Boston Red Sox

[FPrefect61]

As for Wakefield, he doesn't even know where his pitches are going half the time.

If you're going to get hit by a pitch, a knuckleball is the pitch to get hit by. :lol

[greppson]

don't even get me started on wakefield let alone mr. disappoint meant(for me anyways) lately, mr. lowe.

but wakefield can really go either way during a game--really good or really bad--there isn't an "well he did ok" zone with him.

[FPrefect61]

but wakefield can really go either way during a game--really good or really bad--there isn't an "well he did ok" zone with him.

Like dominating a game or giving up a series ending home run? ;)

[Hench]

3 of the top 4 pitchers in hit batsmen are Red Sox.

Arroyo 18
Wakefield 16
Pedro 15
Yep. And if Pedro had hit A-Rod, I could understand his anger at it...Pedro's pretty much an asshole like that, and I imagine it's only going to get worse as his pitching starts to head downhill, which we're seeing the very beginning of now. But getting your panties in a bunch over being plunked by Arroyo? I mean look at the dude...he's skinny! And a relative nobody compared to A-Rod. A-Hole was just looking to start a fight...guaranteed he wouldn't have started toward the mound if it was Pedro up there. Good thing V-Tek was there to have a little conversation with the douchebag and set him straight.

[Hench]

Like dominating a game or giving up a series ending home run? ;)
Just wait til Mariano falters against us like the other two times this season...we'll see who's winking then. ;)

[JTRain]

We're all forgetting the most important thing. We need to see Pedro's little 28 inch friend. :lol

[JTRain]

Jesus...

[JTRain]

Absolutely crushed by Manny.

[tdowe99]

We're in the playoffs! :D

[UJCdream]

here we come, baby! :bounce



did any of you guys notice that in the locker-room celebrations they were playing some DMB? :)

[UJCdream]

....and now they're playing Eminem. :lol

[JTRain]

Ha. Theo got covered by Gabe and Jason during an interview. Always funny.

[Trax]

oh man i feel better about this year than I have in a long ass time..

[UJCdream]

Ha. Theo got covered by Gabe and Jason during an interview. Always funny.
saw that... and then Theo says to the camera "so... we need a new starting catcher!"

[greppson]

3 games behind the yanks. with a strong finish by us, winning 3 of our next 6, and the yanks losing 3 of their next 6, it is going to be an interesting race for division.:D

[UJCdream]

you know... after watching this post-game celebration stuff, and after watching all the interviews before and after games... and just all that stuff... i've realized, like someone said in an interview the other day... i find it really hard to believe that the Yankees, or hell... ANY other team in baseball has as much fun during a single season as the Boston Red Sox and their fans do. to outsiders, all they see is how we react when we lose and our little fights and arguements dealing with all things Yankees... but you know what, we have one kick ass time and if i were giving the choice of having as much fun as we do or having as many rings as NY... i pick what i have now. as great as a WS win is, i'm sure... if you're not having fun along the way and just "going through the motions", what is there to look forward to?

with a team like the Yankees... they're expected to win by themselves, management, and the fans. if they don't produce the way everyone wants them to, they get heat for it. in Boston... it's the complete opposite. every game is a big game here, every win is a big win, and for every loss - there's always a tomorrow or a next time without having to worry about people turning on you.

i've said it before, and i'll say it again...

i love this team, and i wouldn't change a damn thing.

[JTRain]

I really think Lowe should be out of the playoff rotation.

[greppson]

you know... after watching this post-game celebration stuff, and after watching all the interviews before and after games... and just all that stuff... i've realized, like someone said in an interview the other day... i find it really hard to believe that the Yankees, or hell... ANY other team in baseball has as much fun during a single season as the Boston Red Sox and their fans do. to outsiders, all they see is how we react when we lose and our little fights and arguements dealing with all things Yankees... but you know what, we have one kick ass time and if i were giving the choice of having as much fun as we do or having as many rings as NY... i pick what i have now. as great as a WS win is, i'm sure... if you're not having fun along the way and just "going through the motions", what is there to look forward to?

with a team like the Yankees... they're expected to win by themselves, management, and the fans. if they don't produce the way everyone wants them to, they get heat for it. in Boston... it's the complete opposite. every game is a big game here, every win is a big win, and for every loss - there's always a tomorrow or a next time without having to worry about people turning on you.

i've said it before, and i'll say it again...

i love this team, and i wouldn't change a damn thing.
:thumbsup

[greppson]

that's what is great about the sox--they seem like a bunch of guys you would meet up with at a bar, except... well, kapler... he'd be the bouncer. :lol

but seriously, they are just down to earth guys, and that plain out rocks.

[UJCdream]

I really think Lowe should be out of the playoff rotation.
i'm on the fence about that right now. i'll make my final decision after tomorrow.

[UJCdream]

that's what is great about the sox--they seem like a bunch of guys you would meet up with at a bar, except... well, kapler... he'd be the bouncer. :lol

but seriously, they are just down to earth guys, and that plain out rocks.

absolutely! and i love that about them. i got to meet Varitek and Manny before a game i went to back in August and they were both exactly how you'd picture them to be... completely down to earth and fucking awesome guys.

[UJCdream]

Pedro: "I'm about to get a ring, and I'm ready for one."

let's hope so!

[DebbieS]

absolutely! and i love that about them. i got to meet Varitek and Manny before a game i went to back in August and they were both exactly how you'd picture them to be... completely down to earth and fucking awesome guys.

It's a dream of mine to touch Jason's thighs. Those things are solid. It's not a sexual dream, he could just crack walnuts with those things, I swear!

[warriors1226]

word, what jason quoted up there....i fuckin love the sox.

[JTRain]

Yeah, thanks Lowe. Good luck with your new team next year.

[greppson]

lowe needs to just pitch and stop thinking so much.

[JTRain]

lowe needs to just pitch and stop thinking so much.


He needs to end himself.

[loogs91]

He needs to end himself.


:thumbsup

He just sucks this year.

[greppson]

he just needs to throw.

all for the past few weeks, granted we have had wins... i feel like they have been building stuff up and thinking too much. now they are back to just playing baseball.

[loogs91]

all for the past few weeks, granted we have had wins... i feel like they have been building stuff up and thinking too much. now they are back to just playing baseball.


agreed. Especially against baltimore last week

[JTRain]

Thank you Millar!

[tdowe99]

Hell yeah

[UJCdream]

Thank you Millar!
:thumbsup

[JTRain]

Nice work from Mendoza.
Wonder how Astacio will do Saturday, if he isn't serving his suspension then.

[UJCdream]

2.5 games...

i know it's a long shot, but i'm keeping the faith.

[UJCdream]

also... i have officially decided Derek Lowe, although a nice enough guy, should NOT be on the post-season roster.

[JTRain]

Already 95 wins this season.

[UJCdream]

let's go for 100.

[UJCdream]

do you trust Lowe or Wakefield more to come up with a win?

[JTRain]

Fucking Tim.

[JTRain]

And I don't know about Lowe out of the bullpen either.

[UJCdream]

I'd say Tim too. Eck seems stuck on Lowe though, seems convinced he's bound to bounce back... but are we willing to risk that? I say no, 'cause we all know what happens when the Sox take risks...

[JTRain]

Man...one more week.

[UJCdream]

i watched that Red Sox movie tonight, before the game...

and i before i watched it, i had forgotten how much last year hurt. i'm not ready to feel that again, so i say... let's win it.

edit: i also had to laugh a little at how the movie ended... with WAYG playing in the background. a little bittersweet if you ask me

[greppson]

great win tonight. that was clutch. millar coming through. so quality.

i was wearing my damon shirt today, sporting the sox reds, and look what he did for us early on. :)

[JTRain]

I really enjoyed the movie. Saw it in a theater with Red Sox fans. Jesus, that was fun.
Everyone screamed and swore when Little didn't do "it."

[greppson]

yep. saw it up here in a theater. it was so heartbreaking.

should have heard the yells.

