It's 10:30 p.m., and we've been up since before sunrise.
I did my 75-mile ride today - 77.94 miles to be exact - in six hours, eight minutes and 15 seconds (not counting rest stops). Christine and Trent fashioned the cutest sign and attached it to his stroller to welcome me after my ride, and they were waiting with our parents at the finish line.
I was so proud and happy. Now, I'm kinda tired.
The Red Sox continue to play spoiler against the Yankees (7-3 win), and the Phillies blew it against the Mets (5-2 loss), making it tougher to clinch tomorrow in their home regular season finale.
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Sep 25, 2010
Sep 24, 2010
SoxandPhils take on New York
And ... we're really not that interested. The only intrigue is whether the Phillies can manage to clinch at home this weekend against the Mets and whether the Red Sox can help the Rays and Twins knock the Yankees from the top seed in the American League to the Wild Card.
We're more focused on tomorrow's big ride and our first night away from Trent. (He's at Grandmom's so we don't have to worry about him while stumbling out the door at 5:30 in the morning so I can get to the starting line.)
So far, so good for the Phils. They beat the Mets 3-2 while the Nationals lead the Braves 7-3 in the 8th. If that holds up, the Phillies could clinch tomorrow with another win and a Braves loss, but Sunday would make a better clincher, in our opinion.
Things started out well for the Red Sox. They were up 10-1 in the 6th, but it's now 10-7 in the 9th.
I hope that tomorrow I finish my ride stronger than the Red Sox are finishing this game.
We're more focused on tomorrow's big ride and our first night away from Trent. (He's at Grandmom's so we don't have to worry about him while stumbling out the door at 5:30 in the morning so I can get to the starting line.)
So far, so good for the Phils. They beat the Mets 3-2 while the Nationals lead the Braves 7-3 in the 8th. If that holds up, the Phillies could clinch tomorrow with another win and a Braves loss, but Sunday would make a better clincher, in our opinion.
Things started out well for the Red Sox. They were up 10-1 in the 6th, but it's now 10-7 in the 9th.
I hope that tomorrow I finish my ride stronger than the Red Sox are finishing this game.
Sep 23, 2010
Off day
The Red Sox and Phillies are off today, so we're taking the day off, too (but just from blogging). Besides, I don't have anything to add because I have been preoccupied with getting mentally geared for a 75-mile bike ride for which I may not be physically prepared, taking care of Trent and ignoring the suckitude of the Red Sox.
Heck, I'm so out of it, I didn't realize the Red Sox are about to start a series against the Yankees.
{Though I'm well aware that the Phillies may be able to clinch against the Mets this weekend! Preferably on Sunday.}
Heck, I'm so out of it, I didn't realize the Red Sox are about to start a series against the Yankees.
{Though I'm well aware that the Phillies may be able to clinch against the Mets this weekend! Preferably on Sunday.}
Sep 19, 2010
End of the road
I always wonder how far I can ride my bike. When I used to regularly train for my annual ride, I tried to go a little further than the previous time. Of course, I abandoned that routine once Trent came along, but yesterday I set out for a 70-mile ride in preparation for next week's 75-mile ride.
(I know I probably should have cut it back, but I want to send a message to the little guy about commitment, perseverance and health.)
Naturally, I wondered what I would see in those few miles I never rode before. But toward the end, I saw signs saying the road was closed and only open to local traffic. I kept going, figuring if it were safe for the locals, it would be safe for a guy on a bike.
I kept pedaling; the signs kept popping up. Finally, three miles before the point where I planned to turn around, I hit a concrete barrier and could go no further.
I think this must be what it's like for the Red Sox and the other 19 teams that are playing out the string. There's nothing ahead, but you just keep going until you hit the end of the road, or season.
Today's games: Jon Lester shut down the Blue Jays 6-0. The Phillies kept their hopes alive (of clinching at home this weekend) by scoring four runs in the bottom of the 9th to beat the Nationals 7-6.
(I know I probably should have cut it back, but I want to send a message to the little guy about commitment, perseverance and health.)
Naturally, I wondered what I would see in those few miles I never rode before. But toward the end, I saw signs saying the road was closed and only open to local traffic. I kept going, figuring if it were safe for the locals, it would be safe for a guy on a bike.
I kept pedaling; the signs kept popping up. Finally, three miles before the point where I planned to turn around, I hit a concrete barrier and could go no further.
