Manny to Jay Leno: "Are You Related to Kevin Youkilis? You Guys Have the Same Chin." CLASSIC.

Who knew I'd be back so soon? I just couldn't resist posting Manny Ramirez's appearance on Jay Leno. Hell, who knew Manny and Leno were "car" acquaintances??

Indoor sunglasses. Diaper on the back of his head. Hugs all around. Car talk. Pounds with the "40 year old virgin". Helmet talk. Finger pointing. Manny being Manny!

Lastly, there is a 0% chance that Manny's father owned a '56 Chrysler Imperial. No chance. In this part of the interview, Leno threw Manny a curveball -- and Manny bit for it in a big way...hook, line, and sinker! This chain of events cemented the fact that Manny was going to eventually break out his Youkilis line (which we all know he had been contemplating for days now).

All in all, just an incredible 7 minutes of television...

Carmen Takes Halloween to the Next Level (NSFW)

Carmen For Halloween

Remember me...no?? Good - just the way I like it. Remember Carmen (a Win Column favorite since inception)?? Now we're talking.

Anyway, the primary reason I'm writing this post is because I promised Orlando that I would congratulate the Red Sox and Red Sox Nation on their recent World Series championship. To a million more "pink hat" fans...cheers. Was it wrong for me to wish San Diego's fires upon Lansdowne last Sunday evening?

It's probably no coincidence that I'm just now coming to grips with such fate - after all, the Celtics and Providence Friars begin their quest for dominance tonight.

In all honesty, these last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I was interviewed by CBS (Channel 2 in NY) minutes after the news that Joe Torre had rejected the Yankees' $5M (+ incentives) job offer. I was elated!! As I've said for 2 years now, Joe Torre was the worst possible manager for the New York Yankees job. The Yankees are in the midst of a youth movement. Newsflash! Joe Torre heavily favors veterans over any and all youngsters. Because Torre has made it his mission to destroy every pitcher's arm (now that Torre is a Dodger, I can only pray for Scott Proctor and his family), the "Joba Rules" were solely implemented as a defense to Torre's insanity. Torre is an awful in-game manager...he refuses to move runners along. Torre benched Gary Sheffield in the deciding game vs. the Tigers in the 2006 ALDS, the day after he batted the best baseball player on the planet (A-Rod) 8th!!! Are you kidding me???? Sheffield's presence and bat wiggle is enough to make Kenny Rogers crap himself on the mound! Torre's Yankees hadn't made it out of the 1st round of the playoffs in 3 consecutive years. Torre's Yankees hadn't won a championship in 7 years. That's $1.2 BILLION down the tubes. Where's the accountability??? Joe, I thank you for your efforts during your tenure - I loved you for years, but your time clearly expired.

Joe Girardi - step right up! What a ballsy hire...incredible hire. Passion, intensity, in-game management, film study. A new era -- a welcomed era!

Alex Rodriguez - for the past 4 years, I was your biggest fan. I defended you to death, no matter the struggles. Today, you are dead to me. You have genuinely and sincerely hurt me.

So, who plays 3B for the Yanks next year? None other than Robbie Cano. If the Yanks can sign Orlando Hudson to play 2B (defensive whiz with great bat control and plate discipline), Cano is the Yanks' 3B. You heard it hear first.

In order to avoid rambling, I need to cut this short (God, I have so much more I want/need to vent). However, I need to get something off my chest before signing off...WHO IS CORNSTARR??? Some of his stuff is funny -- but, I'm convinced Cornstarr is, in real life, "The Entertainer" from VH1's 'I Love New York'.

Will I be back for autographs? Who knows. But in the meantime, keep it gangsta...

Tonight's Matchup Lived Up to the Billing

What am I talking about? None other than the two worst pitchers in the AL East...

Jon Lester (5.67 ERA) vs. Andy Sonnanstine (6.53 ERA)

Great audition tonight, Mr. Lester. You hear that?? September 1st (the date that rosters expand) is fast approaching, and your rotation spot is in serious jeopardy...to none other than Clay Buchholz. Hell, your major league career is in jeopardy. Great, you conquered cancer. For that, I have more respect for you than 100% of the readers on this site. Unbelievable story -- it's just that your story is better suited on the big screen rather than NESN every five days. Jon Lester's background doesn't change the fact that he can't throw a strike to save his life. Should teams start taking it easy on him? Maybe teams should start under-handing the ball to Mike Lowell (because he, too, is a cancer survivor)? Think about it...if Tedy Bruschi could no longer tackle, do you think he'd have a career in the NFL? There's no need to answer that, as the answer is obvious.