[UJCdream]

I really enjoyed the movie. Saw it in a theater with Red Sox fans. Jesus, that was fun.
Everyone screamed and swore when Little didn't do "it."

:lol i really would have liked to see it in theatres, but things just didn't work that way.

when it came to that point in the movie, i found myself saying that in my head. hoping that maybe he would this time... somehow changing fate. i dunno, it was a silly thought... but i still thought it. heh.

i also enjoyed the part towards the end where rudy guilliani (however you spell his name) was talking to Little and said something to the effect of "manager of the year" and "you'll be here for another 10 years".

[greppson]

so lowe had a blister burst... well that is interesting.

[JTRain]

Haha, I just remembered that I actually threw my hat at Little on the screen. Went pretty far.

[UJCdream]

so lowe had a blister burst... well that is interesting.
but does it change anything?

[redsoxiluv]

i watched that Red Sox movie tonight, before the game...

and i before i watched it, i had forgotten how much last year hurt. i'm not ready to feel that again, so i say... let's win it.

edit: i also had to laugh a little at how the movie ended... with WAYG playing in the background. a little bittersweet if you ask me :lol i was definitely fighting back laughs/groans when WAYG started playing playing...of course I was the only one in the theater who reacted to it.

for me, the most entertaining part of seeing it in the theater was Little first making an appearance...and being met by a chorus of boos :lol

painful little movie, but still worth seeing. I'm debating whether I should buy the DVD as an attempt to better explain Red Sox Nation to the people on my floor...

[UJCdream]

painful little movie, but still worth seeing. I'm debating whether I should buy the DVD as an attempt to better explain Red Sox Nation to the people on my floor...

it's worth the buy, i'd say. i picked it up for $10 today at Best Buy.

[JTRain]

for me, the most entertaining part of seeing it in the theater was Little first making an appearance...and being met by a chorus of boos :lol

Isn't that when he says he was a Yankee's fan growing up?

[Hench]

also... i have officially decided Derek Lowe, although a nice enough guy, should NOT be on the post-season roster.
Nice guy?? HA!

Jackass was in a bar a year or so ago in Fort Meyers hitting on a 17 year old girl. Go ahead and say "well, if she was in a bar he could only assume she was legal." He's married.

Also, around the time of the trade rumors in July, he showed up at a Red Sox wives fundraiser sloshed in the middle of the day and said to Theo "go ahead and trade me you little faggot." (Ever-cool Theo responded "if I could get a bottle of Jack Daniels for you, I would" :lol )

Let's not forget his fantastic start at Yankee Stadium the other weekend due to partying til 3:30 in the morning at the China Club thinking the game was going to be rained out that day.

Scumbag.

[greppson]

today could be a VERY interesting day.:)

[billies_41]

yanks get swept in the double header, and the sox win. 1 game back after that!

[UJCdream]

yanks get swept in the double header, and the sox win. 1 game back after that!
let's hope so!

[JTRain]

Fuck you, Crawford and your fucking speed.

[saygoodbye12]

yanks get swept in the double header, and the sox win. 1 game back after that!
Sorry, they won...ruined all your plans!!! :p

[jdmbellen]

yeah red sox whats upp

[JTRain]

So, will the Devil Rays be his daddy too? :rolleyes:

[greppson]

ugh. i'm not feeling a win for tonight. oh well, i am happy with the wildcard.

[brydro]

yanks get swept in the double header, and the sox win. 1 game back after that!

Guess those plans changed... :)

[FPrefect61]

I'm in the mood for a comedy, is this Sox movie playing in New York anywhere? :lol

[greppson]

go gloat in your yankee thread. jerk.

[FPrefect61]

Just did a little backreading, thought I'd share my thoughts. There was so much hope and optimism. Maybe, just maybe they'll take the division. All the hearts were up.

One bad day, and you're right back to "well, we've got the wild card, it's okay"

So much for keeping the faith. This week has been a microcosm for this entire season. Hell, this season and last season are microcosms for the last 86 years. What makes this year different than any other those other years? Last year was going to be the year, wasn't it? Is this year going to be the year like last year was supposed to be? What about next year? What'll change?

[tdowe99]

This year will still be the year.

[FPrefect61]

This year will still be the year.
Like last year was?
Or 1999?
Or 1986?
And if this year isn't the year, will next year be the year?

[brydro]

go gloat in your yankee thread. jerk.

oh come on man, there was such optimism the last week in this thread, and now its all changed...not being a Jerk I am actually one of the few cool Yankee fans, who can talk to red sox fans...its a sport, but in the end we are all just human beings...

[greppson]

i'm not losing the faith. i still believe we can take the yankees if we face them in the playoffs.

what i am saying is that, unless by some sort of miracle the yanks lose the next 4 games and we win our next 4, to tie for division... it just doesn't seem plausible. i can't see the yanks losing the next 4 straight games.

that's not losing the faith.

[brydro]

This year will still be the year.

Not the way OUR son has been pitching...Schill better pitch 3 games in a series... :monkey

[greppson]

just wait. maybe this year, maybe not. but the sox will win, and evne then, i'm sure yankees fans won't say "well played" they'll say, "we'll win next year, no worries."

it just pisses me off that most yankees fans can't just let us have our hope, they have to rub it in our face--1918--or "is this year like last year?". it just makes me mad. we know the yankees are a good team, you don't need to come in here and crush our faith and hopes by questioning every goddamn thing we say.

[FPrefect61]

I don't know, I hear an awful amount of chatter about coming back and winning the division the last couple of days, one bad day, and you're settling for the wild card.

Obviously, I have no faith in the Sox to do anything. In the past 86 years, they've done nothing to prove to me that in a do or die, win or go home situation, they have what it takes to come out on top. Until they prove me wrong, it's not even worth arguing.

[brydro]

i'm not losing the faith. i still believe we can take the yankees if we face them in the playoffs.

what i am saying is that, unless by some sort of miracle the yanks lose the next 4 games and we win our next 4, to tie for division... it just doesn't seem plausible. i can't see the yanks losing the next 4 straight games.

that's not losing the faith.

No your right its not losing the faith...we can only hope for another amazing playoff series like last year, we are ALL lucky to be fans of both teams and have such a rivalry! :)

[FPrefect61]

Don't egg them on by calling it a rivalry. ;) Hammer and nail, remember? :lol

[brydro]

just wait. maybe this year, maybe not. but the sox will win, and evne then, i'm sure yankees fans won't say "well played" they'll say, "we'll win next year, no worries."

it just pisses me off that most yankees fans can't just let us have our hope, they have to rub it in our face--1918--or "is this year like last year?". it just makes me mad. we know the yankees are a good team, you don't need to come in here and crush our faith and hopes by questioning every goddamn thing we say.

Dude, go to the yanks thread and see endless post after endless post of "the yankees suck", Jeter sucks" take ur rings and shove it"...so yes there are some cool sox fans just as their are some cool yankee fans, man I even read in the yankee thread that someone else should die because they are yankee fans, or all yankee fans are assholes...so its all the same man...

[greppson]

I don't know, I hear an awful amount of chatter about coming back and winning the division the last couple of days, one bad day, and you're settling for the wild card.

Obviously, I have no faith in the Sox to do anything. In the past 86 years, they've done nothing to prove to me that in a do or die, win or go home situation, they have what it takes to come out on top. Until they prove me wrong, it's not even worth arguing.
before yesterday, there was a GOOD chance, a higher probability that we could take the division. we still could, don't get me wrong, i'm just being reasonable here. now, it's more unlikely unless god himself reaches down and flattens jeter, posada, matsui, mussina, cairo, rivera, lofton, and sheffield with his thumb.

it's not losing the faith, it's being reaonsable. yesterday did i think we could still take division? hell yeah. do i today? not really.

[brydro]

Don't egg them on by calling it a rivalry. ;) Hammer and nail, remember? :lol

your hilarious... :)

[brydro]

before yesterday, there was a GOOD chance, a higher probability that we could take the division. we still could, don't get me wrong, i'm just being reasonable here. now, it's more unlikely unless god himself reaches down and flattens jeter, posada, matsui, mussina, cairo, rivera, lofton, and sheffield with his thumb.

it's not losing the faith, it's being reaonsable. yesterday did i think we could still take division? hell yeah. do i today? not really.

