglier. :(

CincyHeather (who is more than ready for football season, LOL :lol )

[Heather]

MKandNYYfan-I only knew because I happened to see it on Baseball Tonight the night of Jeter's GS. ;) Interesting stat for sure. I don't expect Bell to be hitting one anytime soon either, so whoever is next on the list is safe. :b

[ceap]

YS and Carolyn2,
Were you both having heart attacks last night in the 8th and 9th inning???????? Embry...I KNEW he was going to give up a homerun. Granted, I was psyched he had two outs before giving up the homer, but...he just has to do better and I'm not sure he has it in him. He has improved lately; he was on fire just last fall! We may not see him after the trading deadline.

Foulke. He has improved, but the homer last night scared the heck out of me. If Johnny didn't hit the homer in the 9th, we'd be in extra innings and then, who knows? We could have lost the game.

Did Manny have a brain fart going to second last night in the 9th?

Timlin is lights out! Do you realize how many times he has saved us this year???? Countless times. I hope he makes the All-Star team. There is talk that Terry will take Clement and Timlin.

[mr pru]

Manny IS a brain fart. :b

[michelle2006]

Todays game............OMG. This is sad. No playoffs for the Yanks.

[ceap]

Mr. Pru, sometimes the things you say on these boards just crack me up!!! You are too funny!

But..I love Manny!

What Baseball team do you root for?

[KwanFan1212]

Reds News: WOW. The ax came down on Dave Miley today (as well as the pitching coach whose name I can't remember right now for anything) and those two are no longer part of the Reds staff. The new manager is Jerry Narron and the new pitching coach is Verne Rule. Apparently, they are both very different from the people they replaced so maybe this is a good thing. Dave was a good guy though so I wish him luck with whatever else he does and wherever he ends up. :eek

In other news, the Reds must have heard the wake up call because they totally blasted the Cards 11-4 tonight!!! Brandon Clausson pitched a pretty decent six innings and the offense was alive and kicking very well. It was like a whole new team went out there and played tonight. Maybe they can at least make the season respectable and not be in behind the other teams in the division by the teens. :eek Tomorrow's game is an afternoon one so hopefully the outcome is the same as today. WOW. Go Reds!! 8)

CincyHeather :D

[mr pru]

In 1960, when I was four, my parents tooks us to visit my grandparents for Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh. The Pirates had just beaten the Yanks in the World Series in October. My grandparents bought my brother and I Pirate hats and T-shirts.

For some reason, that stuck with me. I've been a Pirate fan ever since.

They were good for quite a while-but they have stunk for years. I'm still a fan-but I don't believe they'll be competitive again in my lifetime!!! Hah-Hah!.

Ceap-Thanks for your interest!

P.S.-Are you going to Nationals?

[michellesmom]

CincyHeather, I thought of you as soon as I heard the news. I figured you'd be happy after I heard the score of yesterday's game. :lol

[MKandNYYfan]

My dad grew up in Pittsburgh, rooting for the Pirates. He said he was on his way home from school when he heard they beat the Yanks in the WS, and was so excited, he ran yelling all the way home to celebrate with his dad. He was a 6th grader at the time, and probably never fathom he'd convert into a Yankee fan, thanks to his wife and kids! For Father's Day, we got tickets to the Pirates/Yankee game, and was at the extra-inning game last week. Fun!

[ceap]

Mr pru,
Where are the Nationals?

[mr pru]

The Nats will be in St. Louis-2nd week of Jan. 2006.

Not the Baseball Nationals!! :D

The Skating Nationals!!

Be there!!

How could any Pirate fan switch to the Yanks? It couldn't have been all those great players and World Series Championships-could it!!??! :rollin

Shame on your Dad. Tell him a 45 year Pirate fan said so!!! :lol

[loopschick]

MKandNYYfan-I only knew because I happened to see it on Baseball Tonight the night of Jeter's GS. Interesting stat for sure. I don't expect Bell to be hitting one anytime soon either, so whoever is next on the list is safe.

That would be Jason Varitek ...

quote from the end of this article today:
www.projo.com/redsox/cont...e9a61.html (http://www.projo.com/redsox/content/projo_20050623_23rsoxjo.22e9a61.html)

"Jason Varitek still has yet to hit a grand slam in his big-league career. He whiffed with the sacks full in the sixth in his 116th at-bat in such a situation. Of active players, only Philadelphia's David Bell ( 118 ) has more at-bats without a slam in the majors."

[ceap]

Woo hoo! Red Sox swept the Indians! How awesome is that? At times, I wasn't sure it was going to happen...especially when Teri put Embry in there last night with the bases loaded. How he got out of that, I'll never know. Just thankful he did.

Too bad Jason didn't get a grand slam. I just kept saying, don't swing at those high fastballs and he did and struck out. Jason needs to stay away from those high fastballs.

Hopefully, he'll get one someday.

Now onto the Phillies.

Heather, I know you love them, but the Red Sox need to keep this streak going and beat your team! :)


Mr. Pru...no, I'm not going to Nationals this year.

[Yankees Suck 01]

Well now we get the Phillies. A sweep would be nice but I don't see that happening.

I want to congratulate Alan Embree for his great pitching the other night to help us win in Cleveland.

Sox close within a half game cuz Baltimore lost tonight. Yankees lost to Tampa Bay (Get the impression Pinella is looking for a new job on Broadway anyone?????)

[ceap]

YS,
Yup! Word is that Lou Pinella could be the Yankees Manager next year.

GO SOX! I would love a sweep of the Phillies, but I don't see that happening either. They have been playing really good baseball lately although they've hit some rough patches lately.

Pitching against Lieber tonight who can be awesome when he's on.

Pedro Martinez is pitching against the Yankees tonight...the Moose! Wonder how that will go. I'm dying to see what type of reception Pedro will receive! Loud and "Who's your Daddy?", I'm sure!

[Heather]

OMG, all the sudden anti-Phillies posts. Stop the insanity! :b

I've gone to 2 games in 3 days, and seen them lose both. And I'm going tonight (eek, it's going to be a nightmare, it's standing room only.) My record had been 8-2 this year before this week. *sigh*

They have been playing really good baseball lately although they've hit some rough patches lately.

They have the best record in baseball since the middle of May, and they had been *awesome*, winning 5 straight series, and 6 of 7 series. And THEN they went to the west coast, and have now lost 3 straight series to under .500 teams. Same old Phils. Build you up, and just when you start to get excited, they knock you flat down.

This will be Boston's first visit to the park. I can already imagine how their eyes will bulge out of their heads during batting practice. :b

[ceap]

How awesome was last night's Red Sox/Phillies game? Gotta love Tim Wakefield. He pitched another wonderful game. I'm just so happy for him...and he got another hit!!!! Let's hope we keep this up! It wouldn't be too shabby to get a few more homeruns from David or Manny!



Heather, the Red Sox TV commentators were saying how great your park is. The said it's, by far, their favorite National League park.

[handlem9z]

Sitting in Second Place with my Orioles :b

[GoldenMichelle]

awww...sorry handle. I cheer for the O's....but not when they're playing the Braves. I've been hoping that the Red Sox would lose though so they wouldn't lose too much ground.
I got to see some Javy action even though he can't play. TBS did a short little montage of his last season with the Braves :( and showed some clips of him before the game talking to Eddie and Raffy. *Sigh* I sure do miss him.

On a happy note...The Braves have won 2 games in a row that I watched on TV! Yay! Now if those darn Nationals would just lose.....lol

[michelle2006]

The Big Unit pitches tonight........hopefully he remains big and doesnt become small like last time.:|

Seriously, all Yankee fans here......what is going to happne to my Yanks? Are we even gonna make the wild card?

Red Spx fans......there might be a repeat if your boys keep this up. BTW, props to Clement, I watched the game against the Phillies..... Clement is great.

I pray for my Yanks.:angel 0]

[mr pru]

IMO the Yanks had better win their division. The wild card could very well come out of the Central Division.

As much as they have stunk up the field, (a losing record against Tampa Bay?!?!?!) they're only 6 and a half games back.

The Sox are about to get Curt back-so that'll boost their attitude.

If the Yanks don't get hot and stay hot-they could be in deep-well, you know.

[ceap]

Michelle2006,
I know you're frustrated with the Yankees now, but I would never count them out. They have shown too many times what a good ballclub they are. They've just hit a rough patch.

I think they need to find their groove and bet back in sync. Once they find that, they'll be on a roll! That said, I hope they don't catch us in the standings! :D I'm on a high now with how the Red sox have been playing.

We swept the Phillies! Yay! David Wells started out great today...pitching well and HITTING well. Two base hits! But then he hit a rough patch and gave up some runs. It was a close game with the Phillies. I wasn't sure we could pull it off, but we did, thank God. I knew our batters would be fine, but pitching???? Oh, Embry, what is up with you????? Our middle relievers continue to make me so damn nervous. We need to improve the middle relievers drastically and fast. We're in first place, but only 2 1/2 games ahead of Baltimore. That's not a big lead at all.

Let's go Red Sox! Do well against the Indians!

[michelle2006]

My Yanks need to win this series against the Orioles. Seriously.....a sweep would be even better. But I say this with all respect for the team. They have showed us that its not all about NY and Boston in the East anymore. Good for them.

Now its down to business, and my boys better get to it. Congrats to Giambi on that dramatic game winning single last night. I have always had a soft spot for him, glad that he is hitting at least once in a while when it counts.
Props to A- Rod, and Unit for playing like what they are worth.

This is a very important series, we need second place to contend for the WC, or if Tori still dreams of the east.

LETS GO YANKEES!!!!!

[ceap]

Grrrrrrr. We had last night's game in the bag and we lost...in a big way!!!!!!! Indians 12, Red Sox 8.

Pitching, pitching, pitching. Pitching just sucked last night.

But I have to say, that umpire was inconsistent in a horrible way. One inning, a certain pitch would be a strike and then next, it's a ball. Too many umpires are like that and it's ridiculous. Not fair to the pitchers.