Theo...thank you for not parting ways with Jon Lester! Thank you for sitting on your hands...and not acquiring an actual piece that could have helped! Baseball is a business first, and that notion went out the window this July. Whatever happened to the business mantra that is the Fenway Sports Group?? You had to have known that Jon Lester was not a good pitcher...you have scouts, after all. I mean, it was painfully obvious last year (in particular, his second time around the league)...when he was fully healthy. Instead, you fell in love with the story - and didn't want the public backlash that would have followed if a Red Sox Nation favorite had been moved. Theo, I thank you for losing ALL attributes which made you the GM you were in 2004. As your beloved Sox are bounced in 5 games in the ALCS, you have only yourself to blame.

Random note...why is that half of the Walpole little leaguers' favorite player is Derek Jeter? Call me crazy, but you don't see any Bronx thugs touting David Ortiz as their favorite player. Just a thought, Sox Nation...

* God, I hate Mike Mussina. He's got to be my least favorite Yankee of all-time. Mean-spirited, selfish teammate that's no good himself.

** Will Seattle ever lose again??? Enough! Led by Raul Ibanez, they are red-hot. While every analyst is drooling over Mark Teixeira these days, no one seems to be mentioning Ibanez. Ever since uber-prospect Adam Jones was called up to, essentially, take over his position, no pitcher has been able to get Ibanez out. Entering tonight's game, Ibanez had hit 9 HR's in his last 13 games (.431 batting average in August). In his first 97 games of the season, the veteran had only hit 6 HR's.

A Little Change Will Do You Good

I'm still scratching my head as to why the Red Sox didn't try and sell the farm to get Mark Teixeira. You trade a potential future stud and a couple decent current and future players to land one of the game's best first baseman....end of story.

Texas is obviously becoming a black hole for baseball players. It can't be fun to play there anymore. They suck, and you play in weather that burns your pubes as you run the base paths. I'd be all set, too. I bet if Michael Young were to switch jerseys....he'd start playing with that extra hop in his step he had 2 years ago. But enough about that, back to Teixeira.....what a beast. Over the past 2 games, he's belted 4 HR and 10 RBI. Guess what....that is 4 times the amount of home runs and 2 more RBI's than Kevin Youkilis has in the entire month of August. In fact, Teixeira's production over the past two games equals 1/3 of the amount of home runs and 1/6 the RBIs Youk has in 115 games. Yes, that's right. I'm talking about 2 games versus 115 fu*king games. That's ridiculous.

Say what you will about intangibles.....but, I am sick of Kevin Youkilis. He doesn't get hits when they matter, and he's nothing short of a mediocre baseball player. He's not the long term answer at 1st base....and with Mike Lowell playing his last season in a Red Sox uniform (some team is stupid enough to pay him next year), there is absolutely no excuse for letting a franchise player like Teixeira slip away. Texas would have accepted a fair deal, but Theo and company again dropped the ball. So tune into a Braves game on TBS on any given night and watch in disbelief, as to what could have been a World Series no-doubter lethal lineup.

Oh, by the way....it would be nice to have a guy that SWITCH HITS and can belt 40 HR's....no?


***Photo courtesy of YAHOO SPORTS

Question Regarding Etiquette At A Baseball Game

While at the Sox game this Saturday, I was faced with a dilemma that I always thought was fairly easy decision to make. Upon further review of this situation, evidently there is quite a bit of disagreement. That said, I wanted to pose the question to the readership because its widely known The Win Column has the most intelligent audience in Boston, and they would be the best resource to settle this once and for all. So, without further ado here is the situation.

Our seats were located in the right field grandstand, only about 4 seats from the end of the row. Great location for frequent trips to the pisser and the beer stand, no? The only thing is that there was a beam at the end of the row basically rendering that option null and void. Because of that, any time we wanted to make 'the trip' we had to make that treacherous walk over twenty people just to get out. Normally not a huge deal, but I was at the game with a bunch of booze bags (myself included) and we showed up to the game pretty sh*tcocked, thus, many trips to the bathroom were inevitable.

