SawxBlog

BK is Gone! BK is Gone! BK is Gone!

First off, it's 12:30 on a Wednesday and I'm drinking a STIFF vodka tonic. These things call for a celebration. Read the rest here. What a great way to start the season.

Some Quotes from Theo:
"This is a disappointing end to this whole saga," said Epstein. "He made some contributions in 2003, helped us get to the postseason. The two-year contract, as opposed to a one-year deal through arbitration, was certainly a mistake and I take responsibility for that. It's just a mystery what happened to this guy.

"He went from being a one of the dominating relievers for a considerable stretch to obviously struggling to get guys out for us in Triple-A last year. In the end, it was a disappointment. That said, given all the circumstances, we're satisfied with today's resolution. Rather than releasing BK, we pick up a prospect we like in Chris Narveson. We think he can be an effective 23-year-old for us at Triple-A."

"I think we were all looking for any indication, any positive sign, that he might come out of it and help us here in Boston," Epstein said. "Because, trust me, we wanted to reap the benefits. We've invested a lot of time in trying to unravel this mystery. I think the entire staff was unanimous that there were no indications, if we put him on the Major League team to start the year, it would result in anything positive."

And the SI jinx goes to...

Well here we go, I'm officially entering the breaking point. There's basically only 4 more days left until the season starts up and I can not wait. I can not wait. No season for any ballclub is easy, and all are long, however I feel blessed to be a Sox fan. I really do think that we're going to continue being one of the best teams in the game for sometime to come. We're not based around a one shot and out model, and even though we spend more then the average baseball team to compete with out NY neighbors, we spend it wisely. There's basically only one dead contract in B.K. Kim and it looks like that headache may be alleaved in the short. Read here. I don't care if we eat all of his contract like candy on Easter. Just peace this guy out and move on. I will make it a point to have a beer when he's finally out of Red Sox. I'm basically just giddy. The video game's being played a little too much and I need something to distract me from it, like the real thing. (Playing the Cubs now and it's weird to pitch to Nomar.)

It's on. Our rosters are set. Our injuries so far are minimul and nothing of a real suprise. Lets have the Sox play some ball. Lets have a beverage. Lets keep score. Lets grill some dogs. And let enjoy being fans.

I'll be visiting family in NY the next few days and will reaport back hopefully before Sunday Night Baseball. Go. Sox.

Minor Adjustments

Well it looks like Mr.Schilling is going to be starting his season with the PawSox. Yesterday he threw a total of 66 pitches in which 40 were strikes. He also gave up 2 HRs, 2 Walks, and 2 Ks. I'm starting to get a little nervous about the upcoming season, and it's about time. I think the high of last postseason is wearing off a bit and I'm starting to look critically at the season. So with 8 days left before the season let peep what we may have in store. Curt. Now I may be jumping the gun here, however I think that this injury may nag longer then the Sox or he are letting on. If he does comeback by mid-April then all's good. And if Wade Miller comes back healthy it will be like the Sox making a great mid-season aquasition. Notice anything that makes you nervous with all this? There was a lot of if's back there. Like if David Well's is healthy, and if this and and if that. I'm not worried about our offense in the slightest, and our pitching has the ability to be very good and very deep. But there is some vulnerabilities in it. The good thing about this is it gives Bronson the ability to shine and maybe earn his keep to be a starter. (Even though I think this was done last year.) The first month is going to be very, very interesting between our pitching concerns, the Yankee games, and the barrage of AL East competition.

Home Sweet Home

In news consistent with how management has been treating the park the Boston Red Sox officially announced that Fenway will continue to be the home of the hometown Red for some time to come. I mean, how can you tear down the Sistine Chapel? Management has been buying everything around the park and there's plans to build more parking garages, and Sox friendly venues around it. There's also going to be a club in it which should be pretty cool. You can read more here. They're also talking about playing college hockey games there next winter which would be beyond cool.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

First off sorry for the lack of updates, I'm currently in the process of putting together another website and have been focusing my attentions there. Don't fret though I'll be back on the horse shortly, ecsp. with all that's going on in Red Sox land. Looks like we'll have 4 starters for the first two weeks, which I'm fine with, as long as we can put up decent numbers. The Sox only have 3 games in the first 10 days, so if Curt can't go, it's a great time for it to happen.

W.W.J.D.D. is in some poor health with a flu that caused some swelling in his leg and andkle. Again it's Spring Training, so a good time for this to happen. That's the same reason why I'm not too concerened with the Sox 5-7 record. This is a time to weed people out and start coming together with a good core to start the season.

