Showing posts with label Rivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rivals. Show all posts
Monday, May 28, 2012
Fantastic At Fenway
I have been meaning to write this for a LONG time...
In April of 2012 the Boston Red Sox celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park, whose first game hosted was a loss on April 20, 1912 to the New York Highlanders. Now, 100 years later, "America's Most Beloved Ballpark" is one of the greatest landmarks still around and one of two classic ballparks still in use (the other being Wrigley Field).
Introduced by the late Carl Beane, former Red Sox greats flooded "America's Most Beloved Ballpark" to celebrate it's cennential, and took their places at their respective positions.
Hall of Famer Jim Rice
Bill Buckner
Frank Malzone
Jeremy Remy (now a broadcaster)
Rico Petrocelli
Reggie Smith
Jim Lonborg
Luis Tiant
Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd
Bruce Hurst
Billy Rohr
Joe Santiago
Billy Coniglario
Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk
Future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez
Nomar Garciaparra
Kevin Millar
Terry "Tito" Francona (who received the loudest ovation), as opposed to Bobby Valentine, who went to make a pitching change in the game and was soundly booed.
Hall of Famer Carl "Yaz" Yaztremski
The former players mingled with current ones as they took their places to John Williams' Fanfare At Fenway. But the highlight of the night had to be recently retired Jason Varitek and boarderline Hall of Famer Tim Wakefield wheeling out the living legends Johnny Pesky, 92, (namesake of the foul pole in right field), and Bobby Doerr, 94 onto the field as they received emotional cheers from the fans.
The Yankees and current Red Sox respectfully cheered and looked on as Keith Lockhart led The Star Spangled Banner and planes flew overhead. A large American flag was draped over the Green Monster.
Then, the designated toastmasters, 2004 World Series Champions Kevin Millar and Pedro Martinez stood atop the duggout and helped to distribute wine and other beverages to lucky fans as the Sox attempted to break the record for the largest toast in history. Even though the attempt failed, fans gladly welcomed back two of the most beloved players in the franchise's history.
"Fenway Park, we want to thank you for the last hundred years" Millar shouted.
"And the next hundred years!", Pedro Martinez continued, to a loud ovation.
Leading the toast!
Monday, February 27, 2012
O Captain, My Captain!
Longtime Boston Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek has announced his retirement after 15 seasons with the team.
Varitek embraces Jon Lester after his no-hitter in 2008, Varitek's record fourth caught.
Varitek hit .221 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs off the bench in 2011. He played in a limited role, mostly when Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett pitched. He hit .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBIs over his 15-year career.
This move was forthcoming. With his colleague Tim Wakefield retiring and the direction in which the Red Sox are headed, this move was one I expected but hated to admit.
While Varitek is nowhere near Hall of Famer worthy in any respect, (unlike the previously mentioned Wakefield), in his prime he was one of the best catchers in the game and he holds the major league record with four no-hitters caught, (Hideo Nomo in 2001, Derek Lowe in 2002, Clay Buchholz in 2007, and Jon Lester in 2008).
I genuinely liked Jason Varitek and hoped he would return for another season.
Varitek hit .221 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs off the bench in 2011. He played in a limited role, mostly when Tim Wakefield and Josh Beckett pitched. He hit .256 with 193 home runs and 757 RBIs over his 15-year career.
This move was forthcoming. With his colleague Tim Wakefield retiring and the direction in which the Red Sox are headed, this move was one I expected but hated to admit.
While Varitek is nowhere near Hall of Famer worthy in any respect, (unlike the previously mentioned Wakefield), in his prime he was one of the best catchers in the game and he holds the major league record with four no-hitters caught, (Hideo Nomo in 2001, Derek Lowe in 2002, Clay Buchholz in 2007, and Jon Lester in 2008).
I genuinely liked Jason Varitek and hoped he would return for another season.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The End of An Era
After 17 seasons in Boston, RHP Tim Wakefield has announced his retirement from professional baseball.
