The World Didn't END!!!

::takes head out of sand:: Ladies and Gents...I introduce you to your new Red Sox leftfielder.......................................He Can Hit!!

He Can Catch!!! AND He can Run AND SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Looks like we actually WON a game!!!! Jason Bay shows us just WHY he is NOT Manny and why we should welcome him into our precious field of diamonds. Scoring our first run in the game and then hitting a triple to set his 2nd and the scoring run when Lowrie hit a single in the 12th...YES I said the 12th. So after a Drama Day of Where's Manny Going? And Wondering if Bay Watch would continue in Beantown....YEP...he's a KEEPER.


Don't get me wrong....I will miss Mannyiac....but C'est La Vie'.

Do I Really Need to Explain?

LSU Victory March

So we had just finished listening to a nice Q & A by Coach Miles and his wife. My friends call me an avid crazed Red Sox fan. I call myself a baseball die hard....either way I got a dose of my own medicine watching these whacked LSU football fans who were women at this clinic. I got in the spirit of it all and thought I should video this thing they're calling a Victory March to the LSU Stadium. I'll just let you watch, listen and judge. Oh yah...I couldn't do this and not have a cameo of myself...so watch and wait.

Tiger Camp

Everyone who knows me KNOWS I am NOT a football gal....but this past weekend cos of my good friend Kim who loves the LSU Tigers...I agreed to attend the Women's Football Clinic held by the Tiger's football coaches. Now I've been to this stadium to a few games already since an ex boyfriend was a rabid...er I mean avid fan. I soon learned that there are crazed women fans in Football as well! My good friends think I'm abit whacked when it comes to the Red Sox but I learned this weekend what my friends and I must look like to strangers to baseball or any non-sports fan. Above is the Tiger Stadium, Death Valley as some call it. Apparently back about 20 years or so ago.....a young boy named Tommy Hodson threw a winning pass to win the game against Auburn and the stadium rocked to the point it registered on the seismograph scale and now it's called "The Earthquake Game". And so here is my account....to get the full effect, I think I'm going to do it in increments to put in as much of the story and pics/videos as I can do.

Friday morning Kim picks me up from home and we head out to Baton Rouge....leaving one capital of a state to go to another...ALL for the love of Football. (I was going for the beer).
We laugh and giggle all the way there and barely made it in time to register and get our bags, do a little shopping at their set up gift shops...then we climbed the bleachers...by the way it was held in the Pete Marovich Stadium. Apparently Pistol Pete went to LSU...who knew? a basketball fan I have not gotten sold on yet.

We listen to a few coaches ramble on about football and I will have to say that I was abit disappointed that the classes were NOT really Football 101 as described. I think they were more on the Jr. level of college. HELL...I need definitions of what a cornerback does....and a fullback?? I mean why do they even use "back" at the end of their names? I mean in baseball, at least they USE bases for 1st Baseman....and pitchers "pitch", catchers "catch"...so what does a fullback do?? back the full?? are they the ones with the fullest backs?? Anyway...I digress....they had some attendees participation IF you're ticket number got pulled....I was crossing my fingers I got to stay seated. Before the rest of it...it was time to Tailgate and TAILGATE they did. We had jambalaya, pizza, shrimp and pasta, cookies, wrapped chicken in bacon...and samples of beer...but I drank water. I figured the beer could wait till later.

Back inside we got to have the Q&A with Les Miles and his wife. My camera sucked inside cos of the lighting. This year Coach Miles had to kick a member off the team due to inappropriate behavior in his personal life....it had really made the news and was quite the news around town...now this member was a louisiana boy too. But Coach Miles wanted to make a statement...this was after their winning the 2008 BCS National Championship....so he kicked him off the team and made a statement to all those players and fans. Les Miles was not going to cater to ANY player no matter WHO you were. No matter if you were a STAR player.
But you didn't come to this blog to read about football did you? NAWWWWWWWW You came to hear about how Tex fared in the whole football clinic...well let me tell you...I think Les Miles just got a new fan of LSU football...not that I didn't already like them...but he impressed me with his ethics.

