God's Country?

A man decided to write a book about Churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God. The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way.

As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and all around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Massachusetts. Upon entering a church in Boston...Behold - there it was -the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: $0.35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only $0.35 cents a call. Why?"

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied: "Son, you're in Boston, Massachusetts now, home of the Red Sox, the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College! You're in God's Country, It's a local call."

Good-Bye, Gagne...

Breaking news: Early Christmas gift for Red Sox fans everywhere. Eric Gagne will be in a Milwaukee Brewer's uniform for the 2008 season.

Actually, it was surprising to me that Theo offered Eric a place on the Red Sox next year. Yup, it's true. And, Eric turned it down. (phew.) Boston just ain't his town....he knows it, I know it, you know it. Apparantly, management - they didn't know it. Hey Theo - you know how when we're all at Fenway and Kevin Youkilis or J.D. Drew come up to the plate....and everyone yells: "Yooooooook" or "Drooooooo"? Well, when Gagne takes the mound at Fenway, and you hear that "ooooooo" sound from the crowd, keep in mind that Eric's name doesn't phonetically contain ANY sound like that....That was a BOOOO, with a capital B - and when you get boo'ed in your own home town - that ain't good.

So, Theo. Gagne's gone and you still owe me. When you think Ellsbury for Santana, think Howie Mandell and say: No Deal. The Twinkies didn't take the deal offered in Nashville, take Jacoby off the table...."You snooze, you lose" applies here. I have to be honest - I'd be thrilled to have Johan Santana in a Red Sox uniform. Lefty, 2-time Cy Young award winner in the prime of his career - with Beckett in slot one, Santana in slot two...backed up by Dice-K, Schilling and Lester - we'd be so deep in pitching, we'd be unstoppable. On the other hand - you just can't tell us that the future of the Red Sox is the farm team system - and have us believe it - embrace and appreciate the young rookies who make their way to Fenway - only to trade them all away.

That's my 2 cents. That and: 9.5 weeks to Spring Training!

Good-bye, Gagne and Godspeed...
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Reach out and touch someone...

Does anyone recall the old Ma Bell commercial: "Reach out and touch someone"?

That's what John Henry did last week when he personally picked up the phone and called Mike Lowell. It's about time. Didn't Shakespeare say: "The first thing we do, Let's kill all the agents"? Oh, wait, that was lawyers...right. Same thing. It was the right thing to do, John, I'm always a believer in the personal touch. The Red Sox wanted Mike Lowell and Mike Lowell wants to be a Red Sock. That's what is most important. To me...and to most of Red Sox Nation. I haven't met a person who isn't thrilled about the deal but I've met a lot of folks who'd have been really pissed if it hadn't gone this way. Say what you want about Damon, and business is business...but, if the rumors are true, the same Evil Empire who snatched Damon in 2005 offered Lowell 2 more years and a lot more money - to play first - and, he's still a Red Sock. It's not all about the money for everyone....sometimes, it's the love of a team. That's what Red Sox Nation is all about and guys like Lowell fit in beautifully.

A-Rod is back exactly where he belongs. All just seems right with the world once more.

I don't want Curt Schilling's return to the roster go unmentioned. I'm glad to have him back for his final year. I think that his quick trigger finger on the signing for free agency was just Curt being Curt (learned it from Manny?) - I don't think he had the confidence the Sox wanted him back...thus all the hype/talk/lists...whatever, Curt, I understand, you did what you thought you had to do. Welcome home. I respect and admire your willingness to put the physical aspects into your contract - come back in February in great shape, make this your year. Just don't be like Roger - you say you want to end your career in a Red Sox uniform, you say it's your final year - don't stand on the mound on your final start of the season and bring your loyal fans to tears of memories, only to come back as an Astro next season, that will just cheapen it.

Now. I've heard rumors about a major trade for Johan Santana. Ok, Theo....here's the situation. Go ahead and give 'em Coco. Go ahead and give 'em Lugo. Heck, throw in Wakefield and Mirabelli as a set....Ok, that's not enough? Then, give 'em Buchholz or Lester (though I'm not as willing). Fine. It's not that I'm not loyal to these players, I am....but, again, I do understand this is a business. But, whatever you do - do NOT give 'em Jacoby. I know that you can't give 'em Crisp and Ellsbury....and I know they want Ellsbury. Let Santana go to the Yankees, then - don't give up the kid. You gave up Gabbard for Gagne...and I'm not about to let you live it down. You owe me (and the rest of Red Sox Nation) one. This is it...I'm calling it in.

11 weeks to Spring Training! Enjoy the time off, guys...

Sincerely yours,

Ann, the Red Sox fan

WS MVP or A-Fraud...you be the judge

Everyone knows I'm a fan. Most people who know me are aware to what extent. So, when this slimy, little man poked his head into my office yesterday and asked me who I favored for 3rd baseman 2008 - I expressed my opinion openly in favor of Mike Lowell. Now, I have no problem with any fan expressing an opposing opinion - but, this particular greasy, imbecile of a man verbally attacked me. He said I was being "emotional and short-sighted...A-Rod is the best player in baseball, why wouldn't you want him on your team?"

Let's get something straight, Andy: You've confused emotion with passion and loyalty. It’s not about being short-sighted. In fact, it’s the opposite - it's about giving careful consideration and side-by-side analysis of the whole picture - not just what's on paper. That's business.

I am so tired of hearing people say that A-Rod is the best player in Major League Baseball. Rodriguez is talented, no denying that. But - Oh – I’m sorry – has A-Rod been named MVP of the World Series? Don’t think so. Has A-Rod even played in the World Series...EVER? Nope. Not in 12 years. Mike's got 2 rings now. Anyone know the final batting average for these two players? I do. Mike Lowell batted .324 in 2007. Alex Rodriguez batted .314. That's right. Look it up: http://www.mlb.com/ Ok...the RBI and the HR counts are in the pinstriped's favor...but, Mike Lowell had more assists in 2007, and a lower FPCT. And, yeah - Mike Lowell had 3 more errors than A-Rod...but, may I remind you: 3 of Lowell's errors were in one, single game way back in April - everyone's entitled to one bad day. I was there, I remember.

And...business is business? Ok, then. Let's talk business. A-Rod is looking for a $300 million deal. What sense does it make to put all of those eggs into just one basket when you can make that money go a lot farther with the guys who got us here? Boston is not a team that needs just one superstar to fill seats or sell tickets. Fenway sells out every night, we even have the largest base of fans attending away games....don't you just love it when you're watching an away game on NESN and all you can hear is the crowd chanting: "Let's Go Red Sox" ?? The Red Sox are not starving for a great power hitter - one super, sure thing to aide along the rest of a pathetic line-up. We just won the World Series in 4, for crying out loud. Why expend all of that payroll, all of those resources on just one player who has no World Series experience? It was all about postseason - Lowell, Beckett, Schilling, Ortiz, Ramirez, Varitek, Youkilis...they all have rings. And, the power in a line-up of Ellsbury, Pedroia, Ortiz, Ramirez, Lowell - has proved itself, time and time and time and time again.

And...why not get a little personal? I've heard some people say: "But, Lowell is so old!" Ok, folks, don't let the distinguished (and, in my opinion, sexy) salt-n-peppa hair fool you - Lowell is only a year old than Rodriguez. So...that aside: Let's look at each player's expectations, shall we? A-Rod is looking for a highly publicized $300 million/10 year contract. Mike Lowell: it took me some time to find this info, because there aren't 100 stories about our WS MVP's demands - looking for a top end of $60 million/4 years...would consider $45 million/3 years. Hmm. And, they're relationship with the front office: Larry Luchino himself is quoted: "“We’re going to think long and hard about Mike Lowell, (that’s) where we’re going to be spending our time thinking, that’s where we’re going to be focused" - the Yankees won't even talk to A-Rod.

And...their reputations in their clubhouses and ability to be "team players".

Here are some things said about Mike Lowell by his teammates:
-Varitek said. "He's such a special teammate to play with.
-Schilling said: "Fortunately, he made his worth here extreme"

-Papelbon: "Man, he's a phenomenal guy, he's awesome. You know, MVP and everything, and a great man."
-J.D. Drew has said he's the best teammate Drew's ever had

Mike Lowell is a rock - a literal cornerstone of the Red Sox at 3rd base as well as a respected and valued leader/mentor in the clubhouse. He displays a level of professionalism that can have so much impact on the very young, developing players on this team. Mike is also a cancer survivor, like our young Lester. He's got courage.

This is what I was able to find reported about A-Rod's rep with his team:
-"Jeter said nothing about whether he would want Rodriguez back, or if he was disappointed or wished Rodriguez had not opted out." (Source: Kat O'Brien from Newsday)
-"Jason Giambi told me: I’m always asked two things at parties: ‘What’s Jeter like?’ and ‘What’s A-Rod like?’ Answer No. 1: ‘I love Jeet. He’s a fun guy.’ Answer No. 2: ‘A-Rod’s as gifted as anyone who ever played the game.’”1

-"Though a perennial All-Star and M.V.P. candidate, A-Rod was considered a stats-first phony in the Yankees’ clubhouse. Many teammates privately called him A-Fraud."2

-"During his four years in New York, he never put the team before himself: It was always all about A-Rod.”3 (1,2,3 came from: Franz Lidz, Conde Nast, Portfolio.com)

Oh...and Alex couldn't even be bothered to show up at WS 4 in Denver to collect his Hank Aaron award. Too busy filing for free agency, too busy cashing his last Yankee paycheck. It's all about A-Rod.