So, here is the dilemma. There was an open seat in the row directly in front of us, essentially enabling us to step over a seat and only bother four people to get into the aisle as opposed to pissing off twenty people every time we had to drain the lizard. I thought this was a no-brainer. Although the people I was with thought this was unheard of, and claimed that you had to stay in your own row because you were all on the same 'team' (whatever that means). Because of this way of thinking, my buddies actually chose to watch the game in 'standing room' for close proximity to the beer and the pisser. I thought that was an overreaction, but their decision nonetheless. So my question to you is: Is it alright to disturb people in a different row even though in the grand scheme of things, you are actually disturbing a lot fewer people, or do you have to stay in your row?

Orlando

The Win Column Knows Baseball

According to the Boston Globe, Clay Buchholz will start Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader. Various reports agree that Wily Mo Pena is likely to be let go in order to make room for Buchholz, but now it sounds like Jacoby Ellsbury, rather than Bobby Kielty, will then replace Pena for Game 2.

As evidenced by the below link, did we call it or what?? And, I may add...WELL before any other site, newspaper, and/or radio station even made a peep about such a potential occurrence.

http://thewincolumn.blogspot.com/2007/08/you-want-sports-insight.html

Anyway, if you have 5 minutes of free time (and wish to call yourself a "true" Red Sox or Yankees fan), this air-tight analysis of Joba Chamberlain and Clay Buchholz comes highly recommended by The Win Column. Simply put...an unbelievable piece by Minor League Ball:

http://minorleagueball.com/story/2007/8/14/13058/6308

Where In The World Is Kelly Barons??????

That's right, that chick that was ridiculously fine and held down the Fenway Park third base line as a ball girl the past few seasons. The cameramen would do creepy close-ups of her smile, and every time she bent over in a way that only HD could express. But I don't see my girl at the Friendly Fens this season.....what the f*ck is up with that? Is this yet another blunder by the Red Sox front office? Did they really let the "hottest ball chick in the game" get away?

No guys...it's even worse.....thus explained by BOSTON.COM:

Kelly Barons Bruins All Access Co-Host

Nickname: Red Family: 2 Brothers – Mark and Jack, and Sister - Chrissy Hobbies: Running, Karaoke, and Water Sports Pets: Dog - Ginger Favorite Sport to watch: Baseball, Hockey, and Football Favorite sports to play: Softball Favorite Food: Chicken, Broccoli and Ziti (The only thing I know how to make!) Favorite TV Show: King of Queens and Family Guy Favorite Singer or Musical Group: Kenny Chesney Favorite Movie: Tommy Boy Favorite Sports Movie: Miracle Favorite Piece of clothing: My BU sweatshirt and my old Mighty Ducks T-Shirt If you could spend a day with anyone who would it be? Peter Gammons What was your most embarrassing moment on television? Getting hit in the face with a Ken Griffey Jr. foul ball… Favorite professional team growing up? The Boston Red Sox Favorite professional player growing up? Nomar Garciaparra

Kelly Barons is a co-host for Bruins All Access, NESN’s new and very different Bruins show. All Access, which airs Sunday nights at 9:30 PM, gives Bruins fans a behind-the-scenes, off-ice look at the Boston Bruins. A Lexington, Massachusetts native, Barons is a broadcast journalism major at Boston University. She is best known for her role as a Boston Red Sox ball attendant and for guest hosting ESPN’s Baseball Tonight.


We lost our beloved queen of the diamond.....for a friggin' Bruins show???? Nobody gives a damn about the Bruins.....nobody! This infuriates me. Baseball is either the best, or second best sport in the world (football)....and hockey is about as cool as AIDS. Some drastic measures need to be taken to get this girl back to thinking and talking about the Red Sox. Maybe a co-host show with "All the Way" Hazel Mae or Kathryn Tappen. But don't let this beautiful baby go to waste by talking about jock straps and elephant walks. That's just not right.

WFAN In New York Is For Idiots And Retards....Seriously

Say what you will about WEEI. I consider myself a loyal listener, logging in anywhere between 3-5 hours per day. I fully realize that the station can be tough to listen to at times. I've been thoroughly enjoying Gerry Callahan's throat cancer or whatever the hell he has, so I haven't been forced to listen to his friggin' whacked-out, George Bush loving rants. The "Big Show" is a bunch of meatheads, foaming at the mouth yelling at each other (which I love), and I'm fairly certain Glen Ordway's sports knowledge rivals that of a mediocre fan (at best). I'm convinced Dale Arnold diddles little boys. I think Meter is the most knowledgeable on the station and I love Michael Holley and Mike Adams.