I know u want god to flatten arod too, u forgot him... :)

[greppson]

eh, i'll leave that to varitek and millar(you know he wants to belt him!). :lol

[brydro]

eh, i'll leave that to varitek and millar(you know he wants to belt him!). :lol

LOL...V-tek is just mad he sucks when he plays the yanks...too bad I cant say that for Millar...

[mray10]

I don't know, I hear an awful amount of chatter about coming back and winning the division the last couple of days, one bad day, and you're settling for the wild card.

Obviously, I have no faith in the Sox to do anything. In the past 86 years, they've done nothing to prove to me that in a do or die, win or go home situation, they have what it takes to come out on top. Until they prove me wrong, it's not even worth arguing.

While I agree with you that there is absolutely no reason to have faith in the Red Sox, I don't think that's a reason to put down their fans (I know you weren't putting them down, but anyway). I think there's something inspiring in the way Red Sox fans still keep their optimism up, year after year, heartbreak after heartbreak.

I'm a Cubs fan, they're the first baseball team I loved because my Dad grew up there and passed it along to me. Over the years I've been a fan of many other teams for one reason or another, but it's only lately that I've started to root for the Red Sox. It's because there really is a solidarity between Cubs and Sox fans. In some ways, Cub fans are even more resilient, because for so many years the Cubs weren't even close to being good -- but the fans always stayed true. It's a whole different kind of resiliency Red Sox fans have -- year in and year out the Sox field a good team. They make the playoffs, or come very close. They have a chance, they put themselves in a position to win. And then they lose. But the fans still have faith. They don't give up on their boys.

Many Yankee fans, who are used to near-perfection, were ready to run Derek Jeter out of town when he started slowly this year. If the Yankees suddenly hit a decade-long slump, I expect you'd start seeing a lot more Met caps in the town. There are many loyal Yankee fans, I certainly won't deny that. But I doubt Yankee fans have any real appreciation of how hard it is to be loyal to a losing team.

What Pedro said this weekend just made me want to beat him like I was his Daddy. Too many of his teammates seem to believe the same thing, even if they won't vocalize it. Johnny Damon and Curt Schilling don't, but they're the only really confident guys I see in that dugout. Schilling beat the Yankees before, Damon is just that kind of guy.

If more players on the Red Sox had as much faith as their fans, it would be the Yankees who would be settling for the wild card.

[greppson]

LOL...V-tek is just mad he sucks when he plays the yanks...too bad I cant say that for Millar...
have you seen the actual transcriptions of what was said during that fight? people might not think of a-rod so... well... highly if they knew what he was saying.

(apparently one of the news stations had one of those mini satellite dishes, that allows you to hear what is being said on the field...)

[brydro]

While I agree with you that there is absolutely no reason to have faith in the Red Sox, I don't think that's a reason to put down their fans (I know you weren't putting them down, but anyway). I think there's something inspiring in the way Red Sox fans still keep their optimism up, year after year, heartbreak after heartbreak.

I'm a Cubs fan, they're the first baseball team I loved because my Dad grew up there and passed it along to me. Over the years I've been a fan of many other teams for one reason or another, but it's only lately that I've started to root for the Red Sox. It's because there really is a solidarity between Cubs and Sox fans. In some ways, Cub fans are even more resilient, because for so many years the Cubs weren't even close to being good -- but the fans always stayed true. It's a whole different kind of resiliency Red Sox fans have -- year in and year out the Sox field a good team. They make the playoffs, or come very close. They have a chance, they put themselves in a position to win. And then they lose. But the fans still have faith. They don't give up on their boys.

Many Yankee fans, who are used to near-perfection, were ready to run Derek Jeter out of town when he started slowly this year. If the Yankees suddenly hit a decade-long slump, I expect you'd start seeing a lot more Met caps in the town. There are many loyal Yankee fans, I certainly won't deny that. But I doubt Yankee fans have any real appreciation of how hard it is to be loyal to a losing team.

What Pedro said this weekend just made me want to beat him like I was his Daddy. Too many of his teammates seem to believe the same thing, even if they won't vocalize it. Johnny Damon and Curt Schilling don't, but they're the only really confident guys I see in that dugout. Schilling beat the Yankees before, Damon is just that kind of guy.

If more players on the Red Sox had as much faith as their fans, it would be the Yankees who would be settling for the wild card.

Now in respecting what you just said.. I ask the question of how old are you? cause I am 25...I dont know if you watched baseball in the 1980's but from 82 to 94 the yanks were a horrible horrible team, and they still sold out seats..so it disproves ur theory..and the Mets have been and always will be the minor league team in this city..I know I live right in the heart of manhattan since I was born...

[brydro]

have you seen the actual transcriptions of what was said during that fight? people might not think of a-rod so... well... highly if they knew what he was saying.

(apparently one of the news stations had one of those mini satellite dishes, that allows you to hear what is being said on the field...)

Oh man I know, I just know he wasnt the first and sure as shit wont be the last to say such things in a professional sport...

[tdowe99]

Do tell, greppson. ;)

[FPrefect61]

Seems to me you only saw the ESPN highlights with Jeter's slump. Sure he got booed when he was playing bad, every player doesn. What you didn't see or hear was the support he got at every game, the cheering day in and day out to break out of his slump.

To be honest, I think the loyal Yankees fans hate the fairweather fans more than any other group. I was born a Yankees fan. The first picture of me on this earth is in Yankees gear. My father's nickname is Tommy Yankee. I remember the 80s, the days of Wayne Tolleson, Bobby Meachem, Stump Merrill as the manager. I remember what it's like to root for a losing team. And if the Yankees do go into another decade long slump, I'll still root for them. If it does happen, I hope the fairweather fans do go onto the next big thing, because they make me sick. They have no appreciation of the history of the team, no recollection what the dark days were like. My ex best friend used to be a diehard Mets fan. As kids, we would actually get into fistfights over the Yankees and Mets. Yet, in 2000, he was next to me at the ticker tape parade, decked out in more Yankees gear than me. All my cousins were Met fans growing up now, all Yankees fans now. It makes me sad.

[brydro]

Seems to me you only saw the ESPN highlights with Jeter's slump. Sure he got booed when he was playing bad, every player doesn. What you didn't see or hear was the support he got at every game, the cheering day in and day out to break out of his slump.

To be honest, I think the loyal Yankees fans hate the fairweather fans more than any other group. I was born a Yankees fan. The first picture of me on this earth is in Yankees gear. My father's nickname is Tommy Yankee. I remember the 80s, the days of Wayne Tolleson, Bobby Meachem, Stump Merrill as the manager. I remember what it's like to root for a losing team. And if the Yankees do go into another decade long slump, I'll still root for them. If it does happen, I hope the fairweather fans do go onto the next big thing, because they make me sick. They have no appreciation of the history of the team, no recollection what the dark days were like. My ex best friend used to be a diehard Mets fan. As kids, we would actually get into fistfights over the Yankees and Mets. Yet, in 2000, he was next to me at the ticker tape parade, decked out in more Yankees gear than me. All my cousins were Met fans growing up now, all Yankees fans now. It makes me sad.

Big wayne tolleson I love it...now those are some scary Yankee teams, thank god you didnt name those pitchers...

[FPrefect61]

Two words...

Steve Balboni. :freak

Remember Tolleson was the SS, and wore #2. :lol

[brydro]

Two words...

Steve Balboni. :freak

Remember Tolleson was the SS, and wore #2. :lol

Thank god for donnie ball game one of the only few bright spots of the 80's...
Balboni...LOL....

[mray10]

Now in respecting what you just said.. I ask the question of how old are you? cause I am 25...I dont know if you watched baseball in the 1980's but from 82 to 94 the yanks were a horrible horrible team, and they still sold out seats..so it disproves ur theory..and the Mets have been and always will be the minor league team in this city..I know I live right in the heart of manhattan since I was born...