Which guy would you want on your team? The guy whose mouthpiece announced his free agency during the most opportunistic 8th inning of the World Series, or the guy who said this: "Now is not the time,' Lowell said yesterday about his impending free-agent status. 'I will think about it in the next couple of days."

When you do the side-by-side comparison - similar age, similar stats - how could the Red Sox possibly fall in favor of a 10-year contract vs. a top end 4 year contract? Talk about being short-sighted.

To me, there's nothing to think about...Theo, don't spend another minute thinking about it, pay Lowell what he wants and don't look back. No brainer. Spend the rest of your off-season trying to figure out how to put more seats in at Fenway.

And, to you, young Steinbrenner - think about eating some crow and wooing A-Rod back. The Yankees and Alex deserve each other.

On the "Sign Lowell" bandwagon,

Ann, the Red Sox fan

Let them eat cake...

I'm becoming famous. People are asking me why I haven't posted about winning the World Series. Well - primarily, it's because I've really been tied up with "life" stuff, if you can believe it. But...I cannot just leave my blog silent of any mention that WE WON - AGAIN - and because I must capture the afterglow before it is tainted by the already dramatic post-postseason free agency crap.

So, without further adieu....

First...Game 3 cannot go without major recognition. Let's stroll down memory lane, shall we? Top of the order, young Jacoby Ellsbury hit Fogg's first pitch for a base hit. Dustin Pedroia - 2nd in line - base hit. Mike Lowell - 5th in line - base hit. No runs scored this inning - but, it set a tone that would take the Sox to a Game 3 victory. Being in National League territory - pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had to bat...and though he struck out swinging (he was coached to NOT swing) on his first attempt - no one could have ever imagined he would hit a 2 run single to put the Red Sox on top, 5-0 - and then pitch a 1-2-3 bottom of the 3rd. In case you're wondering: no, pitchers don't bat in Japan, either. Every player in the lineup had at least one hit (save Manny, believe it or not - but he was intentionally walked) - and further, it was the first time in World Series history that 2 teammates shared 3+ hits each - Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia - with a total of 7 between them. Rockies' pitching - Fogg melted down in the 3rd, marking the end of his 2007 season. 2 final notes: This was the longest World Series game in history: 4 hours and 19 minutes. And - with this notch on our belt - we had the utmost confidence: No other team, in the history of baseball, has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the postseason....Oh wait...right, there was just one: The 2004 Boston Red Sox. :-) The Rox didn't stand a chance.

And....now, onto Game 4.

Truth is: I don't have notes from Game 4. Why? Because - me - Ann, the Red Sox fan - didn't get to watch the game. "Good God, Why??!?!", you ask? It's kind of a crazy turn of events, really and what I'll always remember when asked: "Where were you when the Red Sox won the Series in 2007?" Geez. It's not really that glamorous....certainly not worthy in the shadow of the memory of attending Game 1. Months ago - I registered for a national conference with the France tourism office. The conference is an annual event, held in a different U.S. city each year. This year - it just happened to be Boston. So - taking one for my own "home team" (boy, do I love my job or what??) - I was expected to attend an awards dinner on Sunday night, which began at 8pm, in true French (aka SLOW) fashion. On any other night, this would've been a lovely event, and being that I was only one of a very small number of Bostonians amidst the hundreds of other attendees - I'm sure it was a lovely event for them. For me - I had a very nice time, had an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues, which was the point - but there was a constant, nagging feeling of torture that the game was on and I wasn't watching it! I was fortunate that my sister is so supportive of my fanatic nature and indulged me the luxury of inning-by-inning score updates via text message. By 11pm, I had a double-digit number of attendees passing by, asking me for the score update. Finally - when I thought I couldn't stand anymore - I bailed out and rushed up to my room to see the last 2 innings. I know that John Lester had had an excellent game. I cannot deny that I had concerns about this start, more than any other start in this series. But, Lester, true to personal form - whether it be beating cancer or the Rox...he brought it. Good for you, John!

And, to be totally honest - after 2 glasses of champagne and 3 glasses of exquisite french wine - the details of those innings are just slightly blury. I couldn't seem to focus...when I turned it on, the score was tight, 2-1, anything could happen. Papelbon brought in for the 8th, with 2 outs - guys on base - I screamed inside when I saw him make his way from the Bullpen...."NOOOOOO!!!" I was so emphatic, as if Tito could hear me. I'd seen Francona put Pap in this position before - 1 out, guys on base - this is not his role and the last time Tito'd done this to Jonathan - it turned out very badly. Of course, it turned out - there'd be no losing for the 2007 Red Sox, they were ready to go home - home runs from World Series MVP Mike Lowell and PH Bobby Kielty and the always dominant pitching of our beloved closer Papelbon - we locked it in. Final: 4-3. Our 2nd World Series sweep in 4 years. Curse? What curse? There ain't no curse.

I didn't want to win this way. Oh, I predicted the Red Sox in 4. I wanted it to be so...wished for it to be so. Anyone can tell you that. But - personally - I never wanted to watch the Red Sox win the 2007 World Series as I sat, alone, in a 12th floor hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. Pathetic...I know. BUT - boo freakin' hoo - because, the truth is: I watched the Red Sox win the 2007 World Series from the 12th floor of the Hyatt Cambridge, blessed with 10 foot wide by 6 foot tall windows - which, consequently, overlooks the Charles River and Fenway Park. So, as I watched the team celebrate in Denver on TV, I shut off all of the lights and watched the news helicopters fill the sky, sending the scene at Fenway to the local and national networks. I saw the handful of fireworks that went off at or near Fenway. I heard the sirens, I swear I could hear the crowd. Despite the late hour, I called a friend/severe Red Sox fan I knew would still be up, to just share the moment. So, don't feel bad for me, it's not a bad story. C'est la vie! :-)

As it's not ALL about me: The most sincere gratitude from me, Ann the Red Sox fan, to each and every one of you, the 2007 Red Sox:

Mike Lowell (WS MVP)

Josh Beckett (ALCS MVP)

Jacoby Ellsbury

Dustin Pedroia

David Ortiz

Manny Ramirez

Jason Varitek

J.D. Drew

Coco Crisp

Julio Lugo

Curt Schilling

Daisuke Matsuzaka

John Lester

Tim Wakefield

Jonathan Papelbon

Mike Timlin

Hideki Okijima

Manny Delcarmen

Kyle Snyder

Javier Lopez

Alex Cora

Eric Hinske

Bobby Kielty

Doug Mirabelli

And, for you, Terry Francona. Not since Bill Carrigan in 1915 and 1916 has any Red Sox manager guided us to 2 World Series wins. We couldn't ask for more. But...we will: Can we do it again next year? :-)

I know that business is business and some of you won't be with us in 2008. Some of you don't want to be here. Some of you will take better deals elsewhere. That will never change the fact that you have been a part of something so powerful - to have given us, millions of Red Sox fans - everywhere - a treasured gift of another World Series trophy and a season filled with the best baseball we could've ever imagined. On behalf of Red Sox Nation 2007 - we are forever grateful.

As I watched the Red Sox Rally (parade) on television from my sister's hospital room yesterday, I saw Mayor Mennino come out, holding the 2007 trophy. And, suddenly, someone else, who is probably political and I just don't recognize him - came out with the 2004 trophy. They stood with them, side by side, right in front of the railing that separates the grandstands from the box seats, the field and the Green Monstah behind them. I looked at the scene, and it literally brought me to tears. Ok, 2 tears, I didn't sobb hysterically - and the 2 tears I blinked back so as to not appear a complete freak. Nevertheless. Seeing those 2 trophies, side by side, brought so much joy to me in that moment, I couldn't help myself. I told this story to a close friend and he said: "Wow, that's a fan - BUT, if your team had placed last, 4 years in a row - could you still be a fan?" I replied as any typical Red Sox fan would: "Well, that's interesting, but if you look at our payroll, I'm doubtful that would ever happen!"

As a final note of the 2007 Red Sox season....Manny Ramirez was quoted (prior to Game 4) as saying: "We don't want to eat the cake first, before your birthday." Well - Manny - and the rest of the team - Go ahead - eat cake. You deserve it and it's all just so sweet.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Valentine's Day!

Truly yours,

Ann, the Red Sox fan

Everything's bigger at the World Series

It started out the same as most other games I've been to this year - just with the luxury of starting 90 minutes later...but, that didn't take the pressure off of getting into Fenway - because, when it's the World Series, and you paid that much for tickets...you want to see the Pops play the National Anthem. You want to see the F-16s flyover. You want to see Yaz throw the ceremonial first pitch. You damn well want to see it all. And, all I saw.