Next post I will begin with the video of what they call the Victory Walk...some pics and the video of running onto the field through the chute. I know my ex boyfriend will cream in his pants when he finds out. He'd dress in drag if coulda went to the camp himself.

The Story

All Star and Home Run Derby is the mid-season of baseball. Typically I do not watch either. I just could care less of the impact of league's home team's advantage of the World Series. That's just me. But my good friend, Ted, has been talking about this player from North Carolina, Josh Hamilton, who plays for the Texas Rangers. Now all you who know me KNOW how I am about my loyalty to my state and Texas players. SO I started reading and learning about this Hamilton kid. I won't recap it all cos you can read about it in the news. Morneau might have won the Home Run Derby but Josh Hamilton was THE STORY of the Derby, hands down. Morneau even said it, himself.
Speaking of Morneau, JD brought him to tie up the game at one point...the game which has just went into the 11th inning. An ALL STAR Game going into Extra Innings?? Get OVER Already.

Above see our boys pose. WooooooooT.


And of course we have to include Tito and his adopted son, Justin...er I mean Dustin. I swear Yahoo Sports Sucks in identifying players. In almost all the pics with Dustin, they called him Justin. FreakWADS.

All I know is I'm tired but glad I got to see Josh hit 28 homeruns in round 1. That I will not forget. As I'm sure he won't either. He didn't need to win the Derby.....his prize is just being a part of it. And living the Recovery.

"Dirty Water" Book Review

This post is different than all my others as I am going to do a book review for Jere Smith and his mom, Mary-Ann Tirone Smith on the recent book collaboration they had published, Dirty Water. I've been blogging for about 1 1/2 yrs and found Jere's blog, Red Sox Fan in Pinstripe Territory while scoping Red Sox Chick's blog. I've not yet had the chance to meet Jere but I know Red Sox Chick has. I post on his blog on occasion and last year when he was putting together a blog of all the games asking posters to send in photos, I sent ones of the games in Texas. These on-line friendships I've found are becoming more often than not these days. People from all over the country and world for that matter meet on-line on boards they have a common interest with and become friends. Some of us actually get to meet in person and become "real friends". I hope to meet Jere one day but until then....he's still a friend to me.

Back to the purpose of the blog today.

Jere's mom writes and has published several other books but this is the first venture of Jere's and with his mom, co-writing "Dirty Water".

It's got all my favorite elements in it: Crime, Police, Mystery, Baseball, Boston, Fenway & The Red Sox. One surprise element that I found to be a grand slam was that an anonymous blogger and his connections to be a key factor in the entire storyline. "Dirty Water" allows fans to feel a part of the inner circle of the clubhouse and the players lives, while reliving the championship of 2007, throughout the twists and turns of this riddle-laden murder mystery. Of course, I smiled a smile big as Texas when I saw that Jere had used my email name as a blogger post. I'd call this a ALC Pennant Winner. It's a definite read for those who love baseball and mystery.

Back On Top!!!

TEAM W L % GB

Boston 57 40 .588 -
Tampa Bay 55 39 .585 0.5
New York 50 45 .526 6.0
Toronto 47 48 .495 9.0
Baltimore 45 48 .484 10.0

Three for Three

Well Today the boys played well. Beckett was on the mound and did fair and was getting into a little trouble right off the bat but around the 3rd inning the bats got us on top....another 2 runs in the 5th...and 7 more in the 7th and 4 in the 8th...yep 18 RUNS!! I was at work and trying to keep up with the game on line but when it got close in the top of the 6th at 6-5, I closed the screen when I felt perhaps I was really "watching" the game. I promised I would not watch as long as they would win.....so I went about my business working all day long....but I couldn't stand it and clicked on the game to see the score. It was the bottom of the 8th and when I saw the last two innings runs, I bout fainted. I figured it was safe for me to watch the top of the 9th. It clearly reminded me of the game in 2007 where Beckett was doing awful and in a post presser when quizzed about why the boys didn't score some runs for him...He dissed the media and said he didn't worry while he was pitching that his boys were gonna score fifteen fucking runs for him. Well Josh...they scored 18....How bout DEM APPLES???

