Papelbon Is An Idiot

Red Sux

From Peter Abraham of the Journal News:

Terry Francona has literally said all the right things when it comes to the Yankees, even to the point of saying he’s hitting Derek Jeter second “because that’s where he deserves to be.”

Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, Dustin Pedroia … the same. Respectful of the Stadium, the Yankees, the tradition, everything.

Then we have Jonathan Papelbon, who thinks he should close tomorrow night.

“If I was managing the team, I would close. … But I’m not managing the team,” he said today.

Sam Borden and some of the other writers there asked Papelbon whether Mariano Rivera had earned the right to close.

“I think we both earned that right.” he said

After acknowleding Rivera’s status, he said he earned the right to close by winning the World Series last season.

Talk about delusional. It’s Yankee Stadium, he’s having a Cy Young year, Mariano closes. Period, end of story.

Terry Francona wouldn’t bite when asked what he would do. But Joe Girardi seemed to have idea.

“Terry is a wise man,” he said. “He knows what to do.”

Really Papelbon???

Why don't you go cup some more Red Sox ball's.

Vote In The Poll...Should Ortiz Be Able To Call His Shot?

Red Sux

Janie McCauley/AP Sports:

David Ortiz is used to the New York Yankees not wanting him around.

As part of All-Star game festivities this summer at Yankee Stadium, the Boston Red Sox slugger is slated to take part in a “Call Your Shot” promotion in which a fan gets to pick where they want Big Papi to clear the fence.

That is, unless the Yankees talk Major League Baseball out of letting him do it on the day of the Home Run Derby.

“I don’t know about the Yankees. I don’t really care,” Ortiz said Friday before Boston opened a weekend series against the Oakland Athletics. “It’s good (the promotion). That’s why I’m doing it. … I don’t know if it will happen.”

The event is sponsored by MLB along with State Farm, which finances the Home Run Derby. The Yankees were discussing whether they wanted Ortiz to take part in such a deal—though it ultimately might not be up to them.

“We’ve been in communication with Major League Baseball,” Yankees president Randy Levine said Friday. “We’re having a discussion on the topic.”

Should Ortiz be allowed to take part in this promotion during the last all-star weekend ever held at Yankee Stadium???

***PLEASE VOTE NOW IN THE LEFTHAND COLUMN***

My Response To Michael Silverman Of The Boston Herald

Red Sux

Micheal Silverman/BostonHerald.Com:

Touchy, touchy, touchy.

Like a colicky baby who’s also battling diaper rash, the 2008 Yankees can’t seem to stop bawling.

Besides a good burp, they also need to grow up.

As if sitting in last place in the AL East were not bad enough, the Bronx Bombers discovered on Thursday that after years of planning for this summer’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, they were the last to discover that a new “Call Your Shot” insurance-company promotion would feature the Red Sux David Ortiz mimicking Babe Ruth’s famous called-shot home run from the 1932 World Series.

The Yankees are only 5.5 games back. Remember last year when we were 14.5 back and the Red Sux almost blew their lead in the division??? I do.

It is almost June. The Yankees are an under-.500 club that has yet to show that its mix of veterans and youth can jell into a serious threat. Their feelings are hurt that a Red Sox known as one of the best sluggers in the game with one of the most winning personalities was chosen for an All-Star Game promotion?

Alex Rodriguez is a ten times better slugger AND player than David Ortiz. David Ortiz is a big floppy goofball.

How “sensitive” are things going to be come July, August and September if it turns out there will be no October for the Yankees?

No October for the Yankees? Don't count your chickens before they hatch buddy. I am going to remember this article come October.

It used to be the Red Sox who had the inferiority complex about the Yankees. Now the insecurities are leaking from the Yankees faster than a Woody Allen monologue. It cannot help that the Sox have won two World Series championships in the last four years while the Yankees have been shooting blanks since 2000.

Haha. Two World Series' in the last four years is good for the Red Sux. But increase the sample size by just a few more years and the Yankees have won four. And to go along with those four World Series Championships, the Yankees won the East division title in '96, '98, '99, '00, '01, '02, '03, '04, '05, and '06. Notice the missing '97, and '07....those were years the Yankees won the wild card. Oh. And if you want to get historical...26 World Series Championships for the Yankees, 7 for the Red Sux. Way to go Boston!!!

