|
|
|
My two autographed baseballs...
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 7 days ago on |
| I have, as in my profile, a whole room dedicated to baseball and the Red Sox. Yet I only have two pieces of autographed memorabilia, two baseballs signed by Red Sox greats.
The first one I obtained way back in December of 1978. My sister had called and said a kid my age was needed for a photo shoot with Carlton Fisk. It was for a hot dog company and I would be paid $25, a Red Sox shirt, a signed baseball and some other things for about three or four hours...
|
|
|
|
|
You're Theo...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 8 days ago on |
| So to start off the New Year, and by the way, Happy New Year Sawxheads, let's play You're Theo. I have seen on here recently many trade possibilities, signings and non-signing comments. But before we comment, do we really step back and wonder what the thought process is for the Boston Red Sox? Or what the reality of the signing or the trade we are discussing?
Let me first start by saying that Julio Lugo will not be a 'throw in' to any trade. I have no insider information, but...
|
|
|
|
|
50 Years of Hall of Fame Left Fielders?
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 9 days ago on |
| Everyone knows the situation. Jim Rice has one last shot in 2009 before his fate is turned over to a Veteran's Committee. But when thinking about the outcome, and he should get in, for the sake of Sox fans, better get in, the Sox will have had an amazing run. They will have played in front of the 37 foot Green Monster, a most difficult postion in baseball, for 50 years, with 3 players, who all ended up in the Hall of Fame, in a row.
Beginning with Ted Williams...
|
|
|
|
|
Ny team makes moves...but are they...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 11 days ago on |
| So they signed 3 high profile Free Agents, and everyone with an N and a Y on a hat, tattoo or even on this site has crawled out from under a rock. But how much better are they really? What we know, and can show, is only on paper and based on stats. What I see, is the improvement is not that large.
Sabathia, averaging 18 wins and Burnett somewhere in the 14 win range for 2009, based on his career, gives them 32 for 2009. Last year Pettitte, 14 wins and Mussina, 20 wins, had 34 wins...
|
|
|
|
|
A True Story
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 13 days ago on |
| As we go along in with our lives, busy as they may be, here is a story, A True Story, to remind us that what we do impacts others. The Red Sox may not have landed that prized off season Free Agent, but with or without him, our everyday lives continue. Happy Holidays to everyone at Sawxheads.
A couple of years ago, a baseball coach prepared to call all of his kids. He made one call to a family whom he was coaching the child for the...
|
|
|
|
|
26 rings...and counting!!!
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 13 days ago on |
| As with any NY fan, there is no substance, just a lot of fluff. Look at what the Sox missed out on, look at what NY got...Blah, Blah,Blah. Before anyone that roots for that NY team gets overly excited, examine what you have signed and lost, and the improvement is not that great.
Sabathia and Burnett vs. Mussina and Pettitte. Sabathia had a strong NL season, but let's remember that in the NL every ninth batter is the pitcher. numbers are skewered, and his were up in the...
|
|
|
|
|
Unlike the Sox...I'm out
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 2 months ago on |
| I joined Sawxheads a short time ago to talk baseball with peopleas a void left by my son. But this site is not what I was looking for.
Sawxheads I had hoped would be about the fans, but it is more about self-promotion. That is Ok to move ahead in the business world, but unfortunately the loss is customers, or the fans. I didn't sign up because of Jerry Remy, Hazel Mae or some Cartoonist. Personally, I could care less what they write and/or draw. If I wanted to know what Jerry was...
|
|
|
|
|
Big mistake, Joe
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 2 months ago on |
| So Joe Maddon has made a some good moves during the series. But then he goes and does this? What is this? He has put Scott Kazmir ahead of James Shields!? Joe, are you alright? Have you ever heard of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'?
The Sox bats have been cool, so what do you want to do? Move the only pitcher they have hit well into the fifth game, A CLINCHING GAME, in their own ballpark. Sounds like a momentum swinger to me. Back to Tampa and Beckett with another chance to...
|
|
|
|
|
In regards to Manny
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| With the season ending today and Manny's ending yesterday, the final numbers are in for him. I had posted back in July that Manny was replaceable because of his stats, and how they were dropping off. Well,I was right and wrong. Jason Bay fit in nicely and Manny has proved there are numbers left in that crazy tank.