I'm 24, and I remember the mid-80's when the Yankees had nothing going for them. My point wasn't to say Yankee fans aren't loyal, they are (I would argue it's a lot easier to be loyal to a club that's on hard times if it's won 26 championships). But I can't stand Yankees fans (or fans of any other team) who look down on Red Sox fans for even having faith. Maybe it's silly, it's definitely illogical, but it's also kind of inspiring.

And, yes, I know how often Sox fans behave like rude, stupid assholes. I didn't want to debate their manners. I just wanted to give them a :thumbsup for supporting their team, believeing in an impossible dream, when they have every right not to.

I grew up in Denver where Broncos games will sell out even if the team doesn't win a game for 4 years straight. Loyalty for your team, even when they're losing (Broncos lost 4 Super Bowls in my lifetime before winning) is ingrained in me. Now I live in Phoenix, and the fans here sicken me. Fine, don't cheer for the Cardinals. But the Sunds hit a lean year and suddenly the arena is empty. The Diamondbacks won the Series 3 years ago, but part of the reason they're the worst team in baseball now is that the fans make it clear they don't much care. The D-Backs had good teams both of the past two years, made the playoffs in 02 and just missed last year. When they missed the playoffs fans were acting like it meant they were horrible. So it just makes me respect the resilient optimism of Sox fans all the more.

[mray10]

Seems to me you only saw the ESPN highlights with Jeter's slump. Sure he got booed when he was playing bad, every player doesn. What you didn't see or hear was the support he got at every game, the cheering day in and day out to break out of his slump.

To be honest, I think the loyal Yankees fans hate the fairweather fans more than any other group. I was born a Yankees fan. The first picture of me on this earth is in Yankees gear. My father's nickname is Tommy Yankee. I remember the 80s, the days of Wayne Tolleson, Bobby Meachem, Stump Merrill as the manager. I remember what it's like to root for a losing team. And if the Yankees do go into another decade long slump, I'll still root for them. If it does happen, I hope the fairweather fans do go onto the next big thing, because they make me sick. They have no appreciation of the history of the team, no recollection what the dark days were like. My ex best friend used to be a diehard Mets fan. As kids, we would actually get into fistfights over the Yankees and Mets. Yet, in 2000, he was next to me at the ticker tape parade, decked out in more Yankees gear than me. All my cousins were Met fans growing up now, all Yankees fans now. It makes me sad.

A very true point. I shouldn't have brought Yankee fans into it, because the Yankees do have great fans. They also have some real dopey fans, but that's going to be true when you have a huge fan base as they do.

A tip of my cap to you, sir.

When can we expect the Mr. Mattingly avatar back, anyway? I hate to tell you I miss it. :)

[FPrefect61]

:lol Mattingly will make his comeback soon I reckon. :)

There are good fans and they're are crappy fans for all teams. What's sad is that the crappy fans are much louder than the good fans. I'd like to think of myself as a good Yankees fan, the same way Jason and Beth are good Sox fans. It's damn hard not to get swept up and be a bit of a prick when these two teams play each other. :lol

[mray10]

:lol Mattingly will make his comeback soon I reckon. :)

There are good fans and they're are crappy fans for all teams. What's sad is that the crappy fans are much louder than the good fans. I'd like to think of myself as a good Yankees fan, the same way Jason and Beth are good Sox fans. It's damn hard not to get swept up and be a bit of a prick when these two teams play each other. :lol

Find me a good, true Arizona Cardinals fan. Then I will accept your point as true.

Oh, wait, you said for teams. Not practice squads. Nevermind.

[FPrefect61]

Yeah, there's a big difference between major league teams and AAAA minor league teams (like the poor Expos or Kansas City)

[brydro]

I'm 24, and I remember the mid-80's when the Yankees had nothing going for them. My point wasn't to say Yankee fans aren't loyal, they are (I would argue it's a lot easier to be loyal to a club that's on hard times if it's won 26 championships). But I can't stand Yankees fans (or fans of any other team) who look down on Red Sox fans for even having faith. Maybe it's silly, it's definitely illogical, but it's also kind of inspiring.

And, yes, I know how often Sox fans behave like rude, stupid assholes. I didn't want to debate their manners. I just wanted to give them a :thumbsup for supporting their team, believeing in an impossible dream, when they have every right not to.

I grew up in Denver where Broncos games will sell out even if the team doesn't win a game for 4 years straight. Loyalty for your team, even when they're losing (Broncos lost 4 Super Bowls in my lifetime before winning) is ingrained in me. Now I live in Phoenix, and the fans here sicken me. Fine, don't cheer for the Cardinals. But the Sunds hit a lean year and suddenly the arena is empty. The Diamondbacks won the Series 3 years ago, but part of the reason they're the worst team in baseball now is that the fans make it clear they don't much care. The D-Backs had good teams both of the past two years, made the playoffs in 02 and just missed last year. When they missed the playoffs fans were acting like it meant they were horrible. So it just makes me respect the resilient optimism of Sox fans all the more.
VERY WELL PUT! See I dont hate on Sox fans for keeping faith...the only time sox fans piss me off is when they are just plain rude, I respect the fact they have so much heart, and are that passionate about it, its rare to see now a days...

[greppson]

wow, what a top of the 2nd in that game... 6 runs. ridiculous.

[redsoxiluv]

wow, what a top of the 2nd in that game... 6 runs. ridiculous.
pertty incredible. I didnt' get to see the beginning of the game, but it sounds like Bronson threw pretty well? I'm thrilled that he and Wake will be rounding out our rotation during the playoffs...as long as BK, Lowe and Adams stay off the mound I'll be an optimist.

and greppson -- just when i finally though i remembered where your sig came from (crazy easy from hartford night one?) it changed! was my belated realization right, by any chance?

[greppson]

yeah bronson threw well, i think they just decided to give some other people some mound time.

yep, it was from hartford night 1.

the one up there now... i think it either 7.6 or 7.7... i think 7.6. i need to check.:)

[billies_41]

pertty incredible. I didnt' get to see the beginning of the game, but it sounds like Bronson threw pretty well? I'm thrilled that he and Wake will be rounding out our rotation during the playoffs...as long as BK, Lowe and Adams stay off the mound I'll be an optimist.

and greppson -- just when i finally though i remembered where your sig came from (crazy easy from hartford night one?) it changed! was my belated realization right, by any chance?
where did you hear wake will be the other starter? i hope you are right because the thought of lowe going out there makes me want to vomit

[greppson]

they said it last night after the game on an interview with francona

schilling, pedro, bronson/wakefield(3+4 not determined yet), lowe at 5, potentially working out of bullpen.

[UJCdream]

wait, so Lowe *is* on the post-season roster? or is he on it as a "just in case", or like you said... out of the bullpen? not a starting pitcher though, right?

[redsoxiluv]

redsox.com basically said lowe was out of the bullpen, and that bronson/wake's order would depend on who got used out of the 'pen during the first game...but yeah, no chance of lowe starting, thank god.

[UJCdream]

oh thank god *giant sigh of relief*

i was reading about how schilling pitched 3 games in the series i think it was back with another team a few years ago...i think if we make it to WS... we should do the same. he's the type of pitcher who can handle that

[JTRain]

McCarty with the K on Palmeiro.
And a nice 1-2-3 inning. :lol :thumbsup

[greppson]

mccarty had 2 GREAT innings.

[scoot_14]

mccarty had 2 GREAT innings.

That was sick to watch. I was like he was pitching for a spot on the playoff pitching roster. :lol

[greppson]

that was some GREAT pitching. if we keep him and work him more during the offseason, he could be a nice reliever mid game.

[JTRain]

And it's an official season.

Now, the fun shall begin.


Any preference to the Twins or Angels?

[greppson]

i don't really know. but with schilling vs. santana, that would be an interesting matchup.

[scoot_14]

And it's an official season.

Now, the fun shall begin.


Any preference to the Twins or Angels?

