Fine line between safe and out

Sure, I get after the umpires as much as anybody. Last night's missed call by Jim Joyce was terrible. Obviously it was even more magnified coming on what would've been the final out of a perfect game. However, as someone who considers himself a purist of the game, I realize that this will happen since we are relying on humans to make the split second judgements and fair decisions.

I don't wish for replay to enter into the picture for anything more than help with homerun calls, etc., and I definitely wouldn't be calling for Jim Joyce's head even if his flub had happened against the Red Sox. I think (hope) I would handle it as Jim Leland has. "Its a shame, but thats part of the game." Like he was, I would be upset initially at the call, probably blow my top, but in the end would understand these things happen. Like Tito commented this morning, "The game's the game. Play the game. Nobody's perfect."

At least Joyce admitted his mistake, and was truly apologetic to Galarraga.In return, Galarraga dealt with it with class as well. Sure everybody missed out on what was another bookmark in baseball history. Still this stuff is going to happen, and I'm glad the people that were involved were grown up enough to handle it properly. This was a show of good sportsmanship and set an example to the kids on dealing with what is really a minor situation in the real world. If only Fans could be as understanding.

Today's song was "Your Sweet Eyes" by Eric Johnson, one of our local Austin musicians and one helluva guitar player. Red Sox play this afternoon and hopefully they'll continue their winning ways through what should be considered an easier part of the schedule. Wakefield on the mound at 12:35.

Mil-lar Time

I'm going to repost this courtesy of the "Surviving Grady" guys from last night's pre-game on NESN. Kevin Millar cracks me up!



...and the dance to which they were referring....



The 2010 National Champion Dukies were at the White House yesterday. Maybe Coach K gave Obama a few pointers on leadership.

I've been tapping into the techno trance music this week so today's song is "Starry Eyed Surprise" by Paul Oakenfold. He's the DJ,not the rapper. Have a nice long weekend everybody!

Say Blah

I've had a case of the "blahs" lately. It could be worse. At least its not a case of the "Mondays". It'll all work itself out eventually. Kind of like the Red Sox working out of the crap that was their visit to Baltimore last weekend, and getting swept. Now they've come back strong with three win at home against the Angels. A win tonight and they sweep. I was poking around the Baseball Reference and Scott Kazmir is the 5th most pitcher that Pedroia has faced in his career. Pedey has faced him 36 times and sports a .517/.600/.793/1.393 line. I say he has a good game tonight on tap.

Song of today was "As One" by the Dropkick Murphys. I was feeling the aggressive spirit this morning, and I can't say its faded much since. Maybe a trip to the gym this afternoon will take some of it out of me. I typically boarder on getting myself in trouble otherwise. At least I'm prepped for Sunday and next Friday (Karen's B-day). First time thats happened in a couple of years, so it'll all be alright.

"It'll all be alright."

Birthday's all around

Yesterday was my oldest son, Zach's, 21st birthday, if you can believe that! I can actually send him out for beer now instead of just milk and the assorted grocery items. It hardly seems possible that its been 16 years since I was dropping the kid on his head while holding him up by the ankles. If you know him, that kind of explains alot, doesn't it? (I kid.) Time...it sure does fly. We've got a big party planned this weekend to celebrate in style. Hope the weather, and Karen and I, can hold up through it all.

Additionally, one of Karen's cousin's had a birthday yesterday, and somebody else I think. And I find out today is Terry "Tito" Francona's 51st birthday, along with one of Karen's co-workers. Man, it just seems to be a theme this week in my world.

Speaking of the Sox, two walk off wins in a row against the Rangers at Fenway. One by practically a nobody anybody knew in Darnell McDonald on Tuesday night and Youk last night in the 12th inning. Thats a pretty exciting way to get out of a funk and start a winning streak, don't ya think?

You would think having the Red Sox play a team closer to where I live would be a good thing, but down here in Astro-land, Fox Southwest seems to have a problem showing the Rangers when they play the Sox. It's been hell trying to find the game on the tube, and what makes it worse is MLB.TV is blacked out, so I have to catch the radio call, if anything at all. Not that I'm complaining about the source to which I am forced, because I love listening to Joe Castiglione and company, but I'd love even more to actually SEE the game. I was fortunate to watch the MLB network cut in last night for Youk's hit. Other than highlights, thats been about it this week.