As the Yankees found out right afterward, in the 2003 World Series, winning is not a birthright for any organization. It takes a mixture of luck, foresight, savvy front-office moves and an organization willing to open its wallet.

The Yankees are certainly capable of all of the above.

Well he got that right.

Just because they can’t do it yet is no excuse to cry about anything.

The Yankees aren't crying. They just don't want a schlub like Big Floppy trying to impersonate the Great Babe Ruth.

A-Rod Has Some Word's For Manny

Red Sux

Yahoo! Sports:

New York Yankees fans expressed their outrage (not me) on talk radio yesterday after they learned Alex Rodriguez had taped a message for Manny Ramirez, one which will be played at Fenway Park after the Red Sox slugger joins A-Rod as a member of the 500 home run club according to the New York Daily News.

A-Rod's message to those fans? Ramirez's accomplishment has nothing to do with the rivalry, but is rather an historic accomplishment by one of the game's great hitters. "This is bigger than the Yankees and Red Sox," Rodriguez said. "This is baseball history. How many guys have 500 home runs?"

A-Rod also has recorded a similar message for Cincinnati's Ken Griffey Jr., his former Mariners teammate who stands three homers shy of joining Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sammy Sosa as the only players with 600. When the Red Sox contacted the Yankees to ask if A-Rod would take part in the video message — one of several players around the league invited to do so — team officials took the rivalry into consideration before approaching Rodriguez. Ramirez currently has 498 home runs.

The message? "Manny, I'm going to keep this short because I'm probably getting booed. Congratulations and many more."

Said A-Rod: "I was flattered that they asked me to do it."

I'm Glad These Aren't Yankee Fans

Red Sux

Dice-K's Secret Weapon (Hilarious!!!)

Red Sux

This is one pitch in Dice-K's arsenal that is truly unhittable...lol

UPDATE 1:20pm: YouTube must have taken the video down. But I will describe it. It was footage of Dice-K starting his windup and having the ball pop out of his hand only to land just a few feet in front of him. The combination of the look on his face and the words of the Japanese announcers was pretty comical. Sorry they took it down.

Mo Ready To Mow Down Some Red Sux

Red Sux

Justin Terranova of the New York Post:

Mariano Rivera did not have to enter last night's 15-9 marathon win over the Red Sox, which means The Sandman will be available tonight if the Yankees need him.

And with Joba in Nebraska and can't-quite-get-out-of-the-sixth-inning Mike Mussina starting, the Yankees could be in desperate need of Rivera tonight. Especially when a repeat offensive outburst is far-fetched with Red Sox ace Josh Beckett pitching.

"He is the top of the list of pitchers I have ever caught," fill-in catcher Chad Moeller said of Rivera. "It is no secret what is coming. He just executes it every time. You know what is coming and there is nothing you can do with it."

Rivera has looked as dominant in 2008 at the age of 38 as he has been throughout his career. In 6 1/3 innings, he has given up three hits, walked none and struck out six. Most importantly, he has not allowed a run in earning his five saves.

The end results have been good since Chamberlain left the team to be near his ailing father in his hometown of Lincoln, Neb. Three games, three wins. But the means to get those wins have not been pretty.

Billy Traber and Bruney were roughed up Monday in Tampa Bay when they allowed a 7-1 lead to evaporate. Ross Ohlendorf was knocked around in last night's win, and a 7-3 advantage turned into a 9-7 deficit.

The Bombers' bats and the always reliable Mariano Rivera have bailed them out thus far...but just how long can it hold up?

Mussina-Beckett To Take The Hill Again

Red Sux

NYY: RHP Mike Mussina (1-2, 4.15 ERA)
Mussina's previous outing against the Red Sox will be remembered almost exclusively for his decision in the sixth inning, when he opted to pitch to Manny Ramirez instead of Kevin Youkilis with first base open. Mussina allowed a two-run double up the gap that helped the Red Sox post a 4-3 victory over the Yankees. Still, he has been consistent this season, lasting five innings or more in seven consecutive starts dating back to Sept. 12. Over that stretch, he is 4-2 with a 3.64 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs in 42 innings.