"Although the Boston Red Sox and the fans here in New England will tell you that they were five outs away in the eighth inning, leading by three...AS BOONE HITS IT TO DEEP LEFT! THAT MIGHT SEND THE YANKEES TO THE WORLD SERIES! BOONE A HERO IN GAME SEVEN!" (Joe Buck)
Wake went 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA in 23 starts and a few relief appearances in 2011. He was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts in his career.
Wakefield was one of the few Red Sox players that I really, genuinely liked. I have fond memories of him, such as Aaron Boone's home run, both championships he helped the Sox win, and his willingness to do anything to help his team win. He was constantly bounced from starter to reliever, used as a setup guy, and even sometimes a closer. He was a genuine good guy who did much charitable work and I will miss seeing him play against the Yankees.
Now, folks, it is customary to ask this after a player retires: Will he make the Hall of Fame?
On first glance, that question seems like a joke. However, look at these career stats:
*Record (W-L): 200-180 (Third all-time in Red Sox history, behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens)
*Career ERA: 4.41
*2,156 strikeouts
*1-time All Star (2009, aged 42)-second oldest All Star ever named (Satchel Paige was 45).
*Red Sox career leader in innings pitched, games started as a pitcher, home runs allowed, walks allowed, hits allowed, losses, earned runs allowed, wild pitches, hit batsmen, and batters faced.
*7th on all time hit batters list
*.121 career batting average with 1 home run in 1993 for the Pirates.
*1995 American League comeback player of the year
*2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner
*2-time World Series Champion (the only two Red Sox championships since 1918)
Now consider this. Wakefield went through at least SEVEN (7) different catchers (talk about lack of consistency), as well as 11 different pitching coaches as well as many different bullpen coaches as he was alternated between starter and reliever.
John Cumberland: 1995-Jul 19, 1995
Al Nipper: July 19, 1995-May 1, 1996
Sammy Ellis: May 1, 1996-1996
Joe Kerrigan: 1997-August 16, 2001
John Cumberland: August 16, 2001-September 4, 2001
Ralph Treuel: September 4, 2001-2001
Tony Cloninger: 2002
Goose Gregson (Interim): April 5, 2003-April 22, 2003
Tony Cloninger: April 23, 2003-May 29, 2003
Goose Gregson (Interim): May 30, 2003-June 8, 2003
Dave Wallace: June 9, 2003-2005
Al Nipper (Interim): 2006-August 8, 2006
Dave Wallace: August 8, 2006-2006
John Farrell: 2007-2010
Curt Young: 2011
But you must also remember this.
Knuckleballers are a special type of pitcher. They can lose a game based on wild pitches, and are erratic, throwing 8 shutout innings, only to blow the lead in the ninth inning based on weather, (as weather can control where a knuckleball goes due to the pitch's lack of velocity).
Now, let's compare here,
Through the 1978 season, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro had won 197 games and lost 171.
Wake, on the other hand, had fashioned a record of 151-134.
So Niekro, going into what would seem to be the twilight of any career, was 26 games over .500. From age 40 through 48 he was an additional 18 games over .500
Now, Wakefield since hitting age 40 has gone 32-25, (as of 2009).
Now the first thing people will notice that Phil is plus-46 in the win column and is also plus-37 in the loss column.
Under the age of 40, Phil Niekro made 86 additional appearances, 83 of which were starts.
He also had an additional 83 decisions, which is not surprising when you see that as a product of his era Niekro had 245 career complete games to Wakefield’s 62.
Part of the strength of Phil Niekro’s case is that he is one of only 16 players with 3,000-plus strikeouts. But when you look at Phil vs. Wakefield in a head-to-head comparison, Wake strikes out 6.1/nine for his career, Niekro only 5.6/nine innings of work. Also remember that we are in the Steroid Era, where big, juiced up hitters like Rafael Palmiero and Jason Giambi tear up pitchers in blow out games using their "artificial" talent.
In 17 seasons, Wakefield averaged 13 wins per year, and a .535 winning percentage. Niekro's winning percentage is .537.
Wake only led the league in losses once, whereas Niekro did it four times (1977-1980). Both pitchers averaged about 78 walks per season, (more than Hall of Famer Goose Gossage).