That said, because I'm in NY this week, I have the pleasure (and I use that term loosely) of listening to WFAN. For the past day, the smug nitwits that run that station have brought stupidity to a WHOLE new level. Throughout the day, culminating during the 'Mike and the Mad Dog' show, I had to listen to caller-after-caller saying how they have 'counted out' the Sox. I had to listen as these crapsh*ts kept calling saying that the only team they are REALLY worried about is the Angels. Last time I checked, the Sox were still 4 games up, with one of the best pitching staffs in the game. So Yankees fans, a personal message from me to you. Don't get ahead of yourselves, there's still a lot of baseball to be played and the road to the playoffs won't be paved with NY style pizza. So, keep your pants on and don't start beating off yet...AND go f*ck yourself.

To make matters worse, even the talk show hosts are complete nimrods. In my opinion, the host of a show is supposed to act as the voice of reason during these shows. It's inevitable, whomever is controlling the phone lines is going to put on the most ostentatious and obnoxious people. It makes for good radio.....I get that. But the host has a responsibility to mediate the show and bring a certain amount of rational thought. That is, if you want to run a reputable program...which in this case, he obviously doesn't. One more point of contention before I end this rant. I had to listen to people blasting Gagne all day (rightfully so), however, I think making the claim that signing Gagne ruined the Sox bullpen is a bit much. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that having Gagne will do more good than bad, and when its all said and done, we'll be pumped we picked him up.

Orlando

P.S. - Chieftain, on a side note. Can't you pull some strings and get that friggin' c*nt, Suzyn Waldman off the radio waves? I know I've mentioned this before, but every time I hear her, I'm reminded of how much of a disgrace it is.

You Want Sports Insight?

I was perusing the upcoming schedules of all AL teams...and something stuck out to me.

THE RED SOX DOUBLE-HEADER AT HOME VS. THE ANGELS, ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 17TH.

What could I possibly be thinking, you're asking? Well, this could very well be uber Red Sox pitching prospect Clay Buchholz's major league debut. This past Monday, Buchholz threw yet another gem, to the tune of...

7 innings, 1 run allowed, 4 hits allowed, 9 K's, 0 BB's

Project Prospect (http://projectprospect.com/), another great site that ALL true baseball fans should already be familiar with, currently ranks Buchholz as the #4 prospect in the game...and that includes two players which are already in the big's (Phil Hughes at #1 and Justin Upton at #3). Ummmm, Buchholz has a 0.95 WHIP on the year??? Ya think he can help possibly solidify that 5th spot (if that's what you even want to refer to it as at this point)? What is the hold-up with this kid? For the record, Joba Chamberlain, Project Prospect's #8 prospect, was just called up...and has already demonstrated glimpses of Joel Zumaya-type stuff.

So, yes...here's to my prediction of Buchholz making his major league debut on August 17th. No other site is willing to put their neck on the line like this. Simply put, you can't find better baseball insight than which The Win Column provides.

** As a random FYI...are you guys aware as to why Buchholz dropped to the 42nd pick in the 2005 draft?

Because he had been arrested for stealing 29 laptops from his high school and selling them. Coincidentally, I bet 29 teams are kicking themselves now.

The "Yank-offs" Suck...They're Done???

The one thing the Red Sox have going for them...they have Jon Lester toeing the rubber tonight. Excluding Andy Sonnanstine, is Lester officially the worst starter in the AL East? No need to answer that. Hey, at least he's "gritty" out there......

How's the Kool-Aid taste now?

Local MLB Musings

By now, you've all at least heard about Baseball America's recent "Best Tools" compilation. The results were based strictly upon a survey amongst all MLB managers.

• 2nd "Best hitter" in AL: Derek Jeter
• "Best power" in AL: Alex Rodriguez
• 2nd "Best strike-zone judgment" in AL: Bobby Abreu
• 2nd "Best hit-and-run artist" in AL: Derek Jeter
• 3rd "Best baserunner" in AL: Derek Jeter
• 3rd "Best pitcher" in AL: Josh Beckett
• "Best curveball" in AL: Josh Beckett
• 3rd "Best changeup" in AL: Daisuke Matsuzaka
• "Best pickoff move" in AL: Andy Pettitte
• "Best reliever" in AL: Jonathan Papelbon
• 3rd "Best reliever" in AL: Mariano Rivera
• 3rd "Best defensive catcher" in AL: Jason Varitek
• 3rd "Best defensive third baseman" in AL: Mike Lowell
• "Best defensive shortstop" in AL: Derek Jeter

Other than the clear notion that Derek Jeter is a demi-god in every aspect of life, what else to I take away from this?