I prefer the Angels.

Like the sig by the way, the Radiohead part, Let Down is an awesome song.

[scoot_14]

i don't really know. but with schilling vs. santana, that would be an interesting matchup.

They shouldn't have named Schilling the starter yet. I makes more sense to start Pedro verses Santana. It's a better match up and Pedro does better in games that are quick moving (Santana just blows through lineups).

If they lose the first game to Santana...oh well...the Twins don't have much left for pitching after that and you've got the other Cy Young favorite pitching game 2 for you.

I'd rather see them play the angels, can't stand the Metrodome.

[AggieDMBFan06]

AL sucks!!!

[JTRain]

AL sucks!!!

Thanks for the input.

[scoot_14]

AL sucks!!!

It's possible Atlanta and SF could be in the NL playoffs...scary :rolleyes: :lol

[loogs91]

the twins lost, so is it official now?

[greppson]

so we are going to anahiem?

[ProudestAnt]

Yea, we're playing Anaheim in the first round...

[ProudestAnt]

Which means it'll be the late game on Tuesday...

[greppson]

i thought i heard them say on nesn that it would be a 4 pm start time east coast, meaning a 1:00ish start west coast time.

[ProudestAnt]

i thought i heard them say on nesn that it would be a 4 pm start time east coast, meaning a 1:00ish start west coast time.That may be...pretty uncharacteristic of a playoff game on the West Coast though...

[greppson]

*shrug*

as far as I can tell, we are 5-4 against Anahiem this season, sweeping the last series we played them.

[ProudestAnt]

We just have the Angels flat out matched in every position, with the possibly exception of RF...

[scoot_14]

That may be...pretty uncharacteristic of a playoff game on the West Coast though...

I remember most of them being at 1pm pacific time last year. I only remember because I missed most of the beginings of the Sox games since I was still at work at 4pm.

[AggieDMBFan06]

Good Luck to all the teams in the Playoffs. But its going to be The Astros vs The Yankees in the Series. With the Astros taking it 4-2.

[Hudak-Budak]

Good Luck to all the teams in the Playoffs. But its going to be The Astros vs The Yankees in the Series. With the Astros taking it 4-2.
The Yankees won't be able to get past the Minnesota Santanas.

[greppson]

they just swept them the other day, your logic is... lame.

[loogs91]

<--Time to change the avatar in time for the season to begin.

[PerfectStorm]

Nice guy?? HA!

Jackass was in a bar a year or so ago in Fort Meyers hitting on a 17 year old girl. Go ahead and say "well, if she was in a bar he could only assume she was legal." He's married.

Also, around the time of the trade rumors in July, he showed up at a Red Sox wives fundraiser sloshed in the middle of the day and said to Theo "go ahead and trade me you little faggot." (Ever-cool Theo responded "if I could get a bottle of Jack Daniels for you, I would" :lol )

Let's not forget his fantastic start at Yankee Stadium the other weekend due to partying til 3:30 in the morning at the China Club thinking the game was going to be rained out that day.

Scumbag.
To back up this story since many will say its not true, it is. It actually happened to a friend of mine who worked at Outback in Fort Myers. During spring training he pulled this little move. Derek Lowe is scum and a downer to the team we all love so much. Let's all hope he gets traded this off-season.

[bkal14]

Who is gonna be on the final lineup?? Does Dave Roberts make it? Youk? Williamson?

[greppson]

my guesses:

fielding:
1 varitek
2 millar
3 nixon
4 ramirez
5 ortiz
6 mueller
7 cabrera
8 damon
9 bellhorn
10 youkilis
11 mirabelli
12 roberts
13 kapler
14 reese
15 mientkiewicz

pitching:
1 martinez
2 schiling
3 arroyo
4 wakefield
5 lowe
6 myers
7 adams
8 mendoza
9 astacio
10 foulke

the two i am questionable about are mendoza and youkilis... mccarty could go in place of youkilis, cause he hasn't been hitting that well lately. not sure in place of mendoza, maybe adams.

[scoot_14]

my guesses:

fielding:
1 varitek
2 millar
3 nixon
4 ramirez
5 ortiz
6 mueller
7 cabrera
8 damon
9 bellhorn
10 youkilis
11 mirabelli
12 roberts
13 kapler
14 reese
15 mientkiewicz

pitching:
1 martinez
2 schiling
3 arroyo
4 wakefield
5 lowe
6 myers
7 adams
8 mendoza
9 astacio
10 foulke

the two i am questionable about are mendoza and youkilis... mccarty could go in place of youkilis, cause he hasn't been hitting that well lately. not sure in place of mendoza, maybe adams.

Tito already said earlier today that Astacio was being sent to Pawtucket to continue working on his game along with Kim and Dinardo. The only other person he said was guaranteed off the roster at that point was Adam Heisdu (sp).

[greppson]

oh right... that was before i editted it in aim... haha, talking to my friend about it.

kick out adams and astacio and take in embree and timlin.

[JTRain]

We gotta have our own Sox/Angels thread, correct?

[FPrefect61]

We gotta have our own Sox/Angels thread, correct?
Should we revive the old Yanks-Sox thread for the ALCS? :lol

[JTRain]

Should we revive the old Yanks-Sox thread for the ALCS? :lol


If your Yanks can make it to it.

Zing!

[JTRain]

I love HISTORY. Such a fun topic! :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[JTRain]

Mmm, mmm....


PENNANT

[Trainer2375]

:thumbsup

[twosteppn36]

oooooooooooooooooh if feels good

[JTRain]

Fantastic.

[DMBfan41]

The Babe says Congrats.

[bmddmb]

ok I have a small vent to make and I guess this is the right thread...first of all I'm a Sox fan, not as diehard as people from Boston, but they've always been my second favorite team because I have family in Mass. That being said, I'm sick of seeing all these 25 year old Sox fans on tv talking about how they've waited so long for this....they haven't waited long, they've waited 25 years. how bout showing some 60, 70 or 80 year old Sox fans who have waited DECADES for a championship. I know when they say they've been waiting long they mean the city and the franchise, but c'mon let's celebrate the senior Sox fans who have stuck through the better portion of 86 years instead of those who only experienced the final quarter. anyone else getting kinda annoyed by this, or am I just overanalyzing it?

anyways, Go Sox and congrats to the fans!

[Hudak-Budak]

ok I have a small vent to make and I guess this is the right thread...first of all I'm a Sox fan, not as diehard as people from Boston, but they've always been my second favorite team because I have family in Mass. That being said, I'm sick of seeing all these 25 year old Sox fans on tv talking about how they've waited so long for this....they haven't waited long, they've waited 25 years. how bout showing some 60, 70 or 80 year old Sox fans who have waited DECADES for a championship. I know when they say they've been waiting long they mean the city and the franchise, but c'mon let's celebrate the senior Sox fans who have stuck through the better portion of 86 years instead of those who only experienced the final quarter. anyone else getting kinda annoyed by this, or am I just overanalyzing it?

anyways, Go Sox and congrats to the fans!
I think you're even overestimating the 25-year-olds. I mean, how old were they when they actually started liking and paying attention to baseball? 10? That knocks their fandom down to 15 years...and when they did actually start paying attention and really getting into the sport? 15? 20?

I'm very happy to see the Sox win, but I'd be interested in seeing how many of these Sox fans actually know who, say, Mike Greenwell is.

[bmddmb]

well, I give them more credit than that. I don't doubt that the people they've been showing on TV live and die with the Sox and know a lot about the team's history, it just seems kinda wrong to claim you've waited such a long time for a championship when you haven't even lived that long. Just once I'd like to hear one of them say "I'm so glad my grandfather is still alive to see this" or something like that...but no, it's always "thank god MY wait is over". anyways, I just realized that I'm probably not going to get positive feedback on this from Sox fans here since most people on these boards are in the age demographic that I'm talking about...oh well.

[Hudak-Budak]

I can see where you are coming from, though. My friend, who chose a favorite baseball team when he started watching 4 years ago happened to choose the Red Sox, and he was just telling me a few hours ago how it wasn't as sweet a victory for him since he hadn't been watching as long as some of these people. But I definitely think the majority is the people you described...