So I found these two photos amusing from the Globe. Beckett finds a beach ball and debates on whether to hit the fan in the stands who has been ragging on him all season...IM JOKING!!!!!! I find it funny that Beckett would be the one who would grab the beach ball that landed in front of the dug out and throw it back in the stands. That's such a Manny thing to do....speaking of Manny....Manny, you CANNOT catch the ball from inside the Monster!!!!!!!!!!! Manny Being Manny!!!

I would post a broom but I figured I'd just soak the Wins and Runs up with my mop.

Keep Em Coming Boys!!!

So two games I've not watched....two games we've won. Is it me? or is it Fenway? We'll see once the boys hit the road again. I usually don't root for the Yankees but they were playing the Rays and so the debate was who you gonna root for? The team(Rays) who are above us in the standings? or the hated rival Yankees who are playing the Rays? I'll be happy with a split cos heaven knows we don't want the Yankees gaining ground on us either. We're still 3 games behind the Rays but the Yanks are 7 1/2 games behind the Rays. The Rays are really Hopping this year. But back to the Sox.... Manny came alive with one over the Monster bringing in Pede for a two run homer. Youk got 3 hits. Lester didn't fare too well but Aardsma (Texas boy from Rice University) got the Win while Paps got the Save. Moss brought in a single rbi to give the go ahead run to win the game. The thing I love about Tito is how he "manages" his team...he truly cares about these guys and he shows them he appreciates their contributions. You always see him going to the younger guys making sure he recognizes they made a difference.

And to let you know I'm still not watching as long as the Red Sox keep winning. You KNOW Beckett is pitching tomorrow....and since it is a day game it makes it easier for me to not accidently be at a sport bar to eat

I Got Nothing

I really don't have much tonight. Except I grounded myself from watching games since the boys won the first 2 of the 4 games series with the Yankees ... those i did not watch. I watch the last two games and they lose.....SO I deduce that I must not watch tonight


and they WIN. SO I'm forced to watch baseball through the SG board and GameDay. As long as they win...I'm game...but so help me first time they lose....I'm back.

oh who am I KIDDING?? I don't even have Xtra Innings. Oh and those Thighs? In honor of Tek making the All Star team....whether I think he deserves to be on it or not......He's Got THIGHS! and that itself is worth watching the All Star game to me.

Thighs

I direct to those things that make me smile on days like today: Thighs, Massive Thighs, Tek's Thighs, El Capitan's Thighs, Captain AmeriTEK Thighs....thighs.

Happy 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baseball

Apple Pie

And RibEyes!!!!!!!!! That's What I'm Talking ABOUT!!

HEY NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!! How you like THEM apples????

New York Strip Steaks

Howdy from Texas. I thought we'd start off with some recipes of how to make steaks while in New York. The first recipe seems to be a little of the sorts of something they would have on the West Coast ala Lester...a beer and molasses steak sauce on top of grilled strip steaks. Sort of like we're gonna have our share of steaks and you're not....and here's some sauce to rub in your face about it.....If you ever had any doubt about Jon....file them away....a no-hitter and a shut out BEFORE the All Star game already. Yah...he's a keeper.

Next recipe is for today. Now some of you may not appreciate deer hunting...but in honor of who is on the mound today: Venison Steak. There should be plenty to go around for dinner but just in case

Here's some Snacks for the game while in the dugout and bullpen: Venison Jerkey

So now that we made the Yankee's shut up and shut out.....let's do it again.

