The Derby

I said it before the contest started that the slugger currently known as Prince was going to take the title, and boy did he! After blasting the longest shot of the night of 503 feet, that's 1 and 2/3 football fields' folks, he didn't disappoint in the final. Beating the underdog, Nelson Cruz 6-5. The only reason I didn't choose my cherry, Albert "The Machine" Pujols, was because of the hometown advantage.

I knew he wasn't going to lose that "blast-off" in the first round with a whole city on his back, but he's a "line drive hitter, with power", as he likes to say and that isn't always the best Modus Operandi for this game. It also seemed that he was pressing some, with trying to live up to the hype around playing in his home ballpark to showcase the amazingness that consumes him.

Here's the real question of the night. What the hell is Brandon Inge doing at a Home Run Derby. That's about as awkward as telling someone, "we're going on the Steve Wilkos' show." I still think this guy is an anomaly. How can he hit homeruns? His swing isn't anything special. I feel like even if the spotlight wasn't on him he couldn't put anything out in Batting Practice and we think that he's going to perform well on the big stage because he's run into a few dingers during live games? That worked out well.

I would like to congratulate Nelson Cruz however on quite the display of power. For someone that has bounced around much of his career it looks like he's going to settle in nicely in the oft-slugging Ranger lineup, following J-Ham's in the order. The guy can rake and I now know why he bats cleanup for such a hard-hitting bunch.

Anyone remember those old HR Derbys on at like 5 o'clock in the friggin morning but had the star studded lineups (ie. Henry Aaron, Duke Snyder, Harmon Killebrew, Say Hey Willy etc)? Anyone still think this could be a HUGE gameshow? This could make a killing, find a remote location that no one knows about it and use the exact same rules…I would however LOVE to be THAT umpire that screams, "1-out, 2 AWAY, 3 Outs."

Stay Tuned

Ryan

Livestrong, Kicking Ass, and the Dirty Sanchez

Sorry for the lack of posts lately I was busy mixing Gin and Tonic's in my mouth for a weekend. And for those of you wondering that is not a good way to NOT get inebriated. Once I finally started putting something other than Tangueray in my system I'm finally able to blog again...let's see what I got for you'z guys!

Not only does Jon Lester decimate the Royals (see: Definition of Owning)but he is now taking life by the horns and taking a phrase from Patches O'Houlihan, "humping it into submission." If you don't know what I'm talking about check out the Livestrong commercial. Lester throws 8 strong against the Royals firmly re-establishing of the pocket Ace's we have on this team.

Speaking of kicking ass is there a more dominant pitcher in baseball than Josh Beckett over the last 2 months? Well I guess I'll give you Tim Lincecum, but how about anyone that doesn't have the word Freak in their nickname? Answer: NO. Commander Kick Ass needed only 94 pitches to rid KC of a series split on Sunday. Although Halladay is probably going to get the nod for the AL against the aformentioned Freak, Beckett is also VERY deserving of that honor. Tying his fellow Red Sox with 11 victories and being the only two 11-game winners in the AL speaks volumes of how awe-striking the Boston pitching staff has been. Good luck Timmah and CKA (commander kick ass for those not so quick on the uptake.)

When baseball history is made, Boston player or not, you're getting traffic here on BOTN. Jonathan Sanchez of the San Francisco Giants took the hill and did something even the illustrious Tim Lincecum hasn't done yet. Stand on the hill and not give up a hit for nine innings. He also came one error away from throwing a perfect game. To put into perspective the accomplishment that took place this weekend he joins the likes of Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Sandy Koufax of Hall of Fame (calibur) players that have thrown "no-no's". In the same token Ramon Martinez (remember that bad idea?), Kevin (roid-rage) Brown, and some guy named Pud Galvin (had to look that one up) have also thrown No-No's. So where's this budding rookie's career going to take him? Time will tell.

Just as a side note although I have an admitted man crush on Albert Pujols I've got Prince Fielder in the HR Derby tonight...anyone placing bets on Brandon Inge?

Stay Tuned

Ryan

Don’t Look Now

Don't look now but Dustin Pedroia is heating up.

Don't look now but Wakefield is tied for the Major League Lead in W's

Don't look now but Beckett and Watney Don't Get Along.

Don't look now but David Ortiz is semi quietly returning to form.

Don't look now but Jason Bay's contract price is continuing to go down every at bat during this slump.

Don't look now but Brad Penny could demolish Kimbo Slice in about 2.5 seconds.

Don't look now but Jacoby Ellsbury is leading the Red Sox in batting average.

Don't look now but the play that Daniel Murphy made for the Mets last night was Magic Johnson esque.

Don't look now but Matt Holliday is nothing more than a Right Handed Troy O'Leary outside of Coors Field.

Don't look now but if Roy Halladay goes to the Yankees, it's NOT the end of the world (see: Alex Rodriguez)

Don't look now but if Alex Rios leaves the Jays at the deadline someone is getting one hell of a player.

Don't look now but Kevin Youkilis is striking out at an Adam Dunn like rate recently.

Don't look now but Manny Ramirez is a shell of his former self.

Don't look now but Tim Lincecum owns life.