...That there is a reason why Baseball America is my favorite website on the net. For any "true" baseball fan, Baseball America should be daily reading, as it covers baseball at every level (high school, college, Japan, the minors, and the majors). Money well spent.

To see where other respective AL and NL players ranked accordingly, see the below links...

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/features/264575.html

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/features/264582.html

Dan Rodricks Is A Big Fat Turd

From Dan Rodricks at The Sun in Baltimore:

Here's my prediction: Red Sox will choke. It's going to get really ugly. It's going to be historic. The Curse Resurrectio. They'll not only lose the AL East. They won't get a wild-card bid. Yanks will finish first in the East, the Tigers in the Central and the Angels in the West. The Indians will be the wild-card. The Orioles will make a run and finish strong -- edging out the Jays and the Sox into second place right behind the Yankees. There, it's done. I said it. I'm gonna live with it. I've started the Bosox Choke Watch.

He goes on to say in a later post:

All together, Orioles fans, let's gather around your MASN tonight and send our collective orange-and-black karma to Boston with the Birds so they have a lovely run against the Sox, who we are eager to see choke again. Remember, this is what that franchise is notorious for. (The Orioles haven't won a World Series in 24 years, but they've been in six since 1966 and won three of them. The Red Sox have only won one Series in nearly 90 years. Never has a franchise gotten so much hype for such little achievement, and who have the Sox put into the Hall of Fame lately?)

Anyway, we're rooting for our Orioles, and hoping the Sox return to their old ways. Can't happen, you say? In 1978, what was the Sox lead over the Yankees at the All-Star break? 14 games? Yeah, somethin' like that. Something sick. And hopefully it will happen again.

The worst thing about this fat turd is that he is originally from East Bridgewater and went to college in Connecticut. How 'bout a little hometown love? Not to mention his remarks about HIS Orioles! "They'll make a run and finish strong" -- what the hell is that supposed to mean? They stink worse than last weeks diapers. I'm pretty sure any decent high school team in the country could give them a run for their money. Anyways, I'm confident that we have some of the smartest, most articulate readership out there, and if these above comments grind your gears as much as they did mine, I've included ole' Danny's email below...

dan.rodricks@baltsun.com

(This story was brought to my attention by http://thissuitisnotblack.blogspot.com/, and I obtained the content from http://www.baltimoresun.com/)

Orlando

Jermaine Dye May Change His Sox

Per Boston.com today.....

A major league source said a short time ago that chances were “pretty good” that the Red Sox would complete a deal with the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Jermaine Dye. In exchange for Dye, the White Sox would get Wily Mo Pena and a minor league pitching prospect (not Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester).

Ok, where do I sign???????? Get this deal done already. I'm a huge fan of Dye, as he'll be able to provide the power that J.D. Drew apparently lost when he decided to get off the sauce and shrink. It does make things pretty crowded in right/center field....but who cares? It's all about depth, and it's all about getting someone that can mash behind Manny in the order. Manny is carrying this team offensively right now, and might have to for the rest of the year with Big Papi clearly hurtin' pretty bad with his torn meniscus. Don't even get me started on Wily Mo Pena.....I am pretty sure he closes his eyes when he swings....he's an abortion at the plate.

Exchange your black socks for red ones, Dye. You'll be on a flight to Boston within 48 hours, guaranteed. If they get this deal done, it's a great move by the Red Sox front office.

***On a side note....Jermaine is pullin' a nice piece of tail in that picture. Chances are he rocks a hammer in his pants, and this girl never saw it coming !!!!!!

Does Theo Really Want Teixeira?

If so, this is not a complex trade to complete.

From the Rangers perspective, Teixeira has the ability to help a contender for two seasons (this year and next)...so, they would MUCH prefer to deal him before the upcoming July 31st deadline. If GM Jon Daniels wants to deal Teixeira while his value is highest, then he must do so now! If Daniels waits until the offseason, Teixeira's value becomes that of what Soriano's was last year. How'd that work that?? Riiiiiiight, Nationals GM Jim Bowden couldn't land equal value for Soriano, so he was left getting nothing for his star's services.