BOS: RHP Josh Beckett (1-1, 6.35 ERA)
Beckett proved last weekend that his back woes are finally over. In a 4-3 victory over the Yankees at Fenway Park on Saturday, Beckett gave up five hits and three runs over 6 2/3 innings, walking one and striking out five. In his career at Yankee Stadium, Beckett is 2-2 with a 6.86 ERA. However, those numbers don't include the gem that he pitched against New York in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series, when Beckett was a member of the Marlins. In his first two starts, Beckett has limited opponents to a .200 average.

Just noticed Moose's ERA was lower than Beckett's. Who wants to bet on how long that holds up???

Our Curse Is Better Than Your Curse!

Red Sux

So much for the curse. The New York Yankees have ended a construction worker's attempt to jinx their new stadium with a buried Boston Red Sox jersey.

Team officials watched Sunday as construction workers removed the jersey, with slugger David Ortiz's name on it, from two feet of concrete in a service corridor of the stadium that's under construction.

The team says a construction worker -- who is a Red Sox fan -- recently buried the jersey there while on the job. Two other supervisors found the tattered shirt Saturday.

The Yankees plan to donate the jersey to charity, and may pursue a lawsuit against the construction worker.

Like I said before. Red Sux fans are stupid. Especially this one.

Sux T-Shirt Curse Already Reversed

Red Sux

Just got off the phone with an anonymous Bronx Stop operative who is on location at Boston's Fenway Park, and I have good news.

The Sux T-Shirt curse has already been reversed.
Our anonymous informant has placed a Yankees poster on the inside wall of a bathroom stall in Fenway, putting an end to a curse that never existed.

Shewww...that was a close one!!!

Red Sux Fan's Are Stupid

Red Sux

A Red Sux fan working on a concrete crew at the new $1.3 billion dollar Yankee stadium covertly buried a Red Sox T-shirt under what will become the visiting team's locker room to jinx the Yanks, two construction workers told The New York Post yesterday.

"In August, a Red Sox T-shirt was poured in a slab in the visitor's clubhouse. It's the curse of the Yankees," one worker said. "Nobody knows about it. It's in the floors, it's buried."

The workers say they now fear that they unwittingly helped hex their beloved Bronx Bombers.

"I don't want to be responsible for sinking the franchise," said a second worker, who witnessed the sabotage. "I respect the stadium."

The Post has withheld their identities because they are not authorized to speak to media.

"The whole thing sounds a little unprecedented to me," said Tim Wiles, director of research at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.

"I guess if the Yankees go 86 years in the new ballpark without a World Series win we'll know if we are on to something," he said, referring to Boston's previous infamous losing streak after they sold Babe Ruth.

Okay two reasons why Red Sux fans are stupid...1.) shouldn't they have buried it underneath the Yankees clubhouse and not the visitors clubhouse?...2.) why would you go to the media before the stadium is complete. If Hank and Hal have any sense, they have already written the check to have the floors ripped out and relaid.

Nice try Red Sux fan's-- but you will fail again.

You Kill Us, Youkilis

Red Sux

I just read an article that kind of upset me. It was about the "Information Age" and how it has transformed the way baseball players interact with their fans.

"Cell phones. Camera phones. Digital cameras and recorders. Ubiquitous Internet blogs. YouTube and the like. All of them all-too-frequently at the ready to document and display every unflattering photo and verbal slip-up."

"In short, the fairly new wave of technology is prompting players to reconsider how they interact with the public at large."

Yeah. I guess it has. With all of the crazy people in the world, I can understand why players have to be a little bit more guarded when it comes to being out in public.

But what I can't understand is...you are getting paid millions of dollars to play a kids game. Fathers (and mothers) are going broke taking their children to overpriced ball games-- only to eat overpriced hot dogs and cracker jacks and drink overpriced beer.

In other words we are filling your pockets. If it weren't for the fans you would be playing baseball for 100 dollars a game like some of the other players who haven't made it as far as you have.

Take Kevin Youkilis for instance.

"Some guys have to do it the hard way -- see themselves out in the papers or on the Internet," Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis said. "It's kind of a joke. People don't have any regard for humans, and a lot of times it's pointless stuff that doesn't have any bearing on anything."

"If you're smart about it, you'll be all right, but there are certain times where you're doing the right things and just trying to have maybe a drink, and someone has a picture of you drinking a beer and it looks like you're drunk and out of control when you're not at all."