Traffic getting into Boston was unusually reasonable...maybe due to the later start. But. once you got 2 blocks within range - something was different. The streets were jammed with security, media, limos, buses, fans, vendors....the damp October air had a pulse - a beat - palpable, in my opinion. Maybe it was just all of the electricity being drawn in, the satellites all pointed here...I don't know....but, this was different than any other regular season game. The tickets are bigger, the crowd larger, the media presence astounding, even more seating/space was created behind home plate. A regular season game pales in comparison when considering the expectations and the stakes. Any fan attending this game with a "business as usual" attitude should've given their tickets to someone who'd really appreciate them. This Red Sox fan felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball...or a 6 year-old just arriving at Disneyworld for the first time. Magic. I'm very fortunate, at my age, to still have moments in my life that make me feel like this - and that I have the wisdom to appreciate them when they come.

And, for the baseball itself. The very moment I saw the 2nd pitch of the night bounce off the Green Monster for potential Rookie-of-the-year, Dustin Pedroia's first World Series home run - I thought quietly to myself: "So, that's how it's going to be. Welcome to the World Series, Colorado" - and smiled brightly. I was right. That's how it was going to be....Curse, what curse? It was 3-0 half way through the first, with the ultimate meltdown at the top of the 5th. Hit after hit, walk after walk, run after run, walked-run after walked-run. It just kept getting better for Red Sox offense and it couldn't get more embarrassing for Rockies' pitching. Fans everywhere asking themselves: "This is the best pitching Colorado's got?" and "Wow, this lead is big enough to bring in Gagne." Thanks to the dominant power of Josh "The Assasinator" Beckett and the brilliant wisdom of catcher and captain, Jason Varitek - defense was not a problem...and, in the end, Gagne got his 10 minutes of "fame" - hey, at least we didn't boo him. Afterall, someone had to close the game and there was no sense warming up Boston's newest Riverdancer, Jonathan Papelbon - we'll need him later.

Yeah, I know...I'm a girlie girl - comparing baseball to fairy tales (though I did NOT wear my pink hat to the game!) - but there are some incredible hard stats from World Series Game 1: First - this is the highest Red Sox score in franchise history in a World Series game. They set the record for runs scored AND victory margin in an opening game. The Red Sox became the first ballclub to hit 8 doubles in a Series game since 1925. Dustin Pedroia became just the second player in World Series history to lead off the first inning of Game 1 with a homer, joining Don Buford of the 1969 Orioles. Oh - the Rockie's had a stat of their own: Reliever Ryan Speier was the first pitcher to ever walk 3 batters with bases loaded in a Series game! Josh Beckett - compared to the icons of pitching: Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling (in their days) - is the first pitcher to strike out the first four batters in a World Series game since Sandy Koufax in 1963 - and Beckett could very well be on the greatest postseason run of all time. And, for you, Tito: Not since 1916 (Bill Carrigan) has any manager taken the Red Sox to the World Series twice. This is what we came here for - some of the greatest baseball ever seen....and that, we got.

As a seasoned Fenway Faithful - blessed with brilliant mentor, we've become talented in the artistry of attending Red Sox games. We landed a free parking space near Northeastern and caught the shuttle to the park - and, as usual, soon began playing our own sport of: "What are the best seats we can land tonight?" Game on. We went from our Bleacher seats in section 36 in the first (watching Dustin's home run hit the Green Monstah) - managed our way to Grandstand 15, and then on to Loge Box 113...and finally, Field box 26 - right behind the Sox dugout. It never ceases to amaze me how the fans with the best seats leave the earliest. Granted, it was a late game on a rainy Wednesday night, and it was a huge run lead...but, this is the WORLD SERIES, People! What, did you get your tickets for free? And, at the end of the very bland, uneventful 9th inning - with Gagne's nearly miraculous, sadly anti-climactic, perfect role as closer (Hey, Eric, what'd Pap give you some lessons?) - we stuck around, which we normally don't do - watching the teams line-up, the media take over the infield - grabbing players one by one for an interview...the grounds crew pulling out equipment, the athletes disappearing below into the clubhouse. No champagne or dancing on the mound tonight, still too many games to be played.

We were amongst the final fans to leave Fenway...and though there were folks milling about outside, many had already disspersed to the highways, the T, or their local hotels. We'd missed the last shuttle back to Northeastern, so we began on the long walk back to Ruggles. It hadn't turned out to be nearly as cold or rainy in Boston as was predicted...or, maybe it was a combination of the lights, the body heat of tens of thousands of people, and the passionate, unrivaled spirit of this historic ballpark that heated up Fenway as if it were an evening in early September rather than late October. The walk back was refreshing...reminiscing of other seasons, contemplating possibilities for 2008, what will become of players like Lugo and Lowell, (Theo - of you're listening - my vote: Pay Lowell whatever he wants and take the first trade deal that puts Lugo and Gagne in different uniforms) and the strategies for the line-up in Colorado. We walked along, the crowd of fans thinning until we were alone. I found the city oddly quiet, considering thousands of people had flooded into the streets a short time before - it was well after midnight smack dab in the middle of the week. If, from here, you couldn't see the Pru lit up with "Go Sox", you could be utterly unaware that there had even been a game that night. My World Series ticket tucked into my jacket, like a treasured secret - that I'd just shared with 36,733 other members of Red Sox Nation.

So, for me - at 11pm on Tuesday night - when I got an unexpected call from a dear friend/complete fanatic (perhaps moreso even than myself) - with tickets - asking if I was "IN" - I was battling a nasty head cold, a bit wacky from the Nyquil - but, I didn't whine, I didn't hesitate, I didn't worry about the forecast for rain, I never gave it a second thought...not even when I heard the ridiculously impractical, unjustifiable, irresponsible cost of the tickets. I accepted the invitation graciously, I packed up my Robitussin, tissues and rain poncho into my Red Sox backpack and I went. And, for me - this was a real life Mastercard commercial moment - "Living in the moment....Priceless".

One never knows how many opportunities in life they get to do something truly special - perhaps frivolous or decadent or extravagent - more often times, opportunites come when resources are absent or vice versa. I try not to carry the load of many regrets, but even I can count opportunites I've passed by, lacking a resource or an opportunity to just DO IT. Those moments that leave you with nothing but "What If...?" This is not now and will never be one of THOSE moments for me. The opportunity and the resources were in the same place at the same time...and I WENT. Look at all those Red Sox fans back in 1918 who said: "Oh, maybe I'll go to a World Series game next year." And, now, I've never been more grateful or loyal to my beloved "Boys of Summer" for the great baseball and for a memory that will last a lifetime.

Now, I know "there's no crying in baseball" but I do feel compelled to break into song: "I had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you" - to you, the Red Sox...and to you, Jake. I'd not have been there, not have had this fabulous moment in time, if not for you.

Most Blessed to be...
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Wondering about Curt, part 2

I admit it....I slacked off. I dragged myself home after the seemingly grueling long work day and took a nap. I don't usually allow myself such a self-indulgent luxury - but, tonight was different. I had to take a nap to even be able to watch tonight's game. I'm not as young as I used to be - that's true - BUT, I went to World Series Game 1 last night and didn't get home until nearly 3am. Boo freakin' Hoo, I know...don't feel sorry for me!

My point is: The game is on and I have not yet posted a blog tonight. And, here we are - after the first inning - and it's clear that something has changed from last night. This is my attempt at bringing the magic back.

Once again - Curt Schilling is faced with a playoff, pressure situation. Lucky for us - Curt generally performs well in a pressure situation. What, you don't think there's any pressure...after last night's huge blowout with a maximum of 6 games left to play? Oh, the pressure is on, all right....the pressure on Curt to be in a Red Sox uniform next year. He knows it, we know it. Hopefully - that will be enough heat for Schilling to perform in his usual playoff role. Now, Curt - we don't expect you to be Josh....but we do expect you to bring your experience, trust in Varitek, and don't the Rockies rattle your cage....take it one batter at a time.

And....for all Red Sox players - a win tonight will bring you half way there, gentlemen. Half way there. All you have to do is swing. You can get this done in 4...it wouldn't be the first time. And, I know everyone at Fox is hoping for a long, 7-game season....and, some Red Sox fans even hope you'll bring it back home to win here in Boston. Not me. I hope for what is best for you - and that's to take the Rockies in 4.

Sure, this isn't a must win....but, damn, would it be nice. Give it your best shot, men....I believe.

Let's Go, Red Sox!
Ann, the Red Sox fan

It's the World Series!!!

I don't have time to go into my usual pep-talk, song-and-dance routine...because, I'm on my way to the game!!!! (Yeah, I can't believe it either)

But, you all know - if I don't blog...what happens. So....without further adieu....I can only afford to go to one....so, Beckett, et al....do it for me, do it for you....you can take those Rockies, I know it, you know it....so, get it done!

Play Ball...
Ann, the Red Sox Fan

Do or die, 3rd time's a charm...

As I watched the early innings of last night's game, I considered Schilling - and the impact of this particular game on his career. Expectations were high, certainly - bloody sock history, must-win scenario...sure, there was all of that. But, I thought to myself, as I watched the fastballs and change-ups flying....I wonder, if he didn't win - what would become of him? Would he be retired next year? We all know he's looking for a $13 million contract - and we all pretty much know he's not going to get that much....but, would there by any offer to keep Curt in white and red next year? Of course - I don't know the answer - but, this I do know: Curt had to be wondering the same thing - and he pitched like it mattered. Experience, I believe, played a key factor....Fausto isn't clutch. And, now...though I still wonder what will become of Curt Schilling next year - I'm so very grateful to him for such an amazing outing as he had last night. Curt, you are now, and always will be, an important part of Red Sox history.