So, Texas wants Jacoby Ellsbury and either Clay Buchholz/Jon Lester for Teixeira? Not going to happen. So, let's break down a realistic (and opportunistic) option...

Clay Buchholz is absolutely "untouchable" in any deal involving Mark Teixeira. Period. Similar to how the Yankees value uber-prospects Philip Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, Buchholz is in that same mold. The three aforementioned pitchers are all very close to becoming major league STUDS. They all possess legitimate ACE "stuff". To put this in perspective, there are only (approximately) 15 legitimate aces in all of baseball right now. Along with Dodgers future ace Clayton Kershaw (believe me, remember this name), all of these prospects come from the same mold as Yovani Gallardo and Tim Lincecum. Barring injury, they are all sure to dominate hitters for the next decade.

That being said, Mark Teixeira could still be a Red Sox. And yes....even as a diehard Yankee fan, I can admit that Teixeira would make the Sox A LOT better. He is exactly what the Sox need, especially with Ortiz ailing. Essentially, Teixeira is exactly what JD Drew isn't. I called that one, didn't I (from the get-go, I stood ground and maintained that Drew wasn't worth $7 million/year...let alone $14 million/year)? In some distinct cases, OBP is not the end-all to be-all...and this is coming from the biggest stat junkie in the country.

Imagine a 3-4-5 of Ortiz/Manny/Teixeira??? Oh my good Lord!

So, how does it get done?

Easy...Lester, Youkilis, and Craig Hansen for Mark Teixeira. Guaranteed, this would get it done. And, it should be a no-brainer on behalf of the Sox braintrust. I repeat, a no-brainer!!

Yeah, I get it...Sox Nation loves "Yoooooouk" and the story that is Jon Lester, but to get something of substance in return...you must give up something. That's just how it works. I know...crazy, huh?

Lester projects as a future #3. Nothing better. He doesn't have great "stuff" and he may have the worst placement of any Sox pitcher I've watched for the past decade-plus. The only thing Lester has going for him is that he's a lefty.

Youkilis just isn't that good of a baseball player. He's the corner infielder version of David Eckstein. Hustles his a$$ off, hits for a decent average, and has NO pop. 22 HR's in two years as a full-time first baseman is embarrassing. There's no other way around it. Let's face the facts...there's a reason why Youkilis wasn't a major league starter until the age of 27.

And, Craig Hansen?? God, where do I start? Hmmmm...maybe with the fact that he NEEDS to fire his agent. Newsflash...Hansen was a "can't-miss" prospect until Scott Boras demanded that he control Hansen's regiment/progress. Hansen was unbelievable until Boras started demanding that Hansen change his mechanics and arm motions. Why? There's a reason why Hansen didn't allow a single run in his senior year at St. John's. It's the same reason why the Sox made Hansen their 1st Round pick in 2005. Who the hell is Scott Boras to mess with his client's success?? Similar to the Dice-K situation, Scott Boras needs to stay out of TEAM matters -- when it comes to prospects, teams are always going to have the player's best interests at hand (it's probably the only time this holds true). In the past year, I've learned one thing -- Scott Boras doesn't know a lick about pitching.

Again, as a Yankee fan...I'm praying that Theo overvalues Jon Lester. Without landing a marquee name (like Teixeira), this current Sox roster stands no chance at bringing home another World Series. Right now, they have Beckett and a great bullpen. That's it!

* I'd also like to take this opportunity to point out there that I have developed a serious baseball infatuation with Nick Markakis and Ryan Braun. The MLB Baseball Package is the greatest gift God has ever created.

It's the Little Things That Win Close Games...

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. It's the little things that win ball games. I'm talking about hustling, running, reading signs from the base coach, and being a "head's up" on-deck batter. The Boston Red Sox should be ashamed of themselves for the way they played last night. Coco, Manny, and Alex Cora specifically. Coco dogged it around third like a jerk before Josh Barfield gunned him down at the plate in a 1-0 game. Where was Manny, the next batter up? He was in la-la land as usual, still on the on-deck circle taking his half-a$$ practice cuts. And Alex Cora, who is normally as heads up as they come, missed a hit-and-run sign with one out in the 8th to leave Jason Varitek caught in a pickle. Most of you know he runs like he just took a fresh dump in his drawers, so you can imagine how that worked out.