[greppson]

"If form holds, the Red Sox' gaudy, well-earned rings will be handed out in a ceremony April 11 when the 2004 World Series championship flag is raised above Fenway Park for the home opener.

The team in the third-base dugout for that historic event? The New York Yankees.

Sweet."

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

ok I have a small vent to make and I guess this is the right thread...first of all I'm a Sox fan, not as diehard as people from Boston, but they've always been my second favorite team because I have family in Mass. That being said, I'm sick of seeing all these 25 year old Sox fans on tv talking about how they've waited so long for this....they haven't waited long, they've waited 25 years. how bout showing some 60, 70 or 80 year old Sox fans who have waited DECADES for a championship. I know when they say they've been waiting long they mean the city and the franchise, but c'mon let's celebrate the senior Sox fans who have stuck through the better portion of 86 years instead of those who only experienced the final quarter. anyone else getting kinda annoyed by this, or am I just overanalyzing it?

anyways, Go Sox and congrats to the fans!
i'm sure there weren't many 60,70 and 80 yr olds out partying in the streets last night. im sure they left all the late night reveling for the youngins, but im sure the older folks will be heard from today.

plus when those 25 yr olds are saying we've been waiting for so long for this. by we they mean the red sox nation as a collective whole. plus they have been waiting for a long time to them, i mean its their entire baseball fandom. its the longest time that they know, you can't take it away from them just because they didn't suffer the whole time. they all deserve to be pleased as punch, they've all waited their whole lives for this!!


Congratulations to each and every Red Sox fan!! Enjoy your celebrations!! i just hope it's as sweet for me whenever a philadelphia team wins, cause i have been waiting my whole life!!!

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

are all the boston fans sleeping off thier hangovers??

[Rob]

I don't know much, but I'm willing to bet that when Simmons' new article comes out, it'll raise some goosebumps.

[FPrefect61]

I don't know much, but I'm willing to bet that when Simmons' new article comes out, it'll raise some goosebumps.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/041028

There ya go.

[JonTheRvelator]

:thumbsup

I haven't been into baseball for years.

this was the best week in sports that I've ever lived to see.

[Rob]

I'll still numb in alot of ways. I have watched as many pitches as possible for this team since I can remember. I had tears in my eyes when I saw Foulke stab the gounder. When the ball underhanded to Minky, I felt lighter. Alot lighter. All I could do was laugh uncontrollably. It's over. We won. The Red Sox are the best team in baseball. People can point out things here and there, but nothing can take away the fact that we are the best. We beat the Yankees- the former best team in the AL. We beat the best in the AL. Now we stand alone. There never was a curse, unless you count the curse of the media- how Sox fans were bombarded with the moments of their utter dispair for the benefit of ratings. To those people- I say FUCK you. Buck, McCarver, Fox, ESPN, Harold Reynolds... They all wish they were Red Sox fans after doing everything they could to make our lives miserable in the baseball world.

It's over, and we're on top.

[brydro]

Congrats Sox fans...

[Holla9]

Front page of today's paper says:

Big Deal
Red Sox win first World Series since 1918, only need 20 more titles to match Yankees

:lol

[Rob]

That's the pathetic bullshit I'd expect from the Yankees right now.

[brydro]

This is pretty funny...Im not being a dick I just think its funny... :)

[brydro]

That's the pathetic bullshit I'd expect from the Yankees right now.


Thats the media dude, not the yankees organization..The ny media...

[Holla9]

This is pretty funny...Im not being a dick I just think its funny... :)

Thats great :lol

[brydro]

That's the pathetic bullshit I'd expect from the Yankees right now.

and not to be a dick. You guys deserve the title, you were the best team in baseball this year. But I was wearing my yankees hat today to work and three guys told me to take the hat off, and that I should be embarrased. WHAT? Yeah the Yankees are still the greatest living baseball franchise ever. I am taking nothing back from the sox and their fans, but Too many people are telling me to take my Yankee shit off, and it makes me laugh. 26 titles doesn't equate to being embarrased. Even after the collapse. You guys kicked ass. Enjoy it, I know it's a great feeling. :)

[FPrefect61]

You'll find most of the Yankees fans here aren't saying stuff like that, Rob. We may be thinking it, but we won't say it. :p History doesn't happen everyday, and it's been cool watching it unfold, even though our team was on the wrong end this time.

[brydro]

:monkey Thought this was funny too, ehhh he looks alright...

[Holla9]

:monkey Thought this was funny too, ehhh he looks alright...


:lol

[greppson]

why can't yankee fans just let us enjoy it? why bring up previous years? why joke about the curse? why any of this??

just let us have our time and stop bugging us! :violent

[brydro]

why can't yankee fans just let us enjoy it? why bring up previous years? why joke about the curse? why any of this??

just let us have our time and stop bugging us! :violent

Dude, I said you guys deserved this, I am just showing whats in the new york papers, thought you guys would get a kick. Tell us all to go fuck ourselves. YOU GUYS are the WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS. I didnt create those pics, just showing you whats being said in the NY papers...

[Rob]

The fact is, we don't care. Whether "congratulatory" or not, you're raining on our parade. Let us have this- discuss those jokes in your Yankees thread.

[brydro]

The fact is, we don't care. Whether "congratulatory" or not, you're raining on our parade. Let us have this- discuss those jokes in your Yankees thread.

Apparently you do, You guys need to lighten up a lil. We are not taking anything away from your moment. Jes I figured after last night you guys would be a lil looser cause the weight is off your shoulders...relax...

[Rob]

The fact remains, whether you realize it or not, you're trying to take us down a notch with the not-so-subtle reminders about who has more championships. Again, I invite you to discuss that elsewhere- give us a week, hell, a day, off from this crap.

[Holla9]

The fact is, we don't care. Whether "congratulatory" or not, you're raining on our parade. Let us have this- discuss those jokes in your Yankees thread.


The jokes wouldn't be funny if you guys didn't get to see them :)

[brydro]

The fact remains, whether you realize it or not, you're trying to take us down a notch with the not-so-subtle reminders about who has more championships. Again, I invite you to discuss that elsewhere- give us a week, hell, a day, off from this crap.

I appologize, I really didn't think it was going to be like that man. If I was a sox fan I would laugh at all of us. I appologize once again. Enjoy it boys...but please loosen up, and enjoy.

[JonTheRvelator]

That's the pathetic bullshit I'd expect from the Yankees right now.

:thumbsup

[brydro]

:thumbsup

Yeah the yanks paid off the NY Media to put that in the papers. You guys are a joke...

[JTRain]

I love this.

[Rob]

That's amazing.

[mihighdavehead]

Just want to say congrats to all y'all Red Sox fans. Enjoy it and savor it because you deserve it. As a lifetime baseball fan it was truly magical to witness this complete team pull off this championship run.

:monkey

[JTRain]

Hope you're enjoying. :thumbsup

[Rob]

This must have happened before the operation that coated his balls in steel.

[JTRain]

This must have happened before the operation that coated his balls in steel.


:lol

[Rob]

I almost wish they had lost just so Jimmy "Bandwagon" Fallon could eat shit.

[mihighdavehead]

Bill Buckner is on the Dan Patrick show right now.

[JTRain]

So...parade Friday or Saturday?

[greppson]

Saturday at 12 noon.

[JTRain]

Hmm...it could be doable for me...

[EatSleepJeep]

Congratulations to all the Red Sox Fans out there. Y'all have waited long enough and now it's your turn for a day in the sun. This World series run will be remembered for quite a long time as one of the greatest ever. My hat's off to the city of Boston, I couldn't think of a team more deserving of this honor(OK, I can think of one, but they lost to the Yankers). Enjoy the feeling, you earned it.

[DMBfan41]

Just saw the Boston Disney World commercial. Thought it was cute.

[greppson]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1919387

WOW!!!!