Of course....every great pitching effort must have run support. And, that it had! See what happens when you SWING?! Drew - you are the hero of last night - but it also took the rest of the village to get that job done - a grand slam, total of 4 RBIs for J.D....but, for those runs to happen, there had to be players on base...and plenty of them there were...8 more, to be exact. Every player (save Varitek) got a hit last night. Amazing. And, Captain - no worries, you had Curt's back, that's what we needed most.

Nice work...now, let's move on...

Game 7. It's a beautiful, unseasonably warm night here in Boston...the crowd at Fenway could very well be the largest ever...somewhere close to 34,000, give or take, I'm sure. We're home - we're loved - and we've got momentum. The excitement and anxiety are palpable. The fate of the 2007 Red Sox and a berth in the World Series will literally be put in the right hand of Daisuke Matsuzaka. I don't like to make any predictions about what will or won't happen, and I'm not anti-Dice-K....I don't think I've ever even bashed him on my blog....but, I expect Dice-K to pitch this game the exact same way he's pitched every game this year. Some say he has good and bad outings, he certainly has won some and lost some. But, if you really pay attention to his game - it's the same game, every game....all that differs is the run support, fielding and Francona's intuition of exactly when he needs to come out - which can be a bit off, in my opinion. Everyone who reads my blog knows that. I don't think Dice-K will pitch badly....I don't think he'll be dominant. He'll pitch 6 pitches at every batter, he'll put people on base and then save himself. He'll pitch until the 6th, hopefully. Generally, that's what he does. He's not like Wakefield - who's on or not, he's not like Schilling who typically performs as poorly as his last win was good and vice versa....he's Dice-K....steady, predictable, solid Dice-K. Every pitcher is available tonight...and, it just might take that. And, then, maybe it won't. Maybe we'll have a 10 run lead like we did last night. If wishing makes it so, Gentlemen - start chilling the champagne. (Hey - Pap, easy on the booze this time...K, Kid?)

All we need is runs. The rest will take care of itself. Wish we could've zip-locked up the extra runs from last night and saved them - like yesterday's lasagna - always better the 2nd day? So...to each and every member of the line-up tonight: Let's play it again, Sam....SWING BATTAH! Damn it, for the love of God, SWING.

Don't get all complacent and caulky from the last 2 major wins, guys....because the end of the 2007 season is just as close tonight as it was last night and as it was Thursday night. That's the reality. Let tonight be full of the greatest baseball you've ever played. GET IT DONE.

Feelin' the love,
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Do or Die, Part deux

Now, that's the Red Sox I know and love...Not going down with a thud out there in Ohio. Hot bats, dominant pitching...Even Manny being Manny. Nice work, fellas...bringing it home, just like I asked for. Josh - you deserve Cy Young, Baby....Sabathia's got nothing on you.

In yet another clutch situation...tonight is a must win. The biggest issues are: Don't get rattled, Curt. Remember 2004...we're counting on you again. No bloody sock this time - which doesn't make you less of a hero, it makes you even more capable now than you were then. Don't let us down....we know how intense you are....keep it in check. If you don't them let rattle your cage, you'll do just fine. Bring your wisdom and experience - you can take Fausto! And, Tito....once again, we'd love to see young Jacoby start in center or right (but not left!) tonight. Finally, SWING BATTAH....keep the bats moving, you guys...Fausto can deliver a lot more strikeouts than walks.

Stay angry, stay focused and hungry for a World Series start here in Beantown on Wednesday!

I believe,
Ann, the Red Sox Fan

Do or Die....

I've neglected my blog completely in the post season. It's been a wild, crazy ride - with the sweep of the Angels. Guys, you made it look so easy - I must admit now that I terribly underestimated the Indians. I don't question your ability to beat them - I just didn't realize it would be this difficult to do so.

So. Once again, the Red Sox find themselves in a "must win" situation. There is no alternative. Failure is not an option. I so strongly believe that Tito - you lost game 3 all on your own - the pitching didn't lose that game, the batters didn't lose that game - you lost it. You will not accept that Gagne is not capable. Each time you bring him out of the bullpen, you might as well just send everyone home, the odds almost guarantee that he'll blow it somehow. You know it, I know it...what is the problem? Why do you insist on continuing to play him? Red Sox Nation wants to know, Terry. What's up with that? Please do not let me see him take the mound tonight...my tender heart cannot take it.

Wakefield. Oh, Wakefield. This is one time that I thought maybe the starting pitcher should have stayed in for one more out. Truth is: I prayed for a rainout so Beckett could pitch the next evening. Wish it would've gone that way. It didn't. It wasn't all Wake's fault - the bats were silent, the ump calls bad. Nothing could go right. Let's not have a replay.

It's do or die, Gentlemen. Luckily, we're a clinch team, it motivates us, we must get angry to win. We didn't need the hype for the Angels, which is unusual, we had the momentum of finishing the season with a 2 game lead - kinda cushy for the Red Sox. I was at Fenway for the final game of the season - you played like it didn't matter - because it didn't. I - and other Red Sox fanatics everywhere - actually had 2 days of not having to wonder what the hell the Yankees had done the night before. It was refreshing. One thing I will say about the final regular season game at Fenway - the loss was Ok with us, the Fenway Faithful - what was special about this game was that we got to see every player on the field at one time or another, and thank each one for a fabulous season. But...now, we're long past regular season...it's crunch time. Do or die. You want drama? You got it: Beckett vs. Sabathia. You want pressure: Win tonight or make your tee times for this weekend. You want great baseball - swing the bats. That's all it will take to make magic tonight in Cleveland.

Hey Tito...how about putting Ellsbury in Drew's spot in the lineup...it might fill in some gaps. Lugo, Pedroia and Crisp - SWING at something, will you? Dustin - you're Rookie of the Year, but maybe someone forgot to tell you - you have to hit in the postseason, too!?

Personally - this fan didn't feel the need to play or beat the Yankees in the postseason to be the best team in baseball in 2007. Some people feel that way, I don't. However, I do feel that we need to beat the Indians to have beaten the Yankees.

Whatever you have left, men - BRING IT. Again - I know you're tired...I know some of you are hurting....I know it's a long season. But, this is Sox-tober. You own it. We believe. Get 'er done. This is your call to action. None of us want to get refunds for our tickets to this weekend's games. We want you to win tonight, come home and let us show you how grateful we are.

With hope, faith and much love,
Ann, the Red Sox Fan

Sweet Home, Massachusetts!

Good times never seemed so good. (So good, so good!)

Huge congrats on being the AL East Champs, securing home field advantage and having the best AL record in baseball. I'm so proud to be a Boston fan and of each and every being that made it possible: The players, the owners, the managers, the players, the coaches and the Fenway Faithful (one of which I'm proud to be) - oh yeah...did I mention the players!?!

I'm going to let the photos speak for themselves: (all courtesy of MLB)

Magic # is 2!

The pressure is on. 3 games left to play...6 in total of Red Sox and Yankee games. Magic number is 2.

Josh...you should have had it last night. Saving it for the playoffs? Well...Ok then. It wasn't all about the pitching anyway. Batters stranded, all night long. Sad game to lose, but a great game to watch.

Hopes of clinching the division hangs in the late September, nearly autumn air. There is good news: The Orioles are 8-7 against the Yankees this season. They haven't beaten them in a season series since 1997. We have only faced the Twins one 3-game series this season and we're 2-1. Given that - the likelihood that we'll take one and the Evil Empire will lose one is pretty darn good.

Friday night at Fenway should be interesting. Dice-K has never met the Twins and Slowey's never met the Red Sox. We're going to need major run support for Dice-K tonight and Slowey hardly ever walks anyone...he has only 2 walks through 5 September starts (sorry to tell you, Matsuzaka has 12). That's gotta tell you that the bats need to be swung. Step it up. Home Run hitters: Manny...Big Papi....bring it tonight. Tito - I'm likin' the new lineup except maybe you should have Ellsbury, Pedroia, Lowell, Ramirez and Ortiz...With the two power hitters behind these 3, maybe we won't be stranding so many batters. Unstoppable.

Speaking of Manny - Welcome back! I'm so glad to have you and Youk back again. Youk, play it cool, you were hot and now you're not...you're chasing crap, you're not checking your swing (and then arguing about it)...you're swinging at every first pitch like you're Nomah. Take it easy, find the groove you had in the spring.

Look guys. I've got tickets for Sunday's game. Selfishly, it would be the most awesome experience for me if the big day is Sunday. HOWEVER, for the benefit of all members of Red Sox Nation, near and far - I'd feel much better if we could get the 2 wins - back to back - and have Sunday be some kind of rookie exhibition game. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

Let's Go Red Sox!
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Wild for Wild Card...

Phew. Ok. That's done. It's all sewn up, it's in the bag and no one - not even the Yankees, can take it away. Yes, Virginia - there is a Soxtober!