As pissed as I am, I can't imagine how pissed Josh Beckett must have been last night. He pitched his fourth career complete game (first since 8/13/2005) and was absolutely filthy last night. Beckett allowed four hits, one earned run, while striking out seven. He made one mistake on a fastball to Franklin Gutierrez (gulp) in the third inning, a fastball right down the c*ck.

But last night, his teammates let him down. They were taking a night off when the AL's best pitcher this year left his heart on the mound. Way to go, Terry Fran"coma" and the boys. Keep playing and hitting like that, you'll be watching the Yankees raise another pennant flag.


***On a side note, hats off to Fausto Carmona. He pitched one hell of a game. Good game, kid.

(Photos courtesy of http://yahoo.com/)

Lester Will Be Sick

I'd like to wish Jon Lester all the best tonight as he faces a potent Indians lineup that is probably as attractive to pitchers as Suds is to a good looking girl. Not even a full year has gone by since Lester was diagnosed with a treatable form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and I think its completely remarkable what he's done in the past 11 months to bring himself and his game back on point. So good for you Lester, all the hard work and determination is paying off.

Not only is this a great human interest story but, as a Sox fan, we need Lester to be the stud that we saw glimpses of last year. Let's not forget that in 15 starts last year, he went 7-2. Looking forward to the next 4-5 years, Boston will have one of sickest young starting rotations - and Lester will hopefully be a big part of that. As longs as he has his change-up and curve working tonight and keeps his pitch count down, he'll be lights out. So go get 'em Lester, we're all behind you and I'm sure you won't disappoint. By the by, any takes that Lester will pick off Grady Sizemore if he does get on base?

Orlando

Tito - 1...Boras - 0

Has anyone else read uber-agent Scott Boras' latest rant? You know, the one in which he weighs in on just many pitches his client, Daisuke Matsuzaka, should throw per game.

"I'd rather see him throw closer to 100 pitches than 120 pitches," Boras said.

First off, what a jack*ss! Who the hell died and made this clown God?? This is the same guy that recently suggested that the World Series (amongst other things) change gears and switch to a 9-game series. Such an absurd suggestion has so many negative ramifications that it amazes me that such idiocy even made print (but that, in-and-of itself, is for another blog).

Secondly, isn't Dice-K the same guy that's infamous for throwing 250 (or so) pitches in a single high school game? Now, I'm obviously not saying that such a regiment is good for anyone, but I'm sure this was one of the many selling points which Boras threw against the wind when negotiating with Theo & Co. this past offseason.

Anyways, Terry Francona provided a great comeback, a high heater so to speak...

"I've got a lot of respect for Scott, I really do," Francona said. "He can run the pitching when he let's me run the contracts, how's that? Is that a fair tradeoff?"

Call me crazy, but did Sox management just give Dice-K a $100M dollar contract??? It's clearly in everyone's best interest that Dice-K remains healthy. For that reason...keep your f'n mouth shut, Scotty! Stop talking about the World Series, Dice-K's pitch counts, and A-Rod's looming free agency. Although an incredible negotiator, you're losing respect by the minute.

As a side note...had anyone heard this tidbit about Boras? According to Wikipedia, Scott Boras was a 2B and CF who played in the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals organizations. After four years in the minor leagues, during which he became the leader in minor league homers although he never made it above Class AA, he retired due to three knee surgeries. The Cubs paid Boras's tuition to attend law school at the McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific where he met Bob Davies. He steadfastly claims to hold a doctorate in industrial pharmacology, although this is extremely questionable considering that University Microfilms International Proquest Dissertations which maintains the definitive bibliographic record for over 2 million doctoral dissertations and master's theses does not contain a doctoral disseration or thesis from Scott Boras. Also, the University of the Pacific "Profiles in Leadership" biography for Scott Boras does not mention his having a doctorate in industrial pharmacology. Moreover, the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law for the United States House of Representatives during testimony provided details of every degree earned by each witness under testimony and did not mention Mr. Boras' having a doctorate.

http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-redsoxnotes0716.artjul16,0,1741029.story

The Best Pitcher In Baseball as of July 6th, 2007

That's right, I said it. You have a problem with that? I don't really see how you could, unless you live in a cave or have a mushroom tattoo stamped on your forehead. Your AL All-Star Game starting pitcher has some serious stats.....

