Fear Strikes Out

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24907382177737846832012-02-16T06:42:17.145-04:00Fear Strikes OutA father nestled in the heart of Red Sox Nation <br> corresponds with a son trapped in the shadow of the Evil Empire.Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.comBlogger1291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-25602209540611021172007-10-29T21:01:00.000-04:002007-10-29T21:44:52.206-04:00Champions Again!

Our 2004 World Series apparel is not yet even tattered or faded, but their replacements are flooding department stores all over New England. Your Boston Red Sox are once again kings of the baseball world. Asking a sports fan to compare championships is like asking a parent to compare children. It can't be done. They are each special in their own way but one thing is certain.You cherish them

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-53031649633081396092007-10-26T21:25:00.000-04:002007-10-26T21:55:41.857-04:00Show Me The Money

Red Sox Nation is rolling to the Rockies and most of the fan base is expecting them to return to Boston with their second World Series championship in the past four years. The Rox came in on a roll, riding a magic carpet ride through what increasingly is looking like a vaporous National League Playoffs.On the field, this appears to be a mismatch. There is little mystery about why that is the case

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-6085383140640603872007-10-25T14:54:00.000-04:002007-10-25T15:36:14.768-04:00A look forward.

With one victory firmly in hand, Sox fans around the world can start to breathe a little easier regarding the Olde Towne Team's chances in the 2007 World Series. As the old saying goes, however, momentum is only as good as the next day's starter; no one should know this better than the Colorado Rockies, who have now won 21 of their last 23 games and find themselves down one game to none in the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-50332020714363870502007-10-22T22:25:00.000-04:002007-10-22T23:11:05.726-04:00Pennant Fever!

Well they did it. And they did it impressively. 30-5 in the three elimination games and 23-4 in the final two in Boston. Despite the lopsided scores, the games were tight and the Sox stepped up. Another flag, the fifth in my lifetime and a second trip to the World Series in the past four years. It doesn't get better than that.So as we wait for Game 1, we have a couple of days to bask in the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-26830515871384637132007-10-21T17:28:00.000-04:002007-10-21T17:54:58.958-04:00Here we are.

Well, they took it one game at a time, and won them both. Now we find ourselves in a familiar position - Game 7. Momentum now resides with the Olde Towne Team, but we are left to wonder if that will be enough to punch their ticket to the World Series.I'd love to analyze all the matchups and breakdowns of tonight's game, looking for any keys or indicators that could provide an insight to the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-49691245989999718602007-10-19T11:27:00.000-04:002007-10-19T11:57:35.609-04:00It's the Pitching, Stupid

And so we live for another day. The Dead Sox are alive. So what is the difference between the listless team that sleepwalked through two dreadful losses in Games 3 and 4 and the vibrant ball club that bounced back with season saving 7-1 win last night? No surprise. The pitching of Josh BeckettThis is no great revelation by the way, but baseball now and forever has been controlled by the pitching.

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-82285298766526782502007-10-17T10:47:00.000-04:002007-10-18T11:05:01.108-04:00It is what it is.

However frustrating these past playoff games have been, I have found it very difficult to be too upset when the final outs have been tallied. The fact of the matter is none of this should be terribly suprising to anyone that watched this team all year. This team is this good, for better or for worse.Maybe this is just what life is like in the post-2004 era, but I'm not tearing my hair out about

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-69208013223439610342007-10-15T21:04:00.000-04:002007-10-15T23:11:03.751-04:00Time for Drastic Measures

I started writing this after watching the non-Ortiz-Ramirez-Lowell portion of the lineup dribble into three feeble outs on 10 pitches in the top of the fifth. Down only 2-0 at the time, it felt like 20-0 since the once again ice-cold Sox lineup was making Jake "6-9, 4.32 ERA" Westbrook look like the white Bob Gibson. When Dice K imploded for another pair of runs as he continued his now seven

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-15548189949875194752007-10-14T15:06:00.000-04:002007-10-14T15:46:20.622-04:00Can't win them all.