When I posted in July, I mentioned how in 2007 Manny had 20 Homers and 88RBI. That was surpassed by 50 players who had more than both of each, the HR's and RBI...
|
|
|
|
|
Angels...strangers in the house
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| With the Sox now playing the Los Angeles California Beverly Hills 90210 Hollywood Palm Springs Sacramento, but not Oakland San Francisco San Diego Los Angeles (or at least the part where a certain Leftfielder resides) Anaheim Angels I thought this meeting I found would be interesting.
First, I want to say the Angels are not that scary. When they beat the Sox six times in July they were in the middle of a very hot month, going 19-6. They also beat up on two weaker teams in their...
|
|
|
|
|
Ted Williams numbers...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| What would Ted Williams have done had he not missed five years in the service? I had always wondered just how much his numbers would be affected and his All-Time status would climb. When I read Jester's blog this morning I had remembered the information was calculated and here it is.
Runs-2,405 1st all-time
Doubles-674-5th all-time
Hits-3,348-9th all-time
Home runs-678 4th all-time
RBI- 2,419 1st all-time
Base on Balls- 2,731 1st all-time...
|
|
|
|
|
The House That Ruth Built?
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| With the end coming to the NY Stadium and all of it's history, good and bad, is it really 'The House that Ruth Built'? I'm not here to question how great of a player Babe Ruth was/is or try to debunk any 'Curses'. But the fact that he is solely responsible for the beginning of their championship run is just not true.
Prior to 1923, when NY won their first WS, the Sox had been the team to beat winning five Championships. As we know, the owner, Harry Frazee, wanted to finance plays,...
|
|
|
|
|
Home Grown Talent
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| The Red Sox have made it a point in recent years to keep home grown talent up through the farm system. It has been paying off over the last few years, but I don't think they have seen the dividend like they have seen this year. Four players with numbers to illustrate what the farm system means:
Dustin Pedroia- Batting Average 1st in the AL. Runs, 1st in the AL. Hits, 1st ,in the AL. Doubles, 1st in the AL. Clear choice for MVP and last years ROY.
Kevin...
|
|
|
|
|
Bartolo Colon & Cliff Lee
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 3 months ago on |
| With Colon going today and Cliff Lee winning his 22nd, it reminds me of the connection between the two. To me, probably one of the worst trades in the history of the game, in hindsight. Colon went from Cleveland to Montreal, for amongst others, Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips (now of the Reds) & Grady Sizemore.
A Cy Young candidate in Lee, a perennial All-Star in Sizemore, and in my opinion, one of the more talented players in the game. And in Phillips, wth Utley &...
|
|
|
|
|
31 to 250,000
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| I had posted the other day in News & Rumors that Major League Baseball was approaching 250,000 career Homeruns. After yesterday's total of 46, they now stand 31 shy. It looks as though today could be the day.
Here's hoping only 30 get hit, and in the bottom of the 1st tomorrow night, with a sellout record, a Sox player hits number 250,000.
My question would be, is there going to be any fanfare from Major League Baseball for the achievement?
|
|
|
|
|
My son, his girl & Tampa Bay
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| My son called me Thursday & told me Josh Beckett was pitching on Wednesday night against Tampa Bay. Wednesday Night, I thought, he's pitching tonite. He reminded me that his girl had gotten him tickets way back in late May for next Wednesday's game. Where he doesn't go to many games, he was obviously stoked.
His girl, to say the least, is not a baseball fan. Her dad is a huge fan, coaching ball for a long time, playing in fantasy leagues. But, it wasn't until my son came along...
|
|
|
|
|
M.V.P....What is the definition?
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| With all the talk recently about pedroia, and to a lesser extent youkilis, being MVP, my question is this...what is the definition of MVP? I ask that because it is not clearly defined for the Baseball Writers Association of America.
It has been written that a continuing debate concerning the MVP being simply the best player, or a player on a playoff contender. Should Starting pitchers or Relief pitchers be included and what if a player's team finishes last. It has always been my...
|
|
|
|
|
Home Run evolution
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| We all know about Babe Ruth and how he changed the landscape of the game with Home Runs. But there was another player who is just as much a part of that changing landscape as Ruth.