Let's Go RED SOX

clap clap clapclapclap

I'm protesting Orange Juice of any Flavor

I don't have words for tonight's game....but at least my boy Pede is on Fiyah. He almost hit the cycle tonight....only one he didn't hit was a Single...the one easiest to hit. funny game baseball is. Two doubles, a triple and a homer. Another one of him digging it in for the triple. It's about the only thing that made me smile tonight knowing my Fantasy Team of Beckett's Belly's will be getting some stats in the morning. I just wish my Sox would get some wood soon.

I'll Take a couple of Ribeyes On the Plate NOW

THIS NOT THIS

Is it too much for a girl to ask for?

The Juice Tour

Vs.

Personally, I've had about enough of Minute Maid to last me a lifetime. It's left a very bitter taste in my mouth and not enough sweetness for my tongue to taste. About all I felt was the pulp of the grinding out the last two nights. I'm ready for a new brand of juice and it better come with the Runs. It looks like Tropicana has many more flavors than Minute Maid...I'll take mine with No Lobsters, Runs and mellow fellows.

You may all go to Hell....I'm going to TEXAS

I'll be heading to Houston on Friday for a roadtrip to see the boys play at Minute Maid...I'm not certain of the history but I believe it is the first time for them to play there. I'll be meeting up with Lynn from my original internet friends from the Red Sox Fan Forum and then another poster from the SG board who actually lives in Austin is going to meet up too. A good friend of mine scored some tickets for Sunday....Behind Homeplate, 2nd level, Row 1...Beckett is pitching. I'm sure someone will have to pinch me or throw water on me to make sure I know I'm not dreaming. Stories to follow from the weekend I am sure.

Friday, June 27
Minute Maid Park 8:05 PM ET

Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (8-1, 3.46) Red Sox (49-32)
@

Runelvys Hernandez, RHP (0-0, -.--) Astros (36-41)
Scouting Report:Red Sox: Matsuzaka came off the 15-day disabled list for his last start against the Cardinals, and he looked nothing like the 8-0 starter that mowed down opposing lineups before suffering a right rotator cuff strain on May 27. Coming into his start against St. Louis, opponents were hitting .195 off the right-hander. But the Cardinals touched him up for four runs and five hits in the first inning alone. He faced 12 batters, leaving without recording an out in the second and giving up seven earned runs.
Astros: Hernandez takes over Shawn Chacon's spot in the rotation and will face the Red Sox Friday at Minute Maid Park. The 30-year-old right-hander is 6-3 with a 3.72 ERA over 15 starts for the Triple-A Round Rock Express this year. He's allowed 35 earned runs over 84 2/3 innings and has allowed 11 home runs. He's issued 23 walks while striking out 63. Opponents are hitting .233 against him. Hernandez has made two career starts against the Red Sox, taking no-decisions in both. He has a 4.85 ERA over those two games, having allowed seven earned runs over 13 innings. His last outing versus Boston occurred on Aug. 10, 2006.
Saturday, June 28
Minute Maid Park 7:05 PM ET

Jon Lester, LHP (6-3, 3.13) Red Sox (49-32)
@

Brandon Backe, RHP (5-8, 4.82) Astros (36-41)
Scouting Report:Red Sox: Lester is becoming one stingy innings-eater for the Boston Red Sox. In the month of June, he hasn't given up more than two runs in any outing while at least pitching into the seventh inning in all four starts. He's 5-1 since the beginning of May, and the Sox have won each of the five outings he's pitched in since May 31.
Astros: Backe earned his first win in a month when he beat the Rays in his last outing. The right-hander yielded a two-run homer to Evan Longoria in the second inning but held the Rays scoreless through the remainder of his 6 2/3 innings. Backe has appeared in four games against the Red Sox, all in relief. He has allowed eight runs over 5 1/3 innings for a 13.50 ERA.
Sunday, June 29
Minute Maid Park 2:05 PM ET