We need to get our acts together and avoid a sweep.

Let's go Sox!

[michellesmom]

It could've been worse--last night Texas beat the Angles 18-5. :( :o

[michelle2006]

Ceap.........I share your pain. How do you think Yankee fans feel right now. We cant even fight for the wild card like this. Our Ace is pitching like a little leaguer. Randy blew it!

How are we supposed to make up so many runs against a picther like Bonderman?

Its really hard times right now. I turned the game off in the 6th. I never did that until this season. I hate this.

Please give my boys the light:angel :( .

Unit.......:x


LETS GO YANKEES, FOR GOD'S SAKE!

[ceap]

michelle2006,

Red Sox lost 15-2 against Toronto. Yup, I share your pain. The batters weren't doing much at all and wasted opportunities to score.

Again...pitching, pitching, pitching. Clement had a few good innings, but our pitchers sucked tonight. Mantei walked 3 batters in a row! I missed it, but did Embry retire 3 batters n a row? If so, that's a good sign

I was so upset, I kept switching channels. We need to get better and fast. Tonight was terrible and embarrassing.

[michelle2006]

OMG, Ceap I am sorry. Clement is awsome and I hope I didn't jinx him. Wow, 15-2. We have had a couple of losses in our side as well. Difference is, you guys are in forst place, and we are nowhere.

These losses leave a bad taste in your mouth, I know. Today's was particularly bad, for both of us.

MOOSE, save us!

[Carolyn2]

Well, when the Red Sox lose, they lose in embarrassing fashion. 15-2 against the Blue Jays--yikes. They bounced back yesterday thanks to Manny who was voted Player of the Week again :)

Michelle2006 - what's up with Randy? It seems he just doesn't have his groove right now. I have to agree with you about Giambi. It's funny, I remember how much the Sox wanted him but he signed with New York and we got Damon. I remember thinking we got the scraps but Johnny has done nothing but flourish here and has become the face of these Red Sox (Idiots). But, I still have a soft spot for Giambi. Usually I'd hate the fact that he did steriods and all that, but he took it like a man and took his lumps and boos and didn't point fingers like Bonds and Sheffield. I have to respect that. And it helped that players around baseball said what a good person he is -- Johnny Damon said he was his favorite teammate ever -- and I secretly hope he does well. (just not against my Sox!).

What's up with Sheffield? Nice attitude by the way, basically saying if they trade him he'll make his new team miserable. Wow what a team player he is!

Heather, I voted twice for Abreu on the All Star ballot :) I do continue to be amazed by Andruw Jones and voted for him too. I hope Smoltz makes the All-Star team, and - ahem- Pedro of course. Yes I know he's gone but I'll always love Petey :)

[ceap]

OMG, we had last night's game won and Keith Foulke blew the save. What is up with him? On the radio last week, he alluded to the fact that his personal life may be or is affecting him. Hope he figures it out soon. We can't lose games like this. We can't lose games! Baltimore is 2 1/2 games behind us and the Yankees are 4 behind us. They both could catch us fast.


Too bad Mike Timlin didn't make the All-Star team. He was really bummed.

Re: Yankees, I was glad to see Bernie Williams has had some big and important hits lately. He has been getting hammered by the press this year. I like the guy.

[michelle2006]

Ceap.......blown save. Man, those stink. Our bullpen has finally pulled it together. MO is on fire. I can't forget Timlin and Foulke...they did a wonderful job against us in the ALCS.

I don;t know what to say about Randy. I really don't.:| Unless he pitches lights out, and Pavano joins him.....no first place.

I kinda like Damon too....his comercial is so cute...he is right about Giambi. Giambi hit two homers yesterday.....big ones. I just can't help but have a soft spot for him.

You are wise to like Bernie. "Bern baby Bern". He is a great , great player. Not flashy. Just awsome. The press can slam him all they want, but this guy is quietly taking his place with the greats. So happy he is hitting.

I hope Jeter or Matsui make it o the Al Star game.

BTW, Ceap, you have to admit, until the Yankees and RS are not 1,2 or 2,1.........its ain't exciting!

Edited to add- Carolyn, I don't want to lose Sheff. I love him, he hits things that are not supposed to be hit. He gets tough singles on pitches that would result in weak ground balls. He doesn't want to be a Yankee for the money. He has finally found a team in which he is happy. He wants to remain a Yankee really badly. Thats what he said. He said that if he goes to the Mets( for Cameron) he will play, but will play bad, b/c he would be unhappy. He is getting a bad attitude, but really, he wants to be a team player, but for the Yanks.
I hope we don't lose him.....I love Sheff.

SORRY FOR THE LONG POST.

The Yanks won today 12-3!!!!!!!!!
Giambi, Matsui, A-rod, and Sheff all homered. Randy was MUCH better. Suc a relief! YEAH!!!!!!!

[ceap]

Michelle2006,

Fill me in...Bronson Arroyo of the Red Sox is a singer and is making an album. Bronson just said on TV that his producer is BERNIE WILLIAM'S producer. Does Bernie sing? How cool! If so, what kind of music? Thanks!

[michelle2006]

Yeah, Bernie does sing. He made an album a while back, I think it wa like R&B. Somehow I didnt catch it. I must have been younger. I think it was back in 99 or something. Cool if its true.

A RS sings, and a Yankee produces. Lovin it! Bronson is kinda cute.....for a RS. Just kiddin.

[loopschick]

Ceap ...

Did you see that Bronson and Bernie will both be playing in a concert at Fenway ?

boston.redsox.mlb.com/NAS...oncert.jsp (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/ticketing/concert.jsp)

I have tickets to Bronson's CD release party at Avalon :)

Jayne

[ceap]

Loopschick,
I knew about Bronson, but I had no idea Bernie would be performing. That's awesome! Thanks for giving me the link!

Michelle,
I'll have to get Bernie's album!

[Carolyn2]

I had read a few years ago Bernie was a musician. I am pretty sure he is a jazz musician. I can't wait to hear Bronson's version of "Dirty Water" -- Wakefield, Damon and Mueller sing background I heard. I heard him on WZLX one morning and he sang an acoustic version of "Black" by Pearl Jam and a Beatles song that escapes me now. I had chills when he sang Black and it's on his new CD.

Curt Schilling has offered to be in the bullpen now that Foulke's on the DL. Before anyone starts rolling their eyes (lol), I have to say, it's very much a team first attitude. Curt knows Timlin has the weight of the worlds on his shoulders right now, being expected to close with no one else very good in the bullpen to share the responsibility, plus I think he knows that both Arroyo and Wakefield are contributing greatly as starters. Rather than stick it out rehabbing in Pawtucket to be a starter again, he's taking a chance just to give the team a lift. He may thrive on this attention, but that's what we need right now. He could give this team a big boost in this role (hopefully)!

[mr pru]

Ceap-

How about the Sox making Schilling their stopper until he's back to full strength?

Francona said on "Pardon the Interruption" that he believes Keith will need some kind of surgery.

Curt certainly has the mentality of a closer. I can see him being successful in this role. Francona said Curt was all for the move.

I can't imagine it being a permanent move like Smoltz did.

Well, come to think of it, Smoltz is starting again-so it wasn't permanent after all! :b

So, let's hear it.

Oh yea-the Yanks are playing better.

Keep an eye in the rear view mirror. ;)

[ceap]

Mr pru,
I'm psyched to have Schilling as a closer. I think he'll be great and I'll take him in any position...relief pitcher, starting pitcher or closer. Of course, I'd rather have him starting, but he's not ready yet. Our bullpen needs help and fast. The only reliables ones have been Timlin and Myers.

I don't think it will be permanent. Weird though, he hasn't been a relief pitcher since the early 90's!


Carolyn2,
I heard on the radio that Matt Mantei will probably have surgery that will keep him out for the season and yes, Foulke could have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee as early as tomorrow and he'll be out 4-6 weeks. I don't know what they found on the MRI. Do you? maybe, as torn ligament?

[Heather]

Heather, I voted twice for Abreu on the All Star ballot

Hee. Between my mom and I had, we voted a few hundred times. :b Everytime we went to the park (which was often this past month), my mom grabbed a bunch of ballots, and brought them back the next day. And between my e-mail accounts, I voted about 225 times, and I still had 2 other e-mail addys to use, but I knew he wasn't in trouble at that point, and stopped. I tried as hard as I could to throw votes to Billy Wagner in the extra man vote, but I knew he was doomed because there were 2 phils, and that was going to split the vote.

[Carolyn2]

Heather, Pedro decided not to go to the All-Star game because he was pitching 2 days before the break so he didn't think he could pitch in the game, so Wagner took his spot :)

Also, Rollins is now replacing somone from the Dogers. You guys have 3 guys starting now :)

[handlem9z]

COUGH..COUGH....Is that My Orioles Choking

[Heather]

Yea, I know. :) I'm not too rah rah about Rollins (and he's actually hurt right now, but I'm sure he'll be there), but I *love* Wagner. He's by far my favorite, favorite player. Which of course means he'll be traded this month (*sob*), but yea, really happy he'll be there. :)

Also, Abreu is going to be in the HR derby, which I'm also excited about. Hopefully he does better than Thome did last year...though it's hard to do much worse. :b

What's funny is we are so crappy this year, and have 3 all stars. They've been in first place at the break several of the last few years (01, 03, 04), and they only had one representative those years, and last year only got a second voted in with the last man vote.

[Carolyn2]

LOL Heather, I know how you feel. Last year, Ortiz and Varitek were voted backups (Varitek never played) and I felt like, what's the point? At this point in the season--they'll never win the whole thing anyway so why are they even on the All-Star team. Well after that, Nomar(my fave) who I guess could stand for your Rollins, got traded....and maybe I'm stretching things...but....you never know what can happen during the season. I guess my point is-I remember being so pissed Manny was the only starting Sox All-Star last year yet, look what happened in the end. Anything can happen. The All-Star game is such a false hope for fans :)

[Carolyn2]

LOL Heather, major mistake by me. I misread your post thinking you said Wagner would be traded LOL. Forget my analogy of Nomar being traded LOL.