I'm at work right now listening to the congressional meetings and I have a strange feeling like I'm watching (listning) to the Godfather Part II. If they fly in Sammy Sosa's brother from the Dominican and have him sit in the audience we'll know something's up! On a serious note, I can't wait to hear what Schilling has to say...

March Madness begins today. Awesome. And speaking of Green, how 'bout them Celtics?!?

R.I.P. Dick Raditz

In a tragic accident one of the Boston Red Sox best members and pitchers died yesterday. I remember my father telling stories about him in the 60's and reading his articles in the Metro/Herald. It's too bad he had to go out the way he did, but it's too bad to go out in general I guess.

This story is great:
''I never used to give the ball to the manager when he'd come to get me," Monbouquette said. ''I'd wait to give it to the guy coming into the game. I used to say to Dick, 'You'd better get these guys out or I'm going to kick your [butt],' He'd say, 'Go in the clubhouse, crack me a Bud, and I'll be right up.' And he would.' "

''The Monster" nickname was born in 1963, after a game against the Yankees in Fenway Park in which Mr. Radatz entered with the bases loaded and struck out Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Elston Howard -- all American League MVPs at one time -- on a total of 10 pitches.

It was after that game that Mr. Radatz punched the sky, a gesture he forgot about making until legendary Sox broadcaster Curt Gowdy reminded him of it the next day.

Mantle, the story goes, was heard to grumble about ''that monster" afterward, and a nickname was born. Newspaper reports say Mr. Radatz faced Mantle, a Hall of Famer, 63 times, and struck him out 47 times.

''Mickey used to say, 'Damn it, I know what he's going to throw and I still can't hit it," Monbouquette said. ''I think he hit one home run off Dick, in Yankee Stadium, and I think Dick broke his bat.

Juicy

Well, watching yesterdays game vs. the NY Yankees made me realize a few things.

1) Any player in a Yankee uniform makes me dislike them, even Chien-Ming Wang. Something that can't be too healthy for me.
2) Even though it's Red Sox/Yanks game it's still Spring Training. I mean at 9:00pm I switched to watch the season finale of "Deadwood" and then the first episode of this season (had a poker tourney on Sunday...3rd place). By the way, I'm pretty sure this is the best show on TV aside from anything sport related, maybe "6 Feet Under".
3) Matsui make me nervous even in a meaningless game. Dude's a machine.
4) Seeing Giambi going New Jack City was pretty disappointing. The heckling was C- at its best, Fenway isn't as sunny as Ft. Myers. I hate to do it, but I have to give props to Giambi for at least trying to move on with his life and being a class act to all baseball fans. I still have to hate him, but I respect him a lot more. Even Ortiz was saying there's no need for the heckling of him. I will still heckle though, you almost have to. It'd be like a Yankee fan not calling Petey their Daddy last year because they respect them. Maybe so, but the hat on the head tells all.
5) Hear Rem Dawg during Spring Training is a treat. He truly talks about anything, like yesterday when he was talking about a totally bombed chick in the audience. That's good stuff.
6) My fav moment of yesterday. No 1918, no curse, no Daddy, nothing. They showed a typical cocky Yankee fan with his back to the game and was talking a lot of smack. In unison about 5 guys point to their W.S. gear and or ALCS gear. The guy stopped mid-sentance and clapped. Awesome.

If you're a Yankee and/or Sox fan be thankful. These teams have given us some good and bad times over the years. It's funny how interlocked the two are now.

In not so great news it was reported today that Curt may not be ready to start in the Opener due to some set backs this Spring, the latest being a Flu he suffered over the weekend. Schilling hasn't even thrown to live batters yet and I just think that time should be taken here. It'd be great for all of baseball if he went toe-to-toe with Randy on opening night, however, it's only April. Not a great way to start the season though and it will be interesting to see who steps in his spot if needed since Wade Miller won't be ready until at least late April. Halama? This still keeps April 3rd interesting though...Boomer starting the season opener for the Sox in Yankee Stadium? A Brave New World indeed...

Here's Looking at You

Well the Sox and Yanks face off tonight for the first time since their classic ALCS fall. The game will be just another Spring Training game, however, it's never just a game between these two, at least for the fans. People were camping out to get tickets last night and the most interesting thing will be the fans laying into the cheater that is Jason Giambi. The Sox are dominating the NY papers once again today and get more back page coverage the Mets, Jets, and Knicks as of late. The game will be just a Spring Training game and the Yanks are basically sending their JV team. I mean seriously, they have Chin MIn Wang (or something like that) starting. It will be good to see Abe Alverez pitch though with him being one of our top farm prospects. It still amazes me the caliber he can pitch basically being blind in one eye (That's why he rocks his cap the way he does).

