Theo!

Mr. Epstein got married to his longtime girlfriend, I have learned.

Theo Epstein had a longtime girlfriend?

Well, congratulations to him and all that. He's not too bad to look at.

In other news, Jon Lester has reported to Fort Myers and worked out with a bunch of Red Sox minor leaguers today. Yay! He looked upbeat and excited, and I'm very happy to see that he is recovering well and out there working out again.

Oh yeah, and the J.D. Drew deal? Not done yet. Shocking!

More Nothing

As expected, the Helton "deal" fell through and no one is even talking about it anymore. Not too concerned about that.

So Curt Schilling will be pitching into the 2008 season, which is either good or bad depending on how this season goes. Hopefully good, and he can stick with the Sox. I may not agree with him on....anything....but I do want to see him pitch for Boston.

Unfortunately, reading yesterday's mailbag upset me when I came across this line: " First of all, Pineiro is merely an option at closer -- perhaps a slight favorite."

Favorite? Negative. It's too early to have to rely on Pineiro...unless he proves himself in big way.

At least I got a good laugh out of the article:

How come Bernie Williams isn't of any interest to the Red Sox? He has the ability to put up solid numbers as a backup outfielder.
-- Gregory P., Harrington, N.J.

Ha! Haha! Yeah, why wouldn't we be interested in Bernie Williams?

Oh, that was too good.

Hell No

The Sox are reportedly interested in first baseman Todd Helton (forget that we already have a fine one in Youkilis for a minute). Helton comes, plays first, so Youk moves over to third, and...don't worry about Lowell's playing time, he's already been traded to Colorado!

Yeah, I don't like it too much. Other than Lowell, the Rockies are interested in Craig Hansen and Manny Delcarmen, Julian Tavarez, outfield prospect Jacoby Ellsbury and Matt Clement. You know they'll want more than Tavarez or Clement, which means a young guy. And that is something I cannot get on board with.

I have faith that Theo won't trade away prospects, we got burned with that already (Cla Meredith and Hanley Ramirez to name a couple, though I too was hoping they'd unload Meredith). So don't make me upset Epstein, especially by trading Hansen or Delcarmen. They may not be that great yet, but they are just starting and have potential. So basically...we don't actually need Helton. Not to mention all the money he's owed ($90.1 million).

I will admit that I don't actually know too much about Helton...and numbers don't tell the whole story. I am just very hesitant about trading away Hansen or Delcarmen (the Rockies' top 2 choices). Maybe Lowell... I don't know. I like Lowell. And Mike's a year younger. His numbers aren't as good, but...

I'm glad I'm not GM!

And Finally

As we all know, the J.D. Drew deal has finally been finalized. They sure took their sweet time getting it done. What does the deal say? He gets at least $42 million over three years, with the possibility of $70 million over five years should his surgically-repaired right shoulder hold up. And that was what took so long. Drew had this to say about his shoulder:

‘‘The thing from my standpoint was that (the Red Sox) realized I had shoulder surgery and wanted to make sure that everything was upheld the way they wanted it to. I don’t think it was anything major. It was just one of those situations when you look at a guy who had shoulder surgery, you want to make sure that things are where they are and he’s going to be healthy. I was very up front and felt that my shoulder’s in great condition and is only getting better ...I know the surgery I had and the type of surgery that I had (holes were drilled in the shoulder blade to promote cartilage growth), they looked into that because ... I don’t know if it’s necessarily a newer surgery, but the kind of surgery it was maybe threw up a red flag.’’

I'm going to be optimistic and say he won't get hurt this season. But if he does, then by law Trot Nixon will have an injury-free season, because that's just how things go in Boston.

Well, at least it's done and we can focus on something else. Like the fact that there are only 66 days until the season begins. And how Fenway Park looks like a mess, but will in fact be ready to go by Opening Day:


And we can continue to wonder who our new closer will be. That, of course, is the number one thing on my mind, and probably all of RSN's. I'm still betting on Craig Hansen, if he can step it up.

Good Luck

I'll start off this evening by wishing all those people who will be trying to buy Sox tickets on Saturday morning good luck. I've tried for hours and hours and ended up with nothing, so I understand how frustrating it can be. So good luck!

I actually got tickets to a Baltimore/Sox game on my birthday :) There's no place I'd rather be on my birthday than at a Red Sox game! I only got tickets to one game this year, since I don't yet know what I'll be doing later this year. I am very tempted to get them anyway, but...

