The Misplaced Bostonians

Massacred again...

2007-08-31T00:32:00.000Z

At least we are still five up and coming back to Fenway for a little while... thats all I have to say about that.

Lets keep the streak going. Double digit wins over the empire would be nice!

2007-08-28T16:44:00.000Z

Lets go Sox. The last house of pain series before the playoffs. Hey, I mean if we can sweep a team who won the world series in the last five years, then who's to say we can't be a team who hasn't? AND WE HAVE TO BOO CLEMENS BIG TIME! Yelling at the TV screen is acceptable, nay, recommended! Game is being shown tonight on NASN. GO SOX!

Going for the Southside sweep.

2007-08-26T16:46:00.000Z

The Red Sox continue their domination in Chicago with a third straight win against the White Sox. The Red Sox now already have two 16 game winners with at least month yet to go in the season. Wakefield's knuckler was unhittable for his whole outing and his run support was immense. Again, as par for the rest of the season, Boston was getting it done with singles and doubles instead of home runs, but this didn't the Sox from blowing out Chicago 14-2. The Chicago pen fell to pieces in the 8th where the Red Sox scored 8 runs against 3 different pitchers in a 40 minute half inning.

Wakefield definitely has a chance to surpass his season win record of 17 and may even get to the 20 win mark, hopefully with some nice postseason outings! Hey may be old, but he's still got it!

The blog is back from vacation.

2007-08-25T20:53:00.000Z

Now, I'm not going to even bother going into detail with everything that has gone on since my last post. I will just briefly discuss some of the stuff I'm excited about, and a couple things I'm worried about too.

Things I am excited about.

The Red Sox are still in first place!
This really is special, and it seems as though the gap is widening again. What was once a 14 and a half game lead over the Yankees is now at 6.5 after plummeting to 4 a couple weeks ago. This means we have the biggest lead between 1st and 2nd place in any division in the league. A very positive thing for us Sox fans who are used to only vying for that blessed wildcard spot. It seems as though, possibly, the hot streak of the Yankees is diminishing and the only thing keeping them going is 43HR leading Rodriguez.
The Yankees are in second place and not even secure in the wildcard slot.
It would just make my year if the Yankees don't make the postseason. Nuff said.
All-stars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett have joined the Celtics.
Although I was really skeptical about all the players and draft picks we were giving away including Al Jefferson and Sebastian Telfair amongst others to start with, this set-up has started to grow on me. I think the Celtics have a decent chance of taking the East and taking us green fans to the finals! Nice to think the gamblers agree with us. Odds before Allen & Garnett: 90-to-1. Odds after: 5-1. That's a pretty hefty leap up the rankings!
The Patriots are contenders AGAIN!
There are only a handful of teams that can boast the offense that the Patriots have since all of their offseason moves. Having acquired Moss, Stallworth and Thomas, the Pats are conceived by many as the top seed in the AFC. The new father Tom Brady has his O-line returning for this season and a plethora of guys to throw to. In last nights pre-season matchup with Carolina, Brady looked pretty keyed in.
Boston sports could make the triple this year.
I really think its possible for the Sox, Celtics and Pats to win their respective titles this season. And who knows, at the current rate the Revs might do too. As for the Bruins, I reckon there may need to be some more work done on that front.
Consistency is probably the key thing keeping the Sox in first. Its really visible. Neither Ortiz or Ramirez are having power years, but still, they are both hitting for good average and getting the hits that win games. As for the starters, although there has been some shuffling with a Schilling injury and then the return of Lester and the debut of Clay Bucholz, we are still a pretty scary team to face with our pitching with still a chance to have three 15 game winners. (Beckett 16, Wakefield 15 and Matsuzaka 13).
Finally, Wily Mo has gone.
It was about time that our strikeout prone power man left Fenway for a more suitable team, the Nats. As for his replacement Carter, is yet to be seen, but his spot on the roster made way for Bobby Kielty who has acclimatised very well.
A-Rod could become a free agent.
I know this isn't a popular one, but if A-Rod doesn't go for his team option and the Yankees don't sign him (Cashman has already warned), then there are only a few teams with the financial capacity to pick him up, the Sox being one of them. Its hard not to like the idea of Youk, Dustin, A-Rod and Lowell in the infield, as long as they just switch Alex to an SS!

Things that are worrying me.

Eric Gagné hasn't impressed me yet. I'm still waiting to see the lights out stuff he has shown everywhere else.
The Yankees are still second.
We all know by now not to count the MFY out just yet. Lets just hope we don't get a repeat of the Massacre from last year!

Ok, well maybe I did cover most of what happened while I was away. Now its off my chest. Go Boston!

What a bad day for the Yankees. No sympathy from me though...

2007-06-03T21:42:00.000Z

So lets get the basics out of the way first. The Yankees lose to the Red Sox again with a score of 11-6. Now the background... Torre is on thin ice because of the lack of numbers in the W column as well as the lack of both offensive and pitching production due to a team breakdown as well as injuries.

So although the Yankees were leading at three different times in the game, they were unable to sustain it until the end of the 9th. Giambi, their big hitter, was already out of this one and may not be back til 2008 and so with Wil Nieves doing the catching and Posada DHing, it was already a modified lineup. Lets add some spice here... Lowell decides to body check (totally legal) Robbie Cano to try and srcrub the double play. Cano hits the sand but somehow manages to release completing the double play. Still, us Sox fans had something to cheer about; A Yankee was tackled to the ground! Then in the meantime, we find out that Roger Clemens has a 'fatigued groin' (code for 'I'm in my 40s and shouldn't be pitching anymore') and won't start on Monday and may not start for another two weeks. HAH ROOOOOOOOOOGEEEEEEEEER!

Then after Lowell and Varitek go deep back-to-back, Lowell goes out again and makes another Yankee hit the floor. This time I'm laughing until I realise that Doug Mientkewicz wasn't getting up. Yes it scored Sox runs but it was an awful moment. 2004WS-star Doug was down and even when he got up and stretchered out his eyes did not look too good.

The only thing bad for the Red Sox was that Youkilis' hitting streak ended (even though he was on base 3 times with walks). Dustin Pedroia continued to be hotter than a jalapeño dipped in lava with another multiple hit game.

The Bottom Line Is The Yankees Suck!

And English people say they don't like baseball...

2007-05-31T18:14:00.000Z

Shove it in their face whenever they call Baseball, rounders by making a huge deal when they unintentionally use these phrases (or similar).

"Just [touch base] with me to let me know."
"It's time to [step up (to the plate)] and prove yourself."
"I tried to pull but went [down swinging]."
"Don't [second-guess] me, you know I'm right."
"Could you give me a [ballpark figure] on the price of that?"
"I got to [first/second/third base] with her."
"She got the question correct [right off of the bat]."
"Stop giving me a hard time and just [play ball].
"They were coming at me [left, right and center]."
"Have you made sure you [covered all the bases]?"
"It ain't over 'til its over" -- Yogi Berra

Thought this little list would help you out. Have fun.

Going Quackers for the Mighty Ducks

2007-05-31T17:54:00.001Z

Yes its Stanley cup time and the Mighty Ducks continue their impressive performance with their second win (1-0) in the series against the Ottawa Senators. Anaheim's amazing goalie (Giguere) has been all over the place and has proven to be the big problem for the Senators because they are unable to capitalize on the very few offensive chances that the Ducks have given to them.

PS. I refuse to call them the Anaheim Ducks still. In my heart they are still the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and play on a pond, not a Honda Center. :P Go Ducks.

Feels good winning, doesn't it?

2007-05-31T17:31:00.000Z

So it seems that the only thing making me blog is the fact that it is a distraction from revision. So here goes. Yes its been a month since the last post, I'm very sorry, but you know how it is... or not. So much has happened. What has remained constant is the Red Sox domination of Major League Baseball. The Red Sox are top of the AL East and the majors altogether with 36-16 and a 10.5 game lead over second place which isn't the Yankees, YAY! The Yanks are in fact in a fantastic fourth place tied with our perennial bottom-feeders, the Rays.

It seems that every single player on the Sox squad is really playing at an MVP standard. Going round the diamond Youk has been amazing with two homers (one being and inside-the-parker) in two days this week along with a 22game hitting streak. Dustin Pedroia has certainly settled into the lineup hitting often and often for extra bases. A Red Sox team dispute of who was faster Kevin or Dustin was settled when Youk hustled his way around the bases when he hit into the triangle of death in center field. Mike Lowell, although having some difficulty initially in defense has shown that he has great offensive prowess also by hitting home runs. Our SS has been average in my opinion, certainly a downgrade defensively but not by a large margin. Tek started slow but built up speed and continues to be strong base for the team. As for the outfield, you can't complain really. Coco has been making some amazing running grabs and Manny is Manny. Drew is yet to show me anything astonishing in right, but he does what needs to to get by. Papi although recently out for a few games (feeling sick), has been his usual self and has assumed even more so the role of unofficial captain and morale seems to be boosted by his presence.

As for pitching, its been great. Even with Tavarez picking up the back end of the rotation, the wins have kept coming. Beckett suffered a minor injury which slowed his 7-0 season but he returned two nights ago and won in a stunning fashion. Schilling looks to have improved after one particularly shaky start, he struck out 10 in his last outing. Dice-K although not being as dominating as I thought he would be when we acquired him, he has been fairly solid and reliable. Not much to say about Wake, same ole.