Baseball is a game of probabilities, and Cleveland manager Eric Wedge went out of his way to minimize his opportunities as much as he could on Saturday night by green-lighting a series of questionable strategies in Game 2 of the ALCS. Unfortunately, he couldn't screw up enough decisions to cost the Tribe the game.A lot of Wedge's calls were typical boilerplate "old-school baseball" decisions,

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-83689905090421602392007-10-12T22:06:00.001-04:002007-10-12T23:30:03.144-04:00Another Opening, Another Show

As they say on Wall Street, past performance is no guarantee of future returns, but one thing is certain: last night's "contest" was a coolly efficient surgical vivisection of a very good Cleveland Indians team by your Boston Red Sox.This was easy. Too easy, almost, but we'll take it. Billed as a pitcher's duel between Josh Beckett and C. C. Sabathia, this one turned into a breezy 10-3 one-sided

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-82003045025294030432007-10-10T15:54:00.000-04:002007-10-10T16:24:12.285-04:00The 3-Man Rotation

For whatever reason, Major League Baseball has added many extra rest days to the post-season this year, allowing teams with short benches or shallow rotations to hide their flaws on the game's biggest stage. The Boston Red Sox must capitalize on this break from tradition and use only their three best starters in the quest for the club's twelfth American League pennant.Much was made of Indians

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-53085129578077873042007-10-09T12:16:00.001-04:002007-10-10T08:30:59.731-04:00Be Careful What You Wish For

On Sunday night, after the Sox swept away the Angels, WBZ-TV ran a poll to see who Sox fans preferred to see in the ALCS. More than 75% chose the Indians over the hated Yankees. Count me in that overwhelming majority. There is just one problem. The Indians were the much better team.So if the Yankees are the weaker team, why didn't we want to meet them? Well, I can't speak for everyone else, but I

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-52539891635225569232007-10-06T13:51:00.000-04:002007-10-07T15:05:43.883-04:00Built to win.

I know we've only seen these Sox in two playoff games this year, but it is already crystal clear that the team was constructed exclusively to succeed in the postseason crapshoot.In Game One, we had Josh Beckett shut down the AL West champs for his sixth career complete game. In Game Two, we had our rookie hurler run into a bit of trouble, then get picked up by flawless pitching performances from

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-76356711478035379732007-10-04T08:09:00.000-04:002007-10-04T09:04:45.359-04:00We're 9% There

Judging from the reaction to last night's impressive victory by the inane "fans" on the street and the gushing prattle of the bobble heads on the local news anchor desk, you would have expected to pick up the morning paper and read the following headline: "SOX WIN WORLD SERIES IN ONE GAME!"Calm down people. It was the perfect way to start the postseason, but it was what it was: just one game.But

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-62324341276284372322007-10-03T13:15:00.001-04:002007-10-03T13:55:11.221-04:00The endgame begins.

With the playoffs starting tonight, let's lay out a few predictions...1. Patience will rule the day. The Sox have done a great job working counts all season long, and the grandest stage of them all is the best place to show off the war of attrition our batsmen wage on opposing pitching staffs. For the Sox to succeed, they need to get into the opposing bullpen early and often in every series.2.

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-80423177992810898042007-10-02T21:47:00.000-04:002007-10-02T22:32:20.902-04:00Finally...The Postseason!

After the long, stressful regular season, which drags on like a Bobby Abreu at bat, the postseason is finally here. The slate is clean. Everyone starts even and the possibilities are endless for each team.So without further adieu, here are ten reasons why I love the postseason and my first round predictionsThings I love about the postseason:1. Bunting draped around the ballpark and creeping

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-37154331185843153572007-09-29T23:06:00.000-04:002007-09-30T23:22:58.932-04:00There, but for the grace of God, go we.

This morning at my weekly softball game, I was surrounded by kindred spirits longing for a gift from the baseball gods."The Mets can still pull this off, right?" they asked me pleadingly.I didn't know what to tell them.I've been following the unprecedented collapse of the 2007 New York Mets with some interest over the past several weeks. On September 13, the Red Sox were 5.5 games ahead of the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-64106186737346650772007-09-27T22:31:00.000-04:002007-09-27T22:56:48.893-04:00Postseason Heroes?

It's never easy for these Red Sox. Close but yet so far. They can't lose the division now when they are so close, can they? It's not as important that they win as that they don't lose. They've come too far to let the Yankmees overtake them yet again. To do so will subject us to another year of New York taunting if the Sox happen to get off to another lead next year. I for one do not look forward

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-87241849413975763012007-09-23T14:53:00.000-04:002007-09-25T16:17:42.035-04:00It came like a vision.