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/181212-mr-wakefieldits-the-hall-on-line-one
Info courtesy of Paging Wakefield: It's the Hall on Line One? by David Allan of Bleacherreport.com.
The BOSOX will undoubtedly reitre his number 49, and induct him into their hall of fame. But, when it all comes down to it...
Tim Wakefield should go to the Hall of Fame, and as a longtime Yankee fan,
I couldn't argue against it.
Wake went 7-8 with a 5.12 ERA in 23 starts and a few relief appearances in 2011. He was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts in his career.
Wakefield was one of the few Red Sox players that I really, genuinely liked. I have fond memories of him, such as Aaron Boone's home run, both championships he helped the Sox win, and his willingness to do anything to help his team win. He was constantly bounced from starter to reliever, used as a setup guy, and even sometimes a closer. He was a genuine good guy who did much charitable work and I will miss seeing him play against the Yankees.
Now, folks, it is customary to ask this after a player retires: Will he make the Hall of Fame?
On first glance, that question seems like a joke. However, look at these career stats:
*Record (W-L): 200-180 (Third all-time in Red Sox history, behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens)
*Career ERA: 4.41
*2,156 strikeouts
*1-time All Star (2009, aged 42)-second oldest All Star ever named (Satchel Paige was 45).
*Red Sox career leader in innings pitched, games started as a pitcher, home runs allowed, walks allowed, hits allowed, losses, earned runs allowed, wild pitches, hit batsmen, and batters faced.
*7th on all time hit batters list
*.121 career batting average with 1 home run in 1993 for the Pirates.
*1995 American League comeback player of the year
*2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner
*2-time World Series Champion (the only two Red Sox championships since 1918)
Now consider this. Wakefield went through at least SEVEN (7) different catchers (talk about lack of consistency), as well as 11 different pitching coaches as well as many different bullpen coaches as he was alternated between starter and reliever.
John Cumberland: 1995-Jul 19, 1995
Al Nipper: July 19, 1995-May 1, 1996
Sammy Ellis: May 1, 1996-1996
Joe Kerrigan: 1997-August 16, 2001
John Cumberland: August 16, 2001-September 4, 2001
Ralph Treuel: September 4, 2001-2001
Tony Cloninger: 2002
Goose Gregson (Interim): April 5, 2003-April 22, 2003
Tony Cloninger: April 23, 2003-May 29, 2003
Goose Gregson (Interim): May 30, 2003-June 8, 2003
Dave Wallace: June 9, 2003-2005
Al Nipper (Interim): 2006-August 8, 2006
Dave Wallace: August 8, 2006-2006
John Farrell: 2007-2010
Curt Young: 2011
But you must also remember this.
Knuckleballers are a special type of pitcher. They can lose a game based on wild pitches, and are erratic, throwing 8 shutout innings, only to blow the lead in the ninth inning based on weather, (as weather can control where a knuckleball goes due to the pitch's lack of velocity).
Now, let's compare here,
Through the 1978 season, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro had won 197 games and lost 171.
Wake, on the other hand, had fashioned a record of 151-134.
So Niekro, going into what would seem to be the twilight of any career, was 26 games over .500. From age 40 through 48 he was an additional 18 games over .500
Now, Wakefield since hitting age 40 has gone 32-25, (as of 2009).
Now the first thing people will notice that Phil is plus-46 in the win column and is also plus-37 in the loss column.
Under the age of 40, Phil Niekro made 86 additional appearances, 83 of which were starts.
He also had an additional 83 decisions, which is not surprising when you see that as a product of his era Niekro had 245 career complete games to Wakefield’s 62.
Part of the strength of Phil Niekro’s case is that he is one of only 16 players with 3,000-plus strikeouts. But when you look at Phil vs. Wakefield in a head-to-head comparison, Wake strikes out 6.1/nine for his career, Niekro only 5.6/nine innings of work. Also remember that we are in the Steroid Era, where big, juiced up hitters like Rafael Palmiero and Jason Giambi tear up pitchers in blow out games using their "artificial" talent.