Double HH is on the hill tonight. It would be nice for the Sox to take control in the early innings and win one easy for a change. I'll be taking the family out for Zach's B-day margarita tonight, so I'll be tuning in late. Today's song was from the man, Bob Seger, "Against The Wind". Thats one of those songs I know all the words to, and wail it out when its on. (By myself of course.) If it were to catch me in the right frame of mind, its been known to make me alittle misty-eyed. Kinda like when you see your kids growing up, and the years passing you by like you're standing still.

Early Morning on Patriots Day

Tough weekend for the Sox. Suspended game from Friday night that they let get away, twice. Youk got thrown out at home during the regular innings, then the team let a bases loaded, no outs get away the following afternoon when play resumed. Of course following that up with some crappy defense and play just about as bad as the weather was, they proceeded to lose Saturday and Sunday. Lester is really frustrating early in the season and he laid an egg again in his start last night. Now its Patriots Day and the Sox are trying to prevent a sweep to the Rays starting at 10am.

"Had Me a Real Good Time" by the Faces is the song today. With Lackey on the mound, here's to that being the song sung later this afternoon by the Red Sox as they start breaking out of this funk!

Sickness and Injuries

Geez! Tough road trip for the Sox ending by getting blown out by the Twins after committing 3 errors and falling apart in the late innings. It will be nice for them to get back home. Ellsbury is still smarting from the dent in his chest when he collided with Beltre the other day. Late yesterday, Cameron had to go to the hospital in Minnesota with pain in his abdomen. They say this morning it's kidney stones which is better than appendicitis. It would appear a outfield callup from the minors is likely.

Joe Bonamassa tweeted this morning about having come down with a case of the "plague". He just started the second leg of his tour last night in New York supporting his new album, "Black Rock". It was probably something he caught when he was in Austrailia last week. He's scheduled to play Boston tonight and nights through the weekend in the northeast. Hopefully he'll be able to fight through it. Oh, and today's song was "The Outsider" by Walter Trout.

Update: Boston show cancelled due to illness and re-scheduled for April 28th.

Karen and I were able to power Anthony through the last homework assignment of the six weeks. Now we will see how it pulls through for him in Language Arts. None of us are all that fond of the teacher, and it will be nice for him to not have her anymore. Even so, BigAD is notorious for slacking off for the first half of the six weeks, and then pushing through the end of it to make his grades. He's a brilliant, smart kid! I just wish he would apply himself the whole time. Of course I used to drive my Mom crazy with this same sort of thing when I was a kid, so I guess he comes by it naturally.

The Last Song

I've finally decided to follow through with this. Every post from here on out will include the last song I played in full on my Ipod, or heard on the radio. Today its "Southbound Again" from Dire Straits' first album. I love Mark Knopfler's smooth guitar playing and it helps the commute go better.

It looks like Mike Lowell will be DH for the day game with the Twins. Wakefield is on the hill as the Red Sox look to win the series on the road.

Second for today

Nice win by the Red Sox at Target Field this afternoon, 6-3 over the Twins. Another day game tomorrow. If tomorrow is as slow as today, I'll probably catch it on MLB.TV again. Beltre is playing well, and Hermida is playing lights out covering for the injured Ellsbury with a big hit again. I'm thinking he may be a good option to fill in at DH since Ortiz is still stinking it up.

I'm Back .......

Ok, so its been almost a year since I last updated. My wife, Karen, says its because I joined Facebook and have been keeping up with that instead. That may be true to a certain extent, but I haven't been as interested in doing this blogging thing as I was doing it. I was tending to put too much pressure and analysis on what I was wanting to do here. That changes now. We'll see how it goes.

"G" hires an agent

Gerald Henderson has hired an agent, basically bringing his Blue Devils career to an end. This is disappointing, but not a big surprise. With the upside Gerald has to his game, he should mature into a fine NBA player. I just wish he would have decided to stay for his senior season, potentially lead the Dukies to a possible National Championship, and probably have his jersey raised to the rafters of other Duke greats. None of that was guaranteed, and neither was his stock in a pro career. The NBA call was too great to leave on the table and wait for another year. I don't blame him for jumping, and he'll be missed.

All the best to G and thanks for the memories!

Gruden to join the booth for Monday Night Football

Jon Gruden to replace Kornhieser. I'm somewhat stunned by this. Jon has such a hunger to coach football that I have to wonder how long this will last. He's probably my favorite coach of all time despite how things finished up with the Bucs. Maybe he's ready to settle down and spend more time with the family. His work ethic is legendary and you know he'll be prepared. The dude knows his football. I just may have to watch more MNF next season.

Bad Manny, Banned!

