Broken Down Sawx Fan

Happy St Patrick's Day

2007-03-16T12:44:00.000-05:00

In honor of St Patrick's Day we present Dropkick Murphy's singing

I have been ignoring Spring Training

2007-02-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

I used to love "pitchers and catchers" reporting but spring training has become nothing but a media circus the past few years.

I will be blogging once they actually start playing games in Florida this weekend.

But only in Boston can Manny be late but actually early reporting.

Thanks Keith

2007-02-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

Word comes this morning that Keith Foulke will retire.

We wish him well.

This would not have happened without him

More Truck Day coverage

2007-02-12T23:52:00.000-05:00

TRUCK DAY PHOTOS

The truck has left for Florida

2007-02-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

WBZ-TV Video

We may have the biggest snowstorm of the year heading towards Boston but we don't care.

THE TRUCK HAS LEFT FENWAY!!!!

49 Days to Opening Day in Kansas City

another Saturday gone to hell (but I got tickets)

2007-02-10T13:50:00.000-05:00

I was so excited when I "won" the email lottery to buy Opening Day or Yankees tickets...........................

So far all I have won is an hour of the Virtual Waiting Room

It would be so much easier being a Royals fan

OK 1:36 PM I'm in sort of

We're sorry, we were unable to process your request due to high transaction volumes. Please try to submit your request again by clicking the CONTINUE button. (21799-13)

and finally Pavillion Box for Opening Day at 90 bucks a pop plus $4 convenience fee on each ticket plus $7 shipping.

CONVENIENCE FEE FOR WHO??????????????

this will warm your hearts

2007-02-09T15:19:00.000-05:00

In what has become a sure sign that spring is just around the corner in Boston, "Truck Day" will finally arrive on Monday.

The Red Sox confirmed today that the team's equipment truck will leave Fenway Monday at approximately 1:00 p.m. to begin the 1,480-mile journey to the team's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla.

According to the Sox press release today, the truck will depart from Fenway Park at the players’ parking lot entrance on Van Ness St. The truck will be followed in procession by Fenway ambassadors, Red Sox staff, and Wally the Green Monster tossing gifts to fans from a flat-bed truck.

Francona speaks

2007-02-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

from Nick Carfardo's blog at boston.com

Red Sox manager Terry Francona addressed the media at Fenway Park this afternoon. Here are a few tidbits:

The manager thinks the team will have to work out the language barrier that exists with Daisuke Matsuzaka, particularly pitching coach John Farrell and catcher Jason Varitek.

Francona knows this much: "When I go out there he's coming out of the game. John and Jason have to work on it a little bit." Francona said he was pleased with Farrell's visit to the West Coast to meet with Matsuzaka. Francona said he's also communicated with Matsuzaka through e-mail, which has been translated to the pitcher, greeting him to the team.

Francona thought it was a "long shot" that Jonathan Papelbon would return to the closer role, though he hasn't ruled it out completely: "I don't see that happening. ... If I had my druthers he'd be our closer but we have to respect the medical people's advice. Unless that changes it's not going to happen ... even for it to happen we'd have to have a bullpen that struggles."

On the closer situation, Francona said he would sit with the four righthanders in the bullpen -- Mike Timlin, Brendan Donnelly, Joel Pineiro, and Julian Tavarez -- in an effort to explain to them that they will get their innings but to be careful about over-extending themselves: "I have some ideas on how it will unfold," Francona said.

Francona made a point that young reliever Craig Hansen hasn't pitched a lot of minor league innings. "This kid needs to pitch a little," Francona said. However, he added, "If we were convinced he could do it [close] -- and I hope we do reach that decision -- that we would have a heck of a decision to make. I hope that happens."

Is Manny Ramirez ready to happily rejoin the team? "I think he's OK," said Francona, who also indicated he hasn't talked to Ramirez since December. Francona said Ramirez has spoken to a couple of the clubhouse attendants.

Francona said pitcher Matt Clement is doing very well after extensive shoulder surgery, but has not yet started his throwing program. Francona said Clement will be in spring training working out with the other pitchers, but "he'll be on his own throwing program."

Francona said once everyone is assembled in Fort Myers, the trainers, Francona, John Farrell, and Jon Lester will all sit to discuss a program for the young lefthander. Francona said he's mentioned to Lester that he would like to go cautious and slow but Lester "didn't want any part of it." Francona said the team would do what's in Lester's best interest: "We don't want to hold him back ... baseball players aren't the best self-evaluators."

