Although the SoxandPhils have been having quiet spring training camps, they haven't been without issues. Our guys have been getting sick. A lot.
This week, the Phillies infirmary has been visited by Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino and Sam Perlozzo, who were bitten by flu bugs. Earlier, Chase Utley had an upper respiratory problem.
Curiously, Christine has not questioned the integrity of Chooch, Shane-O or Utley like she did when we found out Josh Beckett was ill.
Jacoby Ellsbury has also been ill and, of course, Jed Lowrie has mono.
We're going to start a brand of SoxandPhils hand sanitizer and send a complimentary case to the Red Sox and Phillies so they can keep the players healthy because this is getting ridiculous.
Showing posts with label Jed Lowrie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jed Lowrie. Show all posts
Mar 23, 2010
Dec 4, 2009
Sufferin' succotash! Sox sign shortstop Scutaro
Last night, I kind of dismissed reports that the Red Sox had Marco Scutaro work out for them. I thought it was just due diligence. I was shocked - and disappointed - this morning to see he is now our shortstop for the next two years, keeping the position warm until 19-year-old Jose Iglesis is ready for the major leagues.
Statheads are split on this one: Rob Neyer approves; FanGraphs, however, suggests that the Fenway faithful won't be pleased when Scutaro plays like he can, not as if he is the starting shortstop of one for one of the game's premier franchises.
Count me guilty as charged, although I'll give him credit for chasing a trophy instead of the dollar:
I also hadn't considered what this deal means for Jed Lowrie, once considered a solid prospect:
Christine will take delight in calling my new shortstop Scooter.
One more Placido Polanco note: I love the anecdote about how his son still wore his Phillies jerseys throughout his tenure on the Tigers, but I'm not buying it. The kid is 6 years old, how would a jersey from four years ago still fit?
Statheads are split on this one: Rob Neyer approves; FanGraphs, however, suggests that the Fenway faithful won't be pleased when Scutaro plays like he can, not as if he is the starting shortstop of one for one of the game's premier franchises.
Count me guilty as charged, although I'll give him credit for chasing a trophy instead of the dollar:
"There was a team that was making a real good offer, but I can say this, I took a little less money just to come here, to have a chance to win a ring," he said.
I also hadn't considered what this deal means for Jed Lowrie, once considered a solid prospect:
Where does this leave Lowie?
It's up to him at this point. He can win a bench job in spring training and push for playing time. Theo Epstein chose his words carefully, saying the Sox still believe in Lowie. But actions speak loudly in this case.
Christine will take delight in calling my new shortstop Scooter.
One more Placido Polanco note: I love the anecdote about how his son still wore his Phillies jerseys throughout his tenure on the Tigers, but I'm not buying it. The kid is 6 years old, how would a jersey from four years ago still fit?
Apr 20, 2009
Apple Pie, Mom and a Patriots' Day blowout
I like Patriots' Day. It's not like I get to see the game or anything, but there's just something appealing about checking the score on my lunch break and seeing the Red Sox are halfway to a win.
Today must have been cathartic for the Sox, who have now won five straight after stumbling a bit out of the gate. Justin Masterson, making his first start of the season, pitched into the 6th inning on 84 pitches - one earned, four hits, two walks and three strikeouts.
And the bats gave him plenty of support in the 12-1 win over the Orioles. Half the lineup had a multi-hit game, and every starter except Rocco Baldelli (who left with an injury) and Nick Green had a hit. Several Sox had big games: slumping David Ortiz (2-4 with a stand-up triple!), Jason Varitek (2-5 with a home run), and Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia set the table, going 7-13 with six runs. And there was even a little cherry on top: Hunter Jones, who took Daisuke Matsuzaka's spot on the roster, made his major league debut with an efficient 9th inning, allowing only one man to reach base via error.
Injuries: It wasn't all good news today. As I mentioned, Baldelli left the game with a mild hamstring sprain. Doesn't sound bad, but they're talking about the DL. And I've neglected to mention that we've been without our shortstop for more than a week, and now it's looking like Jed Lowrie is heading for surgery, but may be back midseason. I'm doubtful on that one.
The Phillies and Padres were rained out, and now it's really coming down here. Our movie was also postponed, but because of a scheduling mistake; we'll be attending tomorrow instead.