[redsoxiluv]

"If you look closely at the top photo accompanying this story, you can actually see the stitches, holding together what appears to be a basketball underneath his skin. However, reliable sources have confirmed that's really an ankle in there someplace."
:eek: those pictures look even worse than I'd imagined, especially the one showing the stitches. so incredible...

[JTRain]

Good luck in Japan, Gabe. :thumbsup

[dm40band]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1919387

WOW!!!!

cry me a river :rolleyes:

[twosteppn36]

whats he crying about?

[greppson]

cry me a river :rolleyes:
typical yankees fan.

go suck an egg. we got it this year and your star studded team did shit. worst lost in sports history.

:lol

;)

[saygoodbye12]

Good luck in Japan, Gabe. :thumbsup
How much did he sign for?

[greppson]

How much did he sign for?
2 mil for a 1 year contract.

i mean, he is 29, so...

[dm40band]

whats he crying about?


its a joke between me and jason :)


he's a Red Sox fan
im a Yankee fan
we never agree on baseball :lol


and thats the way it should be but we are still Gorge buddies


hey Jason sing me another tune!!!!!!! :D

[Nautiest_monkey]

Do any of you feel like you have absorbed the curse? Since game 4 vs. teh Yankees my life has gone in the shitter. Ny ex even told me that I wanted teh Sox to win so bad I took the curse on myself.

[Rob]

Na, I think Jimmy Fallon's capitalization on the Sox win transferred the curse to the Yanks.

[UNC41]

Na, I think Jimmy Fallon's capitalization on the Sox win transferred the curse to the Yanks.

I think anything Jimmy Fallon comes in contact with is cursed.

[Nautiest_monkey]

Jimmy Fallon has ruined Tom Hanks career.

They hang out at a Sox game and then the polar express goes belly up

[redsoxiluv]

mirabelli's back!:bounce
2 years, $3 million. not bad for a backup catcher.

now let's hope 'tek comes to his senses and sticks around...

[UJCdream]

:thumbsup to 'Belli!

if Tek drops the no trade clause he wants... he'll stay. but i'm pretty certain that if he won't budge on that, he won't be back.

[redsoxiluv]

agreed. no trade clauses just won't happen with this ownership, mainly because if anyone on the team is granted one, Manny's will automatically be triggered. but I do hope they work out their differences and get Tek to stay. I just don't see any other teams approaching what Tek's been asking for, but you never know.

[UJCdream]

what did he want again? 5 year, $50 mil? i say, give him 3 with an option for 4. he's still got a few really good years ahead of him, but there's no way anyone is going to cough up $50 mil in addition to a no trade clause for a 33 year old catcher.

i love Tek to death, he's my favorite player in baseball currently. but even i wouldn't give him that.

[JTRain]

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/awards/y2004/tyib/tyib_awards_pitcher.jsp

Watch the video of Curt's 14 K game against Baltimore. About 15 seconds in, with Tejada
at the plate, you can hear a guy scream "You're gonna swing at it! It's the splitter!"

And of course, he swings and strikes out. God, I loved seeing that happen.

[Nautiest_monkey]

The woman I marry will post in this thread one day

[redsoxiluv]

Now that the Sox have offered salary arbitration to almost all of their free agents, who do you expect to see back next year?

I tend to think that this makes Varitek more likely to return (wishful thinking?), but I'm not sure about Pedro. Offering Lowe arbitration struck me as bizarre, as I'd assumed all ties with him would be cut...hopefully this is just a formality?

[UJCdream]

of the 9 that were offered arbitration, these are my picks:

Tek: will return
Pedro: not entirely sure here... but i'm going to go on a limb and say he'll return.
Lowe: will not return
Cabrera: will return
Reese: will not return
McCarty: will not return
Astacio: will not return
Myers: will return
Kapler: well... he's going to Japan so he doesn't really count.

[MistreatedLewis]

Now that the Sox have offered salary arbitration to almost all of their free agents, who do you expect to see back next year?

I tend to think that this makes Varitek more likely to return (wishful thinking?), but I'm not sure about Pedro. Offering Lowe arbitration struck me as bizarre, as I'd assumed all ties with him would be cut...hopefully this is just a formality?

Not wishful thinking. Varitek seems to really want to be on the Sox. Unless he gets a deal from someone else that knox his sox off, I don't think he's going to leave, whether Boras likes it or not.

Lowe is probably gone. Baltimore maybe?

Pedro will be a Met. As a Met fan this makes me happy... though I'd rather see the Mets pick up two huge bats (Delgado and Magglio?) and get a lesser pitcher.

[Rob]

ESPN's bottom line was reporting breaking news... "Red Sox sign P..." at that point I almost shat myself... and then the rest scrolled by- "Matt Mantei."

Doh!

[redsoxiluv]

ESPN's bottom line was reporting breaking news... "Red Sox sign P..." at that point I almost shat myself... and then the rest scrolled by- "Matt Mantei."

Doh!
:lol if only...

but hey, if he has to end up somewhere else, at least it's not going to be the Yanks. With the Mets, there's less of a chance of it coming back to haunt us...

[Nautiest_monkey]

I'd rather see Pedro as a Met than a Yankee anyday. He won't see the playoff over there.

[UJCdream]

pedro is a big fan of winning though... i know that in his time with the Sox, we weren't always good... but we almost always had a shot at things. the mets, not so much. i think if it comes down to it, he'll choose Boston just because of the win factor.

[Nautiest_monkey]

pedro is a big fan of winning though... i know that in his time with the Sox, we weren't always good... but we almost always had a shot at things. the mets, not so much. i think if it comes down to it, he'll choose Boston just because of the win factor.

Truer words couldn't be spoken

[Nautiest_monkey]

I'm finally getting my Sox tat this weekend. I know a guy who is a tat artist and is going to do it for 20 bucks since he's a fan.

[UJCdream]

what are you getting?

[Nautiest_monkey]

A red "B" outlined in blue

[Nautiest_monkey]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpNWZic251BF9TAzI1NjY0ODI1BHNlYwN0 aA--?slug=ap-wintermeetings&prov=ap&type=lgns

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- David Wells could be switching sides in the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.

The loud lefty known for his unabashed love of Yankees history was closing in Friday night on an $8 million, two-year contract with Boston, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said on condition of anonymity.

The deal would contain performance bonuses that could make it worth $18 million over two years.

If Wells signs, it would be a stunning turnaround for the 41-year-old pitcher, who spent four years with New York over two tours, then went 12-8 with a 3.73 ERA last season for his hometown San Diego Padres.

Boston, coming off its first World Series title since 1918, also hopes to re-sign Pedro Martinez and Jason Varitek.

``I'm sure before all the players are off the board, there will be players for whom the price is right for the Boston Red Sox,'' Boston GM Theo Epstein said.

As the winter meetings opened Friday, Russ Ortiz, Steve Finley and Richard Hidalgo found new teams, though there were no trades.

Arizona set the free-agent pace for the second straight day, agreeing to a $33 million, four-year contract with Ortiz in an effort to complement Randy Johnson in its starting rotation.

Finley, who started last season with the Diamondbacks and finished it with the Dodgers, moved down Interstate 5, agreeing to a $14 million, two-year contract with the Anaheim Angels.

Texas agreed to a $5 million, one-year deal with right fielder Richard Hidalgo, who split last season between Houston and the New York Mets. And the Florida Marlins reached preliminary agreements with relievers Antonio Alfonseca and Todd Jones.

As for the biggest names, agents appeared to be holding back, waiting for the market to rise even higher.

``When you look at last year's attendance growth, all those things put more money in the marketplace,'' Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre, Varitek and Derek Lowe are represented by Scott Boras, whose clients have not reached deals until later in the offseason in recent years.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expected to talk with Boras and with other top agents during the weekend, including Scott Shapiro, who represents Carl Pavano. Cashman also said Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre and staff ace Mike Mussina were to have called Pavano in the past week.

``He just needs some time to see where his heart is,'' Shapiro said.

Anaheim, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit and Seattle also are competing for Pavano, who pretty much has ruled out returning to the Marlins.

