There's a New Kid in Town

Kielty - sounds Irish. Bobby is fitting right into this group of guys in Boston. Today he drove in 4 ribbies out of the 14 runs we scored. He just comes in and gets the job done. Three wins with 2 of the pitchers getting their 16th Win this season, 35 runs, 6.5 ahead. I like the sound of those numbers. Tomorrow BatShit takes the mound...anything Goes. The White Sox bullpen should be exhausted...hell I'm exhausted reading through the boxscore on how many pitched.

But back to Bobby....I've taken a liking to him. Baltimore beware :)

Sweet 16

My boy Beckett got er dun today with his Sweet 16. He didn't bring his sweetest stuff and was having difficulty in where he was supposed to throw the ball....across the plate JOSH! Anyhoo....kept up with the game on Sucky GameDay...and the SG board. I had to leave work before the game was over and while we were winning...I asked one of the SG members (who shall remain nameless for the silly move they did) to text me with any updates. I get home in time for the last 2 outs with Timlin on the mound...at least it's a Texan :)
I get on line and find this following statement from "the nameless SG member":
******

So a co-worker who lives in Austin just called me to find out why I keep texting her (five times) with what looks like scores. Oops. :D Tex, email me your cell # again, OK?

********

I wish I could say she was a ditz and she normally does this but she isn't. I'm just wishing I could know this other Texan coughJETcough knows here in Austin who is wondering what the hell turnip truck she fell off of. :)

Oh and 2 more weeks Ted...are ya ready for some TEX??? :)

Sense of Humor

As a joke, the Devil Rays mascot put up the sign in honor of the Mariners Moose running over Coco in Seattle.

I figured the picture said enough.

It's OK....we're in this together

I can just imagine what this conversation involves between Julio and Jules. Probably apologizing for not giving him Run Support...YET AGAIN. Jules didn't do too bad today since he hadn't pitched since June 20th. In 6 innings, he had 2 K's, 2 BB's, and he only allowed 2 Hits and 2 Runs. Snyder pitched 2 innings with 2 K's but allowed one more run. But the surprise was Gagne...we all cringed seeing him come out to the mound but he surprised us all by not allowing a run and Striking OUT 3 batters to get all 3 outs in the 9th. It wasn't enough to save the day though because of course like I say, pitching DOES NOT win a game alone.

Kielty didn't have a huge day at the plate but he definitely showed his stuff in the field right off the bat by robbing a homerun with an over-the-wall catch.

Our gap has been shortened to only 4 games now with the Yankees. Ted, the deal I said would happen if our boys would widen the gapI had is OFF.

PV's & Rally Hoots

IF you're a SGer, you'll understand this post and it'll need no interpretation. If you're not...I don't have the time to explain...but it involves Winning.

PVPVPVPVPPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPV
PVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPV
PVPPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPV

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

Let's GO RED SOX
clapclap clapclapclap
Let's GO RED SOX

What's Important

Hero's come in all shapes and sizes. Dreams are things we go after with all our heart despite our mistakes. I give you two individuals from different worlds but on the field at Fenway they both made smiles come to your faces. Clay Buchholz, brought up to pitch today's day game, knowing he'd be sent back immediately after the game. A Lumberton, Texas boy who has dreamed of this day all his life...and so has his father. Then there's Jordan Leandre of South Dennis, Massachusetts who is a cancer survivor. He sang the National Anthem in 2005 when he was 4 yrs old and near immobile while stricken with the disease. Today while on the field during pre-game festivities, he did something spontaneous....he turned away from the '67 players...and ran around the bases...something like most kids in the New England area dream about doing....but this dream was far more. Jordan ran without help from a walker or anyone. He has beaten cancer and watching him run around the bases made me smile....and tear up. Clay has had his own demons.....the same year Jordan was fighting cancer, Clay was fighting his own battle of deception. For some unknown reason to us, Clay became involved in an incident of stealing laptops from his high school while he was attending junior college. He had been drafted by the Red Sox and apparently they were satisfied with their own investigations. Clay didn't deny his involvement...owned up to it and is moving on. Mistakes we make them but we can correct them. Clay is fortunate to have parents who emotionally supported him through this troubled time...and more fortunate to have them as helping him throughout his life practicing baseball to be where he is today. Mistakes we can correct them but we can't fix cancer as easy. Jordan was treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston...and today the Jimmy Fund raised millions of dollars to help in the treatment of those who have cancer.