Today must have been cathartic for the Sox, who have now won five straight after stumbling a bit out of the gate. Justin Masterson, making his first start of the season, pitched into the 6th inning on 84 pitches - one earned, four hits, two walks and three strikeouts.
And the bats gave him plenty of support in the 12-1 win over the Orioles. Half the lineup had a multi-hit game, and every starter except Rocco Baldelli (who left with an injury) and Nick Green had a hit. Several Sox had big games: slumping David Ortiz (2-4 with a stand-up triple!), Jason Varitek (2-5 with a home run), and Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia set the table, going 7-13 with six runs. And there was even a little cherry on top: Hunter Jones, who took Daisuke Matsuzaka's spot on the roster, made his major league debut with an efficient 9th inning, allowing only one man to reach base via error.
Injuries: It wasn't all good news today. As I mentioned, Baldelli left the game with a mild hamstring sprain. Doesn't sound bad, but they're talking about the DL. And I've neglected to mention that we've been without our shortstop for more than a week, and now it's looking like Jed Lowrie is heading for surgery, but may be back midseason. I'm doubtful on that one.
The Phillies and Padres were rained out, and now it's really coming down here. Our movie was also postponed, but because of a scheduling mistake; we'll be attending tomorrow instead.
Oct 7, 2008
Two coin flips away
Last night's Angels-Red Sox match-up is a prime example why I still follow this game.After Jon Lester shut down the Angels for seven innings - 14 goose eggs for the ace in the series - Justin Masterson allowed the Angels to tie it up with two runs in the 8th.
Before 2004, I might have turned off the TV if that happened. Now, it's just a matter of how they're going to pull it out.
They survived a scare in the top of the 9th, when the Angels had a man on third with one out. Erick Ayber missed a bunt, and Jason Varitek chased Reggie Willits back to third, narrowly tagging him before he reached the base. Of course, controversy followed because after the lunging tag, the ball fell out of the captain's glove. No matter, the out stood.
In the bottom of the 9th, with one out Jason (Manny who?) Bay blooped one to right that Willits couldn't get; it bounced in the stands for a ground-rule double. With two outs, Jed Lowrie roped a hit to win the game 3-2, end the series and etch his name in Red Sox playoff lore. It was nice symmetry that Lester and Lowrie did their post-game news conference together.
With the win, the showdown for the American League championship is set between the Eastern Division champion Tampa Rays and the Wild Card challenger Red Sox. Given the competitiveness of each team and their history of bad blood, I expect a long, hard-fought series. It's pretty much a coin flip between the Rays and Red Sox, and the Phillies and Dodgers.
Each team left standing has a 50 percent chance of going to the World Series. We're two coin flips away - a one in four shot - from a SoxandPhils World Series.
No more getting ahead of ourselves. We have to first concentrate on beating the Rays, who I never dismissed, and the Dodgers.
To end on a serious note. Our country is in rough economic times. A new report shows that 25 of the wealthiest men in America are now out of work ... but enough about the New York Yankees!
I heard that this weekend from Big Joe Henry and just kept forgetting to post it.
{I'm sure you're all as amused as I was. Sad to say, Greg actually laughed out loud. Sigh.}
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Oct 3, 2008
The clincher
I like the Phillies chances to wrap it up tomorrow in Milwaukee - solely because of the old man on the mound.
Jamie Moyer won't let them lose this game. Last year he looked possessed, willing them to win the last game of the season when anything less would have meant a one-game playoff against the Mets, or worse. This year, under less stressful circumstances, he pitched the division-clinching game.
A little playoff history on J-Moy ... he'll be making his sixth postseason appearance tomorrow, all of which came after he was 34 years old. He's 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. His WHIP is 0.94. He's always smart and tough on the mound, but he takes himself to another level for big games. In last year's Game 3 against the Rockies, he took a no decision in the Phillies final game, yielding one run in six innings.
I expect he will pitch the Phillies last first-round game this year as well.
Before we get to the Phillies Game 3, the Red Sox have to win Game 2 tonight: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Ervin Santana.
I can't get a good feel on this one. I'm feeling a strong start by Dice-K, but I also sense people have written off the Angels after one game. I'm not, but I lean toward saying the Sox will pull this one out somehow. If so, then I'll write off the Angels.