The ump called the game in the 6th inning cause of rain tonight when the Sox were losing to the O's 3-1 :(

[michelle2006]

Aww, Carolyn. Tough loss.

My boys seem to be on some kind of a roll. The "Giambino" is hitting!!!!!!!!!!

I officially LOVE Mike Mussina. He is great. I wish the media treated him better,.

Arroyo, Bernie, and all ur "idiots" at a concert......NICE!!

[ceap]

Ohhhh, I hated losing last night to Baltimore because due to rain, the game was called early. 6 innings. Ouch, that one hurt.

Ummm, Trot, you pulled a Manny/Bellhorn at 2nd base last night! DUH! Olerud could have knocked in some needed runs!!!!!!!!

Tonight should be interesting. Arroyo and Ponson both don't pitch well against each team.

Well, at least we'll have the lineup back. Last night's lineup was surely different.

Carolyn2, can you believe Payton and Francona & Mills had a huge argument about Payton's playing time? Bye, bye Payton. Even Theo said on TV that Payton's behavior was not to be tolerated anymore. Whoa.

I hope Kenny Rogers doesn't play in the All Star game and Clement can. Wish Timlin could as well. That is such a bummer.

[Carolyn2]

Ceap, there is a blog on ESPN about how ridiculous some of the Sox players are acting when they are IN FIRST PLACE. Damon's ranting about Schilling being the closer--saying everyone's mad about it on the team (um, Wells backed up the idea saying Schilling anywhere is a good thing) and how they've been trying to "get rid" of Millar since the beginning of the season. Well, that's a stupid thing to say considering they could have gotten rid of him before the season started but Theo said he was an important part of the clubhouse. I love Damon as a player, but he's gotta learn to keep his mouth shut. Even Schilling sounded surprised by that saying he'd talk to Damon about it, but that he himself doesn't use the media to voice his "problems" with other players. THe Boston Herald suggested this Damon/Schilling thing has more to do with their wives than the players themselves. Apparently during the WS last year, Schonda Schilling had scarves made for all the wives as a sort of "unity" to cheer on their boys. Well, Michelle Damon (who I cannot stand) was the only one who wouldn't wear one. So, during game 3 after losing to the Yankees 19-3, Michelle Damon griped "a lot of luck those bleeping scarves did" and Schonda shot back "Well maybe if you wore won, you're fiancee wouldn't be 0 for 16 right now!" and they apparently had to be physically restrained from each other (lol-I love this stuff). Anyway, I just think the team needs to shut up and play like they did last year. As for Payton--I didn't see Dave Roberts complaining last year when he was a bench player and ended up contributing BIG TIME in the playoffs. Now the Sox rewarded him by sending him to a team where he could play every day. Payton isn't really thinking right. He would have been a free agent after the season, and if he had contributed without *****ing, he could have probably gotten a good job elsewhere. Now, he was designated for assignement and traded. Doesn't look like much of a team players.

Francona did talk to Damon last night before the game. Apparently he pulled him aside and said "Come here, jackass, we need to talk". Good for Terry :)

I can't believe Trot made such a bonehead play getting picked off last night. He's not one I'd think to make that mistake....

[handlem9z]

Ohhhh, I hated losing last night to Baltimore because due to rain, the game was called early. 6 innings. Ouch, that one hurt.

Yesssss...I see my rain dance paid off...Go Oriole's :b

[Yankees Suck 01]

It stinks losing a game on a technicality (silly baseball rule) but oh well. I would rather lose to the O's then the other team:)

I love that story about the wives. The Red Sox are turning into a Soap Opera. IMO Payton might have acted like a jerk but at least he wanted to play. He wasn't Mark Blontuing it.

O's guy robbed Papi of a home run then viagra man hit a homer the next inning. Maybe I should pray for rain now.8) (Sorry I am totally lost on names right now)

One thing I will say about the soap opera at least the guys on the team are not fighting. Schilling and Damon's wives aside. The rest of the guys are sticking up for each other.

Carolyn and Ceap,
Did you hear big mouth Well's comments about the red sox guy Ynakees players stepped on with his spikes? I hate that man and want him gone. He isn't a Sock he is a pinstrip and he needs to go away, far away, far, far. faaaar away.

[ceap]

YS,
No, I didn't hear that. Can you elaborate?

Tough loss today. 9-1. Gosh, Baltimore and Yankees are creeping us on us. We need to play up to our potential!!!!!!!!

[handlem9z]

O's bats were hot today.

Tejada was 5 for 5 and Palmeiro had a homer and 6 Rbi's.

I wish they could make a trade for a decent pitcher for the second half of the season.

[ceap]

Meant to add:

YS and Carolyn2,
Gabe Kapler is returning to the Red Sox! He should be playing for the Sox by July 15th. YS, maybe he'll move to your town again! Also,

MATT CLEMENT IS GOING TO THE ALL-STAR GAME!!!!! Halladay dropped out. I am so psyched for Matt. Now, if we could only get Timlin in the game.

YS,
I heard David on TV saying Kenny Rogers did a good thing (by hitting the cameraman). He also said he was angry that the camerman winked at a co-worker and said he'll be getting $$ from Kenny. David said camermen are in the faces of celebrities and athletes and purposely start trouble and it's not fair. I get that, and feel terrible for people who are tormented by the papparazzi, but these camermen are INVITED to the field. Big difference, David.

[Carolyn2]

YS, I agree that it's a soap opera and that it's good the guys are sticking up for each other. I just wish they wouldn't criticize their manager to the media. Terry's doing a good job and he respects all his players and it was obvious he was pained that he didn't put CLement and Timlin on the team. I am so happy Clement made the team (sad for Halladay's injury though). I love that wives story too. I just can't stand that Michelle Damon and it's been said that many of the veteran wives probably look at her as their worse nightmare (being the "other woman" when Damon was married to his first wife Angie). It's pretty obvious that these wives are pretty tight-they do a lot of charity work together, doing the food drives, writing a children's book and cookbook, etc.

Ceap, I agree about the camermen too. They're doing their jobs and I doubt they were taunting Rogers before he blew his stack.

Hopefully the Sox will come back today. I am thrilled about Gabe Kapler! I missed him when he was gone!

[ceap]

Well, Red Sox lost today, 4-1. SIGH. We should have taken advantage of the Baltimore slump, but they always seem to get to us. Our bats were so quiet, but at least Trot homered and Johnny extended his hitting streak. How awesome! Poor Wakefield. I wanted him to get a win to tie Louis Tiant's record.

YS and Carolyn2,
I'm not sure if I can ask this question on this board, but was Michelle Damon really a str***er? Yes, I heard the wives are really tight and I'm sure Michelle's presence unnerves a lot of the wives. During the Queer Eye eposide, she didn't sound too intelligent. The radio always makes fun of her NESN show. I've actually never seen it.

Wells opened his BIG mouth again by saying Kenny Roger's run-in with the cameraman was like a sexual assault on a woman. He said when a woman says no, it's no, and when a ball player sayd no to a camerman, it should mean no. My God, you can't compare the two. How dumb is that? Thankfully, Teri and Theo said on TV today that the opinions expressed by the ball players are not those of the management or something like that.

Our guys need to be quiet. How do you think Curt felt with his teammates saying Timlin should be the closer and not him? Did they forget that Timlin has said this year that he DOESN'T want to be the closer? He doesn't have good numbers being a closer.

And Kevin Millar asking to be traded? Umm, he's not playing well enough to ask for a trade. I adore Kevin, but hey, you're not playing well. Face it.

So glad for Clement but sad for Halladay. Can't believe he broke a bone.

So pissed the Sox aren't playing up to their potential. This is ridiculous. We should be many, many games ahead of Baltimore and the Yankees. We leave too many men on base. It's like the air went out of our sails yesterday and today. At least Schilling pitched well last night.

I am so frustrated right now.

[Heather]

How do you think Curt felt with his teammates saying Timlin should be the closer and not him?
You know, I'd agree with that for just about any other player, but Schilling has been quite outspoken in his career about a ton of stuff, including other team members (I know no one from Boston would care about some of the crap he said about his teammates when he was in Philadelphia, and it's legendary here how he covered his head during the World Series because he couldn't stand to watch our closer pitch.) So basically, even though I can't imagine what others say are hurting him (he's not a thin skinned player, IMO), I'd tell him to suck it up, and deal with being on the otherside of the microphone for once.

Carolyn-I *was* saying that Wagner is going to be traded. :( At least it didn't happen before photo day, which was yesterday, lol. I guess my biggest nightmare is him going to FL, but other than that, I'll root my heart out for him.

[MKandNYYfan]

Wow..it's been a while since I posted! Well. Randy was OK today, not spectacular, but his now personal catcher, Flaherty, made a couple good plays, as did A-Rod, and Giambi continued his comeback trek. The players believe they are on the verge of turning a corner and living up to their potential, abilities. Hopefully! TwinnerA, is it true that Randy has always been a better 2nd half pitcher? I'm hoping so.

I like the fact we are trying to mend from within, esp. since there's noway to move anyone, what with the huge contracts and all, so it's nice to see some of our younger players. Wang and Cano have been solid. Cabrera has had some shakey moments. Proctor and Anderson OK. Hm. I don't think they are the answer we need to get things turned around, but perhaps this shake-up will provide something! The guys keep saying clubhouse moral is better than ever, so that's important!

I just heard on the radio-"Any game with 'All Star' in front of it that doesn't consist of Captain Jeter is just not right." :-( Well, I'm sure Jeter is not crying over it...esp. if these guys continue getting on back on track!

[MKandNYYfan]

"Carolyn and Ceap,
Did you hear big mouth Well's comments about the red sox guy Ynakees players stepped on with his spikes? I hate that man and want him gone. He isn't a Sock he is a pinstrip and he needs to go away, far away, far, far. faaaar away."