Clay won his first MLB game today...6 innings, 5 K's, walked 3, allowed 3 runs. He won and his parents and siblings from Texas were there to watch. Jordan won today too...he beat cancer and his parents were there as well....watching him run around bases at Fenway. I don't know about you but I'd wager that Mr and Mrs Leadre were smiling wider.

Hump Day

After reading my friend Ted's blog, I wasn't sure what I was going to write about....but going to see the other pics of the game, I saw the rest of them and got a kick out of the funny faces...I think the boys were trying to see who could make the best "AWWW Man!!!" face today. It seemed like a really good game to watch....except we lost. I don't even want to recap it....the Yankees lost again so at least we break even. After last night's game come back win....today really didn't bother me that much. Is it Friday yet?

I do NOT like Seafood anymore

You may be perplexed at the two pics I chose today. But if you're a die-hard Red Sox fan....you'll understand. But for those who can't solve the riddle....here ya go. The guy underneath the pile getting pounded is Kevin Millar, 1st baseman for the Orioles....and an ex-Red Sox player. Millar hit a Walk-Off today for his team today...and it doesn't matter how many runs it scored except for his stats....the O's beat us again. Many keep blaming Gagne for our losses....but it's not Gagne who doesn't get the runs before he comes in. Gagne is taking full blame for his performance but it appears that the players are backing him up...not blaming him at all.

Now about those lobsters....you may be wondering if I chose it because the games were in Baltimore...near the coast...NOPE. Guess again....Men Left On Base...LOBsters as we like to call them. That is one of the reasons we keep losing...we aren't scoring enough runs....and now the Spankees are only 4 games back. FOUR! It's August 12th....COME ON what is going on??? I am not giving up on my boys so soon....I'm with them to the end...but they have GOT to step it up and I think they know it.

Did I mention Beckett is from Texas?

Well it's been abit since I've blogged...i think Beckett was the topic. :) Eight K's, 15th Win, and a cocky attitude to boot. He pitched 8.2 innings...almost got the entire game but after Tejada scored....Tito took him out...tell me why wouldn't Tito take out Gagne last night? The only thing I'm sad about is I didn't get to see it....fucking FOX and their contracts.

Josh Beckett: Commander of the Fuck You Brigade, Killer of the O's, Whup-Ass Kicker and a Starting Pitcher for the Red Sox who happens to hail from my home state of TEXAS.

The worrying and craziness is beginning as we see the Yankees inch upon our rears...but we shouldn't.

Keep the Fair. PV's!! Rally Hoots! ::lets go red sox:: and all those SG quirks we have....put them into place.

14 - 9 - A Pick Off

Joshua Patrick Beckett: Pitcher for Boston Red Sox, Texas boy, Muy Grande Hunter, brash and cocky, pottymouth when pushed, blisters, fastball, mature...yes I said mature.

I'll be glad to get home to Austin so I can start watching the boys play again. I hated missing the game today....mainly cos Josh was starting. I hate missing any of the games, but particularly when the Texas boy takes the mound. I missed his 14th Win of the season. Apparently it was a doozy and the he didn't have to worry about the boys hitting in fucking runs for him tonight...they did. Beckett fanned 9 Mariners in 6 2/3 innings. And apparently Beckett surprised Ibanez tonight...picking him off 2nd base ending the 3rd inning. But it's not all about Beckett....someone had to score those runs that won the game 9-2. Ortiz even stole his 2nd base due to the Mariners forgetting someone needed to cover the base. Manny hit his 19th homerun bringing in 2. Drew got a triple scoring Tiz. Oh yeah, Coco got run over by the Mariners mascot's all terrain vehicle while he was coming out of the dugout...Coco acted as if he was gonna fight him....but it's all in a day's work on the ballfield.