Even Mike Scioscia agrees:
Red Sox updates: Mike Lowell, who gritted out Game 1 with his bum hip, will be forced to watch Game 2. Jed Lowrie gets the night off - Terry Francona has a hunch with Alex Cora. And Josh Beckett is pitching Game 3 at Fenway. Did I mention tonight is a must-win for the Halos?
The game is starting now. We'll catch up tomorrow.
Dinnertime: While waiting for our order at Chick-fil-A, we heard one of the workers telling the others that Stephen A. Smith was in for lunch.
"I told him I was a big fan and gave him a bunch of coupons," he said.
One co-worker was incredulous.
"No, really," the Stephen A. fan said. "NFL Films is right across the street."
Jamie Moyer won't let them lose this game. Last year he looked possessed, willing them to win the last game of the season when anything less would have meant a one-game playoff against the Mets, or worse. This year, under less stressful circumstances, he pitched the division-clinching game.
A little playoff history on J-Moy ... he'll be making his sixth postseason appearance tomorrow, all of which came after he was 34 years old. He's 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 29 2/3 innings. His WHIP is 0.94. He's always smart and tough on the mound, but he takes himself to another level for big games. In last year's Game 3 against the Rockies, he took a no decision in the Phillies final game, yielding one run in six innings.
I expect he will pitch the Phillies last first-round game this year as well.
Before we get to the Phillies Game 3, the Red Sox have to win Game 2 tonight: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Ervin Santana.
I can't get a good feel on this one. I'm feeling a strong start by Dice-K, but I also sense people have written off the Angels after one game. I'm not, but I lean toward saying the Sox will pull this one out somehow. If so, then I'll write off the Angels.
Even Mike Scioscia agrees:
We need to win tonight, there is no mistake. They're a terrific ball club and we're a terrific ball club. The bottom line is to bring it on the field and it's a shame if we don't bring it because if you bring it on the field and another team beats you, then it's easy to turn the page and say, hey, congratulations.
Red Sox updates: Mike Lowell, who gritted out Game 1 with his bum hip, will be forced to watch Game 2. Jed Lowrie gets the night off - Terry Francona has a hunch with Alex Cora. And Josh Beckett is pitching Game 3 at Fenway. Did I mention tonight is a must-win for the Halos?
The game is starting now. We'll catch up tomorrow.
Dinnertime: While waiting for our order at Chick-fil-A, we heard one of the workers telling the others that Stephen A. Smith was in for lunch.
"I told him I was a big fan and gave him a bunch of coupons," he said.
One co-worker was incredulous.
"No, really," the Stephen A. fan said. "NFL Films is right across the street."
Sep 15, 2008
Percentage points to go
The Red Sox played like champions tonight, beating the upstart Rays 13-5 to pull into a virtual tie for first. We shouldn't get too giddy; these Rays aren't like the Yankees or Mets, they don't choke or quit. Even tonight, down 13-1, they tried to make a game of it, scoring four more runs.
Daisuke Matsuzaka had his typical 104-pitch, five-inning start. But when he gets 13 runs, who cares? Congrats on setting the record for most wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher. David Ortiz (2-4) led the way with a three-run homer in the 1st, and all starters except Jed Lowrie, who had three walks, had a hit. Most of them earned some time off toward the end of the game.
The win means that after 148 and 150 games respectively, the Rays and Red Sox are separated by percentage points. Head to head, they're 8-8, which means if the Sox can finish the job the next two games, they'll have a commanding two-game lead, which would essentially be three because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. I know, I should only worry about tomorrow's game - Josh Beckett vs. Andy Sonnanstine.
National(s)/League: The Phillies are so hot right now that they were able to gain ground on one team and wreak havoc on another despite having an off day. The Nationals beat the Mets, so the Phils are a half game from overtaking them. Every Mets fan I talked to today certainly seemed nervous. And, after being swept in Philly, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost even though he had them tied for the Wild Card with 12 games to go. I think he got a bum rap; Christine thought he was doing an excellent job.
Fantasy update: Despite Jon Lester's brilliant performance, the SoxandPhils fantasy team held on to advance to the finals. My opponent in that round had a great strategy, using only starting pitchers against me. It was probably a bit of luck that all his starters pitched well, but I give him credit for the tactical move.