I had a dream the other night. A vision, if you will.I found myself alone in a pristine white clubhouse, baseball equipment peacefully resting in every corner and crisp white home uniforms hung in every locker.As my eyes adjusted to the scene, the door at the far end of the room swung open and the room was filled with light. A tall man in a baseball uniform with a bat over his left shoulder stood

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-57183630258084590192007-09-21T22:01:00.000-04:002007-09-21T22:41:30.979-04:00You Can't Blame Tito

As the Sox continue to stumble to the finish line, everybody is desperately searching for a scapegoat. Reading game threads on the Sons of Sam Horn or listening to talk radio, it's apparent that everyone is zeroing in on manager Terry Francona as the reason for the recent death spiral.Looking at it objectively, there is simply no justification for blaming Tito.Look, Tito drives me crazy some

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-72074160522467746402007-09-19T23:00:00.000-04:002007-09-19T22:35:20.633-04:00What fun.

Are we close enough for you yet?If the Sox go 10-0, they win the East.If the Sox go 9-1, they win the East.If the Sox go 8-2, the Yankees need to go 11-0 to tie.If the Sox go 7-3, the Yankees need to go 10-1 to tie.If the Sox go 6-4, the Yankees need to go 9-2 to tie.If the Sox go 5-5, the Yankees need to go 8-3 to tie. If the Sox go 4-6, the Yankees need to go 7-4 to tie.If the Sox go 3-7, the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-81206678446174474312007-09-17T21:41:00.000-04:002007-09-18T09:26:11.770-04:00The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Ho hum. Another series with the Yankees. Another lost series with the Yankees. If the Sox wanted to gear it up for the playoffs, they should have started this weekend. They didn't. But all things considered, all the news was not bad coming out of another lost weekend to the Bombers.Despite the weekend's disappointing outcome, the Sox will still probably win the division. Although after serving up

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-6724961528220836682007-09-15T22:38:00.000-04:002007-09-15T22:57:43.484-04:00Too much balance?

For the better part of the last hundred years, Red Sox clubs have been notoriously one-dimensional. Any successful Sox team has featured an outstanding slugging club with spotty pitching and absolutely no speed. This was the blueprint, and the Yawkey era very rarely strayed from it.Such a club was featured as recently as the 2003 edition, which featured both a record-breaking offense and John

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-87503337489728917102007-09-13T21:34:00.000-04:002007-09-13T22:17:59.235-04:00The Playoffs Start NOW!

So you can't wait until the postseason arrives? Well, I have news for you. The playoffs start Friday night in a 2 of 3 series against the relentless Yankees. And for all our sakes, the Sox better start playing like their postseason lives depend on it. Because they do.Ok. Enough of the life and death struggles against the Devil Rays and mismatched sparring rounds with the cream puff Orioles. It's

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-17862566640694729002007-09-11T22:31:00.000-04:002007-09-12T10:55:36.395-04:00Lucky 13

After the huge come-from-behind win by the home town team tonight, the magic number has dropped to 13. With the second-place Yankees heading to New England this weekend, the Sox have a golden opportunity to cinch their first AL East crown in over a decade.Here are the simple numbers regarding this weekend's three-game set:If the Sox win 0: Magic number remains 13 with 13 to playIf the Sox win 1:

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-73566143370823126712007-09-09T18:38:00.000-04:002007-09-09T19:29:26.293-04:00Ups and Downs

As we head into the homestretch, we can see the playoffs on the horizon. Now would be a good time to take a look at what is currently encouraging with the Sox and what should concern us.The bad news is that most of the downs concern the pitching staff. Not good considering we have banked all year on the fact that we will have the better pitching in the postseason. So let's start with the bad

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-15882638196946494222007-09-07T14:15:00.000-04:002007-09-07T14:44:57.874-04:00Fan Support: A right or a privilege?

The other day, I was discussing J.D. Drew with a fellow Sox fan who is less than enamored with the enigmatic right fielder. When I took up the cross that the J.D. defense has become, the fan responded with something that got my mind working."I don't just root for guys because they're on the Sox. They have to earn it."I'm sure by this point we've all heard the old Jerry Seinfeld and/or George

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-61102711706141095872007-09-05T21:57:00.000-04:002007-09-05T22:52:04.446-04:00Random Thoughts...