What was this about? I must have missed something. The only time this season I heard something about a Yankee stepping on someone with spikes, was when our YES announcers went on and on about how Jeter was in a foot race with a RS pitcher (name escapes me), who put his foot squarely on the bag, and Jeter could have stepped right on the guy's foot, but instead went for the outer part of the bag. Since that's a good thing, I highly doubt you were referring to that incident, but it was the 1st thing that came to mind! :rollin

Regarding Wells, though, I agree-he made some DUMBA$$ statements this week. Knocking a camerman (whether or not the guy was actually injured) = sexual assault?! Please. I always respected him as a Yankee, he pitched big games for us, but did not respect his as a loud mouth, controversial person.

[Carolyn2]

MKandNYKfan, I think what YS was referreing to was the bullpen thing last year. At first, I wasn't sure either but I think that's what it was.

Heather, agreed about Schilling being thick-skinned. I'm not sure what went on in Philly but I have never, ever heard him say a bad word about a teammate in Boston. And, as he's been "Curt on the car phone" for the last two years on WEEI, he pretty much answers questions and has defended his teammates. As for Johnny Damon, I say shame on him for opening his mouth to the media stupidly without even knowing all the facts. (Peter Gammons wrote later Damon wasn't aware Schlling approached management about volunterring for the bullpen when he thought they "named him" closer"). I just think as much of a bigmouth Schill is, I respect the way he handles himself.

Ceap-I heard the same thing about Michelle Damon. My sister said last year she heard that was her former profession. I don't know this for sure....now she's doing cheesy "specials" for NESN for the pregames which make me gag!

[TwinnerA]

MKandNYYFan, in answer to your question, I don't recall if Randy Johnson is a better 2nd half pitcher. When I looked up his stats I wasn't able to find a game by game breakdown for the 6 seasons he was a D'Back. The following is his win/loss/ERA records for the six years in AZ. The first 4 years he won the Cy Young.

1999 17-9 2.48 ERA
2000 19-7 2.64
2001 21-6 2.49
2002 24-5 2.32
2003 6-8 4.26 (injured about half the season)
2004 16-14 2.60 (perfect game against Braves in May)

I think he came in 2nd last year for the Cy Young award and I can understand why he didn't win it, but considering that he had next to no run support, I thought it was pretty amazing that he won 16 games. It was definitely the 14 losses he was saddled with that caused him not to win the Cy Young. If some of those losses had been "no decisions", I am sure he would have won the Cy Young.

[Krista]

Its amazing to me how many MKF'ers like Baseball :)

[Yzerbear19]

My brother, sister, and I went to the John Hancok All Star Fan Fest in Detroit. It was so much fun! I have some pictures I will post when I get home and download them to the computer. I'm glad we went since it is probably a once in a lifetime experience. I think the best was watching my brother try to do some fielding. He hasn't played baseball in 18 years! My sister and I couldn't stop laughing! I can't wait for the game on Tuesday though I will have to watch it on TV, but it will be exciting!!! :)

Yzerbear

[MKandNYYfan]

Yzerbear, please do share the pics! I've never been to any kind of All-Star festivities, and it's definately high on my "to do" list!

TwinnerA, the announcers have been saying that about Randy in his recent starts, so who knows. I hope he's able to be dominating again, but as long as he can keep the game in reach, and the Yanks do their thing, I guess I can't complain too much. It's just we need a solid, scary #1, and we don't have that.

[Carolyn2]

I am excited to watch Big Papi in the Home Run Derby tonight. I just read a great story on him in today's paper - www.boston.com/sports/bas..._far_wide/ (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2005/07/11/ortiz_is_loved_far_wide/)

[Yzerbear19]

photos.yahoo.com/yzerbear19 (http://photos.yahoo.com/yzerbear19)

Click on the album for the Fan Fest for the pictures. Enjoy!

I took some others, but they turned out kind of dark, which was from the lighting in COBO Hall. Overall Fan Fest was really fun. It was great seeing all the memorabilia as well as all the interactive opportunities. We didn't get any autographs since there wasn't anyone good when we were there in the morning. I was joking with my brother that this was as close as he would ever get to the Cooperstown since he has said he won't go to Cooperstown until Alan Trammel gets inducted, but that will probably never happen. My sister and I each got a Build-A-Bear with Tigers stuff. The little hats they have are soooo cute. I'm glad we went since it will be a long time before the game comes back to Detroit and since tickets for the game itself are scarce its the next best thing.

Yzerbear
"Even heroes have the right to dream . . . " ~ Five for Fighting

[mkjsdp]

Anyone watching the HR Derby? Wow, Abreu's putting on a show. 21 and counting...

[Yzerbear19]

I'm surprised someone hit 24 home runs out of the COPA. Dang! And a lot of the ones I saw were actually going out of the park and not just barely clearing the moved in fences. Its great to see the COPA filled, a sight rarely seen at Tigers games. Looks like a beautiful night down in Detroit as well.

Yzerbear
"Even heroes have the right to dream . . . " ~ Five for Fighting

[Heather]

How about my guy Bobby!?! :) When he had that AMAZING first round, I didn't even care if he won because that was just so cool, and that was what people would remember anyway. ;) And then he pulled 11 out there in that last round, wow!

YEA!!! :) As least we have some excitement for Phillies fans. :)

Yzerbear19 -Thanks for the pictures, I'm going to check them out later. :) The park looks really nice! My mom and I were actually considering going to the HR derby. We found tickets online, and my mom had credit from an airline for her flight at least. But we ended up not doing it. I'm kind of banging my head against the table now, obviously. :b

[DianeO]

I know I don't post in the baseball thread regularly (mostly because I don't have enough time ...I'm a huge Phillies fan), but I just had to come post after last night's HR derby. OMG Heather, how awesome was that?!!!!!! YAY BOBBY :) I was sitting on the edge of my seat during the second round just hoping that he had enough to make it to the finals. Thank goodness he did, cause he sure deserved it!! Maybe this is the kick in the pants the Phillies need to start winning again after the break. :D

[MKandNYYfan]

I agree! Way to go Bobby! I was so afraid he'd use up all his strength in the 1st round. Wow. And he's hitting lead off tonight?! If I were LaRussa, I'd change that immediately! I was suprpised Pudge lasted as long as he did. He looks pretty good all slimmed down.

[Carolyn2]

Heather, I loved seeing Abreu hit all those homeruns :) it was funny, this morning my oldest sister emailed me and said she'd never even heard of him before last night LOL (she doesn't follow the NL but has been a baseball fan way before me -- she worked at Fenway Park throughout college, etc. However, her 11 year old LOVES the Eagles and I *think* I converted him into a Phillies fan last year :)

Glad to see the AL win the All-Star but it was just fun to watch overall. Nice to see my Sox players contribute so much--I think overall they had 4 RBI :)

I can't stand Joe Buck-he called Derek Lee Carlos Lee and he made another obvious blunder I can't think of right now. He and Joe Morgan JUST SHOULD NOT BROADCAST NATIONAL BASEBALL.

I'm so petty--when they did the introductions I saw how the Red Sox players received A-Rod (mostly hugs and high-fives) but mostly Jason Varitek and forgot that he'd be catching in the bullpen and would not run through the lineup with the rest of them LOL.

Next game-Yanks vs. Sox and Sheffield has arleady "warned" the Red Sox that the Yankees have A-Rod's back -- my question is, what took so long? LOL



Miguel Tejada is awesome.

[TwinnerA]

Congratulations to the AL team for their win tonight. I was glad though to see my favorite D'Back, Luis Gonzalez, get a double, RBI and run for the NL and make the game close at the end!

[KwanFan1212]

That Brian Roberts guy (he plays for Baltimore) is QUITE the cutie!! Where did he come from?!?! :D :D :D :D :D :D

That said, I really enjoyed watching the All Star Game tonight. I liked that Garrett Anderson got some good play time and I LOVED that David Eckstein was a starter because I just adore him. The Sox guys (Red and White, LOL) all seemed to have great nights and I was proud my Red rep Felipe Lopez not only got to play but got a hit as well! :D There were so many great players in the game tonight who all seemed to be in great spirits and that made the game very enjoyable for me. Congrats to the AL for getting that home field advantage again! And now its back to praying my Reds actually survive the rest of the season (*and maybe find their footing again to at least make things somewhat respectable) and praying that the Angels hang onto their lead out west. PLAY BALL!!! 8)

CincyHeather :D

[Felicity8]

Dose anyone know what movie music is that they played in the fluff peice before the game started? I recoginize the music but for the life of me can't remember where it's from! It's driving me nuts. Thanks in advance.

[handlem9z]

That Brian Roberts guy (he plays for Baltimore) is QUITE the cutie!! Where did he come from?!?!
baltimore.orioles.mlb.com..._id=406878 (http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=406878)

Way to go American League....Congrats to Tejada for being named Allstar Game MVP. Go Orioles :D

[michelle2006]

Aww man. Awsome game. So happy with the AL's win. Its just so cool seeing all those players, from teams that are generally rivals, get together. Yeah, RS hitters really hit!! Nice to see A-Rod get into the action, and MO got the save!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so tomorrow, for Yankee and RS fans,it is back to baseball, AL East style. Man, I can't wait for these FOUR games. Man, what could happen if we take 3/4 , or if the opposite happens.

Ok, this is majorly exciting! Congrats to M. Tejada. That was SOME HR!

Ceap, YS, Carolyn...........are'nt you guys excited for this weekend..........?
LETS GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!]

[ceap]

Michelle2006,
I'm so psyched for this weekend, but nervous as hell! I think everyone I know will be watching these 4 games. Your guys are doing well now and we should be playing better than we have, but anything could happen. The Yankees bring out the best in us, so hopefully we start playing the way we should and are capable of.