In 17 seasons, Wakefield averaged 13 wins per year, and a .535 winning percentage. Niekro's winning percentage is .537.
Wake only led the league in losses once, whereas Niekro did it four times (1977-1980). Both pitchers averaged about 78 walks per season, (more than Hall of Famer Goose Gossage).
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/181212-mr-wakefieldits-the-hall-on-line-one
Info courtesy of Paging Wakefield: It's the Hall on Line One? by David Allan of Bleacherreport.com.
The BOSOX will undoubtedly reitre his number 49, and induct him into their hall of fame. But, when it all comes down to it...
Tim Wakefield should go to the Hall of Fame, and as a longtime Yankee fan,
I couldn't argue against it.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Jason Taylor
It is now official, DE/LB Jason Taylor has decided to retire.
773 Tackles (522 solo)
131.5 sacks (6th all-time)
6 Fumble Return Touchdowns (1st all-time)
I loved him, even as a long-time Dolphin hater. He was the consummate professional and deserves a first-ballot induction to the Hall of Fame. He was a longtime enemy of the Jets and their fans, and will be missed in the NFL.
773 Tackles (522 solo)
131.5 sacks (6th all-time)
6 Fumble Return Touchdowns (1st all-time)
I loved him, even as a long-time Dolphin hater. He was the consummate professional and deserves a first-ballot induction to the Hall of Fame. He was a longtime enemy of the Jets and their fans, and will be missed in the NFL.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Get Rollin' Along!
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed SS Jimmy Rollins to a 3-year, $33,000,000 contract.
Rollins (.268, 16 homers and 63 RBIs) added a small spark to a blatantly awful Phillies offense last season. Although the then-32-year-old did miss 34 games on the DL in 2011, he provided a very solid presence in the decrepit Philadelphia offense.
With this signing, the Shortstop market has been virtually wiped out, with Reyes, Rollins, and Scutaro all signed.
I like this move, it benefits the Phillies, giving them a quality shortstop at low risk, lower cost, and keeps the Phans happy.
Rollins (.268, 16 homers and 63 RBIs) added a small spark to a blatantly awful Phillies offense last season. Although the then-32-year-old did miss 34 games on the DL in 2011, he provided a very solid presence in the decrepit Philadelphia offense.
With this signing, the Shortstop market has been virtually wiped out, with Reyes, Rollins, and Scutaro all signed.
I like this move, it benefits the Phillies, giving them a quality shortstop at low risk, lower cost, and keeps the Phans happy.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Terry Francona,
Gone.
Theo Epstein,
Gone.
Jason Varitek,
Gone from playing.
Free agent C Jason Varitek, who has played for the Red Sox since 1995, and team captain since 2005, has been informed by GM Ben Cherington that he will not be offered a position on the team in 2012. The Red Sox have Salty, and Ryan Lavarway, as well as newly signed Kelly Shoppach in 2012, and Varitek (.221 11 homers 36 RBIs) will not fit in with the club.
I have been worried about this since the collapse of the Sox and Epstein's firing, since Theo barely brought him back at all last season.
Though many fans are happy, albeit remembering his importance during their last two World Series runs, I am very disappointed. He was one of the few BOSOX players that I like(d). I will always remember him for his championships, his great seasons, his desire to win, and his brawl with A-Rod in 2004.
Gone.
Theo Epstein,
Gone.
Jason Varitek,
Gone from playing.
Free agent C Jason Varitek, who has played for the Red Sox since 1995, and team captain since 2005, has been informed by GM Ben Cherington that he will not be offered a position on the team in 2012. The Red Sox have Salty, and Ryan Lavarway, as well as newly signed Kelly Shoppach in 2012, and Varitek (.221 11 homers 36 RBIs) will not fit in with the club.
I have been worried about this since the collapse of the Sox and Epstein's firing, since Theo barely brought him back at all last season.