Musings while watching the Sox cough one up to the Blue JaysIs JD Drew EVER going to come through in a big situation? He failed again tonight whiffing with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh with the Sox leading 4-3. As the $70 million bust returned to the dugout Tito tapped him on the behind in encouragement. He should have whacked him in the back of the head with his fungo bat.And

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-36554956535882243802007-09-03T21:24:00.000-04:002007-09-04T09:45:41.855-04:00No need for "excitement"

With the September 1 roster expansion and subsequent infusion of youth on the Boston roster, an unnecessary level of expectation and pressure have been placed on the Sox superstars of tomorrow. And those expectations are not going to be tempered when one rookie casually tosses a no-hitter, followed by another going deep and securing the day's top Web Gem in a single game.Can I make a request,

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-54213253572512023392007-08-29T20:30:00.000-04:002007-08-30T11:31:03.718-04:00The Search for Testicles - A Greek Tragedy

The trials and tribulations of the Boston Red Sox over the years have been likened to a Greek tragedy. Everyone thought the 2004 season ended that long running drama. Unfortunately, it looks like a new production has opened on Broadway this week with the the debut of "The Search for Testicles - The Story of the 2007 Red Sox."The Red Sox came into New York with no pressure, having beaten up on the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-59306047930153884442007-08-27T22:51:00.000-04:002007-08-28T00:21:38.588-04:00All Quiet on the Western Front

It's that time of year, friends. We are less than twenty-four hours away from our first heaping helping of Yankees/Red Sox fall baseball, where playoff implications seem to hang on every pitch.The Red Sox are up eight games with thirty-one to play, six of those thirty-one against the suddenly downtrodden Bombers. While the Red Sox joined me in the Big Apple this evening, the Yankees were badly

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-74295136529808269262007-08-26T13:42:00.000-04:002007-08-26T19:11:09.831-04:00Do these Sox have the Killer Instinct?

The surging Sox have shaken out of their doldrums in the past week and appear to have broken out of their maddening mediocre three month run. They will go into New York for a crucial series with at least a 7 game lead. They have their foot on the throat of the Bombers and have a golden opportunity to finally choke the life out of a New York team that has refused to die. The question is, do the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-76848587532726220692007-08-23T22:37:00.001-04:002007-08-23T23:50:15.016-04:00A look into the past...

With the rainout tonight, I thought it would be fun to poke through some fun old newspaper columns I found while cleaning out the Condardo family attic this weekend...---BOSTON, August 19 1955 - With wins in five of their last six games, the Boston Red Sox have secured their First Division standing and now rest only three and one-half games behind the American League leading New York Yankees. The

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-47292707363373868602007-08-21T21:31:00.000-04:002007-08-21T22:52:31.712-04:00Strictly Business

Theo Epstein continues to be haunted by the colossal $106 million blunder known as the J. D. Drew and Julio Lugo signings. If this pair of disappointments doesn't make a dramatic turnaround down the stretch, the following scene could be playing out in the Red Sox offices following the season.Theo Epstein sat in the darkened office, his tie loosely hanging around his neck, his hair disheveled. He

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-33196593126508166682007-08-19T23:11:00.000-04:002007-08-19T23:53:43.668-04:00This Week In Baseball

The lead is down to four with thirty-eight games remaining on the schedule. And although every one of these games will be critical to the season's final outcome, the next eleven days present an interesting series of challenges that could very well swing the East one way or the other.For the next eight days, the Red Sox and the Yankees will be taking their respective shows on the road. The Sox

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-68969297412414895102007-08-17T22:50:00.000-04:002007-08-17T23:46:31.384-04:00Wily Mo? No!

Thankfully, the Wily Mo era has ended. The trade to the Nationals for a bag of balls and a gift certificate to Home Depot was the best Theo could do to unload his white elephant. I have been vocal most of the year that Wily Mo was not going to make it in Boston in the American League and needed to be shipped out. His play both at bat and in the field increasingly resembled someone trying to play

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-41602357741365439322007-08-15T23:49:00.000-04:002007-08-16T20:29:29.542-04:00The Fascination with J.D. Drew.

