Sox Blahs: Know Yr (Red) Sox - News Features, Photoshop, Photography, Bios & Fan Views

Know Yr Sox: 4 "That's so randoms" about Cody Ross

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Cody Ross, to me, is an injection of positivity into the morale and clubhouse of the Boston Red Sox. Here are 4 reasons why:

1. The 2010 NLCS: He wasn't a likely candidate, but Mr. Ross came up HUGE for San Francisco in the 2010 NLCS, putting the finishing touches on the path to their ultimate World Series victory over Texas. Here were his stat lines for that series: CLICK HERE

2. The Cody Ross "Good-guy" Personality: Cody is known for participating in ballyhoo with fellow teammates, which can only make the team gel. He also is a charitable chap. Check out this clip:

3. The Cody Ross Workout Ethic: Ross is already moved into Fenway and reviewing last year's footage. He wants to win. Here's NESN's interview on Ross with Bobby Valentine and Ben Cherrington: CLICK HERE

4: Cody Ross=TV star: He was a regular on-camera during the 2011 season series "The Franchise on Showtime. CLICK HERE for details.

-Jason Layne - soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Tom Seaver

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:47:00 +0000

Yes. He was one of us for 10 seconds...

- Jason

Old Pair of Sox: Stan Papi

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:47:00 +0000


via OOTPB

Who the hell is Stan Papi? That's what Bill "Spaceman Lee" asked when he was traded to Montreal for him because the Designated Gerbil (Don Zimmer) hated him.

Career Stats: (baseballreference.com)

Career			G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	GRSL	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SH	SF	HBP	GIDP	AVG	OBP	SLG
6 Years			225	523	49	114	26	6	7	0	51	24	1	99	9	4	2	13	.218	.253	.331

Seems like a nice enough guy, right?

Sox Blahs File Photo: Obscure Player Tees

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:28:00 +0000

The art of making money is an aesthetic mastered by the Red Sox organization. You don't have to be Forbes, Gates or Trump to be the epitome of money-making greatness - all you have to do is put Saltalamaccia, Timlin, Graffanino and McDonald on the back of a blue or red tee with a number or two on the back. Here are my favorite obscure player tees. These four below cost a collective $140. Gross and exhilirating:

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Pumpsie Green

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:29:00 +0000

Pumpsie Green | 1959

Elijah Jerry "Pumpsie" Green was the first African American to play for the last team to MLB integrate: Your Boston Red Sox.

According to numerous sources, he and pitcher Gene Conley attempted to flee New York City to Israel for unknown reasons after a weekend pounding by the New York Yankees. It took a New York Post sports reporter to find them after 3 days later.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Know Yr Sox: 4 "That's So Randoms" about John Lackey

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:14:00 +0000

Don't blame Theo, Nation. John Lackey proved time and time again to be a SPECTACULAR pitcher upon his arrival in Boston. Anaheim is a tough market with a team that frequently made the post-season. Some of us just aren't Boston material (i.e. Edgar Renteria, Byun-Hyung Kim, Kevin Millar...HA! Just kidding about Millar - we all love Millar). Let's hope that's not the case.

Here are four reasons why we went with Lackey:

1) At the point he was signed, was know as a "get-it-done" post-season pithcer posting a 3.12 ERA carrer in October baseball.

2) Was a 2007 Cy Young Candidate posting a 19-9 record with a league-leading 3.01 ERA

3) Led the AL in Shutouts 3 times: 2003, 2006 & 2007*

4) 2007 All Star

I still won't rule out a bounce back with this guy. There's an animal ready to break out of its cage and MAUL the opposition in my opinion. However, I can't blame most of you for writing him off as a lackey... I just can't.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Sox Blahs File Photo: ¡Viva la República Dominicana!

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Fenway Park, a photo by jasonandrewlayne on Flickr.

Dominican fans love their baseball and their Papi!

Photo by Jason Layne for Soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Bob Ojeda

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Bobby Ojeda, 1983

Before helping to defeat the Sox in the 1986 with the New York Mets, Bobby Ojeda was top of the Boston rotation for a number of seasons. He would often go 9 and led the league in SHO with 5 in 1984.