The game last night was good! Not as exciting as I thought, but still good. I liked seeing Tejada and Roberts do their "thing" with double plays. Did you hear Joe Buck say during the game that Joe Torre called Terry Francona to ask him NOT to put in Rivera? Terry said on the radio today that he wasn't going to, but the score was too close and he HAD to put him in. Did you see the last batter (forget his name) facing Mariano? It's like he admitted defeat before he got up to bat. Those swings were blah.

My palms are sweating already for the series this weekend!

[michelle2006]

Ceap, when MO came in the 9th, I didn't watch it until the last batter. I had to keep switching to PBS, they were showing something on the Beslam school massacre fromlast year, and my mom was watchig it.

I saw his last swing, and man, who was the last batter anyway? But I am glad he surrendered to the greatness of Mariano Rivera:evil .

Man, I am just sooo excited for this series. I have to admit, I have'nt been excited for any other series this year, maybe the one with Baltimore I guess.

I know Torre would do that, I mean look at MO, he is our treasure, and we treat him like our baby. Seriously, I keep an eye on him everytime he pitches, even I act like his mommy.

Ceap, and the rest of RS fans, its just more exciting like this, even if I do bite my nails off. Having Baltimore in the mix, and the Yanks are hot, and Boston is number one....we are going to love this weekend.

Is Shilling suppposed to start? Anyways, let the fun begin! Ceap, keep ur BP normal, even though it's hard, dont worry, I will be throwing up here in NYC. I think you might know, that I kinda get sick when I am nervous. Ahh, still remember WS 01 GM 7, I threw up twice!

LETS GO YANKEES!

[Heather]

What I was so happy about was that this will finally give Bobby some of the recognition he deserves. He's always been one of the most underappreciated players in the game (even in Philly...maybe especially in Philly), and usually it takes playing in the playoffs to get recognition (which he will never get as long as he's here.) So this was nice to see. On Baseball Tonight, they were comparing it to Garrett Anderson's coming out party a few years back (isn't that the year the Angels won the WS?)

Oooh, and at the park, this first series home (Thurs-Sun), they are going to have his trophy on display. Ugh! I had tickets to Sat's game, but I'm not going (I have a rule not to go to FL games ;) ) but I want to see that trophy. No fair. :b

I've had to listen to more national stuff about the HR derby than locally, because some of the people and media here are just...annoying. Geesh, only in Philly can you have something fun and exciting turn into a headache. :rolleyes

Diane-So good to see you posting here. :) Yea, it was a bit scary there in the 2nd round. My mom kept muttering that he wouldn't make it in (thought for sure Ortiz was going to make it in there), but my dad called and said he thought those 3 he hit at the end would get him in, and he was right. :)

MKandNYYfan-Actually, people have been talking about Bobby hitting leadoff for years (Francona even joked that he asked Bobby to do so when he was here.) The Phils don't really have one (Lofton *should* be leading off...Rollins is not a leadoff hitter), and with Abreu's awesome on base numbers (he's always in the top 5, I think he's #2 this year?), people think he'd do well there. IF the lineup would hit like it should, he's best in the #3 hole. But they never do, other than a 2 week strech in June, so who knows. I'm not one who thinks he should be leading off though.

Carolyn-Aww to your nephew. :)

Funny, I thought the game itself was awfully boring. The Phils players did well, 2 hits and a walk (no Wagner though :( ), but still. And it's not like it was because the NL lost, I was actually rooting more for the AL (cause, uh, a lot of the players in the NL I don't like, so I couldn't root for them, lol.) Does that make me a bad fan? ;)

I can't stand Joe Buck-he called Derek Lee Carlos Lee and he made another obvious blunder I can't think of right now. He and Joe Morgan JUST SHOULD NOT BROADCAST NATIONAL BASEBALL.
I think I want to make that last line my signature. :b

[Yankees Suck 01]

I went to see Bronson Arroyo last night. He did a great job. He doesn't really look at the audience a lot when he plays (seems kind of shy) but I got to be apart of the Espy's. They interrupted the concert three times for Red Sox categories (I won't spoil anyone).
Johnny Damon was there (what a ham) so was Kevin Youkalis and Lenny Dinardo (My God that man is good looking) and I swear I saw Jason Varitek way up in the VIP section.

I am so sick of playing the Yankees. It seems like every week.Oh well Shefield is such a punk. He makes a perfect Yankee.

[MKandNYYfan]

Yeah, it seems like they always play each other, but that was the 10th game! I guess it's because the media is always going on and on about the two teams.

I agree that Sheffield is the perfect Yankee! :b If he's gonna run his mouth, I'm glad he can at least back it up with some good play. It was nice to hear a Yankee player stick up for a teammate to the meda like that, especially since it was provoked (by the media, I mean). Ah, well. The media needs someone to start up some controversy with and for so long it began with Pedro. I was thinking about that today-we actually are at a point where both teams are pretty respectable and let their actual play speak for them. I don't know what Boston papers are saying, but over here in NY it's not as bad as it usually is.

Glad we got a win tonight. I forsee a loss tomorrow, though. This Redding guy, I expect him to be worse than May...Anyone catch SportsCenter when they show Schilling winking at Mo as they head to the bullpen? Thought it was cute.

[loopschick]

YS ... I went to Bronson's concert too ... it was a blast !!! Love him :) I was also at the game tonight, which wasn't nearly as fun :(

[Yzerbear19]

I thought that All Star game was exciting! I think for me it was just exciting to have the game in Detroit. Comerica Park is a beautiful ballpark! I was happy that everything went well since this was an important event for Detroit. I loved the B2 flying over during the anthem. My brother and I were expecting just some F16s from the Air National Guard base in the area, but were very pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Sneaky! :)

I was so happy that Pudge made it to the finals in the home run derby. That was cool. I was proud of how well Pudge did in the home run derby.

I'm just bummed that I didn't get to see the end of the game since our power went out at 10:30. :( My brother in Detroit taped the game so I can watched what I missed.

Overall I thought it was a great game. Great for the city of Detroit! Up next is the Super Bowl in January. So this was a good indictator that things should go well for that also.

Heather, you should have gone to the home run derby! Comerica Park is a very, very nice park. I think its fun to visit the other stadiums and arenas.


Yzerbear
"Even heroes have the right to dream . . . " ~ Five for Fighting

[MKandNYYfan]

Sad to see I was right last night, that there was no way the Yanks would win. Ah, well. Now we know Redding and May cannot pitch in the Majors. As if we didn't know that before! It's really a blow to our team to lose Wang. Now we have 2 starters, and the rumor is Yanks might look into picking up Al Leiter. Well, he has been known to get some hitters out, even though he burns the pen, but he can't be as bad as Redding/May! If they do get Leiter though, continues the Yankees trend for players coming full circle.

[michelle2006]

Eesh! Man, that one was over way before it began. For my Yanks, today it got late kinda early, and Yogi wouldv'e put it.

Bad Yankee Pitching+ Super Hot RS Hitting == Yankee Loss. Ah well, things should go better tomorrow.

LETS GO RANDY, LETS GO YANKEES!

[Heather]

Yzerbear-It does look like a beautiful park. :) I wish I had talked more about going (my mom had airline credits that expire at the end of the month, so they wouldnt' be going to waste), maybe we would have gone. That would have been awesome. :) I have no idea why, but when the all star game was here 10 years ago, I didn't go. :(

And, yes, I *definitely* want to see all different parks. Using the already mentioned airline credits, we were also considering going to go to Pittsburgh around July 4th to see the Phils play there (the game we'd have gone to Abreu hit a grand slam, so I'm somehow just missing seeing Abreu crush balls out of the park, lol), but then the Phils fell apart, so my mom changed her mind. ;) Too bad, maybe next year. The only non Philly park I've been to is Baltimore.

Next month, though, I'm going to see the Phils play in SD and LA, so I'll see 2 more there. Even though I was shut out of seeing the Phils in Boston last year, I'm going to take a tour of Fenway when I go to Boston next month. So there's 3 more parks right there! And, I've seen the outside of Anaheim's park, lol (I *wanted* to attend a game there when we're in CA next month, but I was outvoted), drove by Atlanta's (as well as seeing it from a high above restaurant), and I practically flew into Arizona's park when I had a layover there. ;) I don't think those 3 would count though. :b My goal already for next year is to see the Phils at Wrigley. I don't think the Phils are ever going to play in Baltimore again, or at least as often, so that will be my seeing-Phils-elsewhere trip.

[ceap]

Michelle2006 and MKKand NYYfan,

I heard on the radio that Leiter is starting for the Yankees on Sunday's game. Did Wang tear his rotator cuff or is he just having problems?


Today's game should be great. The two best pitchers from our teams. I can't even begin to predict what will happen. Our guys could be tired or pumped from last night's game or your guys could be looking for revenge and battle back. Should be exciting! My palms are starting to sweat now!

[Carolyn2]

Heather, you will love the tour of Fenway. Of course, it's not the same as being at the game, but you get to go inside the clubhouse, etc.

So, I'm watching the Sox/Yankees game on Fox right now and Joe Buck and Tim McCarver are broadcasting (yuck). And, they were just talking about John Flaherty the Yankees catcher. He began his career on the REd Sox and apparently, according to them, he caught a no-hitter for Matt Young for the Red Sox vs. Cleveland. I'm kind of scratching my head over here because a) I don't remember this and b) when Hideo Nomo threw a no-hitter in 2000, it was said to be the first no-hitter for the Red Sox since the 60's. So, I'm curious to know why this bit of brilliant information by the Fox commentators slipped under the rug here in Boston ;)

[loopschick]

I did a tour of Fenway last month, it was cool ... the best part was going up to the Green Monster seats in left field :)

[Heather]

Carolyn-Yea, we were hoping to attend a game, but even though it's against Tampa Bay, it was impossible to find tickets. So we thought the tour would be cool and as close as we're going to get. Maybe next year the Phils will play there again, and I won't have the trouble I had last year with getting tickets. ;) I've taken the tour at our park, and it's *so* much fun. I have pictures of me in the dugout and at the podium in the media room and such, lol.