A very sincere outpouring of gratitude to the Red Sox organization. I know I've been tough on you lately, but way to go, Terry Francona - the first Red Sox manager to take us to the play-offs 3 times! Like I say to anyone who doubts Francona's abilities (I question them sometimes, too - but hey, that's my job - I'm a Red Sox fan!) - and wishes for his resignation/termination... "who would you rather have managing the team?" Right....there is no one else....so, don't bother saying it.

Julio Lugo - an unlikely hero - but he's been there before and we hope he'll be there again! Way to go, Lugo! That's what I love about this team - the magic doesn't just come from one or two players - it comes from all bats and gloves on this team at one time or another.

Let's get you all healthy and ready for postseason. I'm still behind you for the division leaders, but relieved that the pressure is off.

Play ball!
Ann, the Red Sox fan

On the Beckett Bandwagon...

So much good baseball to talk about from last night's game...Like the Red Sox, I'm renewed and refreshed. Glad to have you back.

Mr. Josh Beckett - Cy Young, Baby. You deserve it. 20 wins...impressive. Wishing you blackjack to finish off your amazing regular season....and even more for postseason!

And...Ortiz, Varitek, Lowell...Oh my...! Dave - thanks for being there, your presence is crucial - and you took your final chance in 2007 to show Kazmir who's boss. Way to go. Varitek and Lowell producing home runs last night as well - sealing in the win at Tropicana. Hey Jacoby...nice work last night, but don't get yourself hurt - we're in trouble without you! What are chairs doing on the field anyway!?!?!

We're still plagued with injuries: Manny is said to be a no-go for this weekend, Youk's a maybe, and Mirabelli - though I can't find any news, I'm so hoping to see him behind the plate on Sunday, Wake needs him. For anyone having trouble keeping the faith on the division leader position - try and remember that other teams suffered injuries early on in the season - we're just getting around to our turn. It's all part of the great sport we love to call baseball. Get well, guys.

We're still there - the magic number is down to 7 with the 14th inning loss of the Yankees to the Jays last night. And, if that seems just too much for you - the magic number to clinch the wild card from Detroit is down to 2.

Snap in your seatbealts, Red Sox Nation....it may be a bumpy ride, but everyone loves a rollar coaster.

Thanks again for the great baseball, Red Sox...I love you guys...
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Stop the madness!!

I have never felt more compromised, as a Red Sox fan, as I do right now. I made all kinds of excuses for losing 2 games to the Evil Empire, I made all kinds excuses for the loss in Toronto last night. But, there is no justification that will ever make sense out of tonight's brutal loss. You didn't just lose the game. The Red Sox organization lost a tiny chunk of my respect.

I've said it before, but it's worth saying again. This is not Eric Gagne's town. All members of Red Sox management need to accept and understand that. I don't care what he did in Texas. I don't care what he did in LA. You have put the ball into his hands, yet again, and he blew it, yet again. He let the team down, he let the fans down - and you let it happen. Tito...Theo...who, ultimately, put Gagne on the mound tonight - and more importantly - what were you thinking? Did you not notice that the Yankees were beating the Orioles 12 to NOTHING? Did that not make you think that perhaps you should be conservative with your pitching decisions tonight? Of all nights? They're all important, I know....but, we haven't been 2.5 games back since APRIL! At this rate, there will be no October.

Personally...I don't want to ever see Gagne in a Red Sox uniform again.

What do I know? Well - I know that if you guys want to be playing golf in 2 weeks, then just keep doing what you're doing.

Disgusted,

Ann, the Red Sox Fan

Let's go, Tigers!

Truth be told: I'm tired and cranky. I stayed up late, my team lost, and I'm not very happy about it. But, anyone wondering if the Red Sox can perform against the Yanks in the playoffs...allow me to comfort you: If Manny's bat had been in the line-up, would that have changed anything (Youkilis was missing, too)? I'm certain it would have. And...consider just this today, my bleary-eyed Boys of Summer: Clemens threw 47 strikes your way. If the 6 players who didn't get a hit last night had swung the bat just ONCE each - in addition to the swings they did take - chances are, there could've been three more hits. And, I'm certain THAT would've made a difference. I know it's September, guys...I know you're tired. But, we have to take more advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves.

As unhappy as I am about this loss, the "Battle of the Ages" last night was great baseball. All I have to say is...let's move on.

3am arrival time in Toronto for the Sox this morning...listen to me whining that I am tired and cranky! Tito doesn't seem agreeable to letting Doug Mirabelli catch for Wakefield tonight, though Doug has expressed a strong desire and willingness to do so. Manny Ramirez, though hitting homers consistently in batting practice, is not likely for tonight's lineup either. Youk is a probable no go, too. Get well, Men...heat, ice, chicken soup...whatever....tell me, I'll make you some!

We have 12 games left. The Evil Empire has 13. The magic number is 9. I never cheer for any other team, as I am truly Fenway Faithful. But, today, I find my new mantra to be: "Let's go Tigers"!! Detroit has to face Cleveland for the next 3...let's say a little prayer for 'em, shall we?

Wishes for peace, love, good baseball and a good night's sleep to us all...
Ann, the Red Sox Fan

Nooo...Not Papelbon in the 8th!!!

Ok. I'm madder than a hornet. Words cannot express my disappointment in the turn out at Fenway last night.

It's been awhile since I've had harsh words for you, Tito...but, what were you thinking? Why was there no one in the bullpen when you brought out Oki-Dokie? Okajima has been having trouble, you know that, as has Dice-K. Overall, Matsuzaka did well keeping the Yankee's score down, but he chewed up too many pitches and exhausted himself too early. You saw the set-up, Francona...you weren't well enough prepared. The huge run lead made you complacent.

I don't blame Papelbon, I blame you, Terry. You, of all people, should've known that bringing "Wild Thing" into the game with all these guys on base is not the right fit for him...that is not his role...you blew it. I always say that if I knew better than you did, I'd have your job....and I realize it's not easy....but, it's September and this is the Yankees. Shame on you. No wonder you escaped into the locker room the very second Ellsbury's swing/strike ended the grueling, nearly 5 hour game.

I can't say anymore. It's just too painful. Quite simply: Win today. There is no other option. Get mad, get even, get it done.

Aggravated but faithful...
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Reminscing..and it feels so good

And, here we are. In a moment, the Red Sox will take the field and Yanks will be up to bat. It's crunch time.

As I anticipate the start of the baseball weekend - the drama, the excitement (Yes, I literally do have butterflies, am I sick or what?) - watching the pre-game, contemplating the stats....and I reminisce about the last series between these two vicious rivals.

Let's set it up, shall we? When the last series began back on August 28, we'd had a night off after a weekend of huge wins in Chicago. The Yankees had lost the night before and had to travel. Dice-K was on the mound for the Sox, Andy Pettitte for the Yanks, a southpaw face-off. We've had 2 wins this week, a night off, and Dice-K is up. The Yanks lost last night, had to travel to Boston and Pettitte is the so-called bomb-stopper tonight.

I haven't seen the pin-striped line-up, but I've seen the Sox and know that we are missing Manny and Coco tonight, but Lowell is back from his stomach bug and Jacoby Ellsbury will play Center, and Pap should be available to close.

BUT - there is one simple, monumental difference between then and now. We're playing in our own backyard tonight. We're home. Our beloved Fenway. And...though we're all groaning about only being 5 games up - Tom Werner himself just said: "If someone told me in April that we'd be coming into this series 5 games up" - and, "If someone had told me in April that Dice-K would win 15 games for us this season" - he's right, let's keep it in perspective, stay positive.

Bring it, guys. That's all I can say to you as you embark on journey this weekend..."walking through the park and reminiscing" - of the World Series!!

I believe,
Ann, the Red Sox fan

Welcome Home, Mr. Clutch!

Another glorious night at Fenway. Ok...so, we arrived after the 1st inning, Lester meltdown which gave up 4 runs, but - it wasn't because we were slacker fans hanging out for "just one more" at the Cask 'n Flagon, it's because we were stuck in traffic on 93...how many of the other 33,000 Faithful were there with me? Well, then hopefully you got the see the amazing sunset behind the Pru. What does it say about a cities' civil engineers that it took me 3 hours to go 41 miles? Phft. Whatever.

We're down by 4. It's looking just like the Tuesday before, when it was 8 to 1, 3rd inning...is that right? I was too pained to look by then and had to just putter around the house, finding other things to do with the agony looming from the TV in the background. And the comeback came, and kept coming....and as if some sort of miracle - it was a tie game...EVERY player hit something on Tuesday night, bats were hotter than they've ever been. I don't know if it was bad pitching on the D'Rays part....but, I like to think there is a reason that the Red Sox dugout looks directly at the Green Monstah. If you've never been to Fenway - the Green Monster is the wall surrounding left field...and, it displays the standings for the AL East, the scoreboard for the game being played...but, it also displays the scores of the other MLB games being played, simultaneously. And, I don't know how closely you follow what the Yanks are doing...but, I follow it pretty freakin' closely, so I know the Evil Empire was winning big over the Blue Jays early on....the Sox knew it too, because it's right there, in front of them, on the Green Monster. The ultimate motivator. I admit, I've never seen an MLB game in any other city (a dream of mine), so I don't know if this is a league standard, but I think it's brilliant and perhaps just what made our guys swing the way that they did.