Austin bound tomorrow morning....and it can't get here fast enough.

Gagnẻ: our newest Texan

Hi I’m from Texas but most on the SG board say I’m from Canada. It all began one night innocently (well naïve may be more accurate) on the board explaining where both of my parents were from. My mother’s family all hailed from deep Louisiana…which has heritage from Nova Scotia when the French were exiled. My father is from South Carolina whose family traces back to Nova Scotia roots. I believe it was Nancy (do you hear a common thread yet in instigations of rumors on the board yet?) that said something about me being from Canada. And then the saga began…..as I said, I am from Texan, born and raised but with French heritage. I love to root on the Texan players on the Red Sox team and bring my Texas flag to fly at games. So of course I was disappointed but understood sending Murphy with his bags packing back to Texas in exchange for Eric Gagne, our newest Bartender (i.e. Set-Up Man) or better known on the SG comment section as The Hoser. SO of course, I find it ironic that a Texan goes a packing and here comes a French Canadian….and my first question posed to the board was “So can I fly my flag for him?” HEY….ya can’t blame a Texas gal for trying ya know.

Although I didn’t get to watch the game today….I love looking at these pics of him…and can’t wait to hear his accent during a presser. I am sure between his Canadian accent and Josh’s dropping f-bombs….I’ll be right at home.

Meanwhile back in Boston....

Ok so our boys ain't faring too well at the Trop....but meanwhile back at Fenway, Sting and The Police are Romping and Stomping it up. Unlike baseball, men can go way into their 50's and still have it at this job. Sting had his son's band, Fiction Plane, open for them....according to the Boston Herald. I have to say I am abit jealous of ANYONE who was at Fenway to hear them....Sitting in the park able to just enjoy the music played without stressing if the boys were hitting or scoring....would have been nice.

And according to the Boston Globe....Sting has aged quite well for himself....chiseled biceps, blue eyes and gorgeous smile....Very Niiiiiiice for someone 55, dontcha think? Like I always say....Age is JUST a Number.

This was It.

I know Josh always takes up for his team...never saying it was them of why runs weren't scored. But clearly there were several incidents that could have resulted in runs. I chose this pic because Coco after this play stood on the plate like a child saying to himself "yeah I was too safe". But like last night we won with just one run....so tonight was just fair game...I just hated it was with Josh.

But the sun will come up tomorrow....and I have much Bigger Fish to Fry Tomorrow. And let's not forget....it is just a game and our lives don't revolve around a game.

Ohhhhh Donnnna

Ok this has NOTHING to do with baseball today. I was stopping off at the store to get a couple of things....mundane task as it is....when all of a sudden I hear a familiar song wafting through the store...I stop, listen, and smile. I cannot recall EVER hearing this song in a store while shopping. You see, my mother named me after this song...Richie Valens song....it just made me smile as if someone were looking over me to say "hey no worries girlfriend...I got your back....I know where you are...." Felt like I was being serenaded while shopping...and then it occurs to me that Josh Beckett is pitching today...my son's name is Josh. Tomorrow he comes to live with me again....a grown man living with his mother but it will definitely be different this time. That song about me with Josh pitching...just sorta brought it together for me. I am sure this sounds like rambling to ya but it all makes sense to me.

Watching Josh pitch as we speak....to our beloved Trot...striking him out. I realize just as before when Roger left me alone in Boston....I am a Red Sox fan and although Josh Beckett I admire and love as one of the team's favs for me....he'll be a shadow in my rearview mirror if he ever leaves.