I think this must be what it's like for the Red Sox and the other 19 teams that are playing out the string. There's nothing ahead, but you just keep going until you hit the end of the road, or season.
Today's games: Jon Lester shut down the Blue Jays 6-0. The Phillies kept their hopes alive (of clinching at home this weekend) by scoring four runs in the bottom of the 9th to beat the Nationals 7-6.
Sep 18, 2010
Say it ain't so, Joe
It's no secret I never liked Joe Torre.
He had good people skills but was ultimately a middling manager who benefited from an obscene payroll.
Yes, his teams won four World Championships, and he only missed the playoffs once in 12 years as Yankees manager, but the combination of his $200 million teams and his managerial genius should have produced more. He was at the helm when the Yankees blew a 3-0 lead over the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS. He also helped the Phillies advance to the World Series in 2008 and 2009.
I hope his decision to step down as Dodgers manager is really a retirement, but I get the sense it's not.
It was funny watching Kevin Millar, whose analysis I don't like on MLB Network, interview Torre. "I hate you," Torre quipped in reference to Millar's 2004 walk that set up the great comeback.
I hope this is my last impression of Joe the foe, because it was a good-natured rib that I appreciated. But he's still a Yankee, and I still don't like him.
Personal: I did my longest bike ride ever - 70 miles. I think I'm ready for next week's 75 miler.
Today's games: The Phillies beat the Nationals 5-2, but the Mets once again could not beat the Braves. The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays while the Rays and Yankees both won.
He had good people skills but was ultimately a middling manager who benefited from an obscene payroll.
Yes, his teams won four World Championships, and he only missed the playoffs once in 12 years as Yankees manager, but the combination of his $200 million teams and his managerial genius should have produced more. He was at the helm when the Yankees blew a 3-0 lead over the Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS. He also helped the Phillies advance to the World Series in 2008 and 2009.
I hope his decision to step down as Dodgers manager is really a retirement, but I get the sense it's not.
It was funny watching Kevin Millar, whose analysis I don't like on MLB Network, interview Torre. "I hate you," Torre quipped in reference to Millar's 2004 walk that set up the great comeback.
I hope this is my last impression of Joe the foe, because it was a good-natured rib that I appreciated. But he's still a Yankee, and I still don't like him.
Personal: I did my longest bike ride ever - 70 miles. I think I'm ready for next week's 75 miler.
Today's games: The Phillies beat the Nationals 5-2, but the Mets once again could not beat the Braves. The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays while the Rays and Yankees both won.
Aug 29, 2010
Crunch time
Today, I concentrated on the Red Sox.
Not my favorite ball team, but my National Multiple Sclerosis Society City to Shore bike-riding team. I've lapsed in my training since Trent arrived, and I set out on a 50-miler today. Trent and Christine are ready for the 75-mile ride, but they're riding in a car and hanging with grandparents as I do the legwork. I don't know how ready I am for my part of the bargain, with just four weeks left.
We'll figure it out.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are responding to crunch time by sweeping the front-running Padres after getting swept by the lowly Astros. The (baseball) Red Sox are still clinging to hope, but they need tonight's game. John Lackey started off well, but the Rays now lead 4-3 in the 7th.
Not my favorite ball team, but my National Multiple Sclerosis Society City to Shore bike-riding team. I've lapsed in my training since Trent arrived, and I set out on a 50-miler today. Trent and Christine are ready for the 75-mile ride, but they're riding in a car and hanging with grandparents as I do the legwork. I don't know how ready I am for my part of the bargain, with just four weeks left.
We'll figure it out.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are responding to crunch time by sweeping the front-running Padres after getting swept by the lowly Astros. The (baseball) Red Sox are still clinging to hope, but they need tonight's game. John Lackey started off well, but the Rays now lead 4-3 in the 7th.
May 15, 2010
Milestones
Earlier this week, Tim Wakefield got his 2,000th strikeout, joining Jamie Moyer and a couple of cruddy Yankees, roider Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez, as active pitchers in the 2K club.
Last night, Jamie Moyer became the second pitcher in history, behind the late Robin Roberts, to give up 500 home runs. When you've pitched as long as those guys, you are going to have good numbers and bad numbers:
I hit a milestone myself. Less than a year after I got my new bike, the odometer hit 1,000 miles this morning. I'm proud. I just wish I knew when I actually got it. I bought it on May 30, but I forgot to note when I picked it up - probably the following weekend.