I am a huge fan of young Jacoby Ellsbury, I have been since the beginning of the season, when no one had any idea who he was. So, it is with very friendly cajoling that I have to point out his rookie snafu in left field: Everyone thinks Manny is just lazy. And, Ok, I've seen Manny not hustle to first (but we all know he would've been out anyway, it just makes us mad that he doesn't try!) - and people say he's not aggressive enough in the outfield....BUT, I watch the way Manny plays, and other, very successful outfielders play the same way - they know to let the ball bounce off the wall and get it on the ricochet - not try to leap for it, knock it down and let the single become the double. Ellsbury had to learn the hard way - going for broke, slamming his entire body against the wall (which had to hurt). LOL, Rookie! No worries, though, this one play does not define you, you are amazing and I'm glad to have you on the roster.

I could go on about the bad pitching in this game...I could critique and pummel Wake's perfomance until he's bloody...but, the truth (for me) is this: Wake is junk without Mirabelli. Anyone who watched Doug get out of that car last year, just outside of Fenway, rushed in from the airport at game time (bet he had a police escort, too!) - because he'd been so stupidly traded and we discovered we NEED him - would agree with me. Sorry, Cash - you might be fantastic, but when it comes to Wakefield, he needs his Dougie. Que sara, sara. I accept what I cannot change. Get well, Mirabelli, we need you for the playoffs. Offense...my WS cap off to you. I shouldn't be so excited about us beating the worst team in baseball...but, a win is a win....and a win like this....Boston, YOU are the team who will win the World Series. Don't doubt it for a second.

So...back to last night....down by 4. David Ortiz hit a 3 run homer in the 3rd and that takes the pressure off. I did not expect the fireworks from the night before, because - you all know how it goes - it seems they empty the run bucket when they score as big as they had the night before. And, I was right, in the end, only 3 of the 9 got hits last night. But - at least we were back in the game. And, once again - I hate to say it: the game got boring for quite awhile. Nothing happened - for another long, grueling 5.5 innings. Nothing at all. The most notable highlights were the bad calls from the umps....so obviously wrong, it's unimaginable...but, the truth is, the Red Sox got just as many breaks on the bad calls as the Devil Rays, so it's all a wash. Papelbon came in and did his thing....I personally breath a sigh of relief each and every time I hear them play "Wild Thing" and watch Pap make the journey across left field from the bullpen to the mound.

Then came the bottom of 9th. Again - the guys are sitting in the dugout, looking at the Yankee/Blue Jay score clearly displayed in front of them, Yanks on top by 3 in the 9th. Motivator? Again, I'd think so. Pedroia - I just want to call him Dusty instead of Dustin, he always looks like Pig Pen from the Peanuts, but he plays hard and no one can fault him for that - got himself on base, as usual. But, anyone who became accustomed to Big Papi's walk-off home runs from last season knows that it's been a long time since we've seen this sort of thing. And, I'm going to be honest with you - believe me or not - I knew it was going to happen, I felt it in my gut. I wish I could explain it better than that, I envisioned it on the 2nd pitch...but, the 3rd was good enough for me. The confident, emphatic swing and whooosh, right around the Pesky pole - it was gone! And, another bench-clearing moment at Fenway...Papelbon first to jump the dugout fence and the rest of the team followed.

Welcome back, Mr. Clutch! We know you've been hurtin', Dave....great work, letting us ride this one out on your broad shoulders. We're ever so grateful for this precious win. Once again: Boston, you ARE the team who will win the World Series...don't doubt it for a second!

Mike and Manny....take care of yourselves, get well, we need you this weekend.

Another sincere and grateful THANK YOU to you all for the great baseball,

Ann, the Red Sox Fan

No-No, Bucko!

September 1, 2007 - Saturday

No-No, Bucko!

Less than 9 hours ago I posted my last entry...it took just those 9 hours to be reminded WHY we are the best team in MLB...because, the Red Sox are like Gloria Gaynor...they will survive!

I was at Fenway on August 17 for Clay Buchholz's debut. I'd gone into Fenway misinformed, which is unusual - I'd thought Beckett was pitching that afternoon game. As I handed an elderly man my ticket at Gate B turnstile - certainly a hard-ass Grandpa from Southie - I exclaimed to him that it was sure to be a great game with Beckett pitching. He gave me the kind of disgusted look that you'd have if you'd just discovered dog poop on your shoe - and he advised in a stern, unmistakable accent: "Buchholz's pitchin'" I turned and said: "Who??" "Buchholz, the rookie". To be honest with you - I was not nearly as excited about this as I'd been about Beckett. That afternoon, against the Angels, Clay pitched quite well, for a rookie...with a huge amount of 1st inning run support and Pap closing the game - it all went very well, a great day at the park. But, we couldn't have known what would happen on Clay's 2nd MLB start!!

And now, at this very moment, I've just witnessed Red Sox baseball history. Clay Buchholz has just become the very first rookie to EVER pitch a no-hitter. My love for Red Sox baseball has just hit a new level. To watch Clay win this game in such dramatic, dominant fashion...making it look like he's done it a million times before - to watch Tek come out and lift him up, to watch the bench clear and his teammates embrace him on the field...there have been many moments in Red Sox baseball where I've seen this scene before...but, this was a special win....for Clay...for Tito....for the Red Sox. It literally brought tears to my eyes.

With all of our injuries - with 3 rookies on the field....the Sox played some of the most beautiful baseball tonight that I've ever seen. My Sox hat goes off to you, Tito. It wasn't the same kind of drama as the magnificent Game 4, of course....with the 10 runs we scored, winning the game was not a concern. And, I'm not taking one moment of glory away from Clay - but, it's not like the Orioles didn't hit ANYTHING....but, in addition to exceptional pitching, the fielding was exceptional as well. And...I've always thought that Jason Varitek doesn't get enough respect, this win proves it. I personally feel that he is the spine that holds up the rest of the body that makes up the Red Sox. I've watched pitchers shake him off, time after time, and get themselves into trouble. Rookie Clay did exactly what the Capt. asked him for, time after time. Curt, Josh, Pap....take a 2 second lesson from this game: Listen to Tek, he knows exactly what needs to be done. Again, I take nothing away from Buchholz, he executed the pitching, simple as that.

Some more stats about why this win is special: This is only the 17th no-hitter in Red Sox history, the last one was Derek Lowe in 2002. This is only the 11th no-hitter ever thrown at Fenway. This is only the 3rd no-hitter this season in all MLB. Clay is only 23 years old and he's made baseball history. Pretty powerful stuff. To think that it never would've happened if Wake hadn't missed his start last night!

This was a great night in Red Sox baseball. A very sincere Thank You to all of you: Youk, Lowell, Ortiz, Lugo, Pedroia, Crisp, Ellsbury, Moss, Varitek and of course, to you, Clay Buchholz.

I love you guys. :-)

Photos courtesy of Boston.Com/Boston Globe

Biorythms?

September 1, 2007 - Saturday

Biorythms?

This statement would apply to an awful lot of things going on in this world...but, for now....let's just talk baseball: "Are you kiddin' me?!?!?!"

How is it possible that the Red Sox scored 46 runs vs. the Sox of another color last weekend...but yet, could not muster more than 6 runs in the 3 game series against the Yankees? Are you kiddin' me?
Worse than that...the D'Rays whipped Yankee butt last night, 9-1. What is frustrating about this...the D'Rays - the worse team in all MLB- can beat the Yanks, but we couldn't muster ONE win out of 3? Are you kiddin' me?!?

Even worse than that...who knew that Wakefield would become our "ace" pitcher and golden boy Josh would give up a career high of runs to the Evil Empire? Are you kiddin' me?!?!?! (Hey...don't get me wrong, good for you, Wake...I may be shocked but I'm quite grateful. We pray for you and Mirabelli to recover quickly....we need you guys.)

Finally, let's go down the DL...shall we? Manny, Wake, Doug, Drew...they're dropping like flies. Are you FREAKIN' kiddin' me?!?!?!

What the hell is going on? As a person who likes to find a rational, reasonable answer for all things - I want to blame Francona, I want to blame the pitching, I want to blame lack of bat activity....but, the truth is - I think it's something deeper than that...like biorythms, or an imbalance of feng shui. Silly, perhaps, and I'm only half serious....but, what other explanation could there be for a spiraling trend such as the state of affairs in Red Sox baseball this week?

Men, I'm not going to yell or complain today about what I think you need to do. I'm not going to whine about how disappointed I am in the outcome of the last 4 games. I'm a Red Sox fan, and though I may seem impatient at times, I realize that part of being a Red Sox fan is a combination of the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat". You can't win 'em all...I know.

What's really in my heart is to give you guys a great big hug and let you know - beyond a shadow of a doubt - that I STILL BELIEVE.

Hang in there, guys....get well, be strong....you ARE the BEST team in Major League Baseball - the Yankees are NOT your daddy.

With much love and support,
Ann, the Red Sox fan

No mo' Willy Mo, so on to Gagne...

August 18, 2007 - Saturday

No mo’ Willy Mo...so, on to Gagne...

I'm not the silent type. Anyone following this blog knows that I express my feelings clearly. I hold back nothing. This entry will be no exception.

First...Willy Mo's gone, done deal. Good move, Red Sox. Boo Hoo Willy Mo, there are baseball fans out there who have compassion for you and the sad, unfortunate cracks your career has fallen into...I say: Godspeed.