Josh Beckett, RHP (7-5, 3.73) Red Sox (49-32)
@

Brian Moehler, RHP (4-3, 4.03) Astros (36-41)
Scouting Report:Red Sox: Beckett has allowed just two runs in his last two starts, against Arizona and Cincinnati, logging 15 innings in the process. Unfortunately for Beckett, his last outing, against the D-backs, went to waste when the Red Sox ran into Dan Haren, dropping a 2-1 decision at Fenway Park. Beckett is 2-2 lifetime against Houston and owns a 2.92 career ERA at Minute Maid Park.
Astros: Moehler has been the most reliable arm since joining the rotation. Counting his impressive performance against Texas on Tuesday night -- 6 1/3 innings, one run allowed on five hits -- the Astros are 5-4 in Moehler's nine starts but could easily be 7-2. Moehler is 4-3 with a 4.03 ERA. The 36-year-old right-hander is 4-2 with a 4.01 ERA in eight career starts against Boston.

BecKKKKKKKKett

Ok this is a picture I took while at Fenway in May and Beckett was pitching....he pitched just as good tonight....how do you get So many K's but still lose a game? I have to give Haren his due cos he kept our boys from scoring runs. I ain't got nothing tonight cos I'm just so bummed.

I get to see Wednesday's game on ESPN and then I'm off to Houston to see the boys play the Stros at Minute Maid. The only juice I hope is there is in the name of the park.

It aint over till Youk Gets a HIT.

Rain Delay once again in Boston....waiting...waiting....finally. Lester takes the mound. Lester's looked awesome through the 7th although 2 runs came for the Cards in the top of the 7th. Youk got us a solo homerun and brought me some stats for my fantasy team who is in last place. Lester returned for the 8th and after a runner got on base, MDC relieved him. MDC did his thang and KO'd Glaus and Stavinoha. Ankiel really messed up a play allowing Coco's drive to center get him a triple. Lugo brought Coco in to home to tie the game with a SF. The Card's reliever Perez apparently had trouble finding the strike zone and with 3 walks in a row...the Sox went ahead 3-2. Top of the 9th with Papelbon pitching and one strike away from getting this game over with....Papelbon allowed a hit allowing the tying run to the plate. SO on to Extra Innings....

Through the 10th, 11th and 12th....men left on bases by both teams...then the 13th...

Kennedy hit a single with Duncan on base....Duncan comes running into home...and What a nailed in throw from J.D. to Tek to get Duncan out at home. Tek lowering his shoulders and BAM...he's out....as I was chatting with my buddies on SG, I posted that someone had better get a homer NOW that Tek saved this run.

Mikey Two Bags hits a single and Youk's steps up to the plate....Now Youk's had struck out twice, walked and hit a homerun already at his at-bats....but he hits the ball so hard and it flys into the Monster...BOOOOOOOYAH. 5-3 WalkOFF and it's FINALLY DONE.

The Sox win...and I can get some work done around this house.

I don't know what's So Grand about it

They say Troy Glaus hit a Grand Slam today. Grand?? What's so damn Grand about it? Damn Giant just changed the color of his feathers and still gets on our nerves!!

Dice-K only lasted ONE INNING!!!!!!!!!!! ONE. UNO. did you get that??? just coming off the DL and he can only handle ONE inning??? The Cards scored 4 runs in the first inning with 2 batters. Ok I lie...Dice-K came into the 2nd and loaded the bases...THEN he was pulled and in came for his major league debut, Chris Smith. He struck out Ankiel Woooooooooo. and then up stepped the Giant. Grand SLAM MY ASS!!!! Wasn't nothing grand about it to me. Tomorrow's another day. Lester's on the mound. He's been doing pretty well lately and I for one hope he brings his guns and the balls that have K's on them. Reminds the boys to bring the "run" bats to the park too. Below is print from Chris Speakman's work. IF you haven't checked out his art, you MUST. If you love baseball and art...Hell if you love baseball or sports, Check out how he transforms our love of our Boston teams into another passion he has.