No credit to my final opponent, whom I learned was welching on the league's ante until he suddenly realized he might win the whole thing. Seeing as I will retire from fantasy after this season, I was hoping for one last matchup against Change is Good, but it wasn't meant to be.
Daisuke Matsuzaka had his typical 104-pitch, five-inning start. But when he gets 13 runs, who cares? Congrats on setting the record for most wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher. David Ortiz (2-4) led the way with a three-run homer in the 1st, and all starters except Jed Lowrie, who had three walks, had a hit. Most of them earned some time off toward the end of the game.
The win means that after 148 and 150 games respectively, the Rays and Red Sox are separated by percentage points. Head to head, they're 8-8, which means if the Sox can finish the job the next two games, they'll have a commanding two-game lead, which would essentially be three because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. I know, I should only worry about tomorrow's game - Josh Beckett vs. Andy Sonnanstine.
National(s)/League: The Phillies are so hot right now that they were able to gain ground on one team and wreak havoc on another despite having an off day. The Nationals beat the Mets, so the Phils are a half game from overtaking them. Every Mets fan I talked to today certainly seemed nervous. And, after being swept in Philly, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost even though he had them tied for the Wild Card with 12 games to go. I think he got a bum rap; Christine thought he was doing an excellent job.
Fantasy update: Despite Jon Lester's brilliant performance, the SoxandPhils fantasy team held on to advance to the finals. My opponent in that round had a great strategy, using only starting pitchers against me. It was probably a bit of luck that all his starters pitched well, but I give him credit for the tactical move.
No credit to my final opponent, whom I learned was welching on the league's ante until he suddenly realized he might win the whole thing. Seeing as I will retire from fantasy after this season, I was hoping for one last matchup against Change is Good, but it wasn't meant to be.
Sep 12, 2008
Washout
On a day when just about every other game was rained out, the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 7-0 - and it was on ESPN because the scheduled game, Rays vs. some irrelevant New York team, was postponed.
Good game for Tim Wakefield - eight innings, three hits and four strikeouts. Those of us who follow the Soxand/orPhils should really appreciate getting to root for Wakefield and Jamie Moyer.
Kevin Cash's three-run homer in the 8th put it away, backing up big nights for Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie and David Ortiz. We're now two games behind the Rays, and we'll be pulling hard for the Yankees to sweep them in a doubleheader. The Sox and Jays also have a twin bill, so it's possible for the race to be in a dead heat tomorrow night.
Phillies: They were rained out and will play a doubleheader Sunday. That means we'll see Joe Blanton on Sunday afternoon instead of Brett Myers on three days rest. After Sunday, we will have been to 15 Phillies games this year with one to go (unless they make the playoffs) and still have not seen young Brett live.
SoxandPhils mojo: Today's the day they tossed the coin to determine home field in case teams are tied for a playoff slot:
Personal note: The blogosphere lost a good one with the semi-retirement of one our favorites, Change is Good, which has been a model for us. We'll miss reading ya, Brian.
Good game for Tim Wakefield - eight innings, three hits and four strikeouts. Those of us who follow the Soxand/orPhils should really appreciate getting to root for Wakefield and Jamie Moyer.
Kevin Cash's three-run homer in the 8th put it away, backing up big nights for Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie and David Ortiz. We're now two games behind the Rays, and we'll be pulling hard for the Yankees to sweep them in a doubleheader. The Sox and Jays also have a twin bill, so it's possible for the race to be in a dead heat tomorrow night.
Phillies: They were rained out and will play a doubleheader Sunday. That means we'll see Joe Blanton on Sunday afternoon instead of Brett Myers on three days rest. After Sunday, we will have been to 15 Phillies games this year with one to go (unless they make the playoffs) and still have not seen young Brett live.
SoxandPhils mojo: Today's the day they tossed the coin to determine home field in case teams are tied for a playoff slot:
The big winners of the 12-flip event were the Phillies, who would host any of four possible playoff games, and the Red Sox, who would be in their Fenway Park bunker for both American League East and AL Wild Card deciders.
Personal note: The blogosphere lost a good one with the semi-retirement of one our favorites, Change is Good, which has been a model for us. We'll miss reading ya, Brian.
Aug 3, 2008
Lidge tried, but couldn't blow his first save as a Phil
After Shane Victorino's three-run homer in the 8th gave the Phillies a 5-2 lead over the Cardinals, it seemed like a safe lead for the usually dependable bullpen.
But Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge weren't at their best in the 8th and 9th, allowing the Cardinals to load the bases in each inning before Lidge got out of his own jam: Phillies 5, Cardinals 4.
Because of the ugliness of the pen and the offense's late arrival to the party, Brett Myers' second good start in a row may be overshadowed: two earned, four hits, no walks and three strikeouts in six innings.
Since there has been talk that J.A. Happ is in Philadelphia because brass might want him to replace Myers or Joe Blanton in the rotation, each of the young veterans has pitched well. I'm willing to waste Happ's developmental time if it's the push these two starters need.
The competitors both lost, so the Phils have some breathing room heading into their series against the second-place Marlins, who trail by 2.5 games. The Astros, led today by former Phillie Randy Wolf, completed a sweep of the Mets for the first time since 1993, leaving the Mets three games out.
So what: I can understand a player getting one, I repeat one, standing ovation from the crowd if he used to play in a city. But I don't get the St. Louis fans going nuts every time So Taguchi pinch hits against the Cardinals. Tonight was especially inexcusable because he came up in the 7th with two men on and the Cardinals up by a run. Christine and I rooted for him to turn those cheers into jeers, but he didn't come through.
Red Sox: Three in a row for the new-look Red Sox as they completed a sweep of the A's with a 5-2 win. Another good game for Jason Bay (2-4 with two runs). Jed Lowrie is getting plenty of RBI opportunities hitting behind the new guy.
I'm probably overly critical of Daisuke Matsuzaka. He pitched well today: two earned, four hits, two walks, eight strikeouts in six innings. He wasn't terribly inefficient at 105 pitches. He didn't come out for the 7th after a rain delay.
The competitors both had dramatic comeback wins, so the Sox didn't improve their standings. (I incorrectly read the standings yesterday - I've had a lot on my mind.) They trail the Rays by three and lead the Wild Card by two over the White Sox and 2.5 over the Yankees.
But Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge weren't at their best in the 8th and 9th, allowing the Cardinals to load the bases in each inning before Lidge got out of his own jam: Phillies 5, Cardinals 4.
Because of the ugliness of the pen and the offense's late arrival to the party, Brett Myers' second good start in a row may be overshadowed: two earned, four hits, no walks and three strikeouts in six innings.
Since there has been talk that J.A. Happ is in Philadelphia because brass might want him to replace Myers or Joe Blanton in the rotation, each of the young veterans has pitched well. I'm willing to waste Happ's developmental time if it's the push these two starters need.
The competitors both lost, so the Phils have some breathing room heading into their series against the second-place Marlins, who trail by 2.5 games. The Astros, led today by former Phillie Randy Wolf, completed a sweep of the Mets for the first time since 1993, leaving the Mets three games out.
So what: I can understand a player getting one, I repeat one, standing ovation from the crowd if he used to play in a city. But I don't get the St. Louis fans going nuts every time So Taguchi pinch hits against the Cardinals. Tonight was especially inexcusable because he came up in the 7th with two men on and the Cardinals up by a run. Christine and I rooted for him to turn those cheers into jeers, but he didn't come through.
Red Sox: Three in a row for the new-look Red Sox as they completed a sweep of the A's with a 5-2 win. Another good game for Jason Bay (2-4 with two runs). Jed Lowrie is getting plenty of RBI opportunities hitting behind the new guy.
I'm probably overly critical of Daisuke Matsuzaka. He pitched well today: two earned, four hits, two walks, eight strikeouts in six innings. He wasn't terribly inefficient at 105 pitches. He didn't come out for the 7th after a rain delay.
The competitors both had dramatic comeback wins, so the Sox didn't improve their standings. (I incorrectly read the standings yesterday - I've had a lot on my mind.) They trail the Rays by three and lead the Wild Card by two over the White Sox and 2.5 over the Yankees.
Aug 1, 2008
Back to Bay-seball
Now that the Red Sox are a team again, it's time to refocus the blog back on the field, especially since new left fielder Jason Bay had a memorable debut tonight - scoring both runs in a 2-1, 12 inning win over the Athletics.{Yes, Greg has been glossing over the fact that before tonight, the Phillies were playing good baseball on the field as a team. It matters only when Boston plays well.}
In the 12th, Bay came up with two outs and tripled. After J.D. Drew was intentionally walked, Jed Lowrie hit an infield single to end the game.
