Good Lord this kid stinks!

Good job there, Theo.

Johnson was on the news tonight talking about how great the fans have been to him since he’s been with the team.

I can guarantee you, the Sox don’t come back to win this and end their winning streak because of some spastic has-been…they won’t be so great to him when he gets back to Boston.

I don’t mind losing a game (and it’s only the second inning, the game isn’t lost yet) but not when it’s because Theo sticks us with a stiff.

Edited to add:  Losing 5-0, no outs and Loretta decides to try and stretch a single into a double.  I love me some Mark Loretta, but really – what was he thinking?

Edited yet again to add:  At least the defense still looks good.  🙂

Not quite a live blog, but I’m adding stuff here.  After being at Fenway with the Mets fans this week, I have a new appreciation for why fans BOO down the opposing fans who cheer instead of CHEERING.  The booing is louder and works better.  I bring this up because I’m stunned by the "let’s go red sox" chants and totally understand why the Marlins fans are booing.

As this game goes on (and now that Johnson is out of it) I feel more sorry for Johnson than mad.  It was an awfully tough position to put him in.  Mind you, I still think he stinks, but one loss after 12 wins is far from something to be ashamed of.  Mind you, it’s only the sixth inning (still 5-0)…I never concede these games until the last out is made.  🙂

Even more numbers

Just saw a stat I wasn’t aware of.  For whatever reasons, it has gone totally unnoticed (guess it’s mostly because of how amazing the defense has been, coupled with our starting pitchers having some strong outings, Timlin being reliable and Papelbon just being insanely good!) – but for the month of June, the Red Sox lead the league in team batting average.  .302.  The team that isn’t even in the top five?  You can just guess. 

Hmm…how many games did the Sox play in June (not counting tonight’s, of course)?  25.  How many of those were inter-league games?  12.  Less than half (granted, not by much, but technically still true).  Oh yes, and they led the league in May with a .306 average.  And in May they only played 3 inter-league games.

We have the best team batting average, we have the best infield, we have the best closer, our one and two pitchers have ten wins each, we have a rookie in the starting rotation with a record of 3-0 and an era of 2.95, and we have the league’s best clutch hitter.  I’ll take this team over any team in both leagues.

Do I think the Sox can win number 13 tonight? Sure, I do.  Doesn’t mean that if they don’t win the Sox are no good.  (Regardless of what my Yankee fan visitors will tell you.)  Just means stuff happens.  You win some, you lose some.

But right now, the Sox are winning…and for many different reasons.

The least of which, and the least IMPORTANT, being they happen to be playing lesser teams.  The Sox have lost ONE game in inter-league play this year.  So what they are doing is beating the teams that they are SUPPOSED to be beating.  That’s something to be impressed with…especially when other teams can’t say the same.

I’m off to watch some of the Subway Series before the Sox start at 7:35.  It won’t be difficult to go back to rooting for the Mets.  Heck, after being swept I think I’d be cheering for them regardless of what team they’re playing.

Even more numbers

Just saw a stat I wasn’t aware of.  For whatever reasons, it has gone totally unnoticed (guess it’s mostly because of how amazing the defense has been, coupled with our starting pitchers having some strong outings, Timlin being reliable and Papelbon just being insanely good!) – but for the month of June, the Red Sox lead the league in team batting average.  .302.  The team that isn’t even in the top five?  You can just guess. 

Hmm…how many games did the Sox play in June (not counting tonight’s, of course)?  25.  How many of those were inter-league games?  12.  Less than half (granted, not by much, but technically still true).  Oh yes, and they led the league in May with a .306 average.  And in May they only played 3 inter-league games.

We have the best team batting average, we have the best infield, we have the best closer, our one and two pitchers have ten wins each, we have a rookie in the starting rotation with a record of 3-0 and an era of 2.95, and we have the league’s best clutch hitter.  I’ll take this team over any team in both leagues.

Do I think the Sox can win number 13 tonight? Sure, I do.  Doesn’t mean that if they don’t win the Sox are no good.  (Regardless of what my Yankee fan visitors will tell you.)  Just means stuff happens.  You win some, you lose some.

But right now, the Sox are winning…and for many different reasons.