Now that Brendan Donnelly has officially been signed, Wily Mo is the only one left to deal with. "Outfielder Wily Mo Pena is the lone Sox arbitration case left, and that looks like some time will pass before a resolution. Pena has asked for $2.2 million; the Sox countered with $1.725 million." Take it buddy, you probably won't get more until you get better...and I so think you will soon. I know I'm the odd man out, but I really have faith in this guy and hope Ortiz and Manny can teach him a lot. He has potential, I swear.

Time to Move On

I can't wallow in sorrow about the Patriots forever. Time to move on...and talk about my other favorite sports team!

From the Mailbag:
Can you tell me who was the last guy to start on Opening Day at second base for the Sox in back-to-back seasons?

-- John D., South Meriden, Conn.

Definitely a valid question, considering the turnover at that position in the last decade or so. But the answer to your question is a lot more recent than you would think. Mark Bellhorn started on Opening Day in both 2004 and '05.

A-ha! I always love seeing Mark Bellhorn news, and that's good enough at the moment.

As usual, nothing on J.D. Drew.

And because I love tennis, I must discuss it. James Blake played Gonzalez last night, and he played like junk. I was looking forward to him advancing far in this Australian Open after having such a good year last year, but he was not himself last night. Kind of like the Patriots!

Here's hoping Mardy Fish beats Andy Roddick tonight!

Very Sad

The game started off crazy with a 3rd and inches play a few feet away from a touchdown - Brady handed it off to Maroney, who apparently didn't know he was going to get the ball! He didn't even make an attempt to grab the ball, so it goes down and 3 Colts go after it - somehow the ball got away from all of them and a Patriot grabbed it in the end zone and scored! I don't know how Indy let that one go, but they did, and it was awesome.

Then some bad stuff happened when the Colts kept scoring until they tied the game at 21.

But then Ellis Hobbs had an 80-yard punt return to make up for his pass interference call in the end zone that basically gave the Colts 8 points. So Brady throws a perfect touchdown pass but Caldwell just dropped it. But then a push out got us a TD anyway! Gaffney had control of the ball all the way down and they ruled it a TD, despite Indy's challenge.

So it's 28-28, the Pats are set to score, and Caldwell drops his second wide open pass of the day. He had this shocked look on his face, which all us fans had too. They only got a field goal out of it, which I was not pleased with.

And then...

Indianapolis threw for 52 yards...and of course Vinatieri got a field goal to tie it at 31 apiece.

On the punt, Hobbs brought it back to the NE 46. However, they didn't get much farther, and Gostkowski got 3 points with 3:49 to go. Indy had the ball and basically went nowhere with it, so NE had it back again with 3:33 on the clock. Of course NE did nothing with it, so the Colts got it back with 2:17 to go. And it was bad. They got a whole lot of yardage, there was a flag, and at the 2 minute warning it was not looking good.

The Colts took the lead for the first time the whole game with one minute to go.

And New England cried.

If only Caldwell had caught the ball and they could have gotten 7 points, it would have been tied at 38 instead of being down by 4.

Tom threw an interception with 16 seconds to go.

Largest comeback ever. Gotta say, the Pats threw this one away. And I am very disappointed.

I really hope Chicago wins.

Phew!

I've had a busy past couple of days and haven't have any time to update - I went to an interview a couple hours away and spent a lot of time preparing for it. But now.. back to the Red Sox!

My wonderful, fantastic, beautiful Trot Nixon is now a Cleveland Indian...and that SUCKS. I kept holding out hope that somehow he could come back, but the deal is done. He's an Indian for at least the next year.


He's going to wear #33. That's just wrong.

"Obviously you know how much the [Red Sox] organization meant to me. I’ll always love that city. I’m going to bring that same attitude, that same intensity, to Cleveland," Trot said. I guess now I have another team to like!

Why Must It Always Be Something?

Is there some feud between the Patriots and Chargers that I didn't know about? I guess I didn't even really know anything was going on, then this morning I saw LaDainian Tomlinson's press conference. This is what I have gathered from various sources:

"..I did see at least one [Patriots] player gesture to the Chargers bench in the form of Shawne Merriman's "Lights Out" dance and a choke sign toward kicker Nate Kaeding after missing the final field goal. I also saw at least one Patriots player stand at midfield and gesture toward the crowd."

"..[LT] went after an unidentified Patriots player, yelling and pointing, and had to be restrained by a teammate and former Charge Reche Caldwell."

"I would never react in that way. I was very upset," Tomlinson said. "When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance Shawne Merriman known for, that is disrespectful. They showed no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."