Francona said that recent rumors that Tavarez had been injured in a winter league game were exaggerated: "He got nicked on the ankle. He's fine."

On placing a call to Mike Lowell amid rumors he was part of a potential trade to the Rockies: "He understands the nature of the business. He answered the phone with 'Now hitting sixth for the Rockies....'”

Francona said he's comfortable with Dustin Pedroia as the team's starting second baseman: "At some point you have to play your young players. I have no problem with that." Francona said that the team won't be changing Pedroia's upper-cut swing, feeling that's how Pedroia hits best. He also said while some scouts have questions about Pedroia’s physical presence, "his mental attributes are off the charts."

Sox and Wily Mo not close to a contract - arbitration likely

2007-02-05T16:27:00.000-05:00

from boston.com

The Red Sox and outfielder Wily Mo Pena have made no progress in contract talks and are on a course for arbitration, the Herald's Jeff Horrigan reported Monday. The Sox have offered Pena (.301, 11 homers, 42 RBIs last season) $1.725 million, according to the Globe's Nick Cafardo. Pena is seeking $2.2 million after making $1.25 million last season. Assistant general manager Jed Hoyer is handling the negotiations for the Red Sox. The sides will meet before an arbitrator on Feb. 16 if they cannot come to an agreement within the next week and a half.

Red Sox 111 year old record in jeopardy

2007-02-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Red Sox have the dubious distinction of having the longest losing streak of any of the 4 major Boston sports teams as back in 1906 the Sox lost TWENTY games in a row. Cy Young himself lost 4 of them. Probably a good thing radio had not been invented as one could imagine what "Nuf Ced" Ordway would have been like during that streak.

But that streak is in jeopardy now as the Celtics sit at 14 losses in a row and at this point no game looks easy for them.

With the current pathetic condition of both the Celtics and Bruins most Boston sports fans are now just waiting for the Red Sox to begin spring training in 2 weeks.

In my lifetime I van never recall the total lack of interest in the 2 so called winter teams. The only buzz in town right now is for the Beanpot which will see first round action Monday night at the Garden.

ticket lottery info, Jon lester news and more

2007-02-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

Well we survived the Virtual Waiting Room and the mooninite invasion.

Now it is Red Sox ticket lottery time. which the Red Sox found a sponsor in Dunkin Donuts.

Opening Day, Patriots Day, or Red Sox vs. Yankees Ticket Drawing

A random drawing for the opportunity to purchase up to four (4) tickets to one (1) game- either Opening Day 4/10/07, Patriots Day 4/16/07, or one of the nine (9) New York Yankees games at Fenway Park will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 and each applicant selected will be notified on or about Thursday, February 8, 2007 via the e-mail address submitted on the registration form. Those applicants whose names are selected shall have an opportunity from 12 p.m. noon ET to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 10, 2007 to purchase up to four (4) tickets for one (1) game (listed above). In the event that the winner does not respond to such notification by purchasing tickets by 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2007, a disqualification will result.

Green Monster Ticket Drawing

A random drawing for the opportunity to purchase up to four (4) Green Monster tickets to one (1) 2007 Red Sox regular season home game will be held on Monday, February 19, 2007 and each applicant selected will be notified on or about Wednesday, February 21, 2007 via the e-mail address submitted on the registration form. Those applicants whose names are selected shall have an opportunity from 12 p.m. noon ET to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2007 to purchase up to four (4) Green Monster tickets for one (1) Boston Red Sox regular season home game. In the event that the winner does not respond to such notification by purchasing tickets by 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2007, a disqualification will result.

Right Field Roof Deck Ticket Drawing

The third random drawing, for the opportunity to purchase four (4) Right Field Roof Deck tickets to one (1) 2007 Red Sox regular season home game, will be held on Monday, March 5, 2007 and each applicant selected will be notified on or about Wednesday, March 7, 2007 via the e-mail address submitted on the registration form. Those applicants whose names are selected shall have an opportunity from 12 p.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2007 to purchase four (4) Roof Deck tickets for one (1) Boston Red Sox regular season home game. In the event that the winner does not respond to such notification by purchasing tickets by 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2007, a disqualification will result.

Good Luck!!!!!

Seth Mnookin writes Schilling is pulling a pedro act.