[ceap]

Joe Buck is a baaaaad announcer. My God, three stupid moves by Red Sox players...Kevin Millar not going home and forcing Mirabelli to be out and now, Embree balking. Why didn't he throw the damn ball to first?? Now Big Papi missing a ball at first. C'mon guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good for Damon extending his hitting streak but we are leaving too many on base again!

[michelle2006]

I couldn't see the 9th inning of today's game. Darn it! I love seeing MO do his thing. I didn't think the Yanks would score a lot of runs today. I know what a great pitcher Clement is. But he threw a lot of pitches, and we made his pitch count go up.

How about Arod and Sheff's 1-2 punch? A nice win, a team effort. I am still not that satisfied with Unit's pitching. He is better than this. But, 10k's isn't that bad. Its just the 21 hR's he has given up this season........

We have Al Lieter.......an aging pitcher, with a large ERA, and a bad record. I want Chin Ming Wang back!!!!! I even miss Brown......and Pavano.

The Moose and Big Unit have to carry all of the weight of the rotation on their backs. Who the heck is pitching tomorrow? Lieter? I guess the series will be 2-2 then....

Big Papi is nice, his personality is really infectious, even though he is a Yankee killa!

[Yankees Suck 01]

LoopsChick ,
How did you like the concert? I have just learned Bronson is signing autographs July 19th at the Book store in the Atrium mall. I might be there:) (I had already bought his CD the day of the concert so didn't buy the autographed copy being sold at the concert. When they introduced Bernie Williams the whole crowd booing was fun:)

Ceap, Don't worry about it. The Red Sox have a sewn together pitching staff. We are lucky to be doing as well as we have. I sense a Theo deal coming on and I don't see myself being happy when it happens (like I was last year) Rumor has it being Bronson sent to the Marlins. If that happens I won't be a happy camper and I don
't see a lot of people being happy with that.

Yesterdays game was fun but today's stunk. Oh well, It was bound to happen it is July:)


Gabe Kapler is back, I am thrilled about that. He was signed and put on the DL. I hope he is ready for my games in August. I can't wait to have him back.


I hope everyone booed Bernie Williams tonight at the hot stove concert. I so would have, in fact I would have planned a walk out when he came out to sing. Theo is so lucky I am too cheap to spend 100 dollars for a concert at Fenway.


Do the Dodgers ever hit for Derek????


Heather,
You can get tickets the day of the games here in Boston but they are single seats and you have to stand in line all day for them. ( I was going to do that for today's game so glad I decided not too.lol

[loopschick]

LoopsChick ,
How did you like the concert? I have just learned Bronson is signing autographs July 19th at the Book store in the Atrium mall. I might be there (I had already bought his CD the day of the concert so didn't buy the autographed copy being sold at the concert. When they introduced Bernie Williams the whole crowd booing was fun


I *loved* the concert, I'm so glad I went !!! I had already bought the CD too, but I bought another autographed one at the concert, LOL. A girl I work with is going to buy the first one from me though :) I wish these autograph signings wouldn't be during the day during the week all the time, I can never go because of work :(

[Heather]

YS-If it was for my team, I might consider doing that, but it's just the Devil Rays. :b Plus I've seen Boston play twice this year. I'll go with the tour, and start crossing all my fingers & toes that I can get tix for when the Phils play there next year. ;)

[Yankees Suck 01]

Heather,

Let me know ahead of time and I will try and get you some tickets when they go on sale.

Loopschick,
I know what you mean about these things during the day but since I called in sick last week to go shopping (and a month of so ago I called in sick to go to a Red Sox game when Jason Varitek hit the walk off homer to win it) I will be very willing to do it again:)

[ceap]

YS,
You're right about a deal...I just heard on the radio that the deal consists of trading Bronson Arroyo for AJ Burnett. Do you think AJ is better than Bronson? Is he that much of an upgrade? At times, Bronson has done really well, but hasn't been consistent. Too bad, because Bronson has said many times, he loves it here and does not want to be traded. Baltimore could get AJ as well. I heard they are interested. Who knows?

YS, I am so psyched to be in first with our less than stellar pitching staff, and although we have amazing batters, there were games we should have won and didn't because of our offense. We should be 6-7 games ahead of 2nd place. The Sox make me nervous at times.

Actually, I heard yesterday's blunder was Mirabelli's fault not, Millar's. Dale stopped Millar ( and he SHOULDN'T have since Bernie doesn't have a strong arm and Millar could have made it home) and Mirabelli had his head down while running and didn't see Millar stop until he was halfway to third.

Curt did great yesterday. Good for him.


YS and Carolyn2,
The full games of the ALCS and World Series are now for sale. $129.99. I think I ordered it on MLB.com or Redsox.com. Expensive but worth it!

[Carolyn2]

Yesterday's game drove me nuts. The Sox make a comeback from being in a 6 run hole but just don't get enough to win. Happy to see Curt bounce back though--he looked great. I hope they don't trade Arroyo-he's too versatile to lose.

[Carolyn2]

Ceap, thanks for the info about the DVD. I just watched the ring ceremony again after yesterday's loss (that's what I do to feel better after a loss LOL).

[mr pru]

Ceap-

Did you say "damn"??!!

:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin

[Carolyn2]

If anyone wants to read about yesterday's benefit concert at Fenway go to www.bostonherald.com and click on "Inside Track". I guess Bernie Williams didn't end up peforming. Cool that Wakefield and Timlin played with Peter Gammons' band :)

I also read Joe Kerrigan is now a scout for the Yankees????

[ceap]

mr. pru,
I did. I cursed on this forum. The Red Sox bring that out in me! Oooops!:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin

[mr pru]

Well now-

You must practice restraint.
The season still has a long way to go. How will you react if the Evil Empire passes your beloved Sox?

For your transgression-you must come up with and administer some form of self punishment.

Perhaps not checking on game results for a week may straighten you out!! :lol :lol :lol :lol

[ceap]

mr. pru you crack me up!

Now, I can't restrain myself. BOGUS, BOGUS, BOGUS call at first. >: I'm pissed. >: Alex Cora was SO safe at first. Is the ump blind or on Steinbrenner's payroll? >: That was a truly horrible call. Even the commentator said Alex was safe. Unbelievable. Other than that, we should have hit better. Can't believe we lost. This should have been a no-brainer.

Too bad for Tim. Other than the homeruns, he pitched a good game.

[MKandNYYfan]

Whew! We pulled that off! I think it's good to have these kind of games, where someone makes a GLARING error and then we still can win it. That's all that matters, right? I honestly thought we'd lose...or it would be a slugfest, in which we might have a chance! You know how that knuckelball is...must drive you RS fans crazy!

Ceap-just watching the YES postgame show, they played Cora getting called out over and over and it looked soooo close, it's gotta be hard for the umpire, not having the benefit of replays. We've lost a couple games that way this year already and I hate it! But we also won one where Sheff was clearly out, so I can't complain. Anyway, I hate watching Yanks VS RS on ESPN, since the are blantantly rooting for the Sox, not too mention they are pretty lousy commentators!

Also, Leiter impressed on his 1st outing as a Yankee! Hopefully, he can contribute somewhat. We've been having serious starting pitching probelms, so if this is another band-aid that helps, well, can't hurt! We find out what's going out with Wang tomorrow, if he needs surgery-he's out for the year. If not, maybe will be back in September. Either way, it does not bode well for him/us. Sigh...but Brown's starting tomorrow. Yippie.

[michelle2006]

YS, you would boo Bernie? Aww, he is a real nice guy.

Ok, Wakefield pitched well. I have to say that, cuz man, I respect him a lot. OK, those homers by Sheff and Arod, and gven jorge...........:eek . MONSTERS!

I am embarrassed at underestimating AL Lieter... He was BRILLIENT! Good for him, and good for us!

Good job boys!

[MKandNYYfan]

Just watched some more highlights...I'm starting to appreciate ,more and more the guy who may very well go down as one of the best all-around ballplayers. A-Rod redeemed himself for that error early this year that led to a blown save for Mo-when he booted a potential double play ball against Boston. Same situtaion, bases loaded, no one out (um, maybe that time there was 1 out?). Well, he sure made that play today AND that HUGE HR! Was there any doubt it was going out, no...yet he didn't stop to pose and admire it at home plate! I HATE when guys do that. How funny was it when the ball landed and spooked the guy walking?

[Carolyn2]

Last night's game - yech. Wakefield pitched 9 innings and they almost came back but a bad ump call ended it. I still think that he was safe, but - we've had those calls go our way in the past.

LOL about ESPN rooting for the Red Sox. I always feel they're for the Yankees. Joe Morgan has said in his chats before that he was never a fan of the Sox organization because they were the last to have an African American player on the team and I seriously feel that he's had a grudge against them to this day.

I'm just glad the Yankees are gone till September. It was too stressful-each game! I did watch the ESPY's afterwards and it was awesome to see the Sox rack up some awards. Loved Schlling being there and accepting the awards and the players via satellite. The Ron HOward skit with the bloody shirt was a riot too.

[mr pru]

Ceap-

Did you say "pissed"??!!?

Did you not learn from your previous outburst??

I believe your self imposed penalty must become even more severe!

Your latest transgression has landed you the punishment as follows:

You must now root for the Yankees for TWO WEEKS with the same passion that you have displayed here on this fine forum recently. :eek :b :lol :lol ;)

[Yankees Suck 01]

Would I boo Bernie.lol Of course I would. The Red Sox should have known better then to add that man to any concert list especially after what happened. I booed him when they introduced him at Bronson's concert and would do it again in a heartbeat. There is no reason for any Yankee to come here and perform.

Joe Morgan is an idiot. I thought Mcarver and Buck were bad but Joe Morgan is ten times worse. I shut the sound off. He is anything but pro Red Sox. That is a laugh. Everything the Yankees do is great, anything the Sox do is bad.