News hit the wire today that Manny Ramirez has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for using a performance enhancing drug. All I can say is WOW! I am floored by this, but not shocked. Another thing is I'm happy there's that gaping hole in the Dodger lineup and not the Red Sox.

Another Youte Steps Up

Jonathan Van Every! Wow!

The outfielder was filling in for JD Drew last night against the team that signed him years ago. All he did was contibute in a big rally to help the Sox come from behind to tie a game they appeared out of earlier. Then, he smacked the game winning 420ft. home run in the 10th inning to pull out a clutch win for the Red Sox. All I can say is wow. He's a great story, and I'm really happy for him. These young guys are really showing off the farm system depth, aren't they?

Now its off to Tampa to take on the Rays. 

Turned up to Eleven!

The Red Sox moved their win streak to 11 last night with a solid win over Cleveland. What was more spectacular was their dismantling of the Yankees over the weekend. Now the Gotham press is going nuts, especially after all of the cash laid down for their collection of individuals. From Boston Dirt Dogs:

Hey, not sure if you saw this from the Jimmy Fallon show, but here's a clip from his interview with Larry Fitzgerald about the Madden 2010 game coming out in August. Its pretty funny.

They call it a streak, so bring on the Yanks

Its been a very productive week for the Sox, winning all the games since returning home, with sweeps of the O's and a doubleheader with the Twins. Thats a seven game win streak, folks! Now the team has a well deserved day off to prepare for the Yankees visit over the weekend. 

Here's a great post from the Pocklock blog yesterday with a 12 step program to become a Red Sox fan. Its mainly for any of those folks looking to free themselves from the darkness of the Evil Empire, but its a good read for anybody looking to join Red Sox Nation, and a blank filler for others. 

 

Sox take broom to Orioles

What a difference a weekend makes. After Wakefield's near no-no, the Sox brushed the orange birds out of Fenway with a four game sweep. Solid pitching and hot hitting returned to form for the team, complete with a fill in performance by Masterson today with Dice-K on the DL and some "keep-the-line-movin'" hitting by the line up. Even Big Papi woke up today for a multi-hit game, including a triple! Nice 12-1 victory early on Patriots Day.

Now, we have the Twins coming in for a quick two game visit, then the Yanks over the weekend. Its a good time to get hot!

Good things to come in Wake's wake?

There almost has to be after such a strong outing from the old...er....veteran. (Can't pick on him to much, he's not that much older than me). It'd been nice for him to pitching a no-no, but hey, he went the distance, and that is what the team needed most. 

Now, the guy are FINALLY back home. The O's are coming in. Lets take it to them.

Dice-K hits the DL

Dice-K was placed on the DL today and Hunter Jones was brought up from Pawtucket. I was thinking this could be an opportunity for Clay Bucholtz to see some action, but discovered he pulled a hammy during a workout. I think we're due for something positive to happen. Good time to start is ASAP today in Oakland.

What's next on "As the Red Sox turn?"

Whats with all the drama?! What is this "General Hospital"? Should I alert my Me-Ma that there is a new 'story' on for her to watch and track. I guess since I've only been following the Sox for 6 years now, maybe I'm just not quite used to it.....still. 

We've got Beckett on suspension whether its valid or not, its there. Pedroia and his spat with the home town folks. Lowrie's on the DL with his wrist, and he was already filling in after Lugo was hurt in Spring Training. Big Papi is still stuck in last season like his wrist is bothering him. Drew's play has been suspect since he was having back issues early on. And now.....Dice-K was pulled last night after giving up a buttload of runs to the A's and apparently has 'arm fatigue' after pitching so much, so early in the WBC.

Man, its been a long road trip. Time to bring the boys home and get things turned around. It would be nice to get a win this afternoon behind Wake and at least leave Cali on a good note.

Beckett suspended 6 games pending appeal

This is some BS fall out from Sunday incident in Anahiem with Beckett being charged with throwing at Abreu. MLB is suspending him for 6 games of which he is appealing, and should, and an undisclosed fine. Some of the Angels were fined and their hitting coach got suspended for 1 game. All of this and the guy the umpires didn't kick out of the game, and who were actually there, gets the stiffest penalty. Something wrong with that picture.

The appeal should allow Josh to make his turn in the rotation Saturday versus the Orioles, then we'll see. I think it will likely be reduced, it almost has to be. There weren't even any punches thrown. 

The Sox play late again in Oakland and Dice-K is on the mound vs. Eveland. Its time to start turning this thing around and getting some wins under our belt.