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

Best Game of Season...

June 7, 2007 - Thursday

Best game this season....

My sister is right...I should blog about the best game this season...so, by request - here it is....

Picture it: It's April 22, Sunday night, 805pm start, Rem Dawg and Don have the night off, because this special rivalry is fittingly televised on ESPN. It's the 3rd game of a series against the "Evil Empire". We've won the first two. (You all know how this goes, don't you?)

"Can we really sweep 'em?" is the buzz from the Grandstand..."could it really happen?" We were hopeful...truly optimistic. "When was the last time we swept the Yankees, anyway?"

Down by 3 in the bottom of the 3rd, Manny (being Manny), comes up to the plate and the magic begins. Home run! J.D. Drew comes up and does it again!! Amazing. But, that's only half of it...Mike Lowell comes up, and hits it right into the Monstah seats. Unbelievable!!! BUT WAIT - our fearless captain, Jason Varitek comes up and nails the 2nd pitch into home run territory!!!!

Fans are whipping out their cell phones, calling anyone who can GOOGLE the stats and find out what the odds are...jumping up and down, screaming, cheering - and enjoying the disbelief on the faces of the Yankee fans scattered in the crowds.

There are a million things that made this night truly special - like the fact that this was the first time in Red Sox franchise history that we've hit 4 HR in a row, or like the fact that this was only the 5th time in MLB that any team has done it, or that J.D. Drew was part of the quartet that did the same thing last season with the Dodgers.

But, the best stat of all is that this was the first time since 1990 that we swept the Yankees at Fenway Park. Victory is just so sticky, sweet.

Post game - despite how late it was, on a "school" night - the Fenway Faithful paraded Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street, chanting: "Sweep, Sweep" and "Yankees S*ck" <---- Yeah, I know it's not nice, but for anyone judging me for such language could not possibly be a true Red Sox fan. :-)

I personally think this was the best game since the notorious "Game 4" in 2004 and welcome you to share your favorite game stories. Doing so just might bring the magic back - get our guys "feelin' the love" from Red Sox Nation - and pull out of the little slump they're having out on the west coast.

Hang in there, guys...and whip some Arizona butt!
Wishing you all the happiest of travels....

The Umps are Yankee fans...

June 4, 2007 - Monday
The Umps are Yankee fans...

That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Top of the ninth. It's raining hard at Fenway, and I'm one of the unfortunate grandstand spectators not covered by the overhang (but, I'm not complaining because I scored the tix from a generous friend). Our talented and next-to-perfect closer comes to the plate, and the Fenway Faithful are grateful to see him make the journey from the bullpen to the mound..."Papelbon's in, it's going to be OK." And, then - he gives up a homerun to - of all Yankees - the ultra-evil A-Rod. I'll spare you the rest of the ugly details...that's all there is to tell. But, I'm not bashing Papelbon...that's the game, that's how it goes...It's not like Pokey Reese was at the plate. Poor Pokey. BUT - I will say this: The Fenway Faithful, in general, were very unhappy with the calls made by the umps last night (and Friday, too) - so, I'm chalking it up to the fact that the umps must be Yanks fans.

To all Red Sox fans everywhere....don't worry that you had little sleep last night, don't whine about that summer cold you're catching because you were exposed to the rain and the cold late into the night (unless you were watching from the warmth of your armchair)....just sit back and remind yourselves: "We're still 12.5 games ahead!!!" - and then, get a good night's sleep.

Wishing you pleasant dreams of the World Series and, as always, Happy Travels!