Somebody spot me here, because I'm going out on a limb.I have a funny feeling that David Jonathan Drew is going to carry the Red Sox into the playoffs.Everyone has been complaining about Theo's "great mistake," wondering how the Boy Wonder manages to hold on to a job when he signs stiffs like Drew instead of...instead of...well, it doesn't matter that no one else was available, Theo sucks!And

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-79743796703501062952007-08-13T11:51:00.000-04:002007-08-13T23:19:48.231-04:00At The Crossroads

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - ConfuciusWhen the 2007 season is over, I believe we will look back at the Lost Weekend of August 10-12 as the turning point of the season. The Sox have suffered through two devastating giveaway-losses that exposed the club's offensive impotency, head-up-their-butts baserunning, and shaky defense and showed the first

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-88307007062395348762007-08-11T23:34:00.000-04:002007-08-11T23:49:36.924-04:00"Gagne" is French for "Win"

I've always been a huge Eric Gagne fan, and I couldn't have been happier when the Sox spun two-month wonderkid Kason Gabbard for the big closer. If Gagne pitches to form, this trade could be viewed in years to come on a similar level to the 2004 trade deadline deals that defined Theo Epstein as a general manager. In the interest of full disclosure, I do confess that Gagne falls into major

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-39973671828436167982007-08-09T08:20:00.000-04:002007-08-09T23:08:09.870-04:00Sox Must Deal With Lester Problem

During Spring Training, when the "Jonathan Papelbon as starter" charade was still being played out, I strongly urged that Paps be returned to the back end of the bullpen where he belongs and that Jon Lester, who looked strong despite being only months removed from his recovery from cancer, should be inserted into the fifth spot in the rotation. Kevin in New York, quite correctly, argued that this

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-48423412761681848002007-08-07T23:41:00.000-04:002007-08-08T00:35:35.983-04:00Patience wears thin

Its a marathon, not a sprint.That's what I keep telling myself, but losing these games in such devestating and embarassing fashion night after night makes me want to go ahead and run right off a cliff here at the proverbial 18-mile marker.Maybe its just that this particular team is skilled at losing in spectacular fashion. They went through a stretch earlier this summer where they lost a lot of

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-41610731956211194272007-08-05T22:10:00.001-04:002007-08-05T22:10:59.428-04:00Keep On Comin' Yanks - Please Make It Close

Seeing how emotional I am regarding the Red Sox, you would think that the fact that in the last month, the Yankees have played .733 ball versus the Sox .555 and have chopped 4.5 games off what once was a double digit lead for the Sox in the AL East lead would be causing me to go mental. Yes, I realize the Bombers have fattened up on a ridiculously cupcake schedule and have made their run largely

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-36446808389586827782007-08-03T22:32:00.001-04:002007-08-03T23:27:23.071-04:00Thunder, Lighting, and Red Sox Baseball

Just as the smell of freshly cut grass signals the start of a new season and the foliage marks the end, the trade deadline and the dog days of summer are best punctuated by torrential downpours and lightning illuminating the sky. And even now, nothing takes me back to my childhood more quickly than listening to baseball on the radio during a sweltering August thunderstorm.A lot of Boston natives

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-25044025164432121462007-08-01T22:37:00.000-04:002007-08-02T00:11:41.084-04:00Slumbering Sox Need Awakening - Cowboy Up Two?

Yes, they won last night. Yes, they got Eric Gagne and the Yankmees didn't. Yes, Curt Schilling looks healed and ready for the stretch drive. Yes, they sport all those wonderful stats that Kevin in New York can rattle off so impressively.But as true as all those things are, there is no denying that there is something missing from this team.Call it heart. Call it drive. Call it whatever you like,

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-76791022368838183192007-07-30T17:50:00.001-04:002007-07-30T17:50:34.747-04:00Kevin plays GM

Tomorrow is Trade Deadline Day, and you know what that means: lots of speculation and little action. To aid in the public discourse, I'll throw another chunk of speculation out there and run through the move I'd be looking to make if I was in Theo's chair.Speculation is running rampant around the league that Mark Teixeira will be moved before four o'clock, and many clubs have thrown their hat in

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-29306954477247698412007-07-28T14:36:00.000-04:002007-07-29T00:09:23.525-04:002004 vs. 2007: Compare and Contrast