Don't look now but Mark Kotsay's wife is SMOKIN' HOT!

Stay Tuned

Ryan

Water Cooler Banter

A co-worker just asked me whom I thought would be more likely to win 20 games this year: Wakefield or Beckett. To me this is a no brainer but to a lesser fan is a legitimate question given the phenomenal start that the two of them have had.

While Wakefield is having a good year (not great, great would be his 1995 start when he opened the year 14-1), history would say he's going to fizzle. The knuckleball has a history of dazzling for 4-5 game stings and then tumbling (not good for a knuckleball) for 4-5 game stints. Also, this would be the first year in 3 years that he has made it through an entire season if he makes it through without injury.

My prediction for Wakefield is that he will top out at around 16-17 wins. Let me be clear that is a FINE season. That being said he could completely defy all odds and win 20 games. At 42, and still effective, he's defying odds every time he toes the rubber. If Wakefield does win 20 games, AND lowers his ERA into the 3's he could also be looking at some hardware (Cy Young Award) come seasons end.

Josh Beckett or "Commander Kick Ass" as my friends over at Surviving Grady call him. Has he ever lived up to that name this season or what? Josh is flat out DOMINATING teams right now. Despite the hiccup in Philly a while back and that one bad inning in Baltimore you don't get much more "Ace-like" than what this Texan is doing right now. He earned his 10^th win last night, and I don't see any problem here on out with him making a run for 20.

The reason Beckett gets the nod is that he is younger, healthier, and has better stuff. Not to take anything away from what Wake is doing but Beckett is unconscious right now when he steps out on the mound. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that barring an injury (oblique, I swear to god if you come back…) he's going to win 21 games this year. Hoping that Greinke gives up more than 1 run in his next 15 stars (might be a tall task) he could be en route to his first Cy Young award as well.

THE OTHER WATER COOLER HOT TOPIC TODAY IS: ROY HALLADAY ON THE TRADING BLOCK!

Now, how imposing would this be in a 5 or hell a 7 game series in October. Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, Jon Lester. *nervous giggle* That is almost a guaranteed World Series right there. So what's the holdup? Theo Epstein has a history of holding onto his young talent especially when it comes down to trading for a big name (see: Johan Santana).

What would it take to get Halladay? Well, you can start with Buchholz AND Bowden. That's essentially two high draft picks. Then you're going to need upside players which the Red Sox have. Someone like Nick Hagadone could be thrown in. Prior to his Tommy John surgery he was throwing 97 from the left side and mowing down the opposition. Another player may be a Lars Anderson. He is ranked in the top 5 prospects in the Sox organization that would give them 4 prospects 3 in the top 5 in the organization and the other is in the top 10 (Hagadone). That is some idea of where you could start with him. Now the real question: is it a good idea to "mortgage the farm?"

In most cases it's never good, but the funny thing is IF this trade were to happen another trade would almost be a CERTAINTY. The player involved would HAVE TO be Brad Penny. Although that gargantuan man has been throwing the hell out of the ball lately, Roy Halladay he is not. You need to move Penny to make room for 'Doc' in the rotation. With value never being higher than right now you could be looking at 2 B+ level prospects or an A level prospect in return. People may think I'm crazy for thinking an A Prospect in return but if you're in the thick of a pennant race you could be in Dire Straits, the Brewers and Rangers come to mind. Both teams have solid players in their farm systems and could be likely places for one, Brad Penny. I would even look at the Angels as a sleeper for him.

Do I want Halladay here? Yes. Is it worth the prospects? Yes. He's the best pitcher in baseball and you are guaranteed 7+ innings every time. You don't pencil him in for 7 you write it in with Sharpie and plan your bullpen accordingly.

Stay Tuned

Ryan

The Legend and The Rook

For years, Nomar Garciaparra was not only a staple in the lineup but the cornerstone of the Red Sox Franchise. When the Sox were bad he was good. When the Sox were good He was great. His name was synonymous with what Red Sox Nation is and always will be. Although he and the media didn't always see eye to eye, (the Nomar Red Line comes to mind), He was a demi-god to the Red Sox and Baseball community and to put it in even more perspective; He is who Tom Brady strives to be.

He lead off an inning (pretty sure the baseball gods helped out on that one), and got a 1-minute 10-second long Standing ovation. In a "For Love of The Game" like moment he acknowledged his fans with multiple tips of the cap and after about 45 seconds even applauded them for their love, loyalty, and faith. It was quite a sight to behold considering I was at the game when Trot Nixon came back to his standing-O and it was only half as long as this uber-All-Star.

Only fitting that he aided in his team's victory going 2-4 with a Ribby. Also he said, "I had this dream that I started and finished my career in a Red Sox uniform, actually I still have that dream." Very strange we may be looking for replacement 3-bagger with 1B versatility. That could be a VERY interesting scenario.

Now, the story that SOMEHOW overshadowed the return of the Legend to Yawkey Way. Brett Anderson. Yes those two words, that name, was the story. That South Paw flat out abused, pillaged, and dominated the Red Sox on a night where they could only muster 2 hits. 2 hits? There are 6 goddamn All-Stars on this team and we get two hits against the Oakland A's? Yes because this kid is the real deal.