12-2
3.44 ERA (which is exceptional for an AL East pitcher)
92 K's in 102 innings pitched

Of course, I could bore you with some WHIP or K/BB stats...but let me tell you, you don't need them. Beckett is taking the mound this season with a purpose. He is completely locked in and lights out when he grabs the ball every 5th day. I'm glad I have degenerate friends that put $100 on Beckett last night to possibly lose $300....but, it really was a no-brainer bet. Combine that with the fact they probably had already had 12 Bud Lights....they probably would have bet on the over/under on Hazel Mae's bra size. I'd like $50 on the over, please.

Top 5 Things That Happened At The Sox Game

Tonight was no different than any other time I went to Fenway. Its a beautiful park with great fans...and every time I set a foot in that temple, I'm reminded why I am a Red Sox fan. If I may, I'd like to share a few notes from tonight with you:

1. The Boo Birds were out every time Slammin' Sammy stepped to the plate. Now, there may be some mixed emotions out there about this...but here's my thoughts. One, I think it goes without saying, he did steroids. I mean...5 years ago he looked like Mr. T in Rocky III. Nowadays, he looks like Webster. Two, he wouldn't be up for Comeback Player of the Year if he didn't have to leave the game due to being a jackass....in other words, I'm not too sure he should be rewarded for this.

2. Gabbard got a standing O when he left the mound in the sixth. 5.2 innings, 3 ER, and 5 strikeouts isn't outstanding, but I love how Red Sox Nation goes out of their way to support their own (especially after that last start). So stick a feather in your cap, Sox Nation...we need Gabbard and it'll do us good to keep his confidence up.

3. Jacoby Ellsbury is ridiculously fast. I didn't even know he stole second until I saw it on the centerfield screen. And guess what....neither did anybody else! Seriously. Sorry Coco, but it looks like you're out of a job.

4. The hot girl that I was sitting next to kept touching me with her leg. Not only that, but when Hinske ripped that triple and everyone jumped up, she stumbled and kind of fell into me so I had to catch her. F*ck you for judging me...anyways, that leads me to my next point.

5. Didn't it feel extra good seeing Hinske have a great night? Just to echo Suds' sentiments in his previous post (http://thewincolumn.blogspot.com/2007_05_13_archive.html) ..... but good for you, Hinkse. In limited playing time, you keep reminding us that you still have a trick or two up your sleeve. Not only that, but he keeps reminding us that the Sox are ridiculously sick and they have a bench deeper than Gina Lynn's c*nt.

Orlando

Call Up This Young Stud for Some Work

Yvanni Gollardo, Homer Bailey, Jon Lester, Francisco Liriano, Tim Lincecum, Justin Germano, Philip Hughes.....all young stud pitchers. With the exception of Lester, the rest have been given the chance to get their feet on a Major League mound well ahead of the learning curve....and that's the way it should be. Let these young bucks gain some experience on the mound without "babying" them from possibly getting shelled in their first start. All will perform in due time, as their stuff has made them top pitching prospects in the first place. They'll learn from mistakes, adjust, and eventually (hopefully) become the pitchers their respective teams had hoped they'd become.

Thus, the reason that I cannot figure out why the Red Sox will not call up Clay Buchholz when there is an injury or a need for a spot start. The kid has simply been lights out in the minors. The numbers do not lie. 6 wins, 2 losses, 1.79 ERA, and 111 strikeouts to just 19 walks in only 80 1/3 innings pitched. This month he's struck out 12 once, and 11 batters on two additional occasions. There's no reason not to give him a start while Curt Schilling rests his 78-year-old shoulder over the next few weeks. Buchholz is our best pitching prospect. He's better than Jon Lester, hands down. He'll produce more for the Red Sox over the coming decade than Jon Lester will. Buchholz has long been compared to Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter as he mixes a low to mid 90's fastball, throws both a circle and straight change around 80 MPH, and a ridiculous curve ball that has been called "the best in the organization." The curve is thrown 12-to-6 and is mixed between a curve with a quick break, or a slow, biting curve. This is his out-pitch.

Call up the kid, and lets get him some major league experience so he can use the knowledge he acquires in a Red Sox uniform, and use it to fine tool his skills at the minor league level. Stop babying the kid...he's an ace in the making.