Here's what I think. Yes, some New England players were out of line, and clearly wouldn't have liked it if they were home and the Chargers won and did it to them. Instead of responding with class, LT handled it the wrong way and brought himself down to the level of the people he was referring to. Why involve Belichick like that? The Charger's QB, on the other hand, handled it the right way: "They won and they deserve a lot of credit," Rivers said. "Personally I was disappointed in the way they handled winning. … But that's neither here nor there. They're playing next week and we're not." Let them know you're not happy, but don't make yourself look like a sore loser in the process.

Ahh, if only everyone had the same level of class and decency as Tom Brady.

The Patriots Did It!

It wasn't the prettiest game I've ever seen, but Tom Brady and his team managed to make the plays when it counted. My biggest gripe was they kept trying to run the ball and it clearly wasn't working - note that when Brady threw the ball that was really the only time anything happened. They were losing the majority of the game but the only score that matters is the final one - and that one shows New England by 3. Gostkowski was cool and calm and scored the winning field goal with 1:10 to go...and now they'll face the Colts next week. I am so happy they won!!

I have to say Brady didn't look as sharp as I was expecting him to, but maybe I just had really high expectations. Tomlinson was as awesome as he usually is, but his quarterback Rivers couldn't get in gear. Brady threw 3 interceptions (one with a fumble and NE recovery, which was huge) and was still the better of the 2 QBs.

Next Sunday at 6:30, in Indianapolis, be there or be square.

QotD:
Q - "You're not very popular in the country right now. Does that get to you?"
Dubya - "Not really."
Yeah, why care what the people that you are supposed to be leading think about you?

The Biggest Day Thus Far

It's the big day! The Patriots are the underdogs, which is insane, but everyone seems to think they have their work cut out for them. Little do they know Tom Brady knows all that and is incredibly angry that they are doubting his team, and now he will put on quite a show to prove them wrong. Underestimating Brady...it should be a sin!

So my thoughts on the other games: Obviously, I am upset that the Eagles lost. They are my second favorite team, but at least I can console myself by saying it wasn't McNabb's fault. Plus, I do like the Saints (and I have for many many years), and they have a good story, so I can cheer for them next week.

I like the Colts because I like the Brothers Manning, but I did want them to lose yesterday. Baltimore is close to me, plus that Vinatieri is not my favorite person. And I'm still upset that Manning fell apart and lost to the Steelers last year. But they will lose next week against New England, so it's okay.

It is 71 degrees out and absolutely beautiful, so I'm off to play tennis. I don't care too much about the Bears/Seattle game, but I'd pick the Bears to win. They'll lose to the Saints next week, I hope!

Go Pats!!

Updates

Good news out of NY: Pedro Martinez' recovering is going even better that expected. He said, "The Mets doctors told me that my shoulder is completely clean and it wouldn't be weird if I throw faster than in the last two or three years, when the pain and tiredness affected my shoulder." Glad to hear it!

Thursday, Mike Lowell received the Jackie Jensen Award for spirit and determination. "I was happy that the Red Sox gave me the opportunity, not only to come over here but to play every day," said Lowell. "I think that was big. I know they had [Kevin] Youkilis as an insurance policy and J.T. Snow -- all that stuff. I'm glad I was able to prove that I could play every day and have a solid year." We're all glad he had a solid year, too, and I have a feeling he will have another good year in 2007.

So this Rookie Development Program - I hope a closer will come out of it. Or at least the beginnings of one. Craig Hansen does have promise, and with guidance and some confidence he would be a possibility. Apparently there will be a mental approach aspect to the program, which young players (especially in Boston) really need. It can be such a high pressure situation - I really think that will be an important and useful tool.

Ho-Hum

Once again, Jim Rice was not voted into the Hall of Fame; instead, Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn are headed there. Well...maybe next year. He's waited 13 years already.

And that is just about the only Sox news I can find. Remember a couple months ago when there was constant news?

The Patriots play the Chargers on Sunday at 4:30. They must not lose! Tom Brady is being gracious, "We have our work cut out for us. I don't think we know a whole lot about this team besides LaDainian [Tomlinson] and Merriman. They have a bunch of great players so we have our hands full," but we all know New England will win easily. Because otherwise, the playoffs won't be worth watching and it will mean more time to suffer with no Patriots or Red Sox!

What a Win

I may be a day late, but the excitement over the Patriots win has not died out yet. I knew the Jets didn't stand a chance, but they really didn't even put up a fight - the Pats scored 3 minutes into the game! New York did have the lead for a while (10-7), but it didn't take long for New England to take it back.