The Yankees winning is better for baseball and the refs blatant cheating in favor of them isn't just against the Red Sox. Every time that ball went near the plate in those 4 games it was a ball. Those same pitches for the Red Sox were strikes against us. The worst game was the one we won 17 to 1. They did everything they could to keep the Yankees in that game till Trot's in the park homerun then they just gave up. Without the Yankees in the post season who will all the band wagon jumpers watch on TV? Even one of my bosses at work who is a Yankee fan saw how badly the umpires cheated in favor of the Yankees in that series. If even he can admitt it then the Yankee fans should be able to see it. (but they won't)


The Red Sox are at a disadvantage. While we have to play the Yankees 20 times a year are competitors for the WC gets to play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays or KC Royals. We are at a huge disadvantage from the start.+

Damn cheating MLB, putting me in a bad mood8) I can't even bring myslef to watch the Sox play the Devil Rays.lol

How about those Chicago White Sox. I forget who is on the team that I don't like (which is why I can't root for them) but they are having one heck of a year and can anyone in the West compete with the Cardinals?

[loopschick]

LOL about ESPN rooting for the Red Sox. I always feel they're for the Yankees.

me too ... I finally had to shut the TV off, I was screaming at them to shut up so much I was afraid my neighbors would start complaining, LOL

Joe Morgan is an idiot. I thought Mcarver and Buck were bad but Joe Morgan is ten times worse. I shut the sound off. He is anything but pro Red Sox.

I sent two emails to FOX on Saturday to complain ... and on Sunday I sent some emails to NESN asking them to please broadcast all the Red Sox games from now off and keep them off of National TV, LOL

[MKandNYYfan]

REally, I am surprised people find ESPN to be Yankee fans! LOL, last night going on and on about how they pulled together and got into 1st based solely on teamwork. I was like, ok, and the Yanks are now into 1st because...??...I mean, obviously any successful team is that way due to teamwork esp. when you face so many obstacles! Looking at the AL East, the top 3 teams have had alot of injuries to overcome this year already. It's a wonder they are all still vying for 1st, when any other year, whichever was healthy would have been able to run away with the league.

As for booing Bernie, wow. I think he is one classy guy. I was just talking about this today-how many players accept being benched as their skills deterioate due to age and not being able to play everday? He's handled that move with such class. But of course anyone can boo whoever they want! I personally wouldn't boo Ortiz and he's the biggest Yankee killer. Now Shcilling, yes, but that's more due to his big mouth, than cuz he's a RS!

I didn't think Cora was safe yesterday, but it was a very close, close play and could've gone either way, much like what happened today with Schilling, even the 1st base umpire thought the batter was out, but that call was overturned. I was at the Pirate's game when Sheff was called safe when it was very apparent to me he was out, so this is not about me being a blind Yankee fan! If you want a redemption of sorts, look no further than the last time Yanks were in Fenway and Millar (I think) pulled a phantom tag on Womack, who was called out and the tag missed my a good foot! He would've scored 2 batters later, when Sheff hit a HR, and the Yanks lost that game by a run, so there's a game decider right there! It happens, what can you do?

[MKandNYYfan]

Wang-for now, no surgery. He has been diagnosed with a strain and inflammation in his right shoulder, and the treatment is rest and exercise. So, hopefully that will help! He'll be re-evaluated in 2 weeks. New guy Aaron Small is pitching Wed., our 12th starter this season! Pavano threw off the mound, and also did 2 innings of stimulated game pitching. Looking good. Wright threw a bullpen session. Kevin Brown was activated, and was awful tonight. But at least they managed to outslug the Rangers and ease into 1st place for the 1st time sine the 1st game of the season. We'll see how long that lasts.

[ceap]

Sigh...Red Sox lose again and now we're tied for second. We'll get our act together. We've just hit a rough spot. Too bad for Damon who ends his hitting streak at 29.


YS and Carolyn2,
Did you hear the latest? A trade involving Bill Mueller? >: I love that guy. Sorry, but I can't remember for whom and with what team. I know it's for a pitcher. Marlins, perhaps???? Bill is one of the top 3rd baseman in the AL. I hope it's just a rumor.

[ceap]

YS and Carolyn2,
The trade involving Bill Miller would be with the Twins. More Red Sox news...we traded Scott Cassidy for Adam Hyzdu (spelling?) and designated Alan Embree for assignment today. Wow, things are moving. Last night Bronson said it's hard to play at Fenway than on the road. He said the road doesn't present so many distractions. Interesting.

That's great to hear since he's pitching tonight AT HOME!!

[ceap]

Now for my third post today...:rollin

We just acquired second baseman, Tony Grapolino from KC and ourfielder, Adam Hyzdu (spelling?). I think he's an outfielder. Things are changing. Poor Bellhorn, I think his days are numbered. Too bad, but has hasn't been hitting well at all. Can't blame Theo for getting another 2nd baseman.

[MKandNYYfan]

I thought this trade happened cuz Bellhorn was on the DL?

Well, we lost...at least Moose pitched a strong 6 innings (grasping at straws here!!!)...back into 2nd...

[Heather]

Tonight was probably one of the best games I've attended at the new park. Partly due to the fact that our seats were 3 runs behind the dugout (omg, amazing!), partly due to the fact they were losing in the bottom of the 10th, and won on a walkoff HR. :) It was the 3rd walk off win that I've been at this year, actually!

Thanks YS. :) Last year when the Phils played in Boston, I tried to order tickets as soon as they went on sale, and 5 hours later, I was sitting there cursing at my computer because it had *not* gone well. That was the worst ticket buying I ever went through, and I've been through some annoying ones. Hopefully it'll be better next time. ;)

Carolyn-Yea, Joe Kerrigan is now working with the Yankees, just happened before the all star break. He had been doing some local TV stuff here in Philly, and he's just absolutely awesome at that, so I'll really miss him. I think he got a really bum rap as a pitching coach here. I think at some point, a player has to stop blaming the coaches and the manager, and start pointing fingers at yourself. But they don't want to do it. *shrug*

REally, I am surprised people find ESPN to be Yankee fans!

LOL. ESPN *is* the Yankees station. Even when they do bad, it's the top story. They'll be up 10 runs, and ARod hits a HR, and that's the top story. Seriously, as a fan of a non AL East team, it's annoying. I can imagine how it must be for people who hate the Yankees (I don't care one way or the other.)

But Joe Morgan isn't just bad about the Yankees. He's just annoying, period. Listening to him, you know that he has never done a wrong thing ever in his life. Every other word out of his mouth is "me" or "I" or "myself" or "my." I remember one really boring Sunday ESPN game, I once started counting how many times he said those words, and I lost track around 30, and it was still very early in the game. ;)

[Carolyn2]

LOL Heather about Joe Morgan. What cracks me up is how he states the obvious : "What you wanna do, in a situation like this is, get a hit" or "as a pitcher, you wanna throw strikes". LOL, really Mr. Morgan? Thanks for sharing your baseball knowledge ;)

Heather, getting tickets online at Fenway is about as easy as winning the lottery. I can't even be bothered anymore.

Last night's game was great - cause we won and are back in first place (thank you, Yankees). And, Schilling closed out the game with only 9 pitches :) Sad about Embree - he was such a big part of last year's team but really struggled this season. I hope these Bill Mueller rumors are just that - I've been saying he is my favorite Red Sox now, which of course means he WILL be gone by the end of the season (see: Troy O'Leary, Brian Daubach, Nomar Garciaparra for proof of that).
I just read something funny on ESPN's story about last night's game. I know Manny infuriates people but he's too funny and spacey to hate! He just makes me laugh and shake my head.

"It was another adventurous day in the field for Ramirez, one night after he lingered too long inside the Green Monster scoreboard during a break and almost missed a pitch. Ramirez was late getting onto the field at the start of the game -- tripping on the dugout step, then dropping his glove, when he finally went to join his teammates in the field."

[Beth2000]

Man, have I been out of the loop. I watched the Braves for the first time in a long time and found out that the Braves are only 1/2 game out of first place :eek

We have been out of town and our son has Band Camp this week. So, basically I have been busy this summer.

[loopschick]

I just read something funny on ESPN's story about last night's game. I know Manny infuriates people but he's too funny and spacey to hate! He just makes me laugh and shake my head.

"It was another adventurous day in the field for Ramirez, one night after he lingered too long inside the Green Monster scoreboard during a break and almost missed a pitch. Ramirez was late getting onto the field at the start of the game -- tripping on the dugout step, then dropping his glove, when he finally went to join his teammates in the field."


I love Manny ... he cracks me up with his "Manny Moments"

Did you see the pics of his son in the Boston Globe, and also on boston.com ??? SO cute :)

www.boston.com/news/globe.../home_run/ (http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2005/07/17/home_run/)

www.boston.com/news/globe...717/design (http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/galleries/2005/0717/design)


I, too, hope they don't trade Bill Mueller ... or Bronson ...
I feel bad for Embree :(

Did you see Christie Brinkley at today's game ?

boston.redsox.mlb.com/ima...rdfu6C.jpg (http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2005/07/20/7Drdfu6C.jpg)

[Carolyn2]

Loopschick, I did see Manny Jr's pictures. How cute is he? Like a Mini Me for Manny :)

I thought it was weird Christie Brinkley was at the game sporting a Sox cap. The news showed her. I thought she was from New York??

[mr pru]

Christie Brinkley can wear ANYTHING she wants!! :eek

[michelle2006]

I am officially sick of Michael Kay. I don;t understand why he hates Mussina so much.....and for God's sakes, don't give me that story of him complaining about Japan, and eating PBJ sandwiches. I know he wa sitching to blame Moose for yesterday's loss.

We are back in 2nd place, that was quick8) . But, a bright side, Small was HUGE, and we got another surprise pitching performance, like Leiter's. We seems to be getting consistent. Great win today. Giambi, I am so happy for him. God, my rooting worked.