Anybody wanna bulldog? Pat Burrell's career is over - well, the Tampa portion anyway. He was designated for assignment. Charlie Manuel thinks he'll rebound: "I think Burrell can still hit," Charlie Manuel said. "I think he'll get a job. I hope he does."
Either that, or he's subtly trying to convince the Mets to sign him, knowing full well that Burrell's done. I don't think Christie would handle it well if she saw Elvis in blue and orange.
Today's games: Joe Blanton is pitching well - one hit and no runs through four. But unlike last week, he's been efficient with only 43 pitches so far. In the 5th, Phillies 2, Brewers 0. {But just as soon as I was ready to post this, Blanton gave up a home run to Prince Fielder. Phillies 2, Brewers 1.}
The Red Sox play the Tigers tonight.
Last night, Jamie Moyer became the second pitcher in history, behind the late Robin Roberts, to give up 500 home runs. When you've pitched as long as those guys, you are going to have good numbers and bad numbers:
"There's a lot of chances out there," Moyer said. "You can't give up 500 in 600 at-bats, can you? I've thrown a few innings in my career. You're going to give up hits, home runs, walks, strikeouts, errors. I don't really keep track of it all."
I hit a milestone myself. Less than a year after I got my new bike, the odometer hit 1,000 miles this morning. I'm proud. I just wish I knew when I actually got it. I bought it on May 30, but I forgot to note when I picked it up - probably the following weekend.
Anybody wanna bulldog? Pat Burrell's career is over - well, the Tampa portion anyway. He was designated for assignment. Charlie Manuel thinks he'll rebound: "I think Burrell can still hit," Charlie Manuel said. "I think he'll get a job. I hope he does."
Either that, or he's subtly trying to convince the Mets to sign him, knowing full well that Burrell's done. I don't think Christie would handle it well if she saw Elvis in blue and orange.
Today's games: Joe Blanton is pitching well - one hit and no runs through four. But unlike last week, he's been efficient with only 43 pitches so far. In the 5th, Phillies 2, Brewers 0. {But just as soon as I was ready to post this, Blanton gave up a home run to Prince Fielder. Phillies 2, Brewers 1.}
The Red Sox play the Tigers tonight.
Oct 3, 2009
Yo Christine! I did it!
So the Phillies lost to the Marlins 4-3 today, but with the Cardinals loss to the Brewers, the Phils have cinched the second seed in the playoffs and home-field advantage in the first round. But they cannot win the top slot because they have 92 wins and whichever team wins the NL West will have at least 94.
The Red Sox have come back to lead the Indians 8-4 in the 2nd inning despite Josh Beckett's struggles.
But the only baseball we "saw" today were a couple innings on the radio during the ride home from Ocean City after I completed my 50-mile ride.
I pedaled for roughly 900 miles this summer, but I still was concerned about the two bridges leading to Ocean City. They were killers last year when I did only a 25-mile route. Their incline seemed vertical, not sloped.
They beat me up pretty good last year. This year, however, I won. I scaled the first without struggle. The larger one was a little difficult, but I put my head down and plowed through. I pretended like I was a team down 0-3 in a seven game series - taking it one inning or pedal at a time. After the apex, I was flying high for the last couple miles until I hit the finish line where Christine and the rest of my family waited for me.
I'm still on a high.
Back to basics, err, baseball tomorrow.
The Red Sox have come back to lead the Indians 8-4 in the 2nd inning despite Josh Beckett's struggles.
But the only baseball we "saw" today were a couple innings on the radio during the ride home from Ocean City after I completed my 50-mile ride.
I pedaled for roughly 900 miles this summer, but I still was concerned about the two bridges leading to Ocean City. They were killers last year when I did only a 25-mile route. Their incline seemed vertical, not sloped.
They beat me up pretty good last year. This year, however, I won. I scaled the first without struggle. The larger one was a little difficult, but I put my head down and plowed through. I pretended like I was a team down 0-3 in a seven game series - taking it one inning or pedal at a time. After the apex, I was flying high for the last couple miles until I hit the finish line where Christine and the rest of my family waited for me.
I'm still on a high.
Back to basics, err, baseball tomorrow.