And Tom Brady was great as always!

The Eagles were also winners in a close one. This time, they won with no time left instead of being the losers with no time left. Yesterday was a pretty good day, football-wise!

Randy Johnson is now back with the Diamondbacks, but I don't really care about that. There's no good Red Sox news...so I present a list of select search terms that brought folks to my site:

what's the deal with bill belichick's sweatshirt
trot nixon 2007
when did david ortiz join the red sox

And my personal favorite:

tom brady is so hot

That person knows the deal.

Football

I hate the Cowboys. Like, really hate them. Can't even really describe it. I've despised them since the early 90s when they were the team to beat, and they beat the Steelers and the Bills in Super Bowls. My favorite team at the time was Pittsburgh (don't know why, but I liked them!) and I am from NY, so I just hated them. Remember that 50-something to 17 win over Buffalo? Ugh. I've actually never gotten over that, and I don't like the Bills because they lost in SBs so many times.

Anyway... It felt good to watch the Cowboys lose tonight.

However, I do feel bad for Tony Romo. Without him, Dallas wouldn't have even made it to the playoffs. But a botched snap to end the season? That sucks (and of course that jerk Parcells had to rub it in and say it was the only mishandled snap of the season). I thought Seattle blocked the FG attempt, then I saw someone running with the ball and then the fumble happened and I was yelling and jumping around because the Cowboys were done. But Romo looked really disappointed (like, who wouldn't be?) and I do feel bad for him. Plus, he's taking the blame for the loss entirely, which he shouldn't be. I'm watching his postgame interview right now, and he said he's "never felt this low." He's apologizing to his teammates and the fans. Poor guy.

But Dallas still lost!

And the Patriots and Eagles WILL win tomorrow.

A Flurry of Former Sox News

1. Keith Foulke officially signed with the Indians to be a closer again.

2. Mark Loretta will be signing with the Astros. Try not to get to cry too much, there has to be more good-looking players on the team, right? Oh, and we're losing a fantastic second baseman!

3. Former Red Sox first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz will now be a NY Yankee. Another one bites the dust.

The Yankees are improving by unloading Mr. Randy "Guaranteed Loss" Johnson.

But don't worry, we got Joel Pineiro.

This Could Be Bad

I just got home and I'm seeing there's Red Sox news. They are close to signing right-handed pitcher Joel Pineiro to a one-year deal worth about $4 million, and this man was REALLY bad last season. Think 8-13 with a 6.36 ERA. He'll have to do better than that in Boston, because I do NOT want another Rudy Seanez. I think I still have nightmares about him.

Also, Keith Foulke is in Cleveland getting his physical...I thought his family was in Arizona? How is Ohio close to Arizona?

And to relive a painful memory, the Marlins signed Aaron Boone. God, I hate that man.

I Hope It's a Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone out there. I hope this year turns out to be a great one, and here are a few things that will help make that happen:

1. Find a closer. The Red Sox once again have their work cut out for them when it comes to closing games - with Papelbon as one of the starting 5, the job is up for grabs. It would be nice if one of the guys we have on the team now would step up during Spring Training and take the job with ferocity.

2. Figure out what the hell is going on with J.D. Drew -- we're all sick of writing about him.

3. The Patriots need to win the Super Bowl. Because we can all use a little more Tom Brady pictures in our lives.

4. David Ortiz needs to be the AL MVP. We all know he has been for the past 2 years, a little recognition would be nice.

5. Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield need to improve in the way of reliability. Who can forget Josh Beckett's first inning disaster against the Yankees? No more of that, please.

6. Coco Crisp should have a better year. He wasn't right after the injury to his hand in Baltimore (I remember because I was there and I told him not to try to steal that base and he did it anyway), but he should be ready to go in the spring. Plus, he won't have to be leadoff now that Julio Lugo is on the team.

7. Somebody will have to free me from my depression over losing Trot Nixon, Mark Loretta, Gabe Kapler, and my beautiful beloved Alex "The Gonz" Gonzalez. His defense was incredible and, to me, made up for his not-so-hot offense. I will miss the hell out of him, but I am glad he will join Bronson Arroyo in Cincy. I hope he has another great year.

And Trot? What can I say. I wanted him to stay on the team more than anyone (even the Gonz), he was my favorite Boston player. It sucks going to the Red Sox roster site and not seeing Trot there, he's been a staple for so long. One month ago we were reading about the possibility that he might stay in Boston, but... Right field misses him already, and it will never be the same!