The least of which, and the least IMPORTANT, being they happen to be playing lesser teams.  The Sox have lost ONE game in inter-league play this year.  So what they are doing is beating the teams that they are SUPPOSED to be beating.  That’s something to be impressed with…especially when other teams can’t say the same.

I’m off to watch some of the Subway Series before the Sox start at 7:35.  It won’t be difficult to go back to rooting for the Mets.  Heck, after being swept I think I’d be cheering for them regardless of what team they’re playing.

You know what was missing last night?

Curtain calls.

Where were the dam curtain calls?

Youkilis, Papi, Loretta, Gonzalez, Crisp…why didn’t any of them take a curtain call?

Man, if they can’t get their stuff together on this, they’ll NEVER be champions.

12 Drummers Drumming

Okay, the picture is from TUESDAY night not LAST night…but it’s Mike Timlin high-fiving Coco Crisp – the way it should be.

Anyone who says they got this excited about the 2004 this early in the season has a bad memory – or  maybe a lower excitement threshold.  🙂  This team is just amazing right now.  Can the streak last?  Who knows?  I won’t say ‘no’ because I’m just not feeling it.  I really think they can knock off a few more wins.  I have a good feeling about that. 

Okay, so Jason Johnson v Dontrelle Willis doesn’t exactly invoke warm feelings of security, but I’m willing to give the guy a chance.   He’s a ground ball pitcher so I’m thinking the Santana Infield is really going to help him out here.

Coco’s catch was the number 1 web gem last night.  Much-deserved, I might add.  Seriously, I’m still giddy from it.  He flew.  That’s the only way to describe it.  It was like watching "Angels in the Outfield".

Hey, Kevin Youkilis just made number 3, Freddie Sanchez number 2 and Coco number 1 in "Best Plays" on "SportsCenter".  Nice to see the Sox (and EX-Sox, represented!).  (Speaking of Ex-Sox, Bronson went for his tenth win last night and ended up with a no-decision…)

Hey, for really fun and interesting reading, check out the link to the MLBLogs by team, and find the new Red Sox and Yankees blogs.  With almost half the season behind us, a lot of folks seem to be settling into the year and decided to start blogging.  Nice to see the community growing!

By the way, Schilling was great last night.  Feel like I haven’t mentioned that (even in the live blog) enough.  And how about Alex Gonzalez?  Please, Theo, if you trade for ANYONE, we don’t need a shortstop.  And here’s hoping (although I know it’s doubtful) that Mark Loretta got a surge of All Star votes last night!

Coco Crisp is thisclose to doing a Red Bull commercial, huh?  Love it!

Boston has a 14-1 record in inter-league play thus far.  Say what you will, but I consider that pretty impressive.

Thankfully, the Sox are on the road because right now there is rain and thunder outside my window.

My work week from h-e-double hockey sticks ends today and then I have a four day weekend.  I’m hoping to use it to decompress – we’ll see.

Have a great day folks – and let’s make it lucky 13 tonight fellas!

(Picture of Coco and Loretta taken by me on June 21st)

Fun with Numbers, yet again

16 consecutive games without an error (tying the MLB record).

12 consecutive games won.

10 wins for Curt Schilling.

10 wins for Josh Beckett.

24 saves for Jonathan Papelbon and an

0.45 era, baby!

1.67 era for Mike Timlin.

4 teams swept.

4 games ahead of the Yankees in the standings.

1,936,373 All Star votes for Manny Ramirez.

(Speaking of which…Robinson Cano is close enough to catch AND he’s on the dl – go vote for Mark Loretta!!!!!!!!!!)

Numbers can be fun, huh?

Fun with Numbers, yet again

16 consecutive games without an error (tying the MLB record).

12 consecutive games won.

10 wins for Curt Schilling.

10 wins for Josh Beckett.

24 saves for Jonathan Papelbon and an

0.45 era, baby!

1.67 era for Mike Timlin.

4 teams swept.

4 games ahead of the Yankees in the standings.

1,936,373 All Star votes for Manny Ramirez.

(Speaking of which…Robinson Cano is close enough to catch AND he’s on the dl – go vote for Mark Loretta!!!!!!!!!!)

Numbers can be fun, huh?