Oct 2, 2009
Last day
Yes, there are two more games left (not counting the playoffs), but with my bike ride tomorrow and tickets for Sunday, tonight was the last time we could watch a regular-season game.
We didn't get to see much, however, with the last-minute preparation for tomorrow. Please, please, please let me avoid rain.
We didn't miss much. Joe Blanton stunk, and the Marlins won 7-2. The Cardinals are losing, and the Dodgers just started. If the Cardinals come back, they will be tied with the Phils with the second-best record in the league, but the Phillies hold that tiebreaker. If the Dodgers win, the best the Phillies can do is tie them, but the Dodgers have that tiebreaker.
In a completely meaningless game, Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched well, and Billy Wagner pitched in his second consecutive game. The Red Sox beat the Indians 6-2.
In memoriam: We lost a great Phillies fan - hope he has a good seat and the radio turned on to Harry Kalas.
We didn't get to see much, however, with the last-minute preparation for tomorrow. Please, please, please let me avoid rain.
We didn't miss much. Joe Blanton stunk, and the Marlins won 7-2. The Cardinals are losing, and the Dodgers just started. If the Cardinals come back, they will be tied with the Phils with the second-best record in the league, but the Phillies hold that tiebreaker. If the Dodgers win, the best the Phillies can do is tie them, but the Dodgers have that tiebreaker.
In a completely meaningless game, Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched well, and Billy Wagner pitched in his second consecutive game. The Red Sox beat the Indians 6-2.
In memoriam: We lost a great Phillies fan - hope he has a good seat and the radio turned on to Harry Kalas.
Sep 26, 2009
Lost weekend
The SoxandPhils headed into their current series looking ready to lock up the postseason. The Red Sox magic number was three, the Phillies five. Heck, Milwaukee had the plastic ready to protect the Phillies personal effects from the champagne celebration. And, in a rare example of a manger losing focus of the job at hand, Terry Francona said the Red Sox would celebrate being second best.
There was even, if my logic is correct (might not be), a chance that if the Red Sox and Rangers had been swept this weekend, the Red Sox would clinch the playoffs while being beat by the Yankees in their division clincher. But a win by Texas last night made that moot.
Sorry for that meandering. Bottom line, neither of our teams will celebrate this weekend. Well, there is still a chance the Red Sox could clinch, but it would sicken me to watch them party tomorrow after dropping the first two this weekend in the Bronx.
Two positives today: Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched well in his loss: one run on six hits and five walks over seven innings with three strikeouts. He threw only 115 pitches. Who is this Dice-K?
Even better, reports on Jon Lester the day after a ball smashed off his leg are encouraging.
Phillies: After last night's ugly loss, they're tied with the Brewers at five in the 8th inning. Jamie Moyer, relieving Kyle Kendrick who was replacing Pedro Martinez, should have been out of the 6th inning if Jimmy Rollins hadn't muffed a fly ball. Christine is getting very cranky with her team right now.
We watched that play on different levels of the house. I thought J-Roll might have some trouble with it, but knew for sure when I heard "Noooooooooooooo!" from upstairs. (Our downstairs TV is on a little bit of a delay with HD.)
Weather watch: This morning was a little chilly, but not as bad as last Sunday. But it stayed dry, allowing me to get in a nice bike ride. I hit 60 miles for the first time. I'm not big on milestones, but that round number makes me proud.
Next weekend is what we're worried about. Saturday is the big ride. Sunday is our friends' charity walk and the Phillies last game. Weather.com predicts rain on both days; AccuWeather says sun. I think we're going to be wet.
There was even, if my logic is correct (might not be), a chance that if the Red Sox and Rangers had been swept this weekend, the Red Sox would clinch the playoffs while being beat by the Yankees in their division clincher. But a win by Texas last night made that moot.
Sorry for that meandering. Bottom line, neither of our teams will celebrate this weekend. Well, there is still a chance the Red Sox could clinch, but it would sicken me to watch them party tomorrow after dropping the first two this weekend in the Bronx.
Two positives today: Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched well in his loss: one run on six hits and five walks over seven innings with three strikeouts. He threw only 115 pitches. Who is this Dice-K?
Even better, reports on Jon Lester the day after a ball smashed off his leg are encouraging.