Daisuke Matsuzaka talks to the media in California and both the Globe and Herald cover it.

Jon Lester has arrived in Ft Myers which maybe the best news of this off season.

and Roger says he is "failing at retirement"

Fenway Park attacked

2007-02-01T00:28:00.000-05:00

Aqua Teen Hunger Force attacks the Green Monster

Shortly after 5:30 p.m., officials reported another "device" was found on Fenway Park's Green Monster at Gate C.

Seriously this has to go down as one of the goofiest days in Boston history

Arrest Made In Boston's Hoax Device Incident

Boston police say they have made in arrest in connection to the suspicious device scare on Wednesday that turned out to be a marketing ploy for a television cartoon. The reports forced the temporary shutdowns of Interstate 93, Storrow Drive, and a portion of the Charles River.

It boggles the mind that a major city can be shutdown over something like this

Mr and Mrs Theo Epstein

2007-01-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Theo and his new bride as the Boston Globe is reporting they were married earlier this month.

It appears The Globe got part of the story wrong when they reported that Theo was married at Nathan's hot dog stand in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The Globe has retracted that.

But AP moved the hot dog story so it will become folklore.

17 more days

2007-01-31T00:27:00.000-05:00

Barry Bonds apparently feels he has nothing to worry about as he gave the Giants the right to terminate his 1 year 15.8 million dollar contract if he is simply indicted.

I just wish he would go away.

I never bothered to comment on the Todd Helton rumor because I wanted to see if there was any fire with the smoke. Honestly the way his production has decreased at Coors Field why would anybody think he would regain his magic in Boston.

Spring Training can't start soon enough. The Celtics are tanking the season and the Bruins are just awful. At least the Beanpot is next week....

17 days to pitchers and catchers

I'm trying to avoid the Super Bowl hype. I guess I'm rooting for Chicago.

Schilling changes mind will play in 2008

2007-01-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling said this morning on Boston sports radio station WEEI that he will not retire from baseball at the end of this season, as he previously had planned, and that he is in discussions with the Red Sox on a contract extension for 2008.

"I will play in 2008," were the words Curt Schilling told Red Sox Nation this morning on WEEI.

Audio of WEEI interview

Schilling: I'll play in '08

Trupiano can't find another job

2007-01-27T16:18:00.000-05:00

As I continue to stare at the Virtual Waiting Room screens this story made me angry.

One of the most distasteful things Red Sox management has done is the way the firing of long time announcer Jerry Trupiano was handled.

Trup is bitter

While stating the Red Sox gave him “no reason whatsoever” for letting him go, he added that the conversation with management went as is:

“They said thank you, you did a terrific job, you were a real professional, and that was it.” said Trupiano. “They wanted to put their guy in, and that's the bottom line. If anybody tells you anything different, then it's a lie.”

Trup is referring to Glenn Geffner who had worked in the Red Sox front office and called Padres games when Larry Lucchino ran the operation in San Diego.

Trupiano spoke at length with Peter Badavas in the Brockton Enterprise.

I'm going to miss him.

“Swing and a drive! Way back, Waaaay back! Home run!”

2007 Red Sox schedule with game times

2007-01-25T20:18:00.000-05:00

2007 Red Sox schedule with game times

J.D FINALLY comes to Boston

2007-01-25T20:05:00.000-05:00

boston.com is reporting Thursday night that the J.D. Drew contract dispute has been resolved.

Outfielder J.D. Drew will indeed appear in a Red Sox uniform this season. A resolution has been reached on his contract, and an announcement of his signing of a five-year, $70 million deal is expected tomorrow.

If Drew goes on the disabled list for anything related to this finding in the third year of the deal, the Sox can void the final two years of the contract. If he is disabled in the fourth year, the Sox can void the final year of the deal.

The out clause is not triggered if Drew is disabled for any reason other than anything directly connected to the Sox findings on his shoulder.

look what they done to my park ma

2007-01-24T17:34:00.000-05:00

Look what they've done to my park, Ma

Look what they've done to my park

complete gallery from boston.com

More room means more fans in Fenway capcity 39,928?

It's Virtual Waiting Room time again

2007-01-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

The Red Sox today announced that tickets for most home game in 2007 go on sale at redsox.com or calling 617-482-4SOX beginning Saturday,January 27th at 10 AM.