Meanwhile, I'm battling another bout of bronchitis. I'm getting sick of eating soup in the summer time.

FINALLY.

Manny turned 36 yesterday but decided not to overshadow his birthday with his 500th HomeRun Event....so he waited till tonight. You know so he can celebrate two days in row from now on. During the 7 th inning when no one was on base....of course so it would be only him crossing the plate. The Man Child finally made it. After a slump of a time...waiting and waiting...I just knew that he'd do it for Ted and me when we were at Fenway in the middle of May...but NOoooooooooooooooooooooo. Manny's on Manny Time and Tonight was the Night...and OF COURSE...Kelly and Cyn were THERE!!! Beth, Crystal and Horsham were there as well. So alittle of SG helped Manny out and were a part of history. Congrats Manny...now when ya gonna hit #600? :)

Excerpt from the Globe today in answer to my question: {Ramirez has already assured one and all that he intends to hit 600. Last night, his goal was more modest. "I want to hit 501."}

Remembering

To all the men and women serving out country and to those who have died serving our country so that we may fly that flag over Fenway. Ok so I should be referencing the American flag but I'm not. The American flag represents all those fighting to keep our rights to be free(that post is for another day)....BUT the flag I'm referring to is the World Series Champions 2007 flag....if it were not for all the service men and women in the past who won our right to express ourselves....we couldn't enjoy baseball, SG, blogging, internet friends, and getting to see Fenway with friends. We wouldn't have been able to ride with a guy named Al from Lebanon in a limo.

So today, I salute all of you Service Men and Women.

No Blackberry in Hand

Me with the Only Ring I care to wear at this time.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Friday night...somewhere to the right of this bleacher section...I'll be sitting with 3 friends and one of them is a virgin. That's right...they still exist....there are actually people who Still have YET to Do the Deed....Make the Trek....ya know....SEE a game At FENWAY!!! huh? wha??

Git Yor Minds outta the gutters.

I'll be meeting up with Hayes, Candaon and Ted to watch a game...the virgin?? Oh that'd be Ted. He's actually get a furlough from that place he lives at...I think he convinced them that he's gonna be with responsible adults....heh.

Anyhoo. I'm sure when it's over and done I'll post some pics and at least this trip I won't have to show Ted all my pictures of games he keeps ragging on me for. He'll have his own :)

What WAS that's kid name?

would someone Puhhleeeez do what the Dutch kid way back then and put a plug in it for the Sox?? I expect RBIs, HRs, and W's this weekend. So would someone go find that kid and ask him to stick his finger in again?

AustinPalooza is over but not forgotten

Ok I promised some stories of AustinPalooza with Becks and Bobbers....I found alittle something for all the SG crowd.



So proof that Chicken Shit Sunday at Ginny's Longhorn Saloon exists and Becks and Bobbers attended. Becks was in the back but I hear she got up close and got some great photo ops. That's Ginny with the chicken. Ginny's the one in the blue shirt.

Saw some of Nancy's relatives while browsing around South Congress.

Even found a cowboy for Crystal!!

Great BBQ for Soxonthebeach!! mmmmmmmmm Salt Lick BBQ is the BEST!!

and for those country music lovers, here's some live band music. I really liked the steel guitar player.

and last but not least.....we were closer to our favorite tall pitcher than all you realize.


All in all, the week was over WAY too fast. Bob told me that this was the first time in a LONG time that he didn't want to go home after a vacation. Just gave me warm fuzzies all over. I had a blast getting to hang out with fellow SGer Becks and her hubby cos both of them enjoy live music venues of all kinds like I do. We all acted like we were in our twenty's all week but I'm sure they are feeling like me today.....like I'm about 80 years old.

In two weeks, we celebrate ElmerPalooza in Boston. I have a feeling I am going to have to pace myself to last those three days in Boston. I can't see myself drinking weakwaters....