Phillies: After last night's ugly loss, they're tied with the Brewers at five in the 8th inning. Jamie Moyer, relieving Kyle Kendrick who was replacing Pedro Martinez, should have been out of the 6th inning if Jimmy Rollins hadn't muffed a fly ball. Christine is getting very cranky with her team right now.
We watched that play on different levels of the house. I thought J-Roll might have some trouble with it, but knew for sure when I heard "Noooooooooooooo!" from upstairs. (Our downstairs TV is on a little bit of a delay with HD.)
Weather watch: This morning was a little chilly, but not as bad as last Sunday. But it stayed dry, allowing me to get in a nice bike ride. I hit 60 miles for the first time. I'm not big on milestones, but that round number makes me proud.
Next weekend is what we're worried about. Saturday is the big ride. Sunday is our friends' charity walk and the Phillies last game. Weather.com predicts rain on both days; AccuWeather says sun. I think we're going to be wet.
May 30, 2009
How to make six or four equal five
Both of our teams have pitching decisions in front of them.
The Phillies, seemingly keeping trade options on the back burner, are deciding among their own minor leaguers to get the first shot at replacing Brett Myers. The two favorites seem to be Kyle Kendrick and Antonio Bastardo.
Why is no one mentioning Adam Eaton? He won't cost anything beyond what the Phillies already pay him.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have to fend off questions about a six-man rotation, which leads me to wonder: Why is a team with such a stacked rotation looking up at the Yankees, who were written off weeks ago?
Red Sox: They blew a second straight game against the Blue Jays, 5-3. Wasn't it last week we started them on a nine-game skid that crushed their early-season hopes? Possible Phillie Brad Penny scattered 10 hits over six innings giving up three runs (two earned). The news of the game wasn't another 0-fer for David Ortiz, but that the loss went to Ramon Ramirez, who gave up two runs in one inning - doubling his total for the year.
After the game, Terry Francona said:
Papi, meanwhile, is now on a 2-31 stretch (.064).
Phillies: A big game for the big man, Ryan Howard hit two home runs, including a monstrous grand slam. Not such a big game for the Phillies big man on the mound. Except for hitting an RBI double, Cole Hamels had a rough night - six earned in six innings on eight hits and a walk. But the Phillies won in the end, beating the Nationals 9-6. Brad Lidge had his second straight save.
Etc.: I bought a new bike today. One of the store employees who saw my hat said "Yeah, Bosox," and had me bump his fist. He wasn't the guy handling my sale, so he wasn't buttering me up for a bigger commission.
Update 10:41: As soon as we posted this, Comcast SportsNet reported that Bastardo will be called up and will start on Tuesday.
The Phillies, seemingly keeping trade options on the back burner, are deciding among their own minor leaguers to get the first shot at replacing Brett Myers. The two favorites seem to be Kyle Kendrick and Antonio Bastardo.
Why is no one mentioning Adam Eaton? He won't cost anything beyond what the Phillies already pay him.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have to fend off questions about a six-man rotation, which leads me to wonder: Why is a team with such a stacked rotation looking up at the Yankees, who were written off weeks ago?
Red Sox: They blew a second straight game against the Blue Jays, 5-3. Wasn't it last week we started them on a nine-game skid that crushed their early-season hopes? Possible Phillie Brad Penny scattered 10 hits over six innings giving up three runs (two earned). The news of the game wasn't another 0-fer for David Ortiz, but that the loss went to Ramon Ramirez, who gave up two runs in one inning - doubling his total for the year.
After the game, Terry Francona said:
It's one of the first tough innings we've seen. He just looked like he was having a hard time. Just looking at his body language, he looked like he was out of sync.
Papi, meanwhile, is now on a 2-31 stretch (.064).
Phillies: A big game for the big man, Ryan Howard hit two home runs, including a monstrous grand slam. Not such a big game for the Phillies big man on the mound. Except for hitting an RBI double, Cole Hamels had a rough night - six earned in six innings on eight hits and a walk. But the Phillies won in the end, beating the Nationals 9-6. Brad Lidge had his second straight save.
Etc.: I bought a new bike today. One of the store employees who saw my hat said "Yeah, Bosox," and had me bump his fist. He wasn't the guy handling my sale, so he wasn't buttering me up for a bigger commission.
Update 10:41: As soon as we posted this, Comcast SportsNet reported that Bastardo will be called up and will start on Tuesday.
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