Fans will be allowed to purchase a maximum of eight tickets per person.

The Sox will also hold random drawings for Opening Day (Tuesday, April 10 vs. Seattle), Patriots Day (Monday, April 16 vs. the Angels), the nine Fenway games against the Yankees, and all tickets for Green Monster and right field roof deck seats.

Details for the random drawings will be announced next week. Tickets will go on sale at the Fenway Park box office on a date to be determined in February.

"We continue to be humbled and amazed by the record-setting commitment and support of our fans," said Larry Lucchino, the Red Sox' President/CEO. "That demand fuels our search for new ways to assure that as many regular fans and baseball-loving families can enjoy the experience at Fenway Park as possible. That's why we continue to develop new methods of fair distribution."

The dark days of winter are almost over

Murray Chass is still an idiot

2007-01-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

Last week we commented on NY Times baseball writer Murray Chass who "suggested" if the Red Sox do not sign J.D. Drew that they could consider Barry Bonds.

Apparently Chass heard from many members of the wired Red Sox Nation and Tuesday morning he sniffs in the Times

It was a joke, a throwaway line, but only one of more than two dozen readers who responded via e-mail messages seemed to figure it out.

“I’m assuming,” one fan wrote, “that your comment about the Sox signing Bonds to play left and moving Manny to ‘his original position in right’ was made tongue-in-cheek.”

Give that man a cigar. As for the rest of the e-mail writers, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.

“Manny Ramírez in the expansive right field at Fenway?!” a New York lawyer and Red Sox fan wrote. “Why not make David Ortiz the shortstop while they’re at it.”

This was from the same lawyer who once vowed never to read another On Baseball column by this writer but then sent a critical e-mail after the very next column about the Red Sox.

“I thought you were never going to read another column?” I replied by e-mail at the time.

“I can’t resist reading them,” he wrote back.

To be fair, perhaps I failed to make it obvious that the Bonds-Ramírez idea was a joke; humor can be a dangerous area in which to tread. And, in the interest of full disclosure, it wasn’t even completely my line. An editor was the first to say, in jest, that the Red Sox should just sign Bonds instead of Drew.

Barry Bonds in the same sentence as Boston Red Sox is not a laughing matter and no you did not make it clear that it was a "joke". The kind of garbage you have been writing deserves to be in the NY Post not the Times.

Go write about your beloved New York Yankees and leave us alone up here in the provinces.

even for spring training the scalpers are cleaning up

2007-01-22T19:41:00.000-05:00

Just wandered over to StubHub to see what they were getting for tickets in Ft. Myers.

Unbelivable

Gone are the days when you could fly into Orlando,drive to Winter Haven and be able to buy a seat for that days game.

I shouldn't be surprised. RSN travels better than any other team in baseball. The Red Sox could draw at 3 AM in February in Flin Flon, Manitoba.

But still I will go to Ft Myers and catch a game or two as City of Potted Palms Park is now just another theme park in Florida.

Trying to think warm thoughts as the snow falls this Monday evening.

A Gabe Kapler webgem not

2007-01-21T23:58:00.000-05:00

We wish Gabe Kapler well in his new career as a minor league manager in the Sox system.

Somebody out there in internet land has this memory of Gabe.

Gabe Kapler webgem

cheer up pitchers and cathers before ya know it

2007-01-21T23:54:00.001-05:00

It will not be fun watching the Super Bowl in 2 weeks as most Patriots fans will think their team should have been there. Never again can we say that Payton Manning can't come up big when everything is on the line. But that said it is hard to swallow that the Patriots blew an 18 point lead.

Another 3 1/2 weeks Ft. Myers comes to life.

MLB just broke the hearts of out of town Red Sox fans

2007-01-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

Bad news for people with cable tv who have enjoyed watching the Red Sox on the MLB Extra Innings package ( or those of us in New England who kept an eye on the Yankees.

The NY TImes is reporting that MLB will sign an EXCLUSIVE agreement with DirecTV to carry the channel. This is similar to the deal the NFL has with the Sunday Ticket package which has never been made available to cable households.

I know quite a few Bostonians who are stuck in Manhattan and Chicago where satellite is not an option because they live in apartments but have enjoyed watching the Sox on the MLB pay channel.

If this affects you the first thing you must do on Monday is call or write Bud Selig's office in Milwaukee

Baseball Commissioner Office

777 E Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 225-8900