Nice job boys!:D

[ceap]

The standings are flip flopping big time! Sox won yestertday as well. The Yanks got a lot of homers yesterday!!!! Christie was Tom Warner's guest so I guess it looked good for her to wear the Sox cap.

Now, on to the White Sox...the team with the best record in baseball. Jeez. I hope we do well.


Michelle2006,
Was Small brought up from the Minors or did the Yankees acquire him from somewhere?

[Yankees Suck 01]

That was a short lived second place. fine by me:)

I know I am supposed to root for the shirt but all these trade rumors for my fave players like Millar, Mueller and Arroyo are starting to make me mad. I will never get why they insist on trading the guy who got us there. I am a firm believer on building onto a team that has success and all the Boston owners seem to do is get rid of the guys who gave us that success. (The Celtics owners are ten times worse then the Sox owners) I was glued to the radio last year at trade deadline time hoping Derek Lowe wouldn't be traded and he wasn't so maybe that will work out. IMO the one Red Sox player who is starting to annoy me with his big fat mouth who I wouldn't mind them trading (as long as he doesn't end up a Yankee) is Johnny Damon. He is getting old and so is his mouth. Anyone else see A-Rod chase Johnny around the All Star game? He is up to no good.

Heather,
I am actually going to 8 games this year. I have been lucky because others have gotten me tickets, I haven't had to do a thing:) I will try and get you some when next years seats go on sale just remind me.

Carolyn, If you really want to go to a game your best bet is to get tickets when the D-Rays are in town. They seem to release seats for that team closer to the games starting.
I just fell into tickets for the 9-26 game. A friend of a friend's business bought them and no one wanted to go late in the season. (strange business people.lol)

I remembered why I can't root for the White Sox now, Jose Contrarus is on that team.

I also forgot to say that I actually like Alan Embree and think he got a raw deal. He has been getting better and better and this designate for assignment sucks!

[MKandNYYfan]

Aaron Small has bounced around a lot and this was his 1st win since 1998!!! Last start was in 1996! Weird. He played with the Marlins last year, in relief. Not sure when/how Yanks ended up with him, but I think in spring training he was offered a minor league contract.

Other rumors: Marlins are supposedly offering A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell in exchange for Carl Pavano and Felix Rodriguez. (I'd do it!!) and then the Yanks would trade Lowell to ??? for more pitching. Also, Alfonso Soriano supposedly will be willing to move to center if he were dealt back to New York, but nothing has been offered. I'd take him back...but who do we give up??? No more Wayne Franklin, Alex Graman's contract was purchased and brought up-great...Felix Rodriguez is back, no more Darryl May (sent to Columbus)! Pavano expected back next week.

Off to watch the game-Jeter tripled on the 1st pitch!

PS...YS01-how can you not root for Contreras, he was kind enough to serve up lots and lots of hits and runs to the Red Sox! :rollin

[Yankees Suck 01]

I loved Contreas (when he pitched against us) Just like I loved Lieber and my very favorite Quantril:) :) :) :) but still. Once a Yankee always a Yankee.That tis why I still don't trust David Wells or John Olarud.

Sox won last night and did I mention how much I love Vlade Gurrero when he isn't playing against the Red Sox? The radio (JT teh brick) was really trouncing Joe Torre for taking out Randy Johnson last night. He wasn't a happy Yankee fan.

The Dodgers are in a series against the Boston Mets this week. D-Lowe, PD, Mientkiewicz, Floyd, Daubach. Heck half our team played in that game.

[ceap]

Dang,
Red Sox lost last night and the Yankees and Orioles lost as well. We'd be up another game if we won. We left too many on base, once again. I feel so bad for Wakefield. He started off SO WELL and then bam, two 3 run homeruns in the 6th inning. I wonder if Terry should have taken him out once the first homerun was hit. Who knew they'd get another homerun? Wake pitched so well up until then.

The ballgame would have been completely different if that 3rd strike call was called ( and it should have been. That was a strike!!!!!!) and if Grappolino didn't make an error.

Oh well. Let's beat them tonight. Wade has to pitch his best stuff. But his first couple of innings are never that great and the White Sox could EASILY take advantage of that.

[Yankees Suck 01]

Great pitching performance by Wade Miller tonight. I love beating ex Yankees:)

[TwinnerA]

I wish to thank Heather and her Phillies for sweeping the Padres this weekend. Thanks to the sweep and my D'Backs winning 2 of 3 from the Braves this weekend, the D'Backs are only 2 and 1/2 games back of the division-leading Padres. Our entire division has been so bad for the last month that the D'Backs couldn't make up any ground until this weekend on the Padres due to the Padres and D'Backs either both winning or both losing every day they both played! It is pitiful though that we are still 4 games under 500!

[michelle2006]

People have to start giving Mussina more credit, especially the media. Seriosuly, I mean he was just plain terriffic today. And he barely made the local news. Sad:rolleyes . He has pitched consistently better than any of our other starters, including Unit.

Nice win today, and Baltimore and Boston lost. Nice job guys.

[Heather]

Hee, I'll say it the other way around, thank *you* for beating the Braves. ;) I wish the Dodgers and Giants would have cooperated as well, though. (I don't really worry about the Braves though. I've basically conceeded them the division, I'm just concentrating on the wild card.) I wish the Phils could play in the western division. We'd be in first place. :b

YS-Thanks, I'll hopefully remember to remind you. We have time at least!

Oh, and I thought of you the other day, when Lowe totally killed us. He hadn't won on the road all year, and of course, he decides to do so in Philly. Typical Phillies for you.

Sox won last night and did I mention how much I love Vlade Gurrero when he isn't playing against the Red Sox?
Hee, that is me (well, except subsititute Phils for Red Sox there.) That is why I was SO glad he got out of our division *and* league a few years back. Now I can root all the time for Vlad. He is by far my favorite non Phillies player, and considering how I feel lately about a lot of the Phillies, there's not too many players ahead of him in general in my player fandom.

MKandNYYfan-I hadn't heard that FL/NYY trade rumor at all. I don't see it happening, actually. Why would FL trade for a guy they just lost in FA? They are making the trade to get rid of money, there's no way they are going to take Pavano's salary in return.

[MKandNYYfan]

Heather-I know! Especially since Pavano's just getting off the DL this week. Who know...maybe cuz Pavano is under contract and the Marlins are expecting to lose Burnett? I just do not see that trade happening and if it were to go thru, I bet it would be another Weaver, Contreras, etc. case after hearing all the issues Burnett seems to have.

The radio guys are still hoping for a Soriano trade, give up some pitchers, but I cannot imagine we have anything the Rangers would want! As much as I would love him back in NY, just not sure if the move to center and Soriano's mind set would be a good thing in the middle of the season...maybe over the winter! Plus, I love Bubba in CF. They (the media) are saying Pavano and Felix Rodriguez...whatever.

YS-Joe pulled Johnson after he slipped on the mound, and then walked awkwardly back to the dugout. I agree that we might have had a chance to win had he gone one more inning and getting Flash more warm-up time, BUT it wouldn'y have been worth it had Johnson aggrevated something.

I hear the Yanks are rumored to be interested in Embree-cannot be worse than what we have had LP wise in the BP this year! Embree always seemed to get out of big spots, or at least he did against us. We'll see. I also hear the Sox are interested in JC Romero? Any news on that? I like him.

[ceap]

Ok...last night, did the Red Sox game remind anyone of the Bad News Bears??????? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We made too many DUMB mistakes.

Word is that Manny Ramirez is asking to be traded. Again. This is getting to be a annual thing for him. Manny said he has no privacy off the field.

[michelle2006]

Well, before anything, I'd like to wish Matt Clement and his family the best. That was scary, and no matter who the pitcher is, or what team he pitches for, I never wish this upon anyone........:| Best Wishes Matt, and family :angel

I guess Randy likes 100 degree weather, beacause The Big Unit pitched beautifully........the best he has pitched all season. Joe said he didnt feel 100%, boy, that didn't show! Excellent game.....Two spectacular starts in a row, by both Moose and Unit!

Great Job boys.!

PS- on the subject of Clemet, these pitchers need protective gearing, they are in constant danger!:(

[Carolyn2]

When Carl Crawford's ball hit Clement, my stomach fell. All I could think of was Bryce Florie a few years ago getting hit in the eye at Fenway. So scary--Clement didn't move for a long time and the place was silent. Even Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo stopped talking. I stopped thinking about the game, our rotation, the season-everything cause I seriously thought it was much worse than what the reports turned out to be. I think everyone did, because the ball went off his head and into left field and instead of going to the ball or back to covering third, Bill Mueller immediately started running towards the pitchers mound while the ball was still in play.

Kudos to the team for coming back to win it :) So nice to see Boston native Manny Delcarmen make his major league debut with a 1-2-3 8th inning :)

[ceap]

Gosh, last night with Clement was so scary. When he didn't move, I thought he cracked his skull or suffered a concussion. Terry said on the radio today that Matt was fully awake and didn't move because he thought he shouldn't and should stay still. So glad they came back and won the game for him. What a way to end the game. Damon and Varitek were awesome last night. I hope Trot isn't out for a long period of time, but with his injury, he may be. Thank God Gabe Kapler is back.

OK, David Wells needs to shut up. He said Lou Pinella doesn't treat new Tampa Bay clubhouse members well. How is that his business? Terry had to apologize to Lou last night.

Now, Manny Ramirez demanded the day off tonight. Terry said he didn't want to give him a day off, but Manny said he won't play and now he's sitting out tonight. Is Manny really in pain or is he being a diva? Also, can someone tell Manny to run to first base instead of jogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was lucky Tampa screwed up that double play. IMHO, Manny needs to take this game more seriously.

The Boston Herald said with the ridiculous antics of the players lately, it's hard to take the Red Sox seriously.

Manny DelCarmen was fantastic last night. Way to go! I love seeing a Massachusetts native on the team.