No particular purpose today except I just wanted to write. :)

Balance

Some of you may be wondering why I have a picture of the woods....but THIS isn't just isn't any woods. This is Walden Pond and the site of Thoreau's cabin the woods where he lived for a year to live deliberate. I am somewhat envious of him that he could do this. In today's society, you can't just go out into the woods and live without being looked upon as an outcast or eccentric. I have to say that being at Walden Pond and seeing this site has been a lifelong dream of mine since I read Walden Pond in 12th grade. In fact, tears came to my eyes and I had wished I had a writing pad so that I could just sit inside the chained off area to say that I too had written in Thoreau's cabin. My good friend Hayes(off SG) and I went walking around the pond through the woods....as I am sure that Thoreau did as. It was a beautiful sunny summer day....I went for a brief wade in the water and got a pic. Later that day we hit a local place to catch part of the game....I saw Thoreau's gravesite as well as Hawthorne's, Emerson, and Alcott. It was a perfect day ending with Josh losing the game but giving the best post-game presser to be seen...dropping the F bomb about the media's questions. Josh was tired of answering the same questions asked 10 million different ways. Josh walks to the beat of a different drummer....much like the quote from Thoreau. Granted, it may have not been appropriate what he said....but he said it with such bluntness and matter of fact without directing in at the media....they got the point....it even made Jim Rice crack up. I know you're wondering how can you compare baseball with literature and all?? but baseball is a thinking man's game...baseball takes balance of many things. You can't just be a good hitter. You can't just be a golden glove.

Oh yeah...that other pic?? Well there was this stone pile and it appeared others did the zen thing with the stones of balancing them....so I decided to do one for me. Now this was a pile of stones....and in the midst of these stones I found a blue plastic star....now if any of you know me...you know how much I LOVE Stars! I took this as a sign....I placed the star on the top of all these balanced stones....signifying that my life despite all the rocky surroundings would shine at the top...shine like a star!

NOW I get it...

I could be wrong..but with all this talk of Ortiz's injury to his knee....these pics I took of the trainer stretching him ALL makes sense now. This stretching routine went on for a quite awhile...I was getting a chuckle out of it for obvious reasons...well they're obvious to me. Anyway...I'm heading to New England tomorrow and it couldn't come a minute sooner. Texas will be a quiet place while I'm gone....and so will this place and SG. Ted hold down the fort for me will ya?

Family

This is what I see the All-Star Game is about....Family. Sure, the players get bonuses, MLB makes a bucketload of money, fans get to see the longball, great pitching, hitting, catching, lots of fun and just all around baseball. I still wish they'd show some pics of Lowell and his kids...hopefully they will on tv. So although I am out of town on business and trying to get alot of work done....I'll be watching and waiting for some smiles from our boys.

speaking of cleaning...

OK so if we're gonna get swept...I'd like to have JUST picked the dang Broom they used!!! I figured it had to be this one...cos while they were sweeping from both ends to us!!! ok so upon my research into looking for a great picture of a broom for this blog...i learned that bringing a new broom will ward off evil and bring good luck...SO my answer to this whole debacle?? Let's ALL go out and buy NEW Brooms and set them in front of your tubes as we watch our boys play....and if you go to a game...bring the dang broom...stuff it down your pants, in your shirt...I don't care. Buy a small one so others won't think you've gone over the edge and crazy. But if you are out there and want to make a statement...then get creative and make it special...don't just buy any broom...buy one that's unusual and decorate it with Red Sox gear.

And speaking of cleaning....anyone like to sweep, mop or vacuum??? Cos there's a house down in Austin that needs it.

What's there NOT to LOVE??

How can you NOT love this guy??? I mean for a minute let's forget his baseball stats..i know it's what he's known for but...put that aside for now. Manny gives us smiles, giggles, spitting out my beer at the screen laughing, cracking up goofy-ass looks, lollygagging in left field, his on the field dancing antics, in the dugout handshakes, manhugs, and _____ (you fill in the blank). Manny loves the game...he shows this not just by his playing ability but by his attitude and his Joie De Vivre. I'm like Dover...I can't imagine this team without him....I hope when he retires, he'd come back and instead of the color guy being an announcer....Manny could be the color guy for the dugout....he'd make the team smile and loosen up...and he'd make me smile and personally I think Manny would do it for free.

Happy July 4th All

Editing my post to add picture from today's game

**stealing the following speech from a Presidential speech made on the 4th**

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations. We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July. Happy Birthday, America! "

I hope all of you enjoy today whether you're watching baseball, eating apple pie or driving Chevrolets...I drive a Ford myself. I'm off to cook my favorite cajun recipe for friends. Enjoy time with your family and friends.