Like some sort of space vortex that continues to churn out pitching prospect after pitching prospect, the Athletics have struck gold AGAIN with their youthful rotation this year, and have set themselves up for years to come. Anderson, on Monday, was dotting the corners with his 96 mph fastball, buckling knees with his TWO breaking balls (slide-piece and yakker) and then laughing at Red Sox hitters when he threw his almost unhittable change up. This kid is GOOD.

When looking at this 10 game homestand that goes up to the ASB you would think a minimum of 7 wins would be acceptable now we're gonna need to bust our ass to try to get to .500. And for a team that's playing .700 ball at home, that's not going to get the job done.

Stay Tuned

Ryan

Disecting Raffy

Rafael Palmeiro came out the day before our Independence Day and still vehemently denied knowingly taking steroids. Maybe it's the optimist in me, but I want to believe this guy. He said he received a "b-12 from a teammate." I'm going to go out on a limb and blatantly point a finger at Miguel Tejada, but, To each his own.

Everyone remembers the testimony of that day and he seemed almost agitated that anyone would even assume that he even knew what steroids were let alone infect his body with something that will hinder his health if he stops using them.

He also went as far as to say that he wishes that the list from '03 would be released because "HE WASN'T ON IT." Wow! If he is that positive (no pun intended) that he isn't on that Scarlet Letter-like list I feel as if the MLBPA owes it to someone who COULD be a HOFer to peruse the options of clearing his 'good name.' Maybe you don't make the list public but how about bringing the Hall of Fame committee list of voters and tell them who was on the list so that this doesn't affect the legacy of certain players.

No one is going to know who was taking what before that but at least you'll have the reassurance that some players, iconic players, are still around and play this game clean.

The other point that I would like to touch on is that I am PETRIFIED of the Tampa Bay Rays. They are coming back with a Herculean like win streak and are the only team in the American League that scares me. Yes, Yankee fans your team is FAR inferior to not just my hometown nine but that expansion team that licked our boots for YEARS. If you can get a bullpen we'll talk but until then you're not slugging your way out of this division.

Stay Tuned

Ryan

Something In The Water

With two of the more improbable back-to-back comebacks Red Sox Nation is left with a sense of pride and a happy end to a LOOOONG Road trip. I guess I should probably touch on the genocide that the O's put on our bullpen the other night. Only to have Karma come right back and bite them in the ass! Of course I still think we may be winning with the Mother's Day Miracle being replayed every last Sunday in May.

First off, Smoltz, (not that I needed any) But I am completely reassured that he will not only help but be a FORCE to be reckoned with come September and October. This also enables us to not have to use "He Who Shall Not Be Named", and anytime this happens it's a good day/season. I was pretty pissed when the rains came through not just because Smoltz didn't get his win but because after playing baseball for 15+ years in that kind of weather it gives the team who's throat you have a stranglehold on, room to breath. The much needed respite was precisely what those Orange Birds needed.

It was going smoothly but when the diminutive leader Dustin Pedroia took off for the dugout after only two outs (Yes Dustin we play three in this league) the wind was taken right from their sails. I said it aloud in my house when Masterson came back out for the 7^th that there is something strange about to happen. And I would say blowing a 9 run lead with 9 outs left to play qualifies as strange.

We threw everyone but the kitchen sink (and by Kitchen Sink I mean Daniel Bard) at them and it was to no avail. That third inning for Masterson was nothing short of Bad News Bearish. Okajima was more like Nagasaki, Saito was Hiroshima, and Papelbon albeit with inherited runners was less than sharp. Tough loss, but have to say we were probably due for a stinker being that no one scores on our bullpen for weeks at a time it seems.

All was atoned for though on Wednesday afternoon, Getaway Day. The O's Rookie Bergeson, well on his way to Rookie of the Month, was not overpowering but the Red Sox (like they always do) made the rookie look like Roy Halladay, who consequently makes everyone look like rookies, but that's neither here nor there. For Eight baffling innings we did almost nothing. Dustin snuck in an RBI in the early going and after that we were praying for his exit from the game.

I'll tell you one thing as a manager if it ain't broke don't fix the damn thing. Bergeson had just eclipsed the century mark in pitches and could have gone one more and EASILY handled getting the win for them. But No, everyone has to get a save. I don't care that he's a rookie. He's a pitcher, let him pitch. He has been stifling the opposition for 8 STRONG innings and you're going to take him out to put in, *ahem* Jim Johnson? WHO THE HELL IS JIM JOHNSON.

Once this happened I knew the Sox were going to win the game. I didn't know how but I knew that this game was going to be going in the W column for the hometown 9. So it was no surprise when they brought in their closer and he had a fit of wildness reminiscent of Greg Vaughn in Major League and then a questionable check swing went their way, all to be topped off by the Woonsocket Rocket fisting a ball just out of the reach of Robert Andino (another WHO THE HELL ARE YOU is warranted here.)

Maybe it's luck. Maybe it's Karma, hell maybe it's just baseball. But something's in the water when these two teams play each other.

Stay Tuned

Ryan