Hey Youkilis-- if getting paid millions means that you have to suffer the embarrassment of getting an "unflattering" picture of you posted on the internet--I will gladly trade places with you.

Do you want to? I didn't think so. Quit whining and play baseball.

Some players these days have become so soft...

Fenway Park Is Dangerous To Children

Red Sux

Since brainwashing the nation's youngest baseball fans into becoming Red Sux fan's wasn't enough to deem Fenway Park as dangerous to children, check out this hair-raising story and make your own decision about that place.

A 13-year-old girl touring Fenway Park on a school trip was attacked by a resident red-tailed hawk that drew blood from her scalp Thursday. She wasn't seriously hurt, but some observers saw an omen for a certain New York Yankees slugger in the attack at the home of the Boston Red Sox. The girl's name is Alexa Rodriguez.

Really? You saw an omen in a girl getting attacked by a bird protecting its egg? I don't care if her name was Alexa Rodriguez...that's pretty stupid Red Sux Nation.

Remembering Steroids (Humorously)

Red Sux

This video is almost as old as the Joe Torre one, but just as hilarious! I can't believe I never saw these!

Beckett's Back Feels Like "Horse Sh*t"

Red Sux

Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe has the story:

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, who spent the morning undergoing treatment for a strained lower back muscle, was considerably more pessimistic about his condition today than he was yesterday. He said he had difficulty sleeping last night because of the back, and said he did not know when he'll be able to resume baseball activity.

"I was a lot more optimistic yesterday than I am today," Beckett said.

He underwent an MRI and other tests that ruled out any issues with the disks in his lower back, but with the Sox just two weeks away from opening the season in Japan (March 24 against Oakland), it would seem improbable that he'll be able to pitch the opener. Beckett has appeared in just two spring games, and had yet to face big-league hitters.

Here is the transcript of Beckett's comments in the Sox clubhouse in Fort Myers this morning:

"Today wasn't as good as yesterday. We'll just have to wait and see I guess. Doctors told me yesterday that there was a possibility I'd come in and feel like I do today so as far as that goes, the doctors were right.''

Did the back injury happen because of looseness of mound dirt Saturday?

"I'm not going to get into the blame thing, Everybody's doing their job. Nobody's job is any easier than anybody else's. I'm not getting into that.''

Was there a mis-step on the mound Saturday?

"I'm not getting into that. It's nobody's fault. It's something that happens.''

Realistically, two weeks from today the Red Sox open, you haven't faced big-league hitters yet, it seems pretty doubtful you'll be pitching in Japan?

"I don't know. If I'd had as much progress from yesterday to today as I did from the first day to the second day, I wouldn't have ruled that out. Today I'm just holding up my obligation (to talk to media). It probably would have been better to talk to you guys yesterday because I was a little more optimistic. I'm in a pretty crappy mood as far as this thing goes because it was a pretty frustrating day because yesterday was good and today's kind of horse(bleep).''

Did they discuss that maybe putting you on a plane for 17 hours (to Japan) might not be wise because of your back?

"No. We haven't discussed any of that. We're just doing what we're saying, going day to day on how I feel. I pretty much have an interview with two or three doctors every day and report to the manager and pitching coach and my trainer."

It's your lower back, right?

''Yes."

Any discussion about an injection to reduce inflammation?

"No. I kicked around some of those ideas because it's a tough time in spring training, trying to get everything going. You don't really want setbacks this time of year. They basically told me that they couldn't find a spot to put the shot in there.''

Have you had anything like this?

"No. Not like this.''

Back issues before?

''No.''

Any idea when you'll be healthy?

''No, I have no idea.''

Can you look far enough ahead to know the next time you can be on a mound?

''No. We're going to make sure it's completely pain free. I can't even really if laying in one position too long, or sitting in one position too long or standing in one position too long it kind of goes backwards. I've got to keep moving and stuff like that.''

Did it respond to treatment? As you're standing here right now, is it feeling better?

"It's kind of numb right now. I've had six or seven icepacks on it this morning.''
"I was a lot more optimistic yesterday than I am today. A lot of that has to do with being in a (expletive) mood because I didn't sleep well.''