Don't forget to vote for all of our beloved Sox in the All-Star game. Due to it being played in an NL park, you have to decide to either select David Ortiz for 1B or write in Youk.

Looking forward to the Yankee-Sox matchup this weekend. You will be able to catch a game with Jonny and JC on Sunday night at 1 on five.

We own the Yankees!

2007-04-28T08:48:00.000Z

So after a little road trip where we pick up two Ws at Camden Yard and still have trouble against our new AL East contender, the Jays... The Yankees are becoming the dropouts of the AL now below the Rays in the standing, which in my mind should be remembered for all eternity. Sox are now 15-7, Yanks are 8-13, HAH. Sorry George, you spent how much?

As for the other games, Wily Mo continued his strikeout or send one to the moon pattern by getting a grand-slam in the 8th inning of the second O's game which gave Josh Beckett his 5th win in April. The only other pitchers to do that for the Sox are Babe Ruth and Pedro Martinez... good company to be in.

Last nights game saw Lugo and Youkilis perform amazingly, proving that its not just the ones with huge salaries that perform, unlike a certain Bronx team. Both of them homered and contributed to our 11-4 win over the Yankees IN NEW YORK. Got me pretty happy. Dice-K was a little shaky at one point where he walked the bases loaded, but so was Pettitte who had to leave by the 5th. At least Matsuzaka struck out 7.

Got two more games at Yankee stadium lets hope we can keep it up.

Oh and as for Coco and Dustin, I have decided to partially retract my negative thoughts about them as they have been getting it done recently :P

The Red Sox are Back to Back to Back to Back!

2007-04-23T20:17:00.000Z

Does it get any better than this? Total humiliation of the Yankees! Well all we need now is some 2007 jewelry. For only the second time in baseball history, a team smashed four consecutive home runs against the same pitcher. The last time for it to occur was in 1963 where the Indians carried out the feat. It started with Manny, then our new boy JD, Mike and finishing up with our captain Jason. Mike Lowell also had a second homer scoring three runs in the 7th, eventually the winning hit after Papelbon shut the Yankees down in the 9th with the final score being 7-6. The third straight win for the Sox by 7 runs making the series 777. A sign?

This is the first time since September 2nd, 1990 that the Red Sox have swept the Yankees at Fenway. These records are making me excited. I know its early still... records being broken can only be good. Also last night's game saw the kick start of Manny Ramirez offensively and rookie Pedroia was actually able to make a name for himself getting a couple of hits and making a crazy dive to stop a Josh Phelps drive.

The greatest thing about this series is that Joe Torre went in on Friday saying that he is not going to get stressed out over this series because it is so early in the season. HAH. The Yankees were playing postseason emergency ball and still got whooped. They played their backup catcher, FIRSTBASEMAN, Josh Phelps and also used their starter Pettitte as a relief... Doesn't sound like game #18 situations to me. As for the Sox, we kept it cool with out starters going really deep into the game and our new star reliever, Hideki Okajima, picking up the slack and Papelbon closing it out. This has gotta be a formula for success.

Believe.

Start with Cora?

2007-04-22T17:43:00.000Z

Maybe its about time we gave good ole reliable back up AC a chance and start him every game. I have never seen what Tito sees in Pedroia, hah of course I'm not there at training, but I am not convinced as of yet. What I do see is a scared management, they don't want to do a Hanley Ramirez or Cla Meredith on this guys ass. They believe he has a future and are willing to risk it but naming him number 1 second baseman. I personally think he should be in Pawtucket a bit longer. Cora has been around forever, has experience and, recently, has been making clutch winning plays. My vote... keep him on.

In a little over half the number of games Pedroia has played in, Cora has got one less run (5) a double and a triple along with a .300 era and 3 ribbies. Pedroia on the other hand with 14 games played doesn't have an RBI yet!

Funnily enough, if it weren't for this past weekend, I would have also been taking my rage out on Coco Crispy, but he done good against this Yanks so far, so I will stay quiet for a little longer.

The blog is back in town...

2007-04-22T17:12:00.000Z

Yes I know my absence is inexcusable, but I'm not getting paid for this (yet), so when there's a lot going on, it gets tough. So here's my attempt at a feeble excuse anyway. I've been busy looking for universities and over the states. Also been sick for a couple weeks since my last blog with some allergy. I'm convinced that I am allergic to England and that I should be instantly deported back to New England, but that hasn't worked as of yet, sadly.

So! What have I missed discussion on? Well not only the first game of the season, which was a loss to the Royals, but also the ending of the Bruins season and in essence the Celtics are out of contention too. That makes New England a baseball only zone! WOO. And right now we are in the midst of a Yankee series, is there a more exciting way to restart my journalistic tendencies? I think not. So here we are top of the American League, three weeks into this fresh season and have already won a Yankee series. Pretty cool in my opinion. The last two games have been saves by the back of the lineup, another thing which astonishes me... this team is good, if our 7,8,9s are getting the job too. CORA RULES. (I may never say that again so take notice).

A sweet little homage to Fenway's 95th birthday also was the fact that we replicated the score of our first game 7-6W over the New York Highlanders, the team that became the Yankees... Pretty neat huh? So tonight is Matsuzaka's chance to really show his stuff. Although he has been amazing... getting the W has been harder than expected for him, but he should be able to beat the rookie the Yanks are sending to the mound.

Our pitching has been pretty lights out with both Beckett and Wakefield giving ace-like performances, Beckett now 4-0, and even Tavarez seemed comfortable on his last start as he keeps the roster spot warm for Lester who is to return within the next weeks. Schilling has been his normal self too getting wins when necessary. Great stuff. Our defense so far isn't replicating that of last year with the very few errors we had, but our offense has been on fire while the league as a whole has been down. An example of this is last year Mike Lowell gave 6 errors over the entire season, and so far this season he has 5. Nevertheless, we are now 11-5 and ahead of the Yankees, which I know is early to state, but still makes me feel good.

Having been to my first game this season (Wake's 10-1 win over Anaheim), I really saw a productive team that is ready to utilize everything, even small ball if necessary to get runs from behind. Also, it seems the intensity of the fans just fuels Papelbon as he is welcomed into the game with a standing ovation as well as when he leaves the mound. Also, other Japanese newbie, Hideki Okajima, proved that he can deal with closing pressure against the Yankees, which is an awesome backup tool to have sitting out in RF.

Sox down the Tampa Yankees.

2007-03-13T17:15:00.000Z

The only game of spring training in which the Sox face the Yankees got off to an unusual start. New Red Sox pitchers Hideki Okajima and Daisuke Matsuzaka made their way to home plate to meet New York star Hideki Matsui. The huge media entourage (mainly Japanese media, from New York, Boston and Tokyo) went wild for the moment of hand shaking and traditional Japanese bowing. After that had been done, it was time to play ball.

On the mound for the Sox was Timmy W. who again showed a rough first inning letting in 3runs, but seemed to sort it out in the second and third innings. Starting for the Yankees was Carl Pavano who has had a tough time of getting to play for the bombers, but looked impressive and a contender for one of their starter spots this season.

To note, JD Drew hit his first home run in a Red Sox uniform in the sixth inning off of Darrell Rasner. The Yankees took the early lead however, even after leaving A Rod and Jeter at home. Only the first four of the Yanks lineup are predicted to be there on opening day, so for half of the time, they could have been playing the Tampa Yankees... but you wouldn't have known. Some great plays by Yankees farm players made a game of it while the Sox sent out their predicted opening day lineup (with Wake & Dougie). Anyways, the Sox were able to pick up three in the 7th to win the game 7 to 5.

That's all that is important really. It would have been awful to go into the season knowing that AAA New York Yankees beat you, so that's that done. Time to move onto the next game. Toronto...grrr... the team that beat us to 2nd.

Three more games have passed. So many games, so little time.

2007-03-05T21:37:00.000Z

Here's the quick rundown of the key evenst of the past few days. Schilling pitched an amazing 3 1/3 innings against the Twins only coming off when the Twins hit a solo jack off of him. The home run scored off of Schilling was to be the only point on the board for the Twins who gave way to the Sox first victory of 6-1. Main action on the Sox offense was Coco with a 2ribby single and Lugo who went 2for3. Great news that our ace is on form and seemed to really dominate the game. Theo wondering if he should have given that extension? Maybe he forgot that Schilling was overweight going into the hallowed '04 season...

Also against the Twins, the Sox played a 'B' game which starred our fully recovered Jon Lester who pitched one perfect first inning to start the game off.

Today's game was against the Los Angeles Dodgers which saw Beckett take it to the mound for a second time. It seems all of our pitchers are on point as Beckett notched up three scoreless innings in his start with two strikeouts. Sox newbie, Brendan Donnelly pitched after Josh and was charged with the 2-1 loss.

Next up is Matsuzaka's first Grapefruit League start against the Florida Marlins. Will the monstah from Japan step up or lose it against Major League opposition. Maybe we will see that mythical-slider-like-ball aka. The Gyroball... gotta wait and see...