Now...I have redirectioned my attentions to another swollen, painful, oozing sore on the ass of Red Sox Nation. Gagne. Theo, this cannot continue. Mr. Henry, I implore you. Bench him. Send him to Paw Sox. Whatever. You made a bad move, gentlemen, suck it up - you gave up Gabbard for this clown? Do not give this pitcher another opportunity to rob us of another win when each and every one is so precious. Have you guys looked at the calendar? It's not April anymore. Have you taken a look at the Green Monstah lately? It's not a 9 game lead anymore. Eric is consistent...consistently deplorable. There's no time for losers....we can be champions. Please, do not literally put the World Series in Gagne's clumsy right hand. He is not capable...maybe he was elsewhere, but Boston's not his town, I won't pretend to know why but what is simply is.

Harsh words, I realize, but hard times call for desperate measures. I trust you all to do the right thing.

It's just criminal...and I loved it!

August 14, 2007 - Tuesday

It’s just criminal...and I loved it!

I've spent a lot of money in and around Fenway this season. Between tickets, parking, beer, the emergency pair of flip flops I had to buy on Yawkey Way because I wore brand new sneakers to a game and had blisters the size of silver dollars. So - I don't feel badly telling you that we showed up at last night's game without tickets - scored some cheap SRO stubs from some guy on the corner of Lansdowne, and by 8th inning, I found myself sitting close enough to John Henry that I could've easily shared my opinion of the Gagne/Gabbard trade. (Which is not favorable, of course....but, I restrained myself, knowing security would toss us from that area for saying anything undesirable) I'm sorry, they say there's not a bad seat at Fenway. Those people never sat where John Henry sits. Those are THE seats. It doesn't get better than that....and, I was 3 rows behind home plate last time! This was better....much better.

I was relieved last night when Gagne's services weren't needed. The last thing the Fenway Faithful needed last night was to see Gagne make his way from bullpen to mound last night. I'm quite certain a great big Booooo would've lingered in the thick, August air. Thank God Wakefield was so dominant...Jeez, Wake - you looked like Beckett!!! Tim, you are the Devil Ray's Daddy. You know it. We know it. We're grateful. Nice work. 3 to nothing, Papelbon did his usual 2 quick K's, let a guy on base, nail the 4th batter routine. It was as awesome as usual.

And...Tonight. The magic continues. First - we win. Second - Yankees lose. That's all good right there. Lester - amazing work for you tonight. I do admit, I was still too mad at Gagne to be enthusiastic about his outing, especially when he hit the mound and threw 3 balls in a row. I'm screaming, "Pull him! Pull him!" at the TV, as if Tito can hear me. In my head, I'm planning my irate and outraged phonecall to Francona's Wednesday lunchtime call-in radio show. And, then....strangely enough, 3 outs, boom, boom, boom. Just like that. Well, Ok....but, it still doesn't make up for the weekend, Gagne, you've got a long way to go. So, Tampa ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth. Then....Mike Lowell....(Mike, you know how much I love you, right?)....hit it big, right over the Monstah. Tie game. So, I get myself a Diet Coke, I settle in for extra innings. But, no...the boys are eager to go home. Captain Tek hits a ground rule double...and, (THANK YOU, Tito, for bringing in Coco!) Crispy hits another double, finding the hole between center and right...RBI'ing Jason in. "And, the Red Sox win!!!"

I'll never stop loving the sound of those 5 words. The only thing better is NOT hearing them - because I'm at the game!

Thanks for the amazing baseball, Gentlemen. I love you guys.
Ann, The Red Sox fan

(photo courtesy of Brad Trent, BusinessWeek)

Bats are hot in Tampa Bay!

July 29, 2007 - Sunday

Bats are hot in Tampa Bay!

First...and most importantly: 9 Games Ahead. Impressive. Pat yourselves on the back, Men....hey, not too hard now, you know you must not be lulled into a false sense of security! :-) Stay hungry.

It's been a fantastic few days of baseball. Talent is just oozing from your sweaty pores - even in the climate-controlled dome. The bats are hot, no doubt about that. Even Willy Mo - a 3 run home run, an rbi double...4 out of 5 - against the Indians? And, I thought hell froze over with Lugo's GS. This was an unexpected surprise from you, Pena...ah, but then - there was the little snafu that cost Wake the near shut-out the next night...and your bat silent. Sorry, Willy Mo...quite frankly, one night does not a career make - and don't give me that: "If I played more, I'd get better" crap - we let you play, you're inconsistent. We can't let you play more if you're going to s*ck. That's the facts, Jack.

Am I too tough on Willy Mo? Po' Willy Mo....boo freakin' hoo. I don't know about you, but if I performed that poorly at my job, I'd be fired....and, I don't earn ten percent of what the Sox are paying him. Pardon me if I don't feel so badly for Mr. Pena. Trade deadline looms...and, I still say: "No Mo' Willy Mo!"

Quite sincerely - Curt, kudos for joining your team and not playing the prima donna role other pitchers (not mentioning any names, Rocket) fall into. Can't wait to see the "dominance" everyone's buzzing about.

Finally - I just want to say - I stayed up for the 12th inning win last night. Whoa. No one who didn't watch that entire game could ever comprehend the amazing power that brought in this particular win. Anyone reading the sports page this morning, glancing over the scores - "Oh, the Sox won last night, cool"...doesn't cut it. You'd have had to watch the process...the grueling frustration of losing the lead at the hand of Papelbon and the scoreless, excruciating extra innings. And then - I don't know what happened....whether it was some extra-ordinarily motivating pep talk from the batting coach, some wise words from Tito, perhaps someone in the dugout mentioned if they didn't hurry up and get this game over - they were going to miss "last call" - but, whatever motivates a team in this very unique and special way - is Ok with me. If I were Stokes, the only thing that would save my ego today - after walking in the winning run - is that they hit even more after that! Way to get the job done, Gentlemen...6 runs in the 12th. A bit overkill, but I like it....might as well make damn sure!

**As a side note: How can MLB/The press call this Papelbon's "first blown save since May 1?" I'm sorry, but I was there on June 3. I not only saw our young Jonathan throw the ball that A-Rod hit into the Bleachers, but I blogged about it. Am I missing something??

All in all...Thanks again for the great baseball. I'm just so proud of you guys. Keep up the great work.

No mo' Willy Mo!

July 25, 2007 - Wednesday

No Mo Willy Mo!

Music to my ears. The heavy, humid air of July is abuzz with trade rumors...THANK YOU, Baseball Gods!!! We need a bumper sticker (magnetic, of course) that says: NO Mo' Willy Mo!

I am personally unhappy that the trade consideration is said to be packaged with our young, Craig Hansen, however...not good business, Theo. Consider the future.

Speaking of the future of Red Sox baseball....Hey Curt, how's that $13 million extension looking now - with you still rehabin' and the youngters Lester and Gabbard - healthy and on the mound - squeezing you out of the rotation? Bring it Curt, bring the bloody sock, bring your strength, your wisdom, your velocity, your team player spirit and get to work - the wolves are literally at the door.

Ummm....Offense?!?!?! HELLO?!?!?! Guys. Come on. Swing the bats, will ya?

Final thought for this evening: Great to have you back, Lester. Welcome home. Keep up the great work. Be well.

Did Hell Just Freeze Over?

July 21, 2007 - Saturday

Did hell just freeze over?

Beautiful win last night, Gentlemen. Beckett, Drew, Crispy....Major! (as a side note, I find myself quite enchanted with Mrs. Victoria Beckham)

Kudos to Tito for getting tossed....it had to be done, the umps blatantly robbed us of 2 precious runs and you were justified to not take that one lying down. Further, we all know that each time you get thrown out, we win. Good call. Luckily....in the long run, the two runs didn't matter....the offense certainly locked in the win.

Most interestingly....Julio Lugo hit a grandslam in the 8th?!?! OMG, did Hell just freeze over?!?! I'm not sure I would've believed it if I hadn't seen with my own eyes. For someone who hit .308 last year with the Devil Rays, he'd slumped to a pathetic .089 in June. Around the time of my last blog/call for his trade, he was hitting around .142 and had been 1 for 27 - don't hold me to those exact stats, but I'm pretty freakin' close, aren't I? Don't deny it. But, the most recent Cinderella story about Lugo since my last blog is undeniably amazing and deserves a bit of credit, even from the most obnoxious of fans, like me. Suddenly, he's 19-38, hitting .225....and, 3-4 last night alone - the most mighty of those at bats - doing the "Monster Mash" and driving in 4 rbis. Wow. Just wow. Way to go, Julio. I'd "officially" get off your back, but you know what happened the last time I declared peace with Tavares. :-)

In other Red Sox news: Thanks for the win on Monday night, guys. I was there, you were awesome. I'd thought this game might have rivaled the record for the shortest game in history - just slighly over 2 hours (it took me that long just to get there!)....but, nope - thanks to my friends at http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ - I discovered the shortest night game in history is just 1 hour, 29 minutes. Nevertheless, this was a clean, quick, decisive win with 3 home runs (Ortiz, Ramirez and yup, Pedroia) and amazing pitching from Kason Gabbard, the new leftie. The first rookie shutout since 1993! A great big high-five, Kason. I'm feelin' the love.
And, because I am feelin' the love....I'm going to cut you some slack on the 2 losses to Kansas City. Nuff said. The Evil Empire lost again last night - combined with our win, puts us back to 8 in the lead. I'm good with that. Today.