Back Spasms Prevent Beckett From Starting

Red Sux

Josh Beckett's back went into spasm while warming up for Saturday's spring training game. The Boston Red Sox ace left without facing a Florida Marlins batter.

Beckett seemed to lose his footing on his last warmup pitch and called catcher Jason Varitek to the mound. Beckett put his right hand on the lower middle part of his back and soon was joined by manager Terry Francona and teammates. The right-hander walked to the dugout without an apparent limp.

Beckett was the only 20-game winner in the majors last season.

Red Sox Scout Arrested For Lewd Behavior

Red Sux

Article courtesy of Paul Quinlan of the Palm Beach Post:

A Boston Red Sox scout was arrested, accused of masturbating at the window of his hotel room in front of two women and two underage girls at the swimming pool, records show.

Jesse Levis, 39, faces two felony charges for committing lewd and lascivious acts in front of children under the age of 16.

Two more charges are expected because of the two older women. Port St. Lucie police and U.S. Marshals arrested him at a Fairfield Suites in Melbourne Monday evening, a day after the manager at Port St. Lucie's Springhill Suites called police and kicked him out of his hotel.

According to an arrest report, the two girls, age 13 and 14, told police they had been swimming at the pool around 7 p.m. Sunday with their father when they saw Levis standing naked and masturbating at the window of his second-floor hotel room, which overlooks the pool.

Two older women, ages 20 and 29, also saw Levis, thinking at first he was just "checking them out," the report said. Levis had been at the window about 40 minutes, the witnesses told police.

Police spoke with Levis around 9 p.m., after he returned, he said, from dinner with friends at Ruby Tuesday's. Asked what happened earlier, Levis told police he had undressed, showered and dressed again before leaving to have dinner with friends at Ruby Tuesday's. Police noticed that his clothes hung in a closet near the window, where the curtain was open.

"His explanation didn't add up," said police spokesman Rob Vega. "We have four witnesses who say he was standing there 40 minutes. Rearranging your clothes and masturbating are definitely two different things."

During the investigation, police had Levis stand near the window of his room, so the witnesses could say whether he was the same man they saw from the pool. They said he was.

The hotel manager, Ken Glass, told police a similar incident had happened last year, when Levis was checked into a room on the fourth floor overlooking the pool, the report said.

Levis left the St. Lucie County Jail at 1:30 a.m. this morning after posting $50,000 bond.

What a creep. I hope he gets what he deserves.

Papelbon's Sexual Orientation In Question

Red Sux

Red Sux Photo Op

Papelbon At A Recent Charity Dance-Off Held By The Red Sux

Saw these over at Sliding Into Home. Great Blog check it out.

I really don't know what else to say. I mean just watch the YouTube video. Wow.

p.s.- This is a humor post. Do not take it seriously. Seriously. :-)

Beckett's Bulge

Red Sux

Haha. I had not seen this until tonight, and I must say it is hilarious!!!

I am pretty sure the Red Sux officialy have the fattest starting rotation in Major League Baseball now. Hahahaha. Hopefully that bulge sets him back a bit this year!!!

Schilling Out For Season?

Red Sux

By Nick Cafardo and Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe:

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will not be ready for the start of spring training because of shoulder issues, and is engaged in a dispute with the club over whether he needs surgery, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Furthermore, the sources said the Red Sox attempted to void his $8 million contract for 2008.

Schilling's shoulder woes are more serious than the ones that caused the club to shut him down for seven weeks last season. His availability for the start of the season is in question, and surgery would call into question whether he will pitch in 2008.

Schilling recently went to see Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed his shoulder surgery in 1995. Morgan, citing HIPAA regulations, referred all questions to Schilling, who when reached via e-mail by the Globe's Amalie Benjamin today wrote only "I cannot comment right now on any of this, sorry!". Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein e-mailed a "no comment" when asked about Schilling's condition. But it is believed Morgan is recommending Schilling have surgery, while the club is recommending another course.

This is kind of a bittersweet moment for Yankees fans. Although Schilling isn't exactly a great pitcher anymore, it still throws a wrench in the Red Sux plans.

However, the logical choice to replace Schilling in Boston's rotation is Clay Buchholz. Probably a better pitcher than Schilling-- but who knows.

We will see where this leads...I'll have more as it develops.