Now, I know its really early on, I know its only spring training and I know we have only won one game, but this rotation is really pleasing me. Most or all of the losses have come due to pitching changes around the middle innings. By the time the season starts, our starters, with any luck should be able to cope with going at least five. Haha. So that leaves space for a more concentrated effort from the pen and what in my mind should be a very successful year for Red Sox pitching. Could Theo have managed to get the perfect balance between sheer AL-monstah-crushing-bicep-offense and mound-dominating-ass-whooping-pitching? As well as keeping a pretty solid defense? We'll get to see more and more as time progresses. I'm visualizing success!

Possibly the best photo of Spring Training.

2007-03-04T16:55:00.000Z

I just had to share this with you. What a great shot! Its Papi and his Puppy, Mikey. Too funny. I bet its good at fetch and catch...

There is still a chance for the B's.

2007-03-04T16:24:00.000Z

Any win over Les Habs is an inspiring one for the Bruins. After a loss to the lowest ranked team in the league (the Flyers), the B's turened it around and beat Montreal 3-1. The Bruins are still in 12th place in the Conference, but are only 6 points out of a playoff position where the Canes sit in 8th. With the Bruins still having a game or two in hand, and over a month of games left to go, we are still in with a shot. Who knows? Maybe it will be a miracle season!

Spring training rattles on.

2007-03-04T16:04:00.000Z

Well the Sox are yet to win a spring game against a Major league team, but managed to win 9-1 when they played BC after Matsuzaka's first start. Just a quick update on the scores, apart from the BC game, the Sox lost again to the Blue Jays 6-9 and the Phillies 9-12 (after 10).

Ok, so Matsuzaka looked awesome apart from the first batter he faced which made Red Sox nation hold their breath when the leadoff, Johnny Ayers, made it to second base. After that though, he honed in and destroyed BC for the rest of his outing. He seemed to dominate the mound and show a lot of agression for a spring game. He made 25 pitches, 19 for strikes and got three strikeouts. Now that we have seen him for real, maybe we can let the team focus now... We've got a season to win.

Other news, Manny started against the Phillies in LF but only managed a strikeout. Wakefield made his first start of the spring, with a shaky first inning due to an error by Pedroia on a line drive eventually letting the Phillies score two, while striking out two over his 2 inning stretch. The standout player of the game was Jonathan Papelbon who started out of the bullpen pitching two innings, striking out four and not letting a man on base.

Tonight we will see Curt's second start of the spring against Twins ace Johan Santana, should be a game to watch. Hopefully we will get a win...

And another sport is coming to London.

2007-03-02T19:49:00.000Z

Now that any remnants of the London Knights are gone after the demolition the once great London Arena, it seems that the dome is finding some real use after all: The Home of US sports in Europe. Next up is the NHL who have annouced two regular season games between the Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings to take place on the 29th & 30th of September. This is just fantastic news and it seems as though Britain has finally accepted the huge popularity of US sports amongst its population and the fact that it needs to play a bigger role in promoting it. Now three of the major US leagues the NFL, the NHL and the NBA has chosen London to host games for us loyal fans. Tickets for what they are calling NHL Premiere, start at £25 and are available at this link... http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/q13fb4?brand=theO2&CAMEFROM=CFC_UK_SP0088_WEBLINK . I'm sure they will go pretty quick.

If only we had a facility for some baseball... wait we do.. check this article out. http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/8820507 MLB want to play at The Oval. Wouldn't that be great! Finally a real sport played on those grounds!

Its on.

2007-03-02T19:41:00.000Z

I mean, its not like these games matter at all really, but it kinda sucks to lose to the team who beat us out of 2nd spot last season. Ah well no matter. A tie with the Twins is ok I guess. What really matters is that everyone gets a chance to prove themselves, and hopefully get some of that team spirit going in the clubhouse. The one win we have so far is an 11-0 victory over Northeastern, but what did you expect? Tonight is the big night to see if our $103m risk paid off. Although Matsuzaka is likely to only pitch two innings, we'll get to see him on the mound with a Sox jersey and facing batters, albeit college ones. The Sox and BC face off tonight. I kinda feel sorry for the BC batters... having to deal with the pressure of the most anticipated pitch coming at them.

BASEBALL! FOR REAL!

2007-02-28T21:30:00.000Z

Ok, so as I'm sitting here it suddenly occurs to me that baseball really is starting. After this long winter with no successes for the Bruins (so far) and the Pats, I need something to lift my spirits. So on goes the cap and I start jumping up and down and running up and down the hallway telling my family that the Sox are on! I don't even care if MLB.TV doesn't process my card and tries to play with my brain like it always does! I'm just happy that baseball is here, and its so green in Florida... mmmm I can smell the peanuts already.

Hand touching hands, reachin' out, touchin' me, touchin' you!

Sweet Caroline (BAH! BAH! BAH!), Good times never seemed so good (SO GOOD! SO GOOD!).

Baseball In Ireland

2007-02-28T14:04:00.000Z

Although we say we are for UK fans, we try and cater to everyone. We want to give news and opinion that can be read globally. Another site to check out, even if you aren't in Ireland, is the Baseball In Ireland blog which is run by Cormac, a former Irish national pitcher. Like us he has New England roots and is Sox addict. Give his site a try. http://irishbaseballseason.blogspot.com/

Grapefruit League starts tonight.

2007-02-28T13:30:00.000Z

The first game of the season starts tonight with a cross town game between the Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins (cross-town meaning they are both from Fort Myers). To start will be Curt Schilling, likely for 2 innings or 35pitches (whichever comes first). Also likely to be pitching tonight are Julian Tavarez and Joel Piniero, trying to get the Closer role. The lineup consists of what should be a starting infield with a different outfield. Instead of Drew, Crisp and Manny, it will be Mo Pena, Ellsbury and Murphy. Here comes the season! GO SOX!

Manny NOT being Manny.

2007-02-26T18:45:00.000Z

Yup, Manny has actually shown up to camp a whole 3 days earlier than arranged with the Red Sox. Manny's reason for showing up to camp over a week late was due to his mother's illness, but now in another twist, Manny shows some initiative and drive, and surprises us all by not maximising his offseason's length. And guess what? He's already had a workout, and one with Dice-K to say the least. Maybe this year Manny is motivated to be more of a team player too. Has he matured? That is still to be found out. According to various sources, he is in great shape and really ready to get some work done, albeit 3 days before the first Spring game. If Manny was really being Manny, he would have shown up later than his agreed time anyways. Now we have our Rightfielder, I'm ready for some ball.

All you baseball fans out there, our first glimpse of this new season is a Spring Training game between Atlanta and Pittsburgh at 6pm on NESN. Sure these teams may mean nothing to you, but if you are like me, you want to see some major league uniforms, some green grass and bats hitting balls after a long winter. Remember, the Braves were originally from Boston, root for them!

NBA basketball coming to London.

2007-02-24T13:17:00.000Z

This October, as well as having the Wembley NFL game, there is going to be a NFL Live game here between our Boston Celtics and the Minnesota T-Wolves. It will take place at the Dome (now called The O2) on October 10th. Tickets have already been released and are starting at £15. Here is the link http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/liv0il.

Shock, Horror! Bruins are on a streak!

2007-02-24T12:14:00.000Z

The Bruins are on a four game streak against tough competition and are really on a roll to try and snag that last playoff spot. It seems as though the trade for Ference has become a cruicial one with some good defensive plays coming out of the new signing. After beating Buffalo, Philadelphia, Toronto and Tampa, the B's are now in 11th place in the Conference standings just behind the Leafs, the Islanders and the Canes. Luckily, they still have a game in hand over the Leafs and the Islanders while having three in hand over Carolina. Postseason Bruins is definately still a possibility. To finish up this month's games, is an away game in Florida and then Atlanta at the Garden. Don't give up hope just yet.

Spring Training picking up speed.

2007-02-24T11:54:00.000Z

It's heating up down in Fort Myers, Florida as new news and rumors circulate around this years team.

Some notes to point out. Manny is still not at Spring Training, but don't dispair, he is very likely to show up by March 1st as it seems there have been no serious talks for his trade this offseason. His reasoning for his absence is a ill mother, but its also Manny being Manny, he'll take the fine and still hit like crazy when the season starts. Doesn't really bother me.

Secondly, after Curt Schilling (without an agent), gave the Red Sox front office an ultimatum for his 2008 season, the team rejected his proposal for an extension to the veteran ace. This means that in the 2008 offseason, Schilling will become a free agent and open to other teams. He has stated that he 'will never play for the Yankees', but Traitor Damon said that too, so you never know. It seems that Theo has continued what Dan Shaughnessy refers to as a 'Belichekian' approach to team management, where loyalty isn't really rewarded. It's just a matter of 'business decisions'. After seeing Curt slightly overweight arriving at City of Palms, as well as factoring in for his age and his dodgy ankle, the team felt the risk couldn't be afforded to one of the most influential pitcher in recent Sox history. Don't be disheartened, because if Schilling has a good season, there's a good chance he will resign with the Sox, but probably not at the $13m he wanted in this deal.

Matsuzaka seems to be proving to the Sox that he is a comitted workhorse, throwing 103 pitches yesterday out of the bullpen as well as spending time on the boring drills. The team are learning phrases in Japanese to comfort him in his new surroundings, and Dice-K promises to teach them Japanese once he has got the hang of some English. There is debate on how to come to a compromise amount of work for Matsuzaka between his 250-odd pitches in Japan, to the 100-odd in the US. Time will tell. His first start is on March 2nd.