His last two starts were with the Yanks in 1994. During both, he brutally fell apart. I believe it was sabotage! (one can fantasize)

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Photoshopped to Holy Hell: David Ortiz as The Buddha

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:38:00 +0000

...the key to Sox-cess.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Curtis Leskanic

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:11:00 +0000

Curtis "The Mechanic" Leskanic was one of my favorite players on the '04 Sox team. I always route for guys like this: the ones who get that a chance to do something special after being dumped from a team for having a rough start. (Leskanic posted an 8+ ERA for the Royals in the first half of '04. | Similar story: Kyle Snyder.. also dumped by the KC but in 2006)

Leskanic pitched well down the stretch in 2004 posting a 3.58 ERA out of the pen. He filled the void left by poorly-performing middle relievers throughout that season, paving the way to their historic 2004 MLB postseason run.

Leskanic would not pitch another MLB game after that season.

The only way to go out is in style. Thanks, Curtis!

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Sox Blahs File Photo: The Good 'Ol Days

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:56:00 +0000

At bat: David Ortiz
On-deck: Manny Ramirez
Catching: Pudge Rodriguez...

...too much for one photo if you ask me.

Photo by Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Outta The Blue Bill Lee Quote From Outter Space: On Drug Testing

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:11:00 +0000

“The other day they asked me about mandatory drug testing. I said I believed in drug testing a long time ago. All through the sixties I tested everything.” - Bill "Spaceman" Lee

The Spaceman pitching for the Brockton Rox in Sept. '10.

-Via thinkexist.com

Know Yr Sox Documentaries: Luis Tiant

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:55:00 +0000

According to his own biographical website for a 2009 documentary release about him called "The Lost Son of Havana" (directed by the Farrelly Brothers [Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber, Fever Pitch]) Luis Tiant did not see his father for 14 years after defecting from Cuba. However, he enlisted some federal help to get his father to the United States to see him play. From "luistiant.com":

El Tiante with his father El Tiante, Sr. watching during Game 6 of the 1975 World Series

In May 1975, U.S. Sen. George McGovern (D-South Dakota) made an unofficial visit to Cuba to see Fidel Castro. While it was not the reason for his trip, he carried with him a letter from his Senate colleague, Edward Brooke III (R-Massachusetts), making a personal plea that Luis’ parents be allowed to visit Luis in Boston. The letter suggested that “Luis’ career as a major league pitcher is in its latter years” and “he is hopeful that his parents will be able to visit him during this current baseball season.” The very next day, Castro approved the request and put the diplomatic wheels in motion for a visit.

His dad would be able to see him pitch one of the greatest games in MLB history: Game 6 of the 1975 World Series and would never return to Cuba. (tears) Very good watch...

Also, check out Bill Lee's movie "Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey" for more info on baseball in Cuba.

- Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Red Sox File Photo: Foul Ball Territory

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:18:00 +0000

Fenway Park | Foul Ball Territory, a photo by jasonandrewlayne on Flickr.

This was from a random game v the Brew Crew in 2008.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Know Yr Sox: 4 "That's So Randoms" about Tim Wakefield

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:59:00 +0000

He's showing signs that he's old in terms of baseball years (most noticeably the pot belly) but Knuckleballers can last forever (i.e. Phil Niekro 24 seasons, retired Age 48; Charlie Hough: 25 seasons, retired age 46 - both had pot bellies at some point). Not much effort behind a pitch that moves at 66 mph when compared to, say, Aroldis Chapman's 105 mph fastball...

Anyway, here are four randomies (a couple you may know, but worth reiterating):

He is one of 30+ Red Sox players to have a Massachusetts town name on the back of his jersey (Thanks to Ned on the Web for being a big enough nerd like myself to post)
He is the Red Sox franchise leader in many categories including both Wins & Losses
8-time nominee for the MLB Roberto Clemente Award for charitable contributions
The only pitcher, I know of, to have a catcher "overnightted" to him like a piece of mail (i.e. Dougie Mirabelli) in 2006

There is nothing bad to say about Wake. He's the man. Keep puttin' them bagels up on the scoreboard!

- Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Red Sox: Time To Go, Hideki | Hideki: Okie dokie...

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Designated For Assignment to make room for Franklin Morales and/or Kevin Millwood... wah wah wah waaaah....