With the trading deadline looming, there's lots of talk surrounding the key deals Theo pulled off in 2004 that shook the Sox out of their malaise and propelled them to the promised land. This has led to the inevitable comparison of that 2004 team with the present 2007 edition of the Sox.Even Mike Timlin weighed in recently, saying "we have a good team. If I'm trying to compare 2004 and 2007, yeah

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-9683386047353253592007-07-26T23:21:00.001-04:002007-07-27T00:55:54.404-04:00The deadline approaches

With the trade deadline looming, it is critical to accurately assess both at what level a team will need to perform to succeed and also what pieces can be added to reach that level. Let's assume a team can succeed with a batting average around .290, OBP at about .367, slugging near .450, and score about 5.25 runs a game. We also need a pitching staff that can maintain an ERA around 3.5, strike

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-55618461706837090922007-07-24T19:43:00.000-04:002007-07-24T20:18:20.840-04:00Far too often...

A Stand Must Be Made!Too many times in the history of the Monster, players like JD Drew, who have great talent, are robbed of home runs due to slacking umpiring crews, as well as the dreaded shelf. So i designed a few ideas that might possibly end this horrible hassle which has pestered us for so many years.This is the mouse trap design. Self explanatory, ball hits, they all go off, we clearly

Coreynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-11128168903004396492007-07-22T22:29:00.000-04:002007-07-23T13:07:30.934-04:00Rolling the dice on Lester

One year ago, he was the most valuable prospect in the Red Sox organization. In Spring Training, there was much clamoring in the Hub for the lefty to break camp with the big club. Now, as the trade deadline looms, the young fireballer with the significantly diminished trade value is joining the club as the second lefty in the rotation and a stopgap replacement until Curt Schilling is able to

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-37310614117522549102007-07-18T21:13:00.001-04:002007-07-18T22:23:32.826-04:00Hot Stove, Cool Music, Dead Team

I think we have a priority problem in Red Sox Nation.Sox GM Theo Epstein is busy finalizing plans for his Hot Stove, Cool Music concert at Fenway in August. The way his Dead Sox are playing lately, he may want to start the event with a funeral dirge. Theo created this mess and he needs to answer for it.But there is a reason he isn't spending any time trying to fix this dysfunctional bunch. Thanks

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-45650521060405208922007-07-16T21:21:00.000-04:002007-07-16T22:39:19.747-04:00The sickness known as baseball fandom.

Anyone who fancies themself as a die-hard sports fan regularly has experiences in their everyday life that puts their sporting obsession in sharp and embarrassing perspective. This morning, I had such an experience when my alarm clock went off. You know that moment, after you've opened your eyes in the morning but aren't yet fully conscious, where the reality of whatever dreams you were having

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-55668024912685919572007-07-14T22:20:00.001-04:002007-07-14T23:29:28.407-04:00ARod to Boston: Pro's and Con's

As Alex Rodriguez continues to put up telephone numbers in the Bronx, his negotiating leverage continues to rise. In recent weeks, ARod's "opt out" option has become a hot topic. Today the New York Daily News reported that sources say the Sox, Larry Lucchino in particular, still would love to see ARod don a pair of carmine hose.The question for Red Sox Nation. Do WE want him?When faced with a

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-60855564673144692322007-07-12T22:44:00.001-04:002007-07-12T23:33:07.966-04:00All-Star Break Headlines from an Alternate Universe

BOSTON - When old-time baseball folk say you can never have enough pitching, pay attention. They know what they're talking about.The Boston Red Sox, featuring a five-man rotation of Schilling - Beckett - Matsuzaka - Papelbon - Wakefield, have capitalized on every available opportunity and hold a 15-game lead going into the All-Star break.Perhaps the most important decision of the season occured

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-42390780488326957092007-07-10T22:25:00.000-04:002007-07-10T23:02:03.047-04:00Time for TitoBall

Okay. To Kevin from New York's point, all that matters is the numbers. Best record in baseball. 10 game lead in the AL East.But let's not fool ourselves. The Sox have the same record they had last year. The only reason they have a double digit lead in the division instead of the 4 game bulge they enjoyed last year at the break is because the Yankees and Blue Jays have been so impotent so far.I

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-46320970360539104192007-07-08T22:55:00.000-04:002007-07-10T00:58:47.513-04:00Half way home

Here's the short and dirty version: 53-34 (.609) with a 10-game lead in the American League East.Any evaluation of this team at the midway mark has to start and end with these numbers, which are the only ones that make any difference in the end.For all the flaws this team has exhibited in the last month, they still possess the best winning percentage in Major League Baseball, and that surely

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-32028353934633416572007-07-06T16:54:00.000-04:002007-07-06T23:26:01.606-04:00Can we keep him??? Please, can we???