Further news is that Roger Clemens made a statement saying that as long as he can stay in shape and keep up with what's going on, he wants to remain a part of baseball because he still enjoys it. There is still some chance that we could be seeing him in Boston for a half season, but that won't be decided for quite some time yet.

Also, NESN have introduced a fresh new face to their reporting team. Amelie Benjamin joins Tina Cervasio as the female correspondents for the Red Sox and is really getting her start at this years Spring Training. Expect to see a lot from her. That's all for now from Red Sox Nation. Will keep you posted. Games start soon!

Red Sox are conquering the sport industry!

2007-02-15T15:03:00.000Z

News of a deal made by John Henry in which his organisation Fenway Sports Group (FSG) bought of Roush Racing, a NASCAR race team. The team is to be renamed for the next season as Roush Fenway Racing and with a nice Dartmouth (Monster) Green color scheme. The company already own the Boston Red Sox and 80% of NESN along with other sports interest. Roush racing is a highly successful auto team having won the NEXTEL cup in 2003 and 2004 with Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch. The team currently fields cars (all Ford badged) in the NEXTEL, Busch and Craftsman series. The six drivers for the NEXTEL team are David Ragan, Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray and Carl Edwards. Now you have a reason to watch NASCAR! Go team Fenway!

Since my last blog...

2007-02-14T16:06:00.000Z

Ok, well thirteen days have passed and lots has happened in the world of New England sports. I just haven't had the time to blog it all. Just a quick reminder that the Colts won the superbowl BOOO. Ok so here goes.

The London bowl NFL game details have been announced. It is going to take place at Wembley stadium on October 28th between Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. Make sure to wear your New England jersey so our presence can be felt. Tickets go on sale later in the spring, but if you are a member of nfluk.com(free registration) you can post your interest for tickets and they will try to accommodate your request before tickets go on general release.

Lots is happening in the Red Sox camp. On the 12th, the equipment truck headed south down I-95 to Florida and on Tuesday, Matsuzaka came to Fort Myers early, when pitchers aren't required to be there until the end of the week. Also, Manny and Papi are topping the fantasy baseball rankings. Wooo! We are yet to see if the annual 'Manny Being Manny' show will continue at this years Spring Training.

As for the Bruins, since the last post, they have been 4-1 beating Carolina, Washington, the Islanders and Edmonton. Also a cruicial trade took place where defenseman Andrew Ference and right-winger Chuck Kobasew were traded from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Brad Stuart and center Wayne Primeau. They are now in 12th, 4 places outside the playoff birth.

So yeah, the Sox are gonna be on TV soon, with Spring Training coverage and rumors coming out of the woodwork WOO! Can't wait for baseball...

Bruins update...

2007-02-01T19:19:00.000Z

Ok, well iI haven't been posting Bruins results recently because they are just too painful. The second part of the home-and-home with Ottawa resulted in a 3-0 loss followed by a 6-1 loss at home to the Rangers and a 7-1 loss to the Sabres in Buffalo. It really sucks, not only are we losing, we are doing it badly! Conceded 16 goals in 3 games compared to only scoring 2. Makes me extremely worried, and the playoffs look to be getting further and further away from the B's if the current trend continues.

The B's are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference, 5 spots out of a playoff place with 48pts. Most of the advantage they had with playing four games less than other teams has disappeared with only a one or two game advantage over the rest of the league. Not looking good at the moment, but miracles do happen. Keep the faith.

Congrats to Theo!

2007-02-01T19:17:00.000Z

Theo Epstein managed to avert the media and got married to Marie Whitney earlier this month. They honeymooned on onwer John Henry's yacht. Not much to say really, but congratulations.

Now on MLB Bloggers

2007-01-31T22:09:00.000Z

The Misplaced Bostonians is now a part of the MLB Bloggers community. Check the link on the right hand side.

The ace wants to stay!

2007-01-31T20:13:00.000Z

Curt Schilling announced this week that he is not planning to retire after the 2007 season when his current contract ends. He has said that he wants to stay with the Sox and remain loyal, and importantly, that he would never even think about considering signing with the Yankees. A true dirt dog trait right there. He has made a demand though. All he wants is a simple extension of his contract into '08 for the Sox without any salary changes before the regular seasons starts. If no deal is made, he will become a free agent for the first time in his entire career.

This is great news for the Sox. Although I'm sure the managing staff were ready for Dice-K to shift into ace-mode next season, it means we can have two aces for two years in a row. A opportunity that the Sox should not overlook. Loyalty should be respected, Schilling has been an integral part of our Sox team for the past few years and hopefully will be able to end his career with us. Woo!

On an additional note, Schilling publicly endorsed GOP candidate and Arizona politician McCain for '08 presidency. He is planning on helping the McCain campaign as Curt did for George W. Bush.

The return of Boston NL?

2007-01-27T18:12:00.000Z

As I am monitoring my three computers, currently in the Red Sox online ticket waiting room, I've been surfing some Boston sites for the usual news and nostalgia. Something I do quite often when I feel homesick. Anyways, in BostonOnline, it was suggested that there be an NL team in Boston. Now as a huge fan of the AL and of course, the quintessential DH, David Ortiz, I started to flip out with such a suggestion. Although a Boston vs. Boston interleague matchup might be interesting to watch, it worries me that we could potentially be battling our former baseball brethren in a World Series game.

Also, its incomprehensible to think that Sox fans that easily switch their alleigance. Lets think a second here, an 86 year World Series drought = loyal and strong fans, a new crosstown team = a herd of fickle sports fans? I think not. If us Sox fans stay together through the last century, no small ball, slow game loving entrepreneur can make us wear a different color B on our caps. In my opinion, its having only one team in the city that makes it so great. You meet a fellow Bostonian, the chances are, they are a Sox fan and straight away you have a common interest. The whole city comes together behind the team and creates a real sense of community. All I see a second team create is division.

After some debate on this forum, it was said that fans could follow and support both teams... seems a bit flawed to me. How many Cubs-Sox fans are there? Let alone Mets-Yanks. When it comes to baseball, and if you are a passionate fan, you don't two time your team.

Although a new stadium with a retractable roof may be appealing, there is no way I'm gonna choose that over the character of Fenway, and what's wrong with the recently renovated Garden for large concerts and winter events?

If New England HAD to have an NL team, I reckon it would be better if it was located in a different city, such as Hartford or Providence. There, local fans would have a better reason to switch alleigance because their new team would be closer and represent their state and city. Two Boston teams just seems awkward. If NL fans are desperate for a team to support, follow the Atlanta Braves, they originated in Boston... (Ruth above in a Braves jersey)

Feedback on this topic would be appreciated. Comment here or visit the discussion board (membership required to post) http://www.wickedgood.info/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=132935

JD is in Boston finally.

2007-01-27T15:33:00.000Z

Just an update on JD Drew. After 52 days, the RF replacement for dirt dog Trot Nixon has now been finalised. The deal remains as initially set out. 5 years for $70m, just this time the Sox have an opt-out clause after 3 years if major shoulder problems occur following Drew's surgery issues from Sept '05. Also if an injury occurs in the 4th year, they have the right to cancel the 5th year of the contract. Great news for whats looking like a great 3-4-5 punch. On other news, rumours of Todd Helton coming to the Sox from the Rockies have been circulating. The Rockies want young pitching, possibly in the form of Manny Delcarmen amongst others. Discussions are said to be resuming on Monday.

Sox ticket warning.

2007-01-25T17:49:00.000Z

If you are planning to get to Fenway this year, the easiest way is to book tickets online. They are released on Saturday at 3pm GMT or 10am ET. The online waiting room is long (I've spent 6hrs in it) and tickets WILL go very quickly. Don't be surprised by numerous sellouts by Sunday. I recommend getting the tickets online, if you decide to wing it and just see what's available when you get there, you are gonna have to pay a huge premium with scalpers and places like stubhub ($100 for standing room). A tip is to wait until the third-ish inning and street scalpers will sell tickets at face value. Remember, if you think you can convince yourself to not buy expensive tickets before you go, the passion will take over and you will end up buying tickets anyway. Don't worry if you haven't booked accommodation or flights yet, they are much more available than Sox tickets. We tend to book Sox tickets before flights, so plan properly. Go Sox. Starting to get the new season jitters. Woo.

Fenway renovations.

2007-01-25T11:25:00.000Z

For the 6th year in a row, the Red Sox are renovating Fenway Park. The idea is to have a completely renovated stadium by its 100th birthday in 2012. This year's renovations are not as visible as the past work such as the Green Monstah and the Pavilion seats. This year there is going to be a 3rd base grandstand deck with a womens bathroom (first time on the 3B side) and stairs directly onto Yawkey as well as some extra standing room. Also they are putting some indoor batting cages underneath the LF Grandstand that will have windows for watching from the Game On! bar. Pretty awesome idea, have a beer and watch some BP in Game On! Also some minor work will be done on electrics and plumbing and the like. They are also renovating many of the private boxes, but us commoners don't really care about that. No atmosphere up there anyways. All of these changes should be finished by Opening Day.

A change that is hopefully going to be ready by the All-Star break is what is being called 'The Bleacher Bar & Grill'. This will be in the 4000sq. ft. of space that occupied the old BP space in CF in the garage. The new restaurant is to be open 12 months a year, and give the opportunity for fans to enjoy the stadium even when there isn't a game on. Sounds like some good stuff. Go Sox.

The Bruins are hot on first day of All Star proceedings.

2007-01-25T11:19:00.000Z

There are only two players taking part in the All Star break for the bruins. Phil Kessel and Zdeno Chara. In the 30-minute long YoungStars game, Phil Kessel scored a hatrick and helped the Eastern Conference to a victory in what was a fast paced multi-goal game with 4-on-4. Following the YoungStars game was the SuperSkills competition which saw the best of the NHL compete at different activities. Zdeno Chara easily won the fastest shot competition where he hit 100.4mph. The final score for the All star game was 12-9 with Zdeno Chara scoring two goals for the East. A good rep for Boston.

The Patriots.

2007-01-25T11:16:00.000Z

Sorry about the four day blog hiatus. Its been a mix of postseason blues and being sick. To be honest, I'm not gonna call the game from Sunday. Lets just leave it at a 38-34 loss as the Colts face the Bears in the superbowl. So much for my not needing Vinatieri theory.

Another quick note...

2007-01-21T20:21:00.000Z

...NFLUK have created a website dedicated to the NFL Londonbowl game that is coming this fall. According to the site, team and ticket info will be relaesed on February 2nd. Check it out! http://www.nfllondon2007.com/

Just wanted to say...

2007-01-21T18:33:00.000Z

...GO PATRIOTS in the AFC Championship game against the Indy Colts!

Bruins are downed by playoff spot rivals, Ottawa.

2007-01-21T18:25:00.000Z

In front of a sellout Garden crowd, the Bruins lost 3-0 against the Sens. The team just seemed to have no juice left. Now Toivonen is not directly responsible for this loss because the team looked pretty mediocre out on the ice and not really functioning. Toivonen was the best player on the team on the night saving 36. Again we are reminded that the B's main problem is consistency. Not much to say about this one really. Dave Lewis calls it a 'funk'. Lets hope so. Goalscorers for the Sens were Phillips & Heatley(x2).

London is finally getting what it was promised, an NFL game!

2007-01-19T19:42:00.000Z

Three days ago, new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has chosen London to be the first city and Europe to hold a regular season NFL game. This comes after 2005's Mexico game and the upcoming China game. Here's a direct quote from Goodell that I liked: "There's great history of NFL football in London, and British fans have been great fans of football over the years,". Finally some recognition from the top. They already took our Monarchs and Claymores away. NFLUK execs reckon that this game will trigger much interest in the sport and possibly the revival of an NFL Europe team in the UK. GREAT NEWS!

Although the matchup hasn't been finalized, the likely teams are Miami Dolphins against New York Giants, a game in which the Dolphins would forfeit their home advantage. The game is going to take place at Wembley, however, if it isn't finished (more than likely), it will be played at Twickenham in either September or October. After holding greatly popular American Bowl games in the 80's and 90's, world class football is returning. Can't wait to get tickets. Definately not something you can miss. Even if the Pats don't go. Only the east coast teams are really being considered because of travelling times and time change problems for teams having to come an additional 3000miles from the west coast.

Trot and the Tribe.

2007-01-19T19:25:00.000Z

Trot Nixon is said to have signed with the Indians for £3m on a one year deal. After waiting a long time to see what the Red Sox would do if JD fell through, it seems that another '04 World Series star has left the city of Boston. Nixon, along with Tim Wakefield is one of the real Dirt Dogs of Boston, sticking with the team for 10 years, REAL LOYALTY (cough Johnny). He deserves a nice big applause when he comes back to Fenway with a smiling Indian on his hat. According to the Columbus Dispatcher, Nixon is likely to play platoon or back up right field for Cleveland against RHP. Nixon's recent injuries and below-par seasons made the Red Sox keen to look for new talent in RF. Last season Trot hit only .268 with 8HR compared to his personal best of .306 and 28HR in the 2003 season. Lets hope, we can pick up JD now, otherwise we will have Wily Mo swinging mindlessly for the entire season. Anyways, respect to the man Trot Nixon. Good luck in Cleveland, we miss you already.

Bruins beat the Pens.

2007-01-19T19:09:00.000Z

The score was 5-4 in a close game between the teams, the second game in a row in which Phil Kessel came up strong for the B's, scoring the game winning goal. Even with Evgeni Malkin scoring two for Pittsburgh, the Bruins were able to get the W through another shootout win. At the end of the 1st, the Penguins were up 2-0 with goals from Malone and Malkin. The Bruins then scored 3 in the 2nd period, along with two goals from the Pens. Note; Hannu Toivonen in goal. Savard then in the 3rd, made his All-Star presence known by notching the game at 4 and putting the game into overtime. OT only had one close chance for the Bruins, but was saved by Fleury. In the shootout, Sidney Crosby had his shot saved (now career 2-for-11 in shootout), while Bruins Rookie Phil Kessel scored against the Pens (now 2-for-2 in shootout).

Up next is a divisional home and home contest between the Bruins and the Senators with the first game on Saturday night in the Garden.

Well, the Sabres were at home...

2007-01-18T18:27:00.000Z

The Bruins suffer at 6-2 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres after their win on Monday. The B's reverted to their old-style 'only play two periods' format and lost the game in the 3rd. For the first two periods it looks like they were in with a chance of making it a close game with rookie and YoungStar Phil Kessell scoring two goals. The second had the score at 3-3, but in the third, the Broons fell apart and Buffalo scored two as well as an empty net goal. Next up is Pittsburgh tonight, and the front line of Sidney Crosby, point leader of the NHL.

Shock, horror: Bruins beat the best team in the conference!

2007-01-16T19:47:00.000Z

For the first time this season, the Bruins were able to beat a team with a better record than theirs by winning against the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a game that went to a shootout. The Bruins looked strong throughout, they were playing with some ferocity, and enough to make it a difficult ride for the leaders of the Eastern Conference. Both team scored twice in the first period with Savard (17) and PJ Axelsson for the B's and Roy and Hecht for the Sabres. After numerous saves in the second, third and OT periods (including a highlight gem stick save by Miller), the game went into a shootout. Thomas saved all three shots by Buffalo, and Marco Sturm scored the lone and GWG for the Bruins to give them the W.

Next up are the Sabres, in Buffalo. A more difficult task, but it can be done as proven here. This was a game that could turn around the team and bring them back into contention for playoff eligability. Boston shoot back into 9th position, 4pts behind 8th place Tampa and still with that 4 game advantage over many teams in the bubble. A win in Buffalo would be really nice! Go B's.

Patriots take the juice out of the electric Chargers.

2007-01-15T20:37:00.000Z

Yup. They did it. The postseason Patriots are definately here to pull another Superbowl out of the bag by defeating the San Diego Chargers, the team with the NFL's best record this season, 24-21. The game was won in the 4th quarter, while 21-13 down, Brady and his team were able to get 11 unanswered points in the last five minutes. A touchdown from Reche Caldwell got the Pats within tying distance, a challenge that was completed with a 2 point conversion. Then to win the game, Stephen Gostkowski scored a field goal with just minutes left. The Chargers had one more go at getting the W with a 54yard field goal, that just went wide and gave the game to Pats. Little celebrations were heard in the Chargers-dominated stadium because of the allocation of tickets.

Wait doesn't this sound familiar? Brady getting the job done in the 4th and then the kicker winning the game? Just this time it isn't Adam Vinatieri. Gotskowski has more than proven his place in this strong looking Patriots team. However, a note to recognise is that Vinatieri scored four field goals for the Colts, the only points they put on the board the whole game. We will have to show him this weekend when we play Indy for the AFC title, that we don't need him to win playoff games.

According to some sources, the Patriots did the Shawne Merriman dance on the lightning bolt in at the 50yard line just to stir it up a bit. Sore loser LT is going on an all out attack on the Pats and Bill Bellichick as being unsportsmanlike. Ah its a bit of fun! You didn't let our fans into the stadium.

Go Pats! Lets try and make it our 4th superbowl in 6 years!

Its time for me to get a new Pats jersey, all I have is #4 Vinatieri. Not ideal for next week...

Go Patriots!

2007-01-14T18:21:00.000Z

Just a quick one to say Go Pats!. They play today against the top seeded San Diego Chargers in the divisional playoffs. Coverage is As-Live on Sky Sports 3 tomorrow at 7pm as well as highlights on ITV4 at 7 and again on ITV1 at 12.

Also, just in case you had any doubt about who to root for, San Diego tried to stop the selling of tickets to non-Southern California residents. This made it extremely hard, almost impossible for Patriots fans to get the stadium to watch the game. I think they must just be scared. If you are in So-Cal, do your best to make as much noise for our Patriots!

Bruins downed by other New York team.

2007-01-14T17:56:00.000Z

In the first Original Six game of the new year, the Bruins suffered their third consecutive loss since their win against the Flyers making them 1-5 in 2007. Although there were many opportunities for the Bruins throughout the game, and a good level of third period involvement, (the team's main issue currently), they were unable to secure the win and the game ended 3-1 to the Rangers. Michael Nylander scored first for New York, but the Bruins responded within a minute with a goal by a ricochet goal from Marc Savard in the first period. In the second, the game winning goal was scored by Martin Straka, his 24th of the season. The third period saw a strong Bruins team take to the ice, but a tripping penalty against the Bruins on a breakaway gave the Rangers a penalty shot which was scored by Jed Ortmeyer. Thomas was pulled in the last few minutes, but the B's were not able to gain enough momentum to tie the game up.

The Bruins continue to drop down the conference table and further away from a playoff position. I'm guessing it wasn't just the moustaches after all. The team is now in 13th place, however is only 4 points away from 8th place Tampa, still with four games in hand. Soon the advantage of having those extra games will be lost if the team don't start winning however.

Up next is a home-and-home with the 'Buffaslugs' on Monday and Wednesday. They just happen to have the best record in the Eastern Conference so lets pray for some miracles.

On other news, Zdeno Chara was named to play in the All-Star game representing the EC while Phil Kessel has been invited to play in the YoungStars game. They are both going to be on NASN on the 23rd and 24th of January. fivesport will be covering the All-Star game during their regular Wednesday night slot on the 24th. Both games start at 12.

Also, TMB will be reporting is view of the new Reebok jerseys that are being released this Wednesday. The jerseys have already stirred much controversy amongst fans and players alike. They are expected to be more skin tight football-style jerseys that cling to pads. A recent alteration, after complaints, has made them able to be worn tucked-out, instead of as originally planned to be tucked-in. The jerseys will be worn during the All-Star break and will go into every day use at the start of next season.

New Yorkers beat Boston.

2007-01-12T23:14:00.000Z

In a close game that went to a shootout, the Bruins ended up losing their fourth game of 2007 to the New York Islanders, but still claiming one point. Jason Blake scored the winning goal for New York in the shootout, putting one past Hannu Toivonen. Although the game ended in a loss, it looked as though the 3rd period play had been greatly improved. Both Mara, and a healthy Chara scored in the third period, although both goals were countered by Poti and Kozlov to take the game into overtime and then a shootout. Sadly, Toronto managed to get a win in Buffalo putting them back on the playoff bubble at 9th and the Bruins down in 12th behind the Caps and the Islanders.

Next up for the B's is the other New York side, the stronger one, the Rangers. We also have to deal with the passionate MSG crowds. Will be a tough one, but the team really need a win against a good team, not just the Flyers :P

The Beckhams seemed like LA folk anyways...

2007-01-11T18:06:00.000Z

David Beckham himself announced his move to the Los Angeles Galaxy today to the press. He signed for five years at £128m (a little short of $250m). Yes thats pounds. In 2003, Real Madrid only offered him £25m. The former England captain went on to thank Spain, Real Madrid and the fans for his time there. Becks will finish up with Real in June and start for LA in August.

After having a rough season in Spain, he decided not to continue on for another two years, and take up the opportunity which is going to be a huge boost to American soccer. He already has strong ties with large MLS sponsors such as Addidas, Gillette and Pepsi. Furthermore, the Beckhams friends circle tends to be oriented down Hollywood way and I'm sure Victoria will fit in just fine with the star lifestyle out on the West Coast.

Don't be surprised if a huge surge in popularity of the MLS occurs just because of Beckham showing up. His career may be dwindling, but he can still draw in crowds. Although this doesn't really create a problem for the New England Revolution, it still means we might lose a few games, with Beckham easily being the most experienced and well paid in the league. It is however, probably the best thing to happen to US soccer since the Women won the World Cup.

Ps. I just liked the picture. :P

B's still having problems with 3rd period consistency.

2007-01-10T13:40:00.000Z

Last night the Bruins looked to be onto a winner. Showing good agression and holding back the Senators for two periods. A penalty shot goal in the first by Sturm and a second goal by Mara had the Bruins up 2-0 at the first intermission. Then in the first, its broke down and the Bruins lost all focus. The Senators scored five unanswered goals including an empty net goal in the last two minutes of play making the final score 5-2. This again is showing the lack of endurance in the Bruins squad when it comes to winning at the 3rd period. Either the team gets cocky, or just decides to relax and the opposition is able to make the most out of it. With Toronto getting a loss to Carolina, the Leafs are now also out of the playoff birth as Washington and Tampa Bay have moved into 8th and 9th in the conference.

Also, Kessel made his return to the Boston team after having cancer treatment in mid-December. After playing just two games with the P-Bruins, the Boston team had their star rookie back on the squad.

However, the bubble is only a win away and the B's still have 4 games in hand. Not given up just yet, even if our only win in 2007 so far has been against the team with the worst record in the NHL. Next up is the Islanders who just broke their losing streak by winning 5-3 against cross-town rivals, the Rangers.

Drew, still not official.

2007-01-09T23:42:00.000Z

Its been thirty-five days since the Red Sox and JD Drew agreed on terms to join the team, however nobody has signed the contract as of yet. This makes JD a free agent still and available to sign with another team, although why would he? With an offer of $70m for 5 years that and a chance to play for Sox? Who wouldn't?

Nevertheless, as with almost every transaction that Theo gets involved in, there is speculation, and in this case about Drew's decision to back out of his 5 year $33m with the Dodgers. Scott Boras, Drew's agent, is being accused of tampering with his contract, and letting Drew know that there was a better offer to be had in free agency. Of course Boras denies all ideas of this being true and the Dodgers decided not to file a tampering charge.

According to Boras, the contract should be signed in the 'near future' although he did not define how near the near future would be. The deal seemed to slow down dramatically after Drew's physical, and the Red Sox doctors do not seem to happy on the situtaion of his right shoulder which was operated on in September 2005. Boras' explanation for the delay was: 'We’re working out medical language that took some additional examination so that both sides would have information. There’s no disagreement here. Theo’s been on vacation. I’ve been working on other contracts. We agreed we would get it done.'

The meaning of this delay might mean the Sox will want to reduce the number of years, possibly to three, or to have a performance clause which gives them the option to terminate the contract if his playing time is limited due to injury.

Jim misses out again.

2007-01-09T19:24:00.000Z

At 2pmET, the president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced the two inductees that would gain entry into the Cooperstown family. These were SS/3B Cal Ripken Jr. and OF Tony Gwynn. They recieved 98.5% and 97.6% of ballots respectively, easily surpassing the 75% entry mark. In third place was Goose Gossage who recieved 71.2% followed by our Jim Rice who missed out again with 63.5% of the voting.

Cal Ripken Jr.
Career Years: 1981-2001

Team(s): Baltimore Orioles

All-Star Appearances: 19

World Series Rings: 1

Games Played, 3,001
Batting Average: .276

At bats: 11,551
Hits: 3,184
Runs: 1,647
RBI: 1,695
Doubles: 603
Home runs: 431

Additional Notability: Known as the "Iron Man" by playing 2,632 consecutive games over 16 seasons (MLB Record).

Tony Gwynn

Career Years: 1982-2001

Team(s): San Diego Padres

All-Star Appearances: 15

World Series Rings: 0

Games Played: 2,440

Batting Average: .338

At bats: 9,288

Runs: 1,383

RBI: 1,138

Doubles: 543

Home runs: 135

There you have it. What is required to get into the hall of fame. Mark McGwire got 23.5% of the vote, enough to bring him back for next years ballot.

As for ex-Sox players in the results:

Andre Dawson - 56.7%

Lee Smith - 39.8%

Bret Saberhagen - 1.3%

Jose Conseco - 1.1%

Dante Bichette - 0.6%

Jim Rice and eluding Cooperstown.

2007-01-08T21:58:00.000Z

Article by guest blogger Sam

Right, as you may well know due to the lack of any action in Major League Baseball at the mo what with Winter and all, I felt it’s time to turn our attentions to the voting for the Hall of Fame. Of course, the key Red Sox player in this thing (in fact, the only Sox player in this thing) is Mr. Jim Rice. Personally, I reckon his loyalty to the Red Sox is fantastic, playing 15 years with the Red Sox. He was also a great power hitter, and, on Wikipedia mentioned in the same breath as Carl Yastrzemski and Teddy Williams. Now, in my personal opinion, anybody mentioned in the same sentence as Yaz and Teddy deserves us to sit up and take notice. This I did, and looking at some of the things Rice achieved at Boston, I believe he deserves to be named in Cooperstown.

Rice won the American League Home Run crown three times in his career, something I feel deserves a mention and possible enshrinement in the Hall, and in 1978 he won the MVP award for the American League playing all 163 games that season (there was a one-game playoff at the end). OK, so it’s not beating Cal Ripken Jnr.’s record of games played in a row, but I think it’s worth noting he managed to play the entire season without taking a break with even the tiniest of injuries (Manny Ramirez anyone?). Should Rice get into Cooperstown, he will be 6th Highest ranked Left Fielder there, out of 20. Pretty impressive I feel. Rice was elected to the All-Star team a grand total of 8 times, impressive in itself, had a career average of .298 (.007 higher than mine with the ladies! Haha) hit 382 career homeruns and drove in 1451 runs off his bat. I feel his successes on the field alone cause him to deserve a place in the Hall, as well as his loyalty to the Sox, as they reached the 1975 ALCS and World Series, but Rice was injured throughout these games, but still turned up. Good man I say. Can we see Gay-Rod or Derek Jizzer doing this for the Yankees when injured? I don’t think so. They’d probably turn up on opening day, collect their rings and say ‘thank you very much’ even though they didn’t really earn them, and I doubt they’d turn up to the WS games either. It is because of reasons such as this I feel Jim Rice NEEDS to be in the HOF. Here’s to you Jimmy!

Hot Stove, Cool Music.

2007-01-08T18:41:00.000Z

After recovering from a brain aneurysm in June, baseball analyst and fan favorite Peter Gammons was on stage playing his guitar at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. What started off as a joint venture by Gammons and Jeff Horrigan, has now become a twice annual event occuring in the summer and winter. The main beneficiary of the event was the 'Foundation to be Named Later' which is a branch of the Red Sox Foundation set up by Theo Epstein. The RSF and other local charities have recieved $1.5million from the event's six year history.

Gammons was joined by pitcher Lenny DiNardo and Theo Epstein on stage while playing with the All-Stars, proving the state of his health and recovery since he was hospitalized in the summer. "I get asked 50 times a day 'How do you feel?'" Gammons said. "So, this is my answer." After missing last year's summer event, Gammons was glad to be back in the lineup so quickly, as were the rest of the evenings performers. Rock on Pete!

Predictable postseason Patriots.

2007-01-08T11:48:00.000Z

The Patriots are playing to their now expected high postseason standard by blowing away the New York Jets 37-16. Brady had this one covered. Since his confused game with the Jets last time around where the Pats ended up losing 17-14, Brady had his head in the game and was in total control. The Patriots easily have the most postseason experience in this century with 3 superbowls in 5 years and making the playoffs consecutively for the past four years.

Tom Brady finished the game going 22-for-34 passes with 212yards and two touchdowns. New in-season acquisition Jabar Gaffney surprised the Jets and caught 8 passes for 104 yards. An interesting fumble recovery took place late in the game where Colvin intercepted a pass but dropped the ball. All players on the field thought the ball was incomplete except Wilfork who ran it another 30 yards before getting taken down. In additional news, it looks like we don't need Vinatieri to do well in a postseason game with Gostkowski making all the necessary kicks.

The Pats now face the number one ranked team on Sunday; The San Diego Chargers as they go for their fourth superbowl in 6 six years. Which would definately secure them the 'dynasty' title with Brady at the helm. Go Pats!

Highlights are on ITV1 tonight at 12 or on ITV4 at 7pm. Also for some other good football coverage: The Bowl Championship Series is on NASN tonight which features Ohio State and Florida starts at 12.30.

Another Idiot leaves Boston.

2007-01-07T13:57:00.000Z

Keith Foulke signed with the Indians for $5m for one year from free agency. The deal inclueds a $2m performance bonus and an option for the '08 season. Last year Foulke lost his closer role to Jonathan Papelbon, and suffered a two month injury with his elbow. However, with the 4.35ERA with a 3-1 record he posted, Cleveland believe they can turn him into a closer once more. This will be to be seen, but the Indians had a record-low 24 saves in 2006 so they hope Foulke will make that number a little healthier. The most memorable moment in Foulke's Red Sox career will be the winning toss to 1B to claim the World Series after 86 years. The iconic photo of Keith and V-Tek covered all of the newspapers the day after. Thanks, Keith. Another 2004 Idiot leaves...

It was the moustaches!

2007-01-07T13:29:00.000Z

The Bruins recover from their 3 game losing streak with a 4-3 win against Philadelphia due to their clean shaven looks. In a team building initiative, the Bruins decided to have a moustache growing contest which ended before last nights game after the moustaches had led to a 3 game losing streak. This game was key for Bruins' success because it puts them right back into the playoff bubble run, now only one point behind Toronto with 4 games in hand.

The game started without Bruins captain, Zdeno Chara due to injury, but the team compensated well by making the score 3-1 by the end of the 1st period. After a quick defensive mistake, the Flyers capitalised first with the ex-Whaler, Sami Kapanen, scoring. After that, the Bruins scored three unanswered goals in the 1st with Marc Savard, Glen Murray and Patrice Bergeron. In the 2nd, Kapanen scored again followed by Savard again in the 3rd. With only two minutes to go, the Flyers score another goal which was reviewed but then allowed.

So this means, the Bruins are still very much in it. Maybe if they keep shaving daily, they can post a good winning streak to compensate for that horrific 10-2 loss on Thursday. Between the Bruins in 9th place and Les Habs in 5th place there are only 5 pts as well as at least 4 games in hand over the teams in the Bruins' way; Rangers, Canes, Sens and Leafs.

Less of the Christmas celebrations, some more hockey please boys.

2007-01-05T14:57:00.000Z

The Burins had a catastrophic defeat last night against the Maple Leafs in their second game of a home and home series. It mareked the B's return to the Garden after a 12 day road trip as well as their third straight loss and second against Toronto. The final score was a dismal 10-2 with the second and third periods becoming a shooting practice session for the Leafs. The first period wasn't too bad with the Bruins going into the intermission up 2-1, the Leafs then scored 9 consecutive goals with Matthew Stajan and Alexander Steen both getting hatricks.

By the time the Leafs had scored eight, the Bruins took a confused looking Thomas out of the net and placed Phillipe Suave in goal to let in another two goals. The goals seem to go into the net effortlessly, and another game with a below-standard Thomas. I'm starting to worry, not what I am usually expecting out of him.

Boston still have 4 games in hand over Toronto and Ottawa and 2 games over Montreal. That gives them enough room to put themselves on the other side of the playoff birth being only 3 points behind Toronto in 9th. It ain't over yet. Lets just hope Thomas gets himself together.

Baseballs on steroids.

2007-01-04T18:28:00.000Z

A study carried out by Penn State University and Universal Medical Systems Inc has been researching the baseballs of the 1998 season and in particular, Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball. They used CT scanning to show a synthetic 'pill' in which is not allowed under MLB rules. McGwire may not have taken steroids himself, but his baseballs and importantly his 70th in the '98 season, (record later beaten by Bonds' 73HR season in '01), were 'juiced'.

When questioned, the MLB representative Bob DuPuy claims that the balls have remained unchanged since the introduction of Rawlings balls in 1977 and that they are subject to extensive testing. McGwire is up for induction to the Hall of Fame for the first time, however this may affect his vote count.

Since 2000, MLB have been carrying out studies on baseballs at UMass Lowell in their Baseball Research Center and results have showed consistent, good quality balls being produced. We may not have heard the end of this story... It seems now its not just the players on steroids, the baseballs themselves are. Oh, you know what's convenient? McGwire's sponsorship deal with Rawlings in the branding of bats, balls and equipment. Coincidence? Or maybe a thankyou from Mark for his 70HR season? Haha who knows?

Closer?

2007-01-04T01:47:00.000Z

Right, well as the rest of the team is falling into place, only one key position needs to be filled and most likely, this will happen during Spring Training. I'm just gonna give my two cents on each of the players contesting for this position come April.

Joel Piniero. Just today are the Sox said to have acquired Piniero from free agency to fill either the closer role, or strengthen the bullpen. This deal is looking at one year for $4m pending a physical to come later this week. Piniero posted 6.36ERA with an 8-13 for Seattle last season as a starter. Although this deal could work out for the better, I wouldn't be surprised if he was used as a bargaining chip to obtain a tried and tested closer.

Chad Cordero. Chad could be that tried and tested closer that the Sox are looking for. After Gagne signed with Texas, Cordero has seemed to interest the Sox as the next best thing. Posting a 3.19 ERA with 29 saves and a 7-4 record last season with the Nationals, he is definately a possibility. However, he isn't going cheaply. The Nationals want Clay Buchholz and Craig Hansen or Michael Bowden in exchange. The Sox have said their star prospect Buchholz is not going but that they are listening to deals for Hansen or Bowden.

Mike Timlin. Timlin is now a possibility although last season wasn't a particularly stellar one for him. A 4.36ERA with only 9 saves and a 6-6 record, his stats seem very mediocre and will really need something special to get given the important role of closer. I don't see Timlin's aspirations for closer as being that realistic.

Craig Hansen. Hansen has yet to really break out in the majors even though so much talk about him has been going on since his drafting in '05. His MLB record isn't fantastic with 6.63ERA and a 2-2 win/loss. Yet he is still a prospect and if he is able to show some hot stuff in spring training, he could be a serious contender for the role.

Julian Tavarez. Tavarez became an important part of the Sox team in the second half of the season in 06 playing lots in the bullpen and even making some starts in the desperate days. Some of his starts were convincing and if this skill can be diverted into the closer role, Tavarez's experience may make him a shoe-in for the role. Last season he had a 4.47ERA and a 5-4 record.

Manny Delcarmen. Delcarmen, another Sox prospect and a Mass local is also contending for the role of closer. He posted a 5.06ERA with a 2-0 record in '06 and had trouble with consistency, having some good and some bad days. If this young pitcher can pull himself together, the closer spot may be in his reach, however I feel that the Sox are still looking for someone of more experience in this position.

Jonathan Papelbon. On a return of Jon Lester to the rotation, do not discard the notion that if no other strong closers appear, Pap could be playing the role as he did last year. His 0.92ERA with 35 saves is enough for him to easily win this spot, but the team has shown interest into putting him into what could end up being a 6 man rotation. This guy is reliable at closer, although I'm still slightly skeptical about him maintaining his pitching intensity over more than a couple innings, time will tell.

The Patriots-Jets showdown.