Before the game, Theo Epstein said the players felt like a team again. I'm sure a win like this will only solidify those feelings and let them forget the cloud that has been over them.
The Sox remain three games behind the Rays, but expanded their Wild Card lead to 1.5 over the Twins and 3.5 over the Yankees.
Phillies: Not so good tonight. They couldn't gain ground on the Mets and Marlins, who both lost. They still lead the Mets by one game and the Marlins by 1.5, but on a night when Cole Hamels matched up against Kyle Lohse, the young ace should have been able to beat the guy who is having a fluky good year.
Lohse wasn't dominant but kept his Cardinals in the game while young Cole got knocked around for the second straight start. Cardinals 6, Phillies 3.
We couldn't believe the ovation the Cardinals fans gave So Taguchi. Man, if they love him that much, I'm sure the Phils could have dealt him back.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Jul 12, 2008
How annoying
Don't break Ryan Madson's remote (it's his favorite gadget), mispronounce Chris Coste's name or watch a horror movie if So Taguchi is in the room. And whatever you do, if there's a baby hurting, don't show him to Pedro Feliz.
Next up in our review of the Phillies yearbook answers is "Nothing annoys me more than ..."
Topping the list, seven Phils had peeves related to driving, such as traffic by Brett Myers and taxi cabs by Shane Victorino. The team also doesn't like to be woken up (would that explain June?): Five of them are irked by being roused - mostly by a ringing phone, but Kris Benson was most specific, saying he hates it when his dogs wake him by barking at the pool guy or UPS lady. Five others listed rude eating habits.
Chase Utley said "people who stink." We don't know if that's a knock on some of his inferior teammates such as Adam Eaton or whether he's telling Pat Burrell to take a shower. Utley's very mysterious in some ways.
Other noteworthy answers: a messy locker (Erik Bruntlett), stupid people (Clay Condrey), complaining (Chad Durbin), hatred (Tom Gordon), sympathy (Brad Lidge), loud people (Jimmy Rollins), rain delays (Rudy Seanez) and overall dumbness (Jayson Werth).
Burrell and Ryan Howard didn't have answers.
What annoys me: Adam Eaton. Especially when he gives up eight runs in 3.2 innings and loses 10-4 to the Diamondbacks before a national audience. That's two consecutive clunkers for Eaton. Why was J.A. Happ was demoted again? Oh yeah, Eaton still has a year and a half left on that bargain $24 million contract.
The Mets won and are now a half game back. The Marlins are winning and could join them. As Christine noted, we'll be scoreboard watching tomorrow to see if the Phillies can hold onto their narrow division lead heading into the All-Star break.
What doesn't annoy me: Scoring runs for Tim Wakefield. The Red Sox backed the knuckler to a 12-1 win over the Orioles. All starters had a hit except for Jed Lowrie, who is back up to replace the injured Julio Lugo, who is going to miss four to six weeks. Kevin Youkilis hit a grand slam.
The win, and a Rays loss, puts us a half game back heading into the final day of the pre-All-Star portion of the schedule.
Next up in our review of the Phillies yearbook answers is "Nothing annoys me more than ..."
Topping the list, seven Phils had peeves related to driving, such as traffic by Brett Myers and taxi cabs by Shane Victorino. The team also doesn't like to be woken up (would that explain June?): Five of them are irked by being roused - mostly by a ringing phone, but Kris Benson was most specific, saying he hates it when his dogs wake him by barking at the pool guy or UPS lady. Five others listed rude eating habits.
Chase Utley said "people who stink." We don't know if that's a knock on some of his inferior teammates such as Adam Eaton or whether he's telling Pat Burrell to take a shower. Utley's very mysterious in some ways.
Other noteworthy answers: a messy locker (Erik Bruntlett), stupid people (Clay Condrey), complaining (Chad Durbin), hatred (Tom Gordon), sympathy (Brad Lidge), loud people (Jimmy Rollins), rain delays (Rudy Seanez) and overall dumbness (Jayson Werth).
Burrell and Ryan Howard didn't have answers.
What annoys me: Adam Eaton. Especially when he gives up eight runs in 3.2 innings and loses 10-4 to the Diamondbacks before a national audience. That's two consecutive clunkers for Eaton. Why was J.A. Happ was demoted again? Oh yeah, Eaton still has a year and a half left on that bargain $24 million contract.