Play Ball!

Memo to Red Sox Management

July 8, 2007 - Sunday
Memo to Red Sox Management

Date: July 8, 2007

Attn: Red Sox Management

Re: Players Lugo and Pena

To whom it may concern, (this means you, Theo)

On behalf of Red Sox Nation, we wish to advise that we are deeply concerned about the payroll dedicated to these two particular underachievers and respectfully call for action.

We recommend trading these two named players for....oh, I don't know...an experienced ball girl?

Wake up, Epstein....before trade deadline is over. Take whatever you can get and cut the losses.

Sincerely yours,
Ann, The Red Sox fan

The Thrill of Victory, the agony of defeat...

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat...

Let's start with the positive, shall we?

Jones'-ing to take in another hot win at Fenway (as you all know, my last visit did not work out so well) - and, sorry Tampa Bay fans, but I figured this was a sure thing - I graciously accepted a last minute invite on this steamy July evening. We'd already won the first 2 in the series and Beckett on the mound. Should be some good baseball....but, I had no idea it would be THAT good! :-)

Tampa Bay....oh, poor, littel, unassuming, Tampa Bay. For J.P. Howell, it doesn't get much worse than giving up 6 runs in the first inning and being pulled before you even knew what hit you. A lefty pitcher should not have done so poorly against our line-up, but - hey - this is the big leagues, J.P., welcome to Boston! But, hey - don't feel too bad - Stokes did nothing but stoke the fire the Sox had lit. 13 runs in 3 innings. Can you even believe it?!?!

Quite frankly...the game got a bit boring after that....If you can imagine it. It's kinda funny...once you've got 13 runs, you tend to slip into a comfortable and complacent mood and just enjoy being at Fenway. We entertained ourselves through the rest of the game by "moving down". Rain had crept in half way through the game and it always seems that those with the most expensive seats always bail out first...probably because they're not covered by the grandstands canopy. By the 7th inning, we'd "scored" seats 3 rows behind the Red Sox dugout! Half the sport of attending games, for me, is trying to end up in the best seats possible by the end of the game - not an easy task at a venue that sells out - every night. I'd never been THAT close before!

All in all - a perfect night at Fenway. The rain only enhanced the experience on this outing...it'd been so hot earlier, I had no problem with getting wet! A 15-4 win. Everyone was hot at the bats, no doubt about that - but Coco - your Grand Slam was just beautiful...and, Mike Lowell - way to go - 5 hits, 5 RBIs...you're amazing. I'm sincerely grateful to you, couldn't have happened on a better night! Thanks for the great baseball.

NOW - what's up with the beating you took the next day??? Are you taking a page from Schilling's book? Yeah, Ok, Detroit is not Tampa Bay, I realize...and, you'd traveled, I understand. But, jeez. Ah well - all I can say is: Yanks lost, too - and, that's what matters.

I'm not even going to complain or whine about last night. Detroit wins. Papelbon gives it 'em in the 13th inning. Whatever. It was anyone's game, just "one of those things" - you all played hard, pitching was amazing...this is one of those: "You can't win 'em all" kind of game. The big news, despite the loss - Big Papi, thanks for the HR, it'd been awhile, nice to see it again! Here's hoping you've got your groove back. What I find most interesting/curious about this particular day in baseball: The Yankees also lost in the 13th inning, what are the odds of that happening?!?! Again, it only matters that they lost, too.

The All-Star break is coming up and the double-digit lead is very encouraging. Should be a time of rest and relaxation for the average ballplayer, but most of you are playing (That's right....6 of you!) - I'm so proud to be a Boston fan. :-) Youk, you shoulda been there, Baby! I know it's caddy - but for anyone keeping score - there are only 3 Yankees going to the All-Stars! Sweet, isn't it? I'm evil. I know it.

Peace, love and good baseball to you all....
Ann, The Red Sox Fan

Not 4 but FIVE!!!

June 20, 2007 - Wednesday

Not 4 but FIVE! Wow. What else is there to say? Wow.

Let's recap Atlanta, shall we?

1) Curt. Oh, Curt. A $13 million extension is going to require a little thing we like to call: velocity. Get some rest. We'll see you on the flip side. We're so happy about the win tonight - we'd have forgotten if not for this blog. I do have one question: What was the purpose of loading the bases with a .417 hitter on deck...with 2 outs? Anyone that can explain the logic, I welcome your thoughts.

2) Josh. Oh, Josh! Nice work...not only on the mound, but at the plate!! (Yes, Curt, I know you got on base too, but no RBI) Your tenth win...and we're grateful for each and every one.

3) I am officially done being a jerk about Tavares. Great work tonight, Julian...you did us proud. Fantastic defensive work...AND - Ok, they weren't IN A ROW, but 5 home runs tonight - Drew, Dave, Manny, Coco and Hinske...oh my! THAT'S the team going to the World Series, gentlemen. Nice to see you again. (Can you do it for me next time I'm at Fenway...please?)

You know what Meatloaf says....2 out of 3 ain't bad. Thank you, Red Sox, for the great baseball.

Thanks for answering my call...

June 17, 2007 - Sunday

Thanks for answering my call....

I asked for it, and you got it done...you swept San Fran. It's not often that people get what they ask for in this world...Thanks, Red Sox!

My faith is renewed. I love you guys. :-)

Why not Thursday night?!?!

June 16, 2007 - Saturday

Why not Thursday night?!?!?

Let's start on an "upside" - with positivity and optimism...because, that's just me, the eternal optimist (with a good, healthy portion of cynicism mixed in, life does that to you). Kudos and congrats to the Red Sox for pulling out of their slump and putting Barry Bonds in his place last night at Fenway! I'm proud of you and glad you've got your groove back. You did what you had to do - you got MAD. You SWUNG the bats, and it paid off. Thank you for being you and bringing Fenway Faithful the win.

Dave - you took one for the home team - getting pissed and thrown out is sometimes a good, last resort motivator - I've seen Francona do it a dozen times....thanks for that...we'd have rather had your strength at the bat, but we understand!

Oh - and THANK YOU, Roger Clemens....our win was sweet, but your loss makes it just that much sweeter. We are grateful to you today.

Now....let's deal with my own anger: Desperate to attend a winning game since the 9th inning loss to "those who shall not be named" - on a Wednesday night - I scrambled to leave work just 10 minutes early, knowing damn right well I needed to be in early the next day, made the nearly 2 hour journey down 93/Storrow Drive, ("Annie, is this what they call "bumper to bumper" traffic?) arriving at my $35 parking space just in time to hear the National Anthem from the parking lot...enthusiastic and hopeful - afterall, it's Schilling against the Rockies....ace pitcher against a 4th place NL west team? We're "ready to rumble". (yeah, I know, this ain't football...but you're catching my drift)

No one needs me to recap this game. It is not worth one second of my valuable time to tell you what happened that night. Complete meltdown. We all know that Schilling is virtually incapable of producing two outstanding games in a row, and it seems to me that the more extraordinary the win, an even deeper desparation follows. I know how seriously you take the game, Curt, so - what the heck is up with that?!?! AND - On that very morning - how nice of you to give us the courtesy of letting us know you'll accept a $13m extension??!!? Are you kiddin' me...your timing is bad, Curt, you should've made that announcement after the nearly no-hitter, we were feelin' the love then....now, not so much.
As if that's not disappointing enough....

Thursday night: last minute invite from another Fenway Faithful (aka Red Sox Junkie) - as desparate as myself to see our guys win....bumper to bumper again, catch the Ruggles Shuttle, haul my ass into the park, again. Hopeful and optimistic, again. Jeez, this has to be the night - because Beckett hasn't lost a game yet - and the Rockies? Now, come on - I'm sorry, Rockies fans, but let's face it....this should have been a piece of cake, a sure thing. Over-confident? I (sadly) guess so. Drew - a shameful display of a lead-off batter, Manny - strikes out LOOKIN', and a Grand Slam given up by Golden Boy Josh....ugh. That's all I can say. It was nasty. We could do nothing right. It was painful.

I NEVER leave the game early. Anyone bailing out on our guys on Mother's day knows (the heart-wrenching hard way) that you don't give up on the home team...not THIS home team. But, I did - I left early - in the 8th inning - not once, but TWICE. I couldn't stand to see anymore.

So, sure - you won last night - BUT, it took Tavares (of all pitchers) to get it done, (I've personally been the worst critic of Taveres...I guess I have to stop now) The best pitchers in baseball....against the Rockies?!?! I forgave the west coast beating, considering the time change, the travel, the exhaustion from the Yankees series....I had faith you'd pull it together when you got home. You let me down...not once, but TWICE...IN A ROW!

Anger motivates you....I know it does, you know it does. So, guess what, I'm freakin' ANGRY. So - here's your call to action, gentlemen....keep it together and SWEEP those Giants! Do it for you, do it for me....do it for Red Sox Nation....whatever, just GET IT DONE.

Sincerely yours,
Ann the Red Sox Fan