Freddie Sanchez…

…hit a walk-off homer to end the Pirates’ losing streak!

I liked Freddie when he was here.  Glad to see him do something this cool!

Go vote for the All Star Game before voting ends tonight, folks!

Freddie Sanchez…

…hit a walk-off homer to end the Pirates’ losing streak!

I liked Freddie when he was here.  Glad to see him do something this cool!

Go vote for the All Star Game before voting ends tonight, folks!

Last minute, “Let’s hope we sweep the Mets”, Live Blog!

Okay, my evening plans changed so I figured why not send Curt the good mojo and live blog.

So, ‘baseless’ threats aside…here I am.  🙂

Hey I  just checked my email, Yankewest7@aol.com sent me a truly brilliant email…all it said was "You S**k"…this person should be published, don’t you think?

7:07 – Manny takes the field as Remy tells us Delgado is out of the line up today.  Hmmm.

7:11 – A hit by Reyes is  not the way to start a game.

7:12 – My favorite new site.

7:14 – HEY HEY HEY Jason Varitek throws out Reyes!  Reyes hates Varitek, I think.

7:15 – Strike three…sit down Beltran.

7:20 – Youk’s out.  😦  Hey, Lastings Milledge is in RIGHT field tonight.  Lets’ see how that goes.

7:23 – Mark Loretta walks…coolie!

7:25 – Man I hate the shift.  No score after one.

7:30 – Defensive specialist, Mark Loretta!

7:35 – I would love for Manny to get all the All Star votes and then NOT go to the ASG.  I’d love it.  Give him the respect of getting the votes AND the time off.

7:39 – Quick inning.  Hate that.

7:42 – Mike Lowell fears not your bunt.

7:42b – Manny’s working on a gold glove.  😉

7:43 – Dos outs.

7:45 – I’m sorry…which team has the best infield in MLB?  Yeah, that’s what I thought.  🙂  Three outs, baby.

7:50 – Gabe is out and NESN is re-showing pieces from Pedro’s post-game interview. 

7:51 – Nice glove, Mr. Glavine!!!

7:53 – Tom Glavine is a freaking machine.

7:57 – Remy just gave Donnie O a Santana Infield t-shirt!

8:00 – Nice strike out, Curt!

8:04 – Any Mets fans around who heard Remy last night?  I’m interested to hear what you thought of him.  HEY! Loretta got a hit off of Glavine!  Yay!!

8:05 – AND Papi follows with a single of his own!

8:07 – Mike Lowell is up with two outs and two on.

8:09 – Lowell walks, Tek is up.  Still batting from the left side…because it worked so well last time.

8:10 – Come on Fenway folks – my freaking CAT knew that was an out.

8:13 – Gabe the Babe makes another amazing catch!

8:19 – One on, two out in the fifth inning.  The FIFTH inning?  Why do games never go this quickly when I’m AT them???

8:21 – Ah, the "Let’s Go Mets" followed by boos.  I’ll give the Mets something over all the other fan bases in Boston…they certainly show up to represent their team.  I just wish the Sox fans would drown them out with cheers rather than boos.

8:22 – Orsillo says Schill "elevated" his pitch…that’s like saying Papi hits the ball ‘a little hard’. 

8:23 – Lastings Milledge is up….oooh, just as I was about to write that Lastings could either be a hero or a goat right now, the 800 year old man gets picked off!  Stellar job, Mr. Schilling!

8:27 – An addition to the kudos for Curt, adding some for Mark Loretta – good eye!  Kapler is up…all is well, except for the fact that he got out.

8:27b – Either Curt is a very sweaty guy or it is really hot in Fenway.

8:30 – Nice throw, Tom!  AGon on second thanks to the throwing error!

8:31 – All for nothing.  End of five, no score.  Ah, pitching duels.

8:34 – Ride some pine, Lastings.

So in my mind, this afternoon the following exchange took place:

Willie Randolph – Lastings, son, we need to talk.

Lastings Milledge – I know, Skip.  Two errrors in two nights.  I’m sorry.  Pedro said it wasn’t my fault, though.

Willie Randolph – Pedro also said he WON the most important game tonight.  That boy has rocks in his head, son.  Don’t let me catch you talking to him again!

Lastings Milledge – Okay.