What better way to pay tribute to one of our most beloved Red Sox than by posting his pants-peeing entrance song that sounds like the music from a NeoGeo game:

Click here for the Okie-Dokie song...

He would always give me the thumbs up when I'd yell "Okie Dokie" into the bullpen....

The Okie Dokie is not gone yet, could still end up in Pawtucket - but he'll probably be sent packing.

We love you H.O.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Afroman to Iron Man: A Handful of Red Sox Batter Ditties

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:48:00 +0000

Makes sense to me, Manny...

Here are some of the songs from yesterday and today that you'd hear when said players came to bat at Fenway Park:

Trot Nixon: Johnny Cash "Ring of Fire"

Mike Lowell: Black Sabbath "Iron Man"; The Clash "London Calling"

Kevin Youkilis: MIMS "This Is Why I'm Hot"

Jacoby Ellsbury: Smashing Pumpkins "Cherub Rock"

Manny Ramirez: Afroman "Because I Got High"

Jason Bay: Pearl Jam "Alive"

Here is a (creepily) complete list of recent MLB Player Walk Up Songs: http://wikibin.org/articles/list-of-baseball-entrance-music.html

Enjoy!

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Sox Blahs File Photo: Boston Over Fenway

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:53:00 +0000

Boston Over Fenway, a photo by jasonandrewlayne on Flickr.

The modest skyline of Boston is most breath-taking from Fenway's 3rd Base Pavillion seating, fo' sho'.

Fever Catch: Salt N Pepper Not Spicy Enough Behind The Plate

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:44:00 +0000

According to the Bleacher Report, the Red Sox organization had called Bengie Molina. *sigh*

Jarrod Saltalamaccia is not what any organization thought he was. Jason Varitek is a manager waiting to happen. So now what? Well, I coined the phrase "Salt and Pepper" to describe Jarrod and Jason (pepper for getting old, obviously) and to describe the "situation" as they are collectively.

Is there a quick fix? No. In fact, compared to what's immediately available - they are the better duo. Here is who could be here in a jiffy (sans setting off a trade):

"No it's MY job." "NO MY JOB" (Boston.com photo)

Max Ramirez: Claimed off waivers by the Sox then taken back by the Cubbies then released. He currently has no job. He currently has barely any experience and will forever be nothing special (BA .217 and .990 fielding % in two parts of MLB seasons with Texas).

Bengie Molina: He's old. Period... and probably the slowest runner in Major League History. His better days are behind him which were great days in many cases (Carrer BA .274, 2-time Gold Glover, Carrer .994 fielding %) Who knows, though?

For now, it's Salt n' Pepper behind the plate not spicing things up.

One positive is Tek's ability to calm a pitching staff down. That's about it.

- Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Tom Gordon

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Thu, 05 May 2011 13:53:00 +0000

Tom Gordon - Red Sox Closer Extrodinaire (for one season)

When I was in 5th Grade (1989-1990), Tom Gordon's baseball cards were like bricks of gold. He was both a Yankee and a Red Sock. However, it was with Boston that he defined himself as an amazing addition to any bullpen saving 46 games in 1998 (Rolaids Relief Man Award). After that season he was injured and then shipped to the Cubs.

Photoshopped to Holy Hell: The Evolution of the '11 Red Sox

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:49:00 +0000

It's on!

It's all starting to come together for the kids. Say nothing bad about your team and good karma will bring them to the place they belong: 1st Place. (Photoshop by Jason Layne)

A Walk In The Park: When Fans Take The Field at Fenway Park

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:41:00 +0000

Sox Blah's Jason Layne w/ Jason Varitek's Gear

The most rabid Red Sox fans arrive at Fenway Park the earliest and squeeze every second out of their experience post-game before ushers shoo them out of their seats. (Maybe they are simply avoiding a packed Fenway or Kenmore "T" station, who knows.) I do know this: Fenway Park is hallowed ground... church-like to some and its own separate nation to others. The tickets (this year sporting pictures of Sox Hall-of-famers Jim Rice, Bill Lee & others) are like temporary visas into this great nation good for 9 innings (12 or 13 if you're lucky) to be part of baseball in Boston.