Though many fans are happy, albeit remembering his importance during their last two World Series runs, I am very disappointed. He was one of the few BOSOX players that I like(d). I will always remember him for his championships, his great seasons, his desire to win, and his brawl with A-Rod in 2004.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Roping Them In
On Sunday, the New York Giants will face off against the Dallas Cowboys for the first time in 2011...
At last, my LONG awaited matchup has come. I have been waiting to watch the Giants get revenge on the Cowboys since they were beaten back last year. With a Pro Bowl-caliber Tony Romo, who seems to be less inconsistent than in previous years, and a Cowboys team that is atop the NFC East (7-5), this will be a thrilling matchup. As I stated before, the New York Giants can make the playoffs if they sweep the season series against Dallas and beat Washington.
The Giants will be without (major):
Mark Herzlich
Osi Umenyiora
David Baas (surprised?)
Spencer Paysinger
Probable:
Ahmad Bradshaw
Brandon Jacobs
Mario Manningham
Michael Boley
Dave Tollefson
Prince Amukamara
Doubtful:
Kenny Phillips
If Bradshaw, Boley and Prince get in, the Giants are fine. They MUST beat Dallas to have a chance to make the playoffs, and I know that they can.
Remember this? That is what we need tomorrow.
At last, my LONG awaited matchup has come. I have been waiting to watch the Giants get revenge on the Cowboys since they were beaten back last year. With a Pro Bowl-caliber Tony Romo, who seems to be less inconsistent than in previous years, and a Cowboys team that is atop the NFC East (7-5), this will be a thrilling matchup. As I stated before, the New York Giants can make the playoffs if they sweep the season series against Dallas and beat Washington.
The Giants will be without (major):
Mark Herzlich
Osi Umenyiora
David Baas (surprised?)
Spencer Paysinger
Probable:
Ahmad Bradshaw
Brandon Jacobs
Mario Manningham
Michael Boley
Dave Tollefson
Prince Amukamara
Doubtful:
Kenny Phillips
If Bradshaw, Boley and Prince get in, the Giants are fine. They MUST beat Dallas to have a chance to make the playoffs, and I know that they can.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Managing the Mess
No, not the New York Mess (Mets)!
Bobby Valentine, former manager of the New York Mets, now faces the challenge of fixing the Boston Red Sox, fresh off the greatest collapse since the 2007 Mets.
Officially given a 2-year deal as manager, he is the perfect man for the job ahead.
Valentine can transform the Red Sox from a beer-drinking bunch to a group of winners. With the talent that the Sox have in Beckett, Lester, Bard, free-agent Big Papi as DH, and Captain Varitek on the bench, the Sox have a powerful, World Series-caliber team.
Bobby Valentine, former manager of the New York Mets, now faces the challenge of fixing the Boston Red Sox, fresh off the greatest collapse since the 2007 Mets.
Officially given a 2-year deal as manager, he is the perfect man for the job ahead.
Valentine can transform the Red Sox from a beer-drinking bunch to a group of winners. With the talent that the Sox have in Beckett, Lester, Bard, free-agent Big Papi as DH, and Captain Varitek on the bench, the Sox have a powerful, World Series-caliber team.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Impossible Dream
The Eagles are in such a state of disaster that their season is over if they lose today to the Patriots, (which they are poised to do).
That's right, the "Dream Team" is doomed to fall to the point of no return in the NFC East.
Michael Vick has been a shred of what he was in 2010, limited by injuries, Nnamdi Asomougha has been a huge bust, Steve Smith has had only one big moment (against the Giants of course), and Andy Reid's job is in serious jeopardy.
Here are the updated standings:
Dallas (7-4)
Giants (6-4)* Monday Night vs. Saints
Philly (4-7)
Washington (3-8)
That's right, the "Dream Team" is doomed to fall to the point of no return in the NFC East.
Michael Vick has been a shred of what he was in 2010, limited by injuries, Nnamdi Asomougha has been a huge bust, Steve Smith has had only one big moment (against the Giants of course), and Andy Reid's job is in serious jeopardy.
Here are the updated standings:
Dallas (7-4)
Giants (6-4)* Monday Night vs. Saints
Philly (4-7)
Washington (3-8)
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