Hat Trick Hanley

The games I've seen so far this year have been just what they are, Spring Training games. Boston's number one prospect (according to Baseball America) the second year in a row, Hanley Ramirez, performed an unassisted triple play against the Phillies yesterday. From the little I've seen of him so far, it really helps me understand the hype that is all around him. It will be interesting to see how the Sox use him now that the ER replaced the OC. In the next year or so he may be traded since he's supposed to be the next big SS. We'll see.

Spring is Here

Clement pitches to the Twins Jason Bartlett
Game on. The Sox have now played three games thus far this Spring and the results have all been good. It's so early to read into anything too much, however rule 5 draftee Adam Stern is making things very interesting. The Boston Herald's reporting that he has some Sox officials toying with the idea of carrying 5 outfielders in the the regular season. He's a good outfielder, a left handed bat, and is very speedy, being clocked at 4.09 seconds from home to first. An interesting side story to keep an ear to this Spring. Also the progression of Wade MIller is more then on track. He's throwing lightly off of the mound now and is being slated as being brought into the Sox rotation in late April. Suprisingly they're thinking about putting Arroyo into the bullpen to make room for him, which I don't agree with. I really think that Wakefield will be more valuable out of the pen, and think it'd be a mistake to slow the progression of Bronson. Having too many good arms is a problem I'll gladly deal with though. Health is always a concern with Well's back, Schilling's ankle, and Wade's progression. I guess that's why I've been so quiet on the Matt Clement tip. After his performance against the Twins he was gushing about how good Captain V-Tek is. Challengeing him to use all of the plate and not rely soley and heavily upon his slider. He looked good and I'm predicting a solid 16-19 wins out of him this year.
On an interesting sidenote the Sox staff threw a combined no hitter in their 17-0 win over Northeastern. Ouch.

Prom Queens
Sox fans can't get enough of it
Well I believe that the age old question, or statement of, "How will Sox fans have an identity if they win it all?", is being thrown out the dizoor. On the first day of spring training 2,500 fans were there before the Sox. Red Sox Nation is more alive then ever and just as hungry. I mean you have to wait in a virtual waiting room for 2 hours to get bleacher tickets for a game against the Devil Rays. Unless Rocco Baldelli has about 30,000 relatives from Rhode Island I'd say people are pretty jacked up. (Are there even 30,000 people in R.I.?) I relate it to this. Would you want to sleep with the Prom Queen just once? Of course not. You'd want to roll around in the hay as much as possible. And with the way the Sox management is doing things, the Sox are going to be around for quite awhile. So hopefully the Sox will be dancing that final dance again in the near future.

Curt back in D.C.?
"I don't think I have a whole lot to offer on the issue other than my opinion, which is what I've always offered,'' said Curt recently. What Schilling's talking about is being "invited" to go to D.C. and talk about steroids with House Government Reform Committee on Capital Hill. It will be interesting when this happens, other players invited are Canseco, Giambi, McGuire, and more. The FRAUD that is Mark McGuire says he will not go. But according to ESPNEWS he may not have a choice because the players may get cited and have to go. You can read more about this here.

Presidential Sweet

I only see one idiot in the above picture...
The World Champion Boston Red Sox met with the leader of the free world yesterday to be congratulated on their historical postseason run last year. I would say from a personal POV this was pretty cool to see, even if I'm not a big Bush fan (to say the least). You could tell the guys were a little nervous/humble, and for once, were on their best behavior. Trot Nixon, one of the Sox resident hicks, was a little nervous about the visit for some of his teammates and was quoted as saying, "Kevin could be in trouble, he could get shot.'' Damon was also noted as saying he thinks that Bush would fit right in and that he'd "love to have a beer with him". Johnny has officially blown up. In a 6-month span he said he wants to have a beer with the President, and that it's "pretty cool" to be compared to Jesus. That hit in Oakland may have done more damage then thought...damn you Damian Jackson. All kidding aside quotes like the above just reaffirm my faith that this team will have another great year. Every article you read about this team you hear people saying how tight and loose and professional these guys are. They bust each other’s balls, have a good time, and do their job with a smile and professionalism. That's a pretty good way to lgo about life.
After visiting with President Bush the Sox went to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit some injured troops. There's a great article about this in the globe today and can be read here.