In 1920, Major League Baseball had established to use 'clean' baseballs during games. Before this year they would continue to use the same ball over and over again, no matter the condition. This made it extremely difficult for the batter to see the ball as it got dirtier, therefore the lower Homerun...
|
|
|
|
|
My wife's favorite player
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| You would think that after 20 years of marriage some baseball osmosis would happen with my wife. She does not have a clue about the game, or know one player from another. Until about two weeks ago.
I was watching the Little League World Series when she decided to join me in bed. After a few moments, she began laughing, not unusual in my bedroom. But I knew that the sheets were covering me and my pants were on. She then asked me if that was his name. I was perplexed as there was no...
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa has a problem player.
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| We've been waiting for Tampa to falter all year, and so far they haven't. All the injuries haven't set them back, but B.J. Upton might be their downfall. Twice in the past week he has been benched for not hustling. Once for not beating out a Double Play, the other for getting thrown out at Second when he thought he hit a Home Run.
Today he directly contributed to the Rays loss. With A.J. Pierzynski on First, a fly ball was hit into Centerfield. Upton caught the ball over his...
|
|
|
|
|
'Pink' hat, bandwagoneer or fan?
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| So which are you? I asked myself that question. And frankly, I'm not sure. There are three options and only one seems to be right. It's like watching the person on Let's Make a Deal who always picks the wrong curtain and ends up with the Llama.
I had written before about my Mom, who has cancer, and wears her red Sox hat to cover her head. I saw her yesterday at a family gathering proudly, and she told me that, wearing it for everyone to see. I know that it isn't the 'pink' hat...
|
|
|
|
|
Rating system
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| Seeing how I am still relatively new on Sawxheads and understanding the 'Ratings System'. I have siad before, and I'll say it again, I don't vote for anything. If I have something to say, I leave a comment. I do not regret any of my comments as of yet, with the exception of one made on MURPH's blog that he mistakenly took towards his kid. I felt terrible about that, and have seen that he has a very special kid there!
There are some people on here I enjoy reading, whether it...
|
|
|
|
|
Papelbon & Migraines
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| It is reported in today's Globe, and by MikeyM on News and Rumors that Jonathan Papelbon is suffering again from Migraines. If you suffer, you know what he is going through. If not, think of some your worst pain, and then you can relate . (My apologies to women who have given childbirth, I can't relate...but trying to get an elephant into a Yugo can't be a delight)
I have suffered for 33 of my 41 years. I can only describe them as debilitating as I cannot...
|
|
|
|
|
Random stuff...stats & Strat
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| One of the reasons I love this game so much is the stats. I can't get enough of them. I'm always looking up stats, and looking for unusual stats. Here are are few more:
In 1930, the Philadelphia Phillies hit .315, scored 944 runs and won only 52 games! That was because they had a team ERA of 6.71. It just so happened that 1930 was one of the greatest offensive years in the history of baseball also.
Woodie Held hit 179 career homeruns. Need I say more.
The 1960...
|
|
|
|
|
How does Minnesota...and Boston look...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| Back when Johan Santana was on the market, we all (or most of us)drooled over the possibilty of a rotation of Beckett, Santana,Dice-K,Schilling & Wake. Next stop...2008 World Series.
Well, Santana went to the Mets, Schilling got hurt and as far as I see it, the Sox are doing fine. My biggest question, and I know this is in hindsight, what was Minnesota thinking?
Can we possibly imagine a team battling for for the A.L. Central to have Ellsbury in Center, Lowrie at...
|
|
|
|
|
Hall of Fame oddities...and Jim Rice
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 4 months ago on |
| With next year being Jim Rice's last chance before a Veteran's Committee vote, I wanted to share a few things I found about Hall of Fame voting.
But first, concerning Rice and the Hall, it is my belief that he should be in. Player's inducted, I always consider to have dominated at their postion for a period of time. Jim Rice did that. He was the most feared hitter from the mid to late 70's. Looking back to 1975, had he not been hurt, Cecil Cooper most likely...
|
|
|
|
|
My baseball card collection
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| I have seen some posts reminiscing lately that I enjoyed thoroughly. So here goes my attempt with my baseball card collection, which i'm sure everyone can relate to.
Back in 1978, as an 11-year old, my then 21-year old twin sisters would have me make store 'snack' runs. I would be paid for my efforts, $1.00 per time, a hefty sum for the time. I knew this amount would allow me to buy 6 packs of baseball cards, which were .15 apiece. (Wow, am I that old?)