I absolutely know better. I understand I am getting swept up in the hysteria. I realize it is a very "pink-hatted" thing to say, but I'm going to say it anyway.I want Jacoby Ellsbury to stay with the big club. I know that the flashy rookie was only up for a cup of coffee and is now heading back to Pawtucket. But does he have to leave? Why can't Jacoby stay with us?As an aside, every time I see

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-59177004046853160372007-07-04T23:58:00.001-04:002007-07-05T00:49:01.528-04:00Should we O.K. Oki?

I'm not that old, and even I can remember a time when baseball's All-Star Game was the most important sporting event of the summer. Wondering how the stars of each league, who as far as we knew had only seen each other on ESPN highlights, would fare against each other in direct competition provided conversation fodder for weeks. But now with interleague play and the ever-prevalent free agent

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-3316714005343616712007-07-02T15:34:00.000-04:002007-07-02T22:57:43.639-04:00Time to Shuffle the Deck?

Exactly when did the Red Sox turn into the 1906 Chicago White Sox, aka the "Hitless Wonders?" For those unfamiliar, the Pale Hose of 100 years ago won a World Championship with dominating pitching and anemic hitting.After their June Swoon, this year's Carmine Hose appear to be heading down the same path. However, whether they can duplicate the '06 championship feat with their lineup bumbling

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-10223708784839137292007-06-30T22:09:00.000-04:002007-06-30T22:36:47.888-04:00The fire is out in the Bronx

Irony has once again reared its ugly head in the Bronx.With Scott Proctor setting fire to his equipment in a bout of frustration after today's loss and the miniseries "The Bronx is Burning" coming to a television near you, flames seem to be a regularly recurring theme for the Pinstripes.In fact, the only place the fire seems to be lacking in the Yankee universe is within the team itself.In an

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-47650343021211538002007-06-28T13:03:00.001-04:002007-06-29T09:51:13.796-04:00Justice from the Baseball Gods

A hush came over the cavernous hearing room. Walled in dark mahogany, the room wreaked of formality but colorful pennants representing all teams from the beginning of baseball history hanging from the ornately carved ceiling gave the room a vestige of vitality. The immense door to the judges' chamber opened and everyone rose. Five figures majestically made their way to a row of high backed

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-50658328650725457102007-06-26T23:25:00.000-04:002007-06-27T00:07:30.320-04:00Hurly Buehrle

Rumors are swirling around Yawkey Way regarding the possible acquisition of Chicago's Mark Buehrle to bolster the rotation for a playoff run. Although it is true that a club can never have enough good pitching, I don't think the benefits Buehrle would bring outweighs the king's ransom we'd need to pay for four months of his service. Mark Buehrle, the 28-year old lefthander who has spent his

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-89917730966321481722007-06-24T22:40:00.001-04:002007-06-24T23:37:29.177-04:00Aces Wild

With two of the best pitchers in the majors, Josh Beckett and Jake Peavey going at it today, I thought is was a good time to do a Bill Simmons-ripoff running diary of what might prove to be one of the best games of the season.4:00 pm - I feel good about this one Despite looking helpless last night against Chris Young, I think the Sox will bounce back today. They are 18-4 in days games which bodes

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-4498866088977398612007-06-22T23:19:00.000-04:002007-06-23T01:12:48.169-04:00What can you get for $875,000?

We all know that the economic environment of Major League Baseball hasn't been based in any form of reality for the better part of twenty years. This alternate reality was taken to a new level this week, however, as the $28-million-dollar man Roger Clemens took the hill in Denver for the New York Yankees.The math has been done over and over again in the media, but I'm so giddy that I have to put

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-22368918736726420252007-06-20T21:14:00.000-04:002007-06-20T22:41:48.932-04:00Me and Julian Down by the Ballyard

Has any player in recent Red Sox history turned the fan base around in more dramatic fashion than Julian Tavarez? From the doghouse...with the emphasis on "dog" in early 2006...to fan favorite in 2007, the quirky Tavarez has turned out to be fun to watch and one of Theo's better moves.When the Sox signed Tavarez in the offseason following the 2005 season, we in Boston knew little about him. Most

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-85996378008470251342007-06-18T23:27:00.000-04:002007-06-19T00:24:11.002-04:00Coco A-Gogo?