Once the game ends its hard to leave - to put it crudely like a Band-aid leaves a hairy arm. Fans wince as they exit through Gate E onto Lansdowne knowing there is no turning back. With that in mind, what if they were able to take a a lap around the field before leaving? Would that cheer them up? Maybe extend their RSN visa another hour or so? That's precisely what the Fenway Staff allowed for Sunday May 1st following the walk-off single via Carl Crawford: the one that finally cancelled out his Big-contract high-expectation anxiety blues.

Fans were herded around like livestock for about 20 minutes (small price to pay), held in "groups" (that felt more like pens) and then released to roam the high plains of baseball history. No grass though, only the warning track. Folks stealing dirt, leaning over the center-field wall to see the bullpen at the closest angle possible.

Available to fans were exhibits like Bill Mueller's game-used bat from the 2004 ALCS, the Jersey that Papelbon wore when he helped clinch the 2007 Worlds Series. Both World Series trophies. Staring at the Green Monster from the ground up like children - some pretending to crash into while diving for a catch... and, the grand finale...a hands-on experience game-used items like V-Tek's chest protector and bat, David Ortiz's first-baseman's glove (used like twice - not even broken in) and Dustin Pedroia gloves (that barely fit my hands).

Staff Member Brian Gomes with 2004 World Series Champaign

It was nice to be heckled by the jealous folks in the Bleacher Bar right before I left. (A screen looking out to the Pesky Pole is available to patrons there as it is physically located in the park off Lansdowne Street). That's when it hit me just how special the experience was! It was also nice to be treated to something well deserved as a Sox fan.

Other Walk-In-The-Park Games: 5/8/11 v MIN (Mother's Day), 6/19/11 v MIL (Father's Day), 7/10 v BAL, 8/17 v TB, 9/4 v TEX

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Know Yr Sox: 4 "That's So Randoms" about Darnell McDonald

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:53:00 +0000

courtesy of UCinternational

Sometimes the stars align in life. The fairy materializes out of thin air and taps you with the star tipped wand and says "you will start this year for the Red Sox." Unfortunately, D-Mc's spot was at the expense of the misfortune and injury of other players. A team couldn't get a bigger heart out of the deal. Here's for facts about Darnell McDonald - Red Sox OF:

1. After being designated for assignment by the team in 2010, Terry Francona interrupted McDonald's night with the movie "The Book of Eli" -during which he fell asleep - with a frantic phone call asking him, again for his services. (via The Providence Journal)

2. Played a combined 86 games in the majors before his near-full-length season with the Sox in '10.

3. D-Mc was the first Red Sox player to collect a game-winning RBI in his club debut. (via The Boston Globe)

4. He attended Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, CO - same school who produced the likes of from Red Sox' David Aardsma & Josh Bard along with closer Brad Lidge.

Darnell's story is one to put a smile on your face. The Book of Eli was an "ehh" movie, anyway.

-Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

Old Pair of Sox: Fergie Jenkins

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:19:00 +0000

Fergie played for the Sox 1976-1977

Ferguson Jenkins' tenure in a Red Sox uniform was a few blinks of an eye. But it should not be overlooked that the 1971 Cy Young Award & Sporting News Pitcher of the Year award winner and member of the Cooperstown & Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame wore the Red Sox uniform. He probably would have worn it longer if it weren't for the fact that his way of thinking (liberal/free-spirited) clashed with that of the dogmatic and conservative personality of then manager Don Zimmer - the man who sent Jenkins packing.

Other awesome feats:

-6 "20 Win" seasons in a row

-6 "200+ K" seasons

-3000+ carrer Ks/<1000 BBs (only Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez & Curt Schilling - only others)

by Jason Layne for soxblahs.com

"Jurassic" Carl Everett: Man of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (jasonandrewlayne) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:51:00 +0000

According to Boston.com, Carl Everett put a gun to his wife's head in FL last night and was then arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. http://bo.st/hRxk6o

Yes, this is the same man who called our favorite beat writer Dan Shaughnessy the "curly-haired boyfriend" of fellow beat writer Gordon Edes.

He also once said that if he had an gay teammate that he would consider retiring, or, at the very least, "set him straight." Further in Maxim he said, "Gays being gay is wrong. Two women can't produce a baby, two men can't produce a baby, so it's not how it's supposed to be. … I don't believe in gay marriages. I don't believe in being gay."

Hard facts on Carl Everett, man of the year.

-Jason Layne (soxblahs.com)