The Mets won and are now a half game back. The Marlins are winning and could join them. As Christine noted, we'll be scoreboard watching tomorrow to see if the Phillies can hold onto their narrow division lead heading into the All-Star break.
What doesn't annoy me: Scoring runs for Tim Wakefield. The Red Sox backed the knuckler to a 12-1 win over the Orioles. All starters had a hit except for Jed Lowrie, who is back up to replace the injured Julio Lugo, who is going to miss four to six weeks. Kevin Youkilis hit a grand slam.
The win, and a Rays loss, puts us a half game back heading into the final day of the pre-All-Star portion of the schedule.
Apr 10, 2008
A season takes its stride
A couple of signs tonight that the season is starting to get into its groove. When the Phillies were struggling but unable to take a lead in regulation, Christine started her whiny grumble for the first time of the year. When this happens, I threaten to cut her off from the game. She doesn't appreciate it.
Then, the game goes extra innings and will likely bump into our viewing of The Daily Show.
The Red Sox game was cruising along until (it appears from the box score) that Manny Delcarmen and Julian Taverez (I call him Orange Julius) decided to try to let the Tigers back into it. Now we've burned Hideki Okajima for 1/3 of an inning and Jonathan Papelbon for more than an inning in a 12-6 win the day before the Empire invades.
Hopefully the Yankees will continue playing like old men this weekend, and Jed Lowrie has a memorable debut.
Then, the game goes extra innings and will likely bump into our viewing of The Daily Show.
The Red Sox game was cruising along until (it appears from the box score) that Manny Delcarmen and Julian Taverez (I call him Orange Julius) decided to try to let the Tigers back into it. Now we've burned Hideki Okajima for 1/3 of an inning and Jonathan Papelbon for more than an inning in a 12-6 win the day before the Empire invades.
Hopefully the Yankees will continue playing like old men this weekend, and Jed Lowrie has a memorable debut.
Feb 22, 2008
Snow day
Lovely weather for a penguin, eh?
Christine and I took a couple days off to celebrate her birthday yesterday. (Surely it's a coincidence that her birthday, the day I proposed and our anniversary all fall on a 21st.) We didn't have any big plans but were hoping to take the Citizens Bank tour today, but obviously weather didn't cooperate.
{We did take a ride to the ballpark yesterday so I could pick out a new hat. There were only four women's hats in stock - three with pink and one in peach. Blech. I opted for gender neutral - dark blue with red trim. Plus an extra 15% off everything in the store, I assume in honor of the first day of regular season ticket sales for the masses.}
It was a strange offseason. Everyone says it felt so long - obviously because the hot stove banter has mostly been about players' past misdeeds, not their prospective movement. It felt quick for me, but that's probably because of the Sox and Giants (oops, I almost wrote Patriots) winning championships.
Two of the next wave of Sox prospects, Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie, are blogging about camp for the Globe. Pretty cut and dried, as you would expect from rookies trying to crack the big team at some point this year, but Masterson's rubbing our noses in it:
Christine and I took a couple days off to celebrate her birthday yesterday. (Surely it's a coincidence that her birthday, the day I proposed and our anniversary all fall on a 21st.) We didn't have any big plans but were hoping to take the Citizens Bank tour today, but obviously weather didn't cooperate.
{We did take a ride to the ballpark yesterday so I could pick out a new hat. There were only four women's hats in stock - three with pink and one in peach. Blech. I opted for gender neutral - dark blue with red trim. Plus an extra 15% off everything in the store, I assume in honor of the first day of regular season ticket sales for the masses.}
It was a strange offseason. Everyone says it felt so long - obviously because the hot stove banter has mostly been about players' past misdeeds, not their prospective movement. It felt quick for me, but that's probably because of the Sox and Giants (oops, I almost wrote Patriots) winning championships.
Two of the next wave of Sox prospects, Justin Masterson and Jed Lowrie, are blogging about camp for the Globe. Pretty cut and dried, as you would expect from rookies trying to crack the big team at some point this year, but Masterson's rubbing our noses in it:
Warm weather! That's the very first thing that excited me about getting down to Fort Myers. I had spend most of my off season in the cold, snowy weather.
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