Willie Randolph – About tonight.  I was hoping to watch your butt ride the train to Norfolk and have Cliff Floyd up here, but that isn’t happening.

Lastings Milledge – Great!  (Notices Willie’s frown) I  mean, oh…that’s too bad!

Willie Randolph – Whatever.  I just want you to know that I’m putting you in right field.

Lastings Milledge – Great! (Notices Willie’s frown) That isn’t great?

Willie Randolph – There’s this corner in right field…and ask Gary Sheffield about the fans…But, we don’t have a choice, you’re in there tonight.  Don’t let me down…again.

Lastings Milledge – I can do it, Skip, I know I can!

Willie Randolph – That’s the spirit, kid.  Now run along.  (Lastings skips away and Willie dials his cell phone)  Omar, you sure we can’t trade for Trot Nixon?

8:35 – Jason Johnson starts for the Sox tomorrow.  Definitely not live blogging…too much tension.  🙂

8:36 – Reyes, take your seat as well.  Strike out number 5 for Schill

8:39 – LoDuca makes his at-bat count and lands on first.

8:42 – Two run homer for Carlos Beltran.  Ugh.

8:43 – YAY they’re doing the "Let’s Go Red Sox" chant over the "Let’s Go Mets" chant instead of booing!

8:44 – For those who weren’t at any of these games…the Mets fans are the ones who were starting the Anti-Yankees chants, when I was there anyway. 

8:52 – Mark Loretta shuts the Mets fans up!  Way to go, Mark!!!!!  Loretta OWNS Glavine!  🙂 2-1 Mets in the middle of the 5th!

8:53 – Whoa!  I was convinced that was going to be a single!  Papi hits a double off the wall!!!  PAPI!!!!!!!!!

8:54 – Come on,  Manny.  Don’t let Curt down!

8:56 – Could Glavine be unintentionally, intentionally walking Manny?

8:56b – Not if Manny keeps swinging at THAT crappe!

8:57 – Way to pitch around Manny, Tom.

8:57b – 102 pitches and Willie is going to take Glavine out.  Way to go.  Guy is an amazing pitcher, I don’t care what team he plays for.  I’d love to have him on our team – I wanted him here when he left Atlanta.

9:01 – A double from Mr Double would be nice.  No outs, two on for Mike Lowell.

9:02 – Ooh…Papi dives in head first to third and because Beltran pretty much ignores him, Manny walks over to second.  No man on first with only one out.  Sweet.

9:04 – If Jason Varitek was my brother, my father would disown him.

9:05 – Trot’s on deck, pinch-hitting for Gabe.

9:06 – Thanks to great base-running from Papi – the score is tied!!!!!

9:07 – Don Orsillo tells us that Trot is battling a stomach flu.  How much does that stink?  When I have the stomach flu, there’s only one  place I want to be…and it certainly isn’t the outfield at Fenway Park.

9:08 – Trot to Lastings – end of six inning and the score is tied at 2.

9:09 – Just turned on Bronson, he has a 5-2 lead in the seventh.  Well done!!!

9:12 – Schilling is still in the game.  Lowell gets him the first out.  Come on, Schill.  Pitch so your guys can get you the win.

9:14 – I hate one out doubles.

9:15 – Timlin is up in the bullpen.  I love him.  Anyone who reads my blog or who knows me knows this.  Please…do NOT make him have to come in, Curt.

9:16 – Schill strikes out Woodward for out number two.

9:16b – I keep reading about the new Bruins coach.  Funny, no quotes from Mike Sullivan.  Probably because he’s too classy to talk about how much the Bruins set  him up to be the fall guy.  I hope the Bruins lose every game they play next season.

9:17 – For crying out loud, Curt, it’s LASTINGS MILLEDGE.  I’m pretty sure I could get him out.

9:18 – Out of the inning – yeesh, Lastings is fast, eh?????

9:21 – COCO BUNTS!!! And gets on base!!!!  I love speed!

9:22 – AND HE STEALS SECOND!!! Speed.  Need speed.  So nice to HAVE speed.

9:23 – What bizarro world have I stepped into where we have a guy on third due to TWO bunts and a steal?  Is Tito sick tonight?  Is Brad Mills really managing?