Jersey wakes out of Hibernation
Speaking of WWJDD I'm breaking out my Johnny Damon jersey today. This was bought last year on opening night (not day) when I saw Pedro face off against Roy Holliday last year, and...well, it developed a history of its own. I didn't wash it until game 4 of the WS was over, a full 172 games later. The thing could stand at attention better then a marine. There were numerous biological experiments taking place in and on it and I can't even begin to think how much beer, hot dog juice, sausage, grass stains, etc. was on it. Superstition is a bitch though, and this time it will go unwashed from Spring Training until the last out of the season. You may not want to be next to me at Fenway...

Clement makes his Sox debut tonight
The breaking out of this jersey is for a reason, and a glorious reason at that. The Sox open up their spring training season tonight at 7:05pm against the Twins. It will be so fun watching them back out on the field and it will be nice to see Clement on the mound for us. He's slated as our number 3 right now and I've been pretty quiet thus far on him. Lets just say I'm excited, and will comment more on this later.
The game will be on NESN and if you don't get NESN you can go here and watch the game on MLB TV for free.
Break out the seeds; it's time for baseball again.

Beez Knees

Bill "The Professional Hitter" Mueller has become one of my favorite players over the last few years. Bill has been just a quiet and solid player who has the knack of getting the right hit at the right time. I'm beyond being on the Bill Mueller wagon, I drive the damn thing. So Billy's coming into Spring Training with Fankenstein-like knees. As recently as February 7 he had his right knee scoped and has had "some bone and cartilage" removed removed from both knees in the off-season. Seriously, during this upcoming season watch his at bats. They are some of the most impressive of any I've seen any Sox take. He always works the pitcher and makes them routinely throw 7,8,9,10 pitches to him. Bill's going to miss some of Spring Training due to his knees, but look for him to have another solid year for us. This may be his swan song for the Sox due to his age, knees, and Youk. I for one will be enjoying him, and look forward to him winning me some more money and games. Get well soon Billy.

JUST SAY NO

Dear Management,

Please, please, please, please, please trade this bad joke for a couple nice bags of pine tar before the season starts. I still am in shock that I'm seeing him in a Sox uniform right now. Thanks for all consideration.

Sincerely,

bosawk

For those of you who have NESN and have been keeping up with their World Series Winter, Game 1 from the 2004 WS is on tonight. This game will always have special memories for me because my brother flew in from Chicago to watch it with me. We went strait from Logan to the Park and it was just surreal. It was like 10:00am and the streets were PACKED. Their was about a 20 min. wait just to get into the Souvenier Shop and there was just a great buzz in the air. Those two weeks were filled with a lot of anxiety, cheap beer, and jubilation. A highlight of the day was running into ESPN's Tim Kurkjian on the street and scaring him to death with our excitement. **Note to Readers** In person Tim looks like he would have made a great extra for LOTR, and has a very impish handshake. I'm falling off the topic in which I wanted to touch on though, which is, >>-INSERT SCARY MUSIC HERE-<< "THE CURSE".

I watched most of the W.S games this winter to brush up on my history as well as see some games I never had the opportunity to see. While taping Game 6 of the 1975 World Series I realized something about 1/2 way through the game (and I do agree, this has to be one of the best ever played) not ONE mention of Babe Ruth or "The Curse". There were no 1918 signs in the prior games in Cincy and the announcers kept to what mattered, the game at hand. It was nice and made me realize that Trot Nixon should have been calling the Globe's Dan Shaughnessy a clown instead of Slap-Rod. The "Curse" of the Bambino wasn't 86 years old, it's as old as Dan's book. I just thought that should be mentioned. Watching the Yankee games and even the W.S. games with the mention of it is a little over the top. Thank God that's over. I bet that one guy dressed up as "the curse" had a great train ride home. I wonder if there will be 2000 signs at the Park this year...

Miller Time?

Even though Spring Training is in its early stages I'm very happy about reports coming back on Wade Miller. I'm paying closest atention to him these coming weeks and know that if he rebounds well the Sox will be that more dangerous during the year. Basically as we stand right now our starting rotation is.

1. Curt Schilling
2. David Wells
3. Tim Wakefield
4. Matt Clement
5. Brandon...I mean Bronson Arroyo

This puts no pressure on Miller to hurry back and raises an interesting question, who do you bump if he gets healthy? I'm pretty sure Wake would be out since he's proven to be a team player in the past, and has pitched from all three positions already. Feelings may get a little touched but this team is too strong for that. Our bullpen is looking strong as well and you can read a great article on Timlin in Today's Herald.

Gonzo Gone

On a sad note Hunter S. Thompson died last night. I'm going to greatly miss reading his books and most recently columns on ESPN's Page 2. He was an intelligent, mad, and humorous guy, and it's just too bad this all had to go down like this. You can read his whole archive HERE.