``At this point in time, I'd say it's very slim,'' Shapiro said. ``Ultimately, I don't know if they have the financial resources to compete as the market has matured to a certain level.''

New York is close to an agreement with Jaret Wright on a $21 million, three-year deal, and Cashman would like to get at least one other starting pitcher this weekend. The Yankees also have been talking with Eric Milton.

Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Barry Zito, Tim Hudson and Shawn Green have all been mentioned in trade talk, but it appears Johnson and Kevin Brown won't be going anywhere soon.

The Diamondbacks said Friday that while Johnson had asked them to explore trading him to a contender, they expect the 41-year-old left-hander will remain in Arizona. The Yankees pulled out of talks last week, saying Arizona's asking price was too high, and it's not clear whether the Big Unit would waive his no-trade clause to go anywhere else.

New Arizona chief executive officer Jeff Moorad said the talks were over and would not resume unless ``they choose to re-engage.'' Cashman, in turn, said it was up to the Diamondbacks to call him.

Arizona, responsible for large amounts of deferred payments in past contracts and coming off an 111-loss season, was thought to be on a tight budget. But the Diamondbacks agreed Thursday to a $45 million, four-year deal with third baseman Troy Glaus, the 2002 World Series MVP with Anaheim. Then came the deal for Ortiz, a right-hander who went 15-9 with a 4.13 ERA for Atlanta but won just twice in his last 10 regular-season starts.

While the Diamondbacks tied for the 10th-most losses in major league history last season, Ortiz expects a quick turnaround.

``Winning's important. I wanted to be a part of what they're trying to accomplish,'' Ortiz said.

By adding the 39-year-old Finley, the Angels can move Garret Anderson to left field, where he played in 2002.

``Hey, I'm still in Los Angeles, right? Just wearing a different color,'' Finley said.

Finley, who turned down a $17 million, three-year offer from the Giants, was a key factor as the Dodgers advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1996. He hit .263 with 13 homers and 46 RBIs in 58 games after the July 31 trade, finishing at .271 overall with 36 homers and 94 RBIs.

``Once we took a look at it, we said, `This is a natural,' `` Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said

[slk11086]

Things are looking good for the sox with David Wells coming... now we just need tek and orlando...

[saygoodbye12]

He'll be 43 in the last year of his deal. But it's ok, Wells has always been in fantastic shape, so I'm sure it won't be a problem. :thumbsup

[Nautiest_monkey]

He's signed

[DMBfan41]

that's a mistake. Sox will see

[UJCdream]

can't be any worse than Lowe

[Nautiest_monkey]

Boomer has a great personality

[redsoxiluv]

that's a mistake. Sox will see
I agree. I've never liked Wells -- regardless of how well he may pitch, he's not a good influence (remember the brawls with fans? or pitching the perfect game "half-drunk":rolleyes: ). Plus, when we've signed ex-Yankees who are past their prime it has invariably blown up in our face...

I'll try to lose my anti-Wells attitude before the season starts, because I feel guilty hating one of our players, but it won't be easy.

at least it's only $8 mil. over 2 years.

[Nautiest_monkey]

Wells didn't fit in with the Yanks, he's a blue collar guy and I think he will fit in well. Just remember that people were scared about what Corey Dillon was gonna do thhis year, I think that may be working out ok.

[UJCdream]

Corey Dillon is doing fabulously.

And maybe Wells just needs a more relaxed ("loose" if you will) atmosphere. the one thing i'm worried about is his admitted dislike of pitching at Fenway.

[Nautiest_monkey]

He was a Yankee and a Blue Jay, how much would you like pitching at Fenway.

[UJCdream]

haha.... very valid point.

[saygoodbye12]

Wells didn't fit in with the Yanks, he's a blue collar guy and I think he will fit in well. Just remember that people were scared about what Corey Dillon was gonna do thhis year, I think that may be working out ok.
:lol

You're not actually seriously comparing picking up Corey Dillon to David Wells are you?

[Nautiest_monkey]

Only for the negative effects on the team

[saygoodbye12]

Only for the negative effects on the team
He played on a shitty team and still managed to rush for over 1000 yards his first 6 years. He's 30 years old.

And you're comparing him to a fat out of shape 41 year old pitcher. It's not the worst pick up since Boston is only paying him 8 million over 2 years. But I laugh at those who think he's a great pickup who is going to really help this team.

I would bet a large amount of money he'll be hurt and unable to play in the post season.

Also, look at the stats for pitchers at the age of 43 who can pitch 100+ innings. It's a very short list. One that Wells certainly won't be joining.

[Nautiest_monkey]

I know all about Corey Dillon and what he did. At the time he was picked up people were worried that his attitude was going to effect the chemistry that the Pats have. Someone said the same about Wells attitude. You might be blowing this up just a bit.

[saygoodbye12]

I know all about Corey Dillon and what he did. At the time he was picked up people were worried that his attitude was going to effect the chemistry that the Pats have. Someone said the same about Wells attitude. You might be blowing this up just a bit.
I'm not blowing it up. Wells attitude isn't an issue. I think he will fit in with the Sox. The only problem with him is if he will actually be able to play...you know...baseball.

I'm sure in preparation for the season he will work out at least 5 days a week to get in shape. No worries. :)

[Nautiest_monkey]

I'm not blowing it up. Wells attitude isn't an issue. I think he will fit in with the Sox. The only problem with him is if he will actually be able to play...you know...baseball.

If you read the post I was refferring to this would have been avoided. As it was the personalities I was referencing

[saygoodbye12]

If you read the post I was refferring to this would have been avoided. As it was the personalities I was referencing
On weekends my reading comprehension skills are severely limited. I apologize :)

[redsoxiluv]

So it looks like Pedro's gone...and now our pitching staff's in worse shape than I ever imagined it could be.

It appears Pedro Martinez has pitched his final game in a Red Sox uniform.

Indications this afternoon were that the Mets had added a guaranteed fourth year to their offer to Pedro Martinez, and, according to the Boston Herald, Martinez has reportedly agreed on terms to a four-year, $56 million contract to join the Mets. for the full article, see:
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/12/13/mets_reportedly_sweeten_offer_to_pedro/

[Nautiest_monkey]

this is truly a sad day

[FPrefect61]

http://nydailynews.com/front/breaking_news/story/262000p-224343c.html

More good news for you guys. :lol

[Nautiest_monkey]

http://nydailynews.com/front/breaking_news/story/262000p-224343c.html

More good news for you guys. :lol

The start of the season isn't as inportant as the end

[redsoxiluv]

True, but somehow I'd hoped for a pitching staff whose average wasn't so perilously close to fourty...

[ProudestAnt]

Finally a bright spot in our off-season!!!

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/news/bos_news.jsp?ymd=20041215&content_id=922629&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp

[UJCdream]

yeah!! welcome aboard, Renteria!

[BSnead4n6]

you sons of bitches!!

well, i guess we'll take cabrerra then...

[ProudestAnt]

We're also in talks with the A's for Hudson and the Cubbies for Clement. I'm skeptical about the Clement move as he's statistically eratic with his pitches, but Hudson would DEFINITELY be a great move. Keeping my fingers crossed...

[DMBfan41]

They got Renteria. The curse is alive again! They got #3, the last out of the world series!!

[UJCdream]

oh GOOD LORD. give it UP jared!

[JTRain]

We're also in talks with the A's for Hudson and the Cubbies for Clement. I'm skeptical about the Clement move as he's statistically eratic with his pitches, but Hudson would DEFINITELY be a great move. Keeping my fingers crossed...


I don't think there is anyway we get Hudson.


Welcome Edgar. Good luck Orlando.

[ProudestAnt]

Other good news today...

http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/news/bos_news.jsp?ymd=20041215&content_id=922615&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp

He'll make a decent number 5 starter, or if we make a move on another big namer, a great middle reliever...

[FPrefect61]

Pedro left on the same day as Clemens left 8 years ago. :lol

[UJCdream]

i suppose that means a new curse is born right? :rolleyes: