laura and the red sox

Question for Anyone Reading

2009-07-03T23:07:00.004-04:00

I want to order some vanity plates for my car, and I have gone through all of the Red Sox (RDSX, BOSOX, B RD SOX, etc) combinations I can think of. None of the good ones are left. However, I can get....

PEDROIA

Weird? Or cool? Need help, can't decide on my own.

Back in a Big Way

2009-06-22T14:04:00.000-04:00

Big Papi is, that is. He is definitely looking like he is getting his groove back, and man, is it a welcome sight.

Who is doing just the opposite? As in, not grooving. That would be Matsuzaka, who has been pretty much a disappointment this season. After being moved to the 15-day DL yesterday, Francona had this to say: "This is not going to be a two-week DL. We have to figure this out. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get him back to being Daisuke."

Sounds bad. Shoulder weakness, they are saying. So that opens the door for John Smoltz to come waltzing in, right? And conveniently, "Topping out the radar gun around 91 mph, slightly slower than he's known for, Smoltz threw six innings of one-hit, one-run ball as the Pawtucket Red Sox edged the visiting Durham Bulls, 2-1, at McCoy Stadium." He threw 74 pitches, 51 for strikes. It's like it was all planned. As long as he does good, right.

What else is going on? Nick Green hit a walk off HR last night, and it was awesome. One pitch in the bottom of the 9th was all he needed, and after a pretty interesting game, with Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones getting thrown out after J.D. Drew RBI'd after taking what was clearly strike 3 and the ump called it a ball; and Ortiz getting on (and then scoring later) after a little pop up landed between the miscommunicating Jones and shortstop. You kinda felt bad for the Braves, really...never enough to want them to win, but you know. Sucks to play like that.

That's about it for now. I haven't been updating (why is summer never as relaxing as it should be?) but I have been watching the Sox, never fear :) And now Wimbledon is starting, and Nadal isn't playing...and life should be good for the next couple weeks.

Beckett Ruled

2009-05-23T21:33:00.002-04:00

Tonight, Josh Beckett was awesome. And he was slightly more awesome than Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey. Beckett gave up 1 run in the first and then none over 8 innings, and Pelfrey gave up 2 runs in the first and then none over 7. Definitely a pitchers' duel, and man, Beckett just had a great night. Loved it.

So, Papelbon came in to secure the game, and he first walked a guy, SO, SO #2, then he let a dude hit a home run and take the lead. Instant replay sucks when it goes against us. So Beckett was awesome for nothing. F. He was looking like, "You have GOT to be kidding me." Poor guy.

P.S. Go Denver and Cleveland! Somebody that I like needs to win tonight, so it's up to the Nuggets.

Long Time No See

2009-05-22T16:43:00.003-04:00

How sad to log in and see the notice, "last published on May 7." Well, finals are over for me and I am ready to enjoy the last summer of my life, watching the Red Sox (well, listening to them. Still refuse to pay for MLB.TV until it gets cheaper) and having fun.

So since I last posted, Ortiz finally hit a home run, Youkilis left and came back, Pedroia left and came back, and Matsuzaka returns tonight against the Mets. I am so excited about playing the Mets, I love the AL/NL showdowns because it's the only time I get to see anyone from the NL. The Mets are one of 3 teams I like from the NL (others being the Reds because of Bronson and the Cubs because...well, they're the Cubbies) so I am really looking forward to this series. And TBS has the game on Sunday so I will even be able to watch them.

Let's aim for 2 sweeps in a row (hey, I like the Mets and all, just not enough for them to win any games).

Better End

2009-05-07T22:26:00.001-04:00

I had a really bad day, and I would like to go to bed, but I have to say this little tidbit made my day end much better than it started:

Boston scored 12 runs in one inning. And they had no outs until after getting all 12 runs.

Nice.

I Love Sweeping NY

2009-05-05T22:57:00.003-04:00

Another sweep of the Yankees by the Red Sox? Pretty awesome. I am getting very used to this feeling of domination, and I like it.

Who had a good game? Pedroia, of course (did you catch his interview on E:60 this evening?), and Jason Bay, who hit a 3-run home run in the 1st inning to immediately annoy the Yanks. My favorite part was the Yankees announcer, "He's on the track..leaps...see ya! A 3-run home run for Jason Bay! An awful start for Joba and the Yankees as the Red Sox lead 4 nothing!" He just sounded so into it. He then went on to say what an "outstanding play" Mike Lowell made in the 3rd....this announcer (Michael Kay? I'm so sad I know that) isn't so annoying when you only have to hear clips of him.

So next up is Cleveland, but the series I am really interested is this weekend's against TB. The Red Sox need to get some revenge against them, and since I'll be able to watch 2 of the games, I think it's a good time to do that.

Let's Forget about that Game

2009-05-01T17:24:00.001-04:00

I don't know too much about why Javier Lopez got sent to right field so Jonathan Van Every could pitch, but I'm pretty sure it's because he sucks and I wish he would not be on the team.

That's it.

Who Steals Home?

2009-04-27T19:49:00.003-04:00

What a series! I have been out of town (but watching the games of course!) and then my Internet was all sorts of messed up when I got back today, but now here I am, in the middle of a new game, to discuss Red Sox v. Yankees Part 1 '09.

What was the highlight of the 3-game series that Boston swept? Was it Jason Bay's 2-run home run in the bottom of the 9th on Friday to tie the game (off Mariano Rivera, no less)? Or was it Youkilis' walkoff HR in the bottom of the 11th to win it? How about Jason Varitek's grand slam on Saturday to make it a 6-5 ballgame? Ellsbury's solo shot to tie it at 6 apiece? No, no, it was none of those amazing moments. It was in yesterday's game, when Jacoby Ellsbury STOLE HOME out of nowhere! So awesome. It was, as ESPN pointed out, the first time a Boston player stole home in 10 years. Definitely something you don't see everyday.

So the Red Sox have swept 3 teams in a row, won 10 games in a row, and they're still 1 game out of first place? Hopefully after they sweep Cleveland, first place will be ours.

2 Sweeps in a Row

2009-04-22T22:47:00.008-04:00

So the Red Sox suddenly decided to open a can of whoop ass (how do you like that '90s phrase?) and pretty much destroyed the Orioles and Twins in their last 2 series. Seems to me that whenever the Red Sox have a doubleheader they usually split games, but not today--10-1 in the first one (and that was even shortened by rain) and 7-3 in the second one (and the second game featured my new favorite jerseys--I am loving the green on white!).

People were getting doubles all over the place (Pedroia, Ortiz, Drew, Lowell, Green--who also HR'd and had 2 awesome games), Ortiz came alive, Ellsbury was hitting the ball....it was great. And Wakefield threw his second complete game in a row, which is pretty cool (even though it was only 7 innings). Let's hope they keep this up....because the Yankees are coming to Fenway this weekend! I want 3 sweeps in a row...

Youkilis' Day

2009-04-19T09:16:00.002-04:00

Another win for Boston yesterday, thanks to Kevin Youkilis, who went 4-for-5 with 4 RBI. He hit a 3-run homer over the Monster early in the game and just continued to play great after that. Lowell and Varitek drove in the other 2 for a final score of 6-4.

And I'm sorry, I know the Yankees aren't our main competition anymore, but if I don't mention that they lost 22-4 yesterday, it just wouldn't feel right. Chien-Ming Wang is 0-3 with an ERA of 34.50. Even Javier Lopez has a better ERA.

So Boston is in 4th place now, and Tampa Bay is in the bottom (as they should be!). Toronto is still in first, which is just weird.

From Way Down to Feeling Great

2009-04-17T19:12:00.007-04:00

Because I can actually watch this game, I might just do a streaming post:

7:12: The TV is on mute (as I am studying, blah) and I look up and see these new sharp red home jerseys. I wonder out loud to myself if these are new (because I am a little slow at times), unmute the TV and the Orioles announcers are discussing the debut of the new red jerseys. I think I am psychic (clearly).

7:14: First Oriole is a strikeout. This is a good sign!

7:15: And the next dude gets a hit. Strike that last comment.

7:27: I just noticed Youkilis's stupid chin-eating beard is back. Yuck.

7:40: Brad Penny just walked the last 2 guys and successfully walked in a run to put the O's up 1-0 WITH NO OUTS. UGH. It is not good when your starting pitcher already sucks in the 2nd inning. At least Mike Lowell can make awesome plays. 1 out. Brian Roberts just got a hit, 2-0. This is Crap. B.P. (interesting initials, considering he is making my BP rise) pitched well last time, what gives.

7:46: Walked in another run! You can hear the Fenway boos from miles away. I feel bad for him, actually, but I am still frustrated nonetheless.

7:47: GRAND SLAM SON OF A BITCH

7:55: Hey, something good! Jason Bay hit a 2-run HR! It's something, people, gotta dig away at this huge lead. 7-2.

8:02. Ellsbury hits a "single" in between 3 Orioles, RBI! 7-3.

8:09: Pedroia hauled ass to get a single, bases loaded with 1 out. Ortiz RBIs, 2 outs though. 7-4.

8:26: HR J.D. Drew! 7-5!

8:53: I left the room to make dinner, somehow the O's have 8. F.

9:06: J.D. Drew hit a triple to center, I love it. What will Jason Bay do? Walk! Mike Lowell? Walk! Jason Varitek? Lucky error for him, run in! Nick Green? Hits one waaaay back, 2 runs in, tie game!! Woo hoo!!!

9:40: Youkilis just got nailed in the head. The pitcher looked very concerned so I can't be mad...and he's up walking to first base. Guess he's okay, but I'm sure we'll hear more about it tomorrow. Maybe it shook Baez (O's pitcher) up because he just walked Drew to load the bases with one out!

9:46: Sac fly! We are winning!

9:48: Lowell-RBI single! 10-8!

10:24: Boston is really having to work the bullpen tonight, but they are doing a great job. We've seen Delcarmen, Lopez (who walked a guy and gave up a single and was promptly yanked, haha. Guess they learned their lesson with him), Ramirez, and Okajima just got the last 2 O's of the 8th inning.

10:45: There's the Papelbon we love! I cannot believe they just came back from 7-0 down to win 10-8. Amazing.

My guess is they won because I wore my Sox visor all day. Just a theory. I'll be wearing it all day tomorrow too, though!

Hey, Look at That!

2009-04-16T12:04:00.004-04:00

The Red Sox are capable of winning some more games! And Tim Wakefield was the main reason why.

Wakefield, a man whom I have often complained about in the past, really came through yesterday. He threw a complete game, giving the bullpen a much-needed rest after Matsuzaka's catastrophe (and oh great, he's on the DL). As a matter of fact, Tim didn't even allow a hit until the 8th inning....so very close to a no-hitter. I am quite pleased with Mr. Wakefield at the moment.

Boston's bats also woke up, gathering 8 runs over the game to Oakland's 2. Lowell hit a home run, as did J.D. Drew (a 3-run HR at that!). Everyone had at least one or two hits (except the AL MVP, but that's okay).

And take a look at Jacoby Ellsbury's catch--that's pretty nice. What was even better? Nick Green's catch! I believe right now, when you open the links it will take you to Mike Lowell's HR, but you know how to get to the other videos.

All in all a terrific game. Still sitting in last place, but it's early.

Huh?

2009-04-14T08:01:00.004-04:00

Okay, I know the season only started last week, but this:

Toronto 6-2
Baltimore 5-2
TB 4-3
NY 3-4
Boston 2-5

is a little confusing.

As for last night's game....eek. As I often complain, I don't get NESN, so unless they show a game on ESPN, I don't get to watch it. So I end up "watching" games on Gameday. Gameday is great, but when it reads "Jason Giambi doubles to left field. Run scores," it's not really telling the whole truth, is it? Maybe it should read, "Jason Bay attempts a silly dive move and ends up letting Jason Giambi have his RBI, injuring his own wrist in the process." I should ask mlb.com to let me author GameDay, I could make it so much more interesting.

Anyway, Lester is now 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA. Youkilis did good last night but no one else did.

It seems that this is Boston's worst start in 13 years. And probably one of Toronto's best--what is up with that?

A Very Entertaining Game!

2009-04-11T20:38:00.003-04:00

That was a pretty awesome game....for Jason Bay! Brad Penny did pretty good, he only gave up 3 runs over 6 innings. Papelbon....oh, Papelbon.

Wait, let me start at the beginning-ish.

The Angels scored in the first inning, which is never a good sign. They scored again in the 3rd inning, so Boston is down 2-0. Nothing is happening for Boston until the 5th inning when Mike Lowell hit a 2-run home run to tie the game at 2 apiece. Bottom of the inning=another LA run. Down again.

So, Jason Bay. He was definitely the MVP of the game. He made this amazing catch, bobbling the ball and catching it down near the ground, it was pretty great. I'm sure the video will be on redsox.com soon. He also hit a 2-run home run in the 7th inning to put Boston up 4-3, then he hits ANOTHER home run in the 9th to make it 5-3! And things are looking good.

So in comes Papelbon, ready for his 2nd save of the season, and the man immediately gives up a home run! Not cool. Okay, still up 5-4. That last Bay HR is looking nice. So anyway, this is what Papelbon proceeded to do after the home run:
Double
Out #1
Walk
Out #2
Walk (bases loaded!)
Out #3 after Howie Kendrick fouled off SEVEN pitches in a row.

Way to make us sweat, Paps.

A Very Good Way to Start '09

2009-04-08T10:04:00.004-04:00

Things did not work out as planned for me yesterday. The game was supposed to be Monday at 2:00, I didn't have class, I was going to watch it. Of course it was postponed till Tuesday at 4, when I had class from 3:30-8. Not exactly how I wanted the first game of the season to go, but hey, they won.

Apparently Josh Beckett was pretty awesome, as the stats tell me so: he went 7 innings, only allowed 2 hits (wowza), 1 run, and threw 10 strikeouts. That is how you start a season, people.

Reigning MVP Pedroia started the day off with a home run, Varitek also contributed one later in the game. Looking over the box, it actually looks like everyone had a pretty good start to 2009 (well, except Ellsbury, but it's only the first game).

Baseball is back! Ahhh....it's such a great feeling!

P.S. How great is it to see Mike Lowell playing?

Post #600

2009-04-05T20:10:00.002-04:00

I feel like I should have more than 600 posts over ~4 years, but going to school has slowed me down...significantly. However, hopefully I will be back to posting more than 3 times a month because...

baseball starts TOMORROW!

April 6th is Opening Day, and the Red Sox are taking on Tampa Freaking Bay (they shall never be called Tampa Bay again) at 2:00. It is of course on television so you better watch it or tape it.

My local paper picked Boston to win the World Series (they also picked the Yankees to finish in 3rd place, ha) so I am riding that train all the way. Smart guy, whoever wrote the article.

I am so excited that baseball is back. It's been a looong offseason and I am ready for some Pedroia action.

Fashion of the Day

2009-03-18T00:21:00.004-04:00

A win + the best-looking jerseys I've ever seen = good day!

Seriously, loving the white and green jersey (versus the all green one I've become used to). I must have one!

NOT ALLOWED

2009-03-14T21:35:00.003-04:00

Sorry Dustin Pedroia, but you are absolutely, unequivocally NOT ALLOWED to have an injury! Reading this--Dustin Pedroia will miss the remainder of the World Baseball Classic with a strained left oblique and will be examined by Red Sox doctors on Sunday--on the redsox.com site has totally ruined my day. And might I add it is my mom's birthday so it has been a very good day so far.

In his words, "I'll be fine. I'm not concerned about the season. I'll be ready for the season. I'm not worried about that."

I tend to overreact to things, so I am pretty sure he will be fine and it is just Laura-on-overdrive, but he's my favorite player. I think it's okay to be concerned....even if it is slightly dramatic. Besides, he was the only reason I cared about the WBC. Now what?

A Very Good Look

2009-03-07T12:17:00.001-05:00

I don't want to admit that I'm posting for one reason and one reason alone that is kind of weird, but here you go:

Please keep this look. Please!

Technically, Baseball Starts Today!

2009-02-25T14:04:00.002-05:00

Baseball starts up again today! Not "real" baseball, but spring training is still technically baseball, I suppose. Before you know it, Monday night baseball and Baseball Tonight will be back, and life will be back to 60% Red Sox, 30% school, 10% TV. As it should be.

But we also have to get through the World Baseball Classic first. Red Sox players: Daisuke Matsuzaka (Japan), Jason Bay (Canada), David Ortiz (Dominican Republic), Dustin Pedroia (United States), Kevin Youkilis (United States) and Javier Lopez (Puerto Rico).

I was going to go with the Dominican Republic because of Ortiz, but there are too many Yankees on that team (including A-Roid). So I will be safe and go with Japan again. The U.S. team? Not so great. Except Pedroia, but I don't think he can carry the whole team.

But I really don't care about the WBC, actually. I'm more excited about April 6th.

At Last, It Makes Sense

2009-02-14T23:56:00.004-05:00

My neuro exam is over and I am ready to comment on A-Rod. I am a little behind, ok?

Actually, for once in my life, I don't have too much to say. I think now, especially with this news, it's almost expected that if you are good, there is a reason why other than natural talent. Which is sad. But how many baseball players have taken steroids? It's just not that shocking anymore. I think more than anything, it's just disappointment--I mean, even though the man sucks post-September, he is still a very good baseball player and his use of steroids taints the whole thing.

Oh, well. People cheat, and you move on. But this does make my nickname for A-Rod, Dirty Cheater, look perfectly accurate (which I started calling him after he knocked the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove, an image I will NEVER forget). I used to have a picture of Nomar, A-Rod, and Jeter (the three shortstops, if you recall) and I put a giant X on Jeter's head, made an arrow pointing to A-Rod that said "Dirty Cheater," and then there was Nomar all normal-looking. I may have even posted it on this site somewhere. Ahh, memories.

Validation

2009-01-31T10:03:00.003-05:00

A few things to discuss:

A) Validation. #8 and #9, but especially #8. Now, how about firing them?

B) Boy was I wrong about the women's final. It was like....well, a massacre. Incredibly boring to watch, and if the Federer/Nadal match goes like that I will be awfully mad.

C) Good old Kevin Millar has been informed that he's not going to be returning to the Orioles...which means I no longer like anyone on the Orioles (well...maybe Mora. But that's it). Here's what he had to say, "Yeah, the bottom line is, obviously, they want to go in a different direction. Now, what that means, I don't know. Are they going to win games this year? No. Obviously we know that going in. You've got to be realistic.

"I told Dave Trembley a month and a half ago, 'Listen, I'm 37 years old. I'm ready to make that transition and do whatever I can do to help the young guys. If that means playing against left-handers, coming off the bench, whatever.' I told him I'm ready to do whatever I need to do. They decided to go in a different direction, which is surprising to me. I'm not talking about this to sell myself. I'm low risk. I'm a one-year deal. I haven't been on the disabled list in awhile. I get along with everybody."

He is right, they won't win games, but I think that's less to do with the fact that Millar won't be there and more to do with the fact that they kinda suck. Plus they have Boston, Tampa Bay, and New York to contend with.

UPDATE: Today is Varitek-Anticipation Day

2009-01-30T13:29:00.004-05:00

Well, folks...."At some point on Friday, Jason Varitek's status, at least when it comes to whether he will remain with the only Major League team he's played for, should finally be resolved."

His offer? One year at $5 million, plus an option for 2010 that could either be picked by the team for $5 million or by Varitek for $3 million.

Pitchers and catchers report on February 12th (so close!).

Take the deal, man.

P.S. I would like to take this opportunity to scoff at the Australian Open and the tremendously stupid decision to put the singles finals at 7:30 Australian time, 3:30 am my time! How can I be expected to stay up until 6 am to watch a tennis match? I mean, Serena/Safina, whatever, I'll watch it at 9 am taped (though I do actually think it is going to be an excellent match). But Federer/Nadal Part 239834? This is a match I need to see LIVE. But no, I'll be watching it taped, all because Australia thinks night matches are super. WhatEV.

P.P.S. He took the deal!

Yay for August 2nd!

2009-01-19T16:43:00.002-05:00

Where will I be Sunday, August 2nd?

Why, in Baltimore, for my annual road trip to see a Red Sox/Orioles game!

(Except last year it didn't happen because my tickets were for mid-August and I was in school. But that doesn't count.)

ALL I WANT IS WAKEFIELD NOT TO PITCH. I swear he is out there EVERY time we see a game (except once, I think Schilling pitched). And I want them to win, otherwise those Orioles fans are quite rude.

Youk is Here to Stay

2009-01-15T16:58:00.003-05:00

Good news out of Boston--

"According to ESPN.com, the Red Sox have avoided arbitration with Youkilis by signing him to a
four-year, $40 million contract. The deal reportedly includes an option for the 2013 season."

I think that is what many of us have been waiting for, for the Sox to lock up Youkilis. He's just one of those invaluable Red Sox guys.

Oh man...completely out of nowhere, but I just remembered Coco Crisp isn't on the team anymore. It seems like that happened so long ago. Aww, I will miss Coco. Where is he now? Kansas City? Eek.

Now what about Varitek??