I would make...
|
|
|
|
|
Let's clear something up
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| When I found and joined Sawxheads, I thought it would be good to have knowledgable people to talk Red Sox and baseball with. I am a huge baseball and Red Sox fan, as is my 22 year old son. He recently moved out, so the baseball talk has been limited. When I begin to talk to my wife, she reminds me of her lack of knowledge, and the conversation soon ends.
I coached my son from the time he was six until he was sixteen. He began to play in Men's League Softball with me at the...
|
|
|
|
|
If it's Jason Bay...good deal
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| I have been stating that Manny and his numbers are replaceable. I have not questioned the great career he has had, the production he has provided and what he has meant to the middle of that line-up. At this point in time, if the deal is for Jason Bay and John Grabow, that is a good deal.
The Sox will have moved Ramirez, who is essentially in the last year of his contract. They will in turn, receive a player, who over the last two and a half years has put up the same offensive...
|
|
|
|
|
My mother is a 'pink hatter'
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| My mother wears a pink red Sox hat, to cover her now balding head from cancer. She was diagnosed in May and after major surgery to hopefully remove it all, she has begun to undergo chemotherapy.
I come from a family of 8 children, who before May, some of us hadn't seen each other in 15 years. The reunion at my mother's bedside in the hospital room was something we all will remember foreverer. Especially my mother. There were times she mentioned it...
|
|
|
|
|
My last point(s) on Manny
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| I have written a lot concerning Manny & not being here next here. I am also new to the site by about 9 days. I have felt that Manny would not be part of the Sox plans before joining this site. The statements in previous blogs should have come across as simple, Manny's numbers were justifiably replaceable.
I, at no time, have questioned his Hall of fame career, my allegiance to the Red Sox or love of baseball. He has given the Sox very productive years, helped...
|
|
|
|
|
This will be Manny's last season
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| As I posted in a previous blog, contrary to popular belief, there are other player options for Manny. This was BEFORE another 'Manny Being Manny' incident and a possible phantom injury. When it is reported that teammates are tired of his antics, whether true or not, enough is enough. As for the injury, if it really was an injury, wouldn't his Manager have known going into such a crucial series?
As for his numbers and the statement he won't be here. He has NOT put up...
|
|
|
|
|
Contrary to popular belief...Manny is...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| First of all, don't get me wrong, I like Manny and think he is a tremendous player. I just think at this stage of his career and where is contract is, he is replaceable.
Manny has an option for $20 million for next year (and 2010) and there may be better long term solutions for the Sox. His production has begun to decline and we all know of the 'Manny being Manny' sagas. As fans, we always complained when previous ownership brought in or kept players past their...
|
|
|
|
|
Angels should easily take AL West
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| The Red Sox got beat by a very good home team last night. But looking at that division, the Angels have nobody to challenge them. The A's, oddly enough, when they were 4 games out, started to trade off Starting Pitching. The Rangers remind me of the late '90's teams of Pudge, Palmiero and Juan Gonzalez, all hit, no pitching. And the Mariners...they may be looking to trade key off seasn acquisition Erik Bedard, and are 300 games out.
Would you like to see the Sox cakewalk...
|
|
|
|
|
No trades in the A.L. so far, may be...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| Has anyone noticed that all of the trades and big names have gone to the NL? Sabathia,Harden,Blanton and Gaudin. Even though the deadline is close to two weeks away, it seems as though the AL contenders may be waiting for someone to make the first move. The AL teams also have key players coming back from the DL, Ortiz, Matsui, Damon(Yanks), Percival(Rays) and Ordonez (Tigers) back yesterday. It could be a game of Chess, like the Santana deal.
|
|
|
|
|
Sox will make best trade deadline...
|
|
|
ruff13 wrote this 5 months ago on |
| With every team who is in contention scrambling for that piece to the puzzle to put them over the top at the trade deadline, the Red Sox don't have to look past their roster. When Ortiz comes back he will be added to what is now a First Place line-up, although that may be different by then. Teams can add who they want, but nobody will equal Ortiz and what he will do for the Sox. The Sox still need to address the Middle Relief, Masterson or not.
|
|
|
|