2007-01-03T21:16:00.000Z

To play on Sunday are division rivals Pats and Jets in the first leg of the playoffs. The coaches, Bellichick & Mangini, already hate each other and it seems the rivalry is heating up for this rubber game between the two teams this season. Although the Jets are all-time 48-45-1 over the Patriots, they have only met once in the Postseason which the Patriots won, back in 1985 (bodes well). Globe writer Dan Shaughnessey is referring this matchup as 'the Inaugural Hate Bowl' and is drawing on Sox-Yanks like intensity. I don't think its got that far yet... However, its an important one for the Patriots to win if they really want to establish themselves in football history as a post-Cowboys dynasty led by Tom Brady. Postseason gets me pumped, however there is no terrestrial coverage for UK Patriots fans apart from highlights on Monday night at 12 on ITV1. Make sure to check it out. Sky is covering some of the other wildcard games this weekend also. Go Pats.

Respect to a real Sox fan.

2007-01-03T21:06:00.000Z

Just wanted to give a quick mention to an honorable Sox fan. Massachusetts native, Kathryn Gemme died on Friday at the age of 112 in Middleborough. She was an avid life-long supporter of the team and went to her first game at age 18 in 1912, Fenway's opening year. As a fan she witnessed all of the Red Sox World Series' and events such as the Ruth trade, the Impossible Dream and the breaking of the Curse. When she attended her last game in 2004, she was met by Jason Varitek and Johnny Pesky. On her 111th birthday, the team brought the World Series trophy to her in November 2005, a day which was 'a big day of her life'. When the Sox were only on the radio, she would take notes down about the game so that she could tell her husband the score when he came back from work. This is passion. This is what the Red Sox is about.
Kathryn Gemme
1894-2006

The Boston Bruins; are they for real?

2007-01-02T14:56:00.000Z

Seems to me, that the problem with the Bruins is consistency. They show moments of excellence like beating three Canadian teams in a row (Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal) and they they just lose it all like last nights 5-1 loss against Toronto. Tim Thomas was just looking perplexed as pucks shot passed him. I mean I can understand when Hannu Toivonen lets pucks in, but I have developed a lot of respect for Tim Thomas and I was really disappointed. Nevertheless, Toronto were playing with some intensity and looked pretty good out on the ice. There is still time though for Boston to bring it all back together to their form they had a couple weeks ago (maybe is just the Christmas turkey slowing them down) and make the playoff bracket. Even though the B's have returned to bottom of the Northeast division they are only 8 points away from Montreal. Anything can happen B's fans!

Are the Red Sox becoming the Evil Empire's apprentice?

2007-01-01T21:14:00.000Z

OK, I had to tackle this very risky question. Its been risen recently about the buying power of the Red Sox and how some journalists are accusing them of being Yankee-esque. Here is my take. For me the Evil Empire's strength comes three-fold; Money, popularity and rings.

Money
Not having enough of it has never been a problem for the Yankees. They are always able to locate money to just tip the best offer on any ace or power hitting progidy. With a $194m payroll last year, that's $74 MORE than the Red Sox, they can pretty much do whatever they want. There still remains a large salary difference between the teams even after the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka for a total of $103m. The Red Sox did what they had to, to gain a world class pitcher and to open up interest in the Japanese markets. This also hindered the Yankees from getting access to Dice-K, but that was just a bonus.

Popularity
The Yankees brand is all over the world. Films, music and the international press seem to focus on the Yankees as the primary team in baseball even though they haven't won a world series in this millennium. However, this popularity leads to great amounts of merchandising and 'support' financially from many people who don't really have a passion for baseball. In addition, the Yankees already have a fanbase and a connection with Japan, with Japanese talent going straight to either the Big Apple or Seattle. Boston has now become a player.

Rings
Yeah, as much as it pains me. 26 rings. You cannot accuse a team like the Red Sox of 'becoming the Yankees' with a 20 ring differential. Their pretty much annual appearance in the playoffs is something all teams envy, but the Sox aren't there yet.

Sure I can accept some changes to the direction the Red Sox are heading. We want to be global, and appeal to everyone like the Yankees somehow do. A worrying fact is that only two of the probable '07 starters were home-grown through Sox farm teams tied along with the fact that we spent huge amounts of money on a pitcher who has only thrown one dodgy pitch (to John Henry) in Fenway. Give me 20 rings, a few million more cocky fans, a bad attitude, and a break out Boston wearing Hip-Hop act, and we might be on our way to becoming the Yankees. I don't see it happening somehow. The Red Sox are still very much the Red Sox, Passion over Payroll.

The probable 2007 lineup.

2007-01-01T20:45:00.000Z

Here is the 2007 hotlist. Smells like a world series...

SS: Julio Lugo
1B: Kevin 'Youk' Youkilis
DH: David 'Big Papi' Ortiz
LF: Manny Ramirez
RF: JD Drew
3B: Mike Lowell
C: Jason 'V-Tek' Varitek
CF: Covelli 'Coco' Crisp
2B : Dustin Pedroia

SP: Curt Schilling
SP: Daisuke 'Dice-K' Matsuzaka
SP: Josh Beckett
SP: Jonathan 'Pap' Papelbon
SP: Tim 'Wake' Wakefield
SP: Jon Lester

Welcome: The 2007 Red Sox.

2007-01-01T18:19:00.000Z

As I am just getting acclimatized with writing the '2007' date and hanging my '07 Sox calendar, I felt it was the right time to take a look at the lineup for this upcoming season. I am looking, and I am liking; this team looks pretty hot.

Unlike past off-seasons where Theo has gone for mainly offense, mainly defense or mainly pitching, this off-season he has managed to combine all three with a Yankee-sized budget at his disposal. On paper, journalists are praising this team.

For offense we still of course have Big Papi with his magnificent bat and better yet, it doesn't look like Manny is leaving. Whether he will show up to spring training is a different matter however. Offense has also been increased with new leadoff man Julio Lugo at SS taking over from A-Gon as well as the signing of a new #5 hitter, JD Drew (after physical complications are sorted out).

Defense is also aided by the return by (hopefully) a healthy Coco Crisp who can make some more of those spectacular catches before his 06 injury. The defense however may experience some more errors this season as Alex Gonzalez has now signed with the Reds and Lugo's defense is not as good, but nobody can really predict how the Boston atmosphere will affect their playing... hopefully for the better. Dustin Pedroia is likely to become a starting 2B-man which is probably the Sox' weakest position as Pedroia lacks a really impactful run in the Majors going between Pawtucket and Boston. Defensive star Mike Lowell is set to return and hopefully bring some of that 06 defensive flair that bailed out the pitching crises often.

Pitching is what is on everybody's mind at the moment however. Curt Schilling is back for probably his last season in the Majors while the Sox have gone to Japan to get a possible future Ace in the form of Daisuke Matsuzaka. Along with two aces, Beckett hopefully will comeback stronger this season, although he had 16 wins last season, he also suffered from giving up the most number of HRs in the league. Old Man Wakefield will start as usual, as a real Dirt Dog should. Also interestingly star rookie closer Jonathan Papelbon will likely come to the starting rotation while the closer spot is still left undecided. Still questionable is the return of Jon Lester after his bout of Lymphoma cancer. On a recent phone call to the press, Lester believes he will ready to start for spring training.(Good News) Pen pitching has also been strengthened with the arrival of Hideki Okajima, Brendan Donnelly and JC Romero.

I'm really pumped for this season, I tend to agree with the journalists on this one, we really have a good chance on paper, but hopefully Theo won't get rid of our starters before the season starts. (Bring back Bronson). Go Sox. This feels like the year... again!

A new Boston legend... and he's a SuperFan!

2007-01-01T17:50:00.000Z

Steve Aponavicius has become a legend in the town of Boston even if it is for only 15 minutes of fame. The unlikely kicker from Easton, Pennsylvania became the savior of Boston College's football season. Aponavicius last year was in the stands rooting for the Eagles to win it all, this year, he is on the field taking the crucial kick with only 3 seconds to go in the 4th quarter. This all takes place after a very closely contested game between unranked Navy and #23 Boston College in Charlotte, NC for the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

In the last five minutes of the game, the Eagles manage to pull themselves within 2 points of Navy and decide to go for the 2-point conversion and fail. Discouraged faces start to appear on the Eagles sideline as players are convinced that Navy will be able to run the clock down to win 24-22, however the defense does its job and is able to pass to the offense in good field position. With no timeouts left for BC, the offense had to hurry and managed to get as close to the posts as possible. Then up comes Aponavicius to kick a perfect 36yd FG right down the center to win the game 25-24.

What a great story, even after not playing any competitive football in his life, to get the chance to play on international television for his college. An honor. Gives hope to all us sports fans who never made it big first time round, there is still a chance for us to play... just be loud enough in the stands.

This makes the BC Eagles finish their season at 10-3 and a 7th consecutive Bowl victory. Congratulations to Boston College who are finding great success in only their second year as a part of the ACC. Hopefully they'll give Steve a scholarship now...

Welcome to The Misplaced Bostonians Blog.

2007-01-01T17:37:00.000Z

Hello all TMB fans and welcome to the new blog for our fans across the world. We aim to bring you friendly and up to date banter and comment about New England sports via podcast, and now by blogging. Please feel free to comment all the topics in this blog and create suggestions for new articles. Have fun y'all!