9:24 – Man I really thought Youk hit that one out.  No matter.  He knocked Coco home!  Sox lead, 3-2.  Two outs in the seventh with Loretta up again.

9:26 – Lastings loves right field.  3-2 Sox after seven.

9:29 – Schill is out after 103 pitches.  Mike Timlin is in to help preserve the lead.  THIS is when I like to see Timlin in the game!

9:32 – One down.  Keep it up, Mikey!

9:33 – A bit of a gimme on that first strike.  Now there are two on LoDuca.

9:36 – Timlin strikes out LoDuca (swinging)!!!  Two outs, Mike.  (According to Donnie O. it’s the "first strikeout in 54 plate appearances for LoDuca".  Well done, Mike!)

9:38 – Beltran has a 1-2 count on him.  Come on, Mikey…one more strike out.

9:39 – O you could give up a hit.  Just to make things interesting.

9:39b – "The closer is up in the Red Sox pen", so says Don Orsillo.  Knowing he doesn’t have to say his name.

9:40 – The "Let’s Go Red Sox", "Let’s Go Mets" tandem cheering is making it sound like both fan bases are actually having FUN with each other tonight.

9:40b – 2-0 count to whoever the heck is up (hey, I’m hyped up right now)…

9:41 – Make that 3-0.  WTH, Mike?

9:41b – Heck, that’s David Wright – and Coco just robbed him of a double by basically FLYING into the air and grabbing the ball!!!  Mike Timlin was VERY happy! 

9:42 – As I say to my sistahs, Mike Timlin owes Coco Crisp a "special" favor.  3-2 Sox going into the bottom of the 8th.

Neil Diamond, middle of the 8th, mojo time:

Where it began, I can’t begin to know when
But then I know it’s growing strong
Wasn’t the spring,
And spring became the summer
Who’d believe you’d come along

Hands, touching hands, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seem so good
I’ve been inclined to believe it never would

And now I, I look at the night,
And it don’t seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two,
And when I hurt
Hurting runs off my shoulder
How can I hurt when holding you

One, touching one, reaching out
Touching me, touching you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seem so good

I’ve been inclined to believe it never would

Sweet Caroline, good times never seem so good

9:45 – NESN has already shown the Coco Crisp catch three more times.  Covelli had dam better well make the number one web gem tonight!

9:45b – THAT’S MY BIG PAPI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Home run!  4-2 Sox!!!!!

9:47 – Coco is drinking Red Bull!  After that amazing catch – what a commercial that would make!  Red Bull gave me WINGS!!!

9:52 – Three outs, Papelbon is coming in.  I would have preferred Tito bringing Timlin out for at least one more batter, but what are you going to do?

Three more outs, boys…three more outs.

9:54 – Jose Valentin apparently has to go to the bathroom.  He swung at the first pitch and is now on his way back to the dugout.

9:56 – One out to a sweep of the best the National League has to offer.

9:57 – And that’s game…12 in a row for the Sox – Curt gets his tenth win!  To quote Don Orsillo – an "outstanding ball game"!!!

Especially for Jere:

I’m gonna tell you a story
I’m gonna tell you about my town
I’m gonna tell you a big bad story, baby
Aww, it’s all about my town

Yeah, down by the river
Down by the banks of the river Charles (aw, that’s what’s happenin’ baby)
That’s where you’ll find me
Along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves (aw, but they’re cool people)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, you’re the Number One place)
Frustrated women (I mean they’re frustrated)
Have to be in by twelve o’clock (oh, that’s a shame)
But I’m wishin’ and a-hopin, oh
That just once those doors weren’t locked (I like to save time for
my baby to walk around)
Well I love that dirty water
Oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)

Because I love that dirty water
Oh, oh, Boston, you’re my home (oh, yeah)

Well, I love that dirty water (I love it, baby)
I love that dirty water (I love Baw-stun)
I love that dirty water (Have you heard about the Strangler?)
I love that dirty water (I’m the man, I’m the man)
I love that dirty water (Owww!)
I love that dirty water (Come on, come on)

Thanks for stopping by, folks.  Have a great night!!!!!

(Oh, one last item…Red Sox are not only in first place, but they’re ahead by four games.  Those are some fine apples!)