You may not have heard about it yet, but there is a possibility that the Sox just pulled off what could end up being the most crucial deal of the season.It looks like they may have traded Coco Crisp '06/'07 for Coco Crisp '04/'05.I know, I know, its waaaaay to early to be drawing any conclusions about Crisp's strong couple of days at the dish. Although the sample size may be small, I am not as

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-89133121298032567192007-06-17T00:28:00.000-04:002007-06-17T00:58:57.053-04:00Holding Tight

The bridges around here are getting quite crowded with people lining up to jump off. The truth is, it may be just a tad early for that.So as a Sox Community Service, some random thoughts as we try to maintain our composure during this rough patch.1. Let's all get a grip, okay? The Yankmees have won 10 of 11, while the slumping Sox have won only 6 of 11. The Yanks feasted on a cupcake schedule,

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-54534351181683140932007-06-14T22:47:00.000-04:002007-06-14T23:09:39.043-04:00I've seen this movie before.

When the Yankees were sinking like a stone, I bit my tongue. Buried behind enemy lines as I am, I consider keeping the joy of Sox to myself to be both polite and a smart way to avoid physical violence.I even went so far as to feel bad for about a quarter of a second for some of my pinstripe-loving friends, who were suffering through what appeared to be an insurmountable series of losses. What an

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-19549998818173124162007-06-12T22:21:00.000-04:002007-06-12T22:38:20.668-04:00It's All My Fault

To quote the former leader of TedNation, "I APOLOGIZE A THOUSAND TIMES!"Everything was going fine. The Sox were cruising. The Yankees were bruising and losing. And I had to go and screw it all up.I went on vacation.I should have known better.Usually, I won't even move from the chair I'm sitting in if things are going well for the Sox. So what do I do when things couldn't be going better for the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-57117567885861367942007-06-02T19:59:00.000-04:002007-06-02T21:06:58.741-04:00I Like Mike

Watching Saturday afternoon's game against the Yankmees, I began to get a familiar sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Between Schilling and Wakefield spitting the bit again, Wily Mo flailing at curve balls like a drunk swatting away imaginary flying elephants, Julio Lugo careening toward the Mendoza line and the Sox leaving men on base at an alarming rate, I began to seriously wonder if

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-83050793656893412002007-05-31T23:54:00.001-04:002007-06-01T01:56:20.738-04:00Let's still be friends.

Everyone has been there. That moment when you see That Person again for the first time since they fell out of your life. That Person who meant the world to you. That Person who changed your life for the better. That Person that you never wanted to hurt, but That Person who just didn't work out in the end.And when That Person comes back into your life, even if just for a fleeting moment, all the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-42931046770351004232007-05-29T22:32:00.000-04:002007-05-29T22:49:51.365-04:00"The Fault Dear Brutus...

...is not in our stars, but in ourselves."You don't necessarily associate William Shakespeare with our national pastime, but in the quote above from Julius Caesar, the Bard offers sound advice which the Yankees and their fans should take to heart."It is almost becoming silly to talk about the Yankees anymore as they "battle" to stay out of the cellar and are becoming an ever shrinking spec in the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-6326176335591741132007-05-27T23:38:00.001-04:002007-05-27T23:44:04.796-04:00A Night at the Dinner Table

Frankly, it doesn't get much better than this.It’s seven-thirty and the aroma of spaghetti and meatballs is making its way up the stairs to my room. It enters my room, my eyebrows raise, and I lick my lips. I go down the stairs, stepping on five of twenty-five, triple hopping, unaware of the potential injuries one could face in this same situation, acting as if the food is going to be eaten by

Coreynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-51445317950960142712007-05-25T20:40:00.000-04:002007-05-26T01:25:11.749-04:00Drew Value?

We're going to do a before and after treatment tonight, focusing on what is fast becoming one of Theo's big busts of 2007: J. D. Drew. As Kevin from New York has pointed out, no one more than Drew has benefited from the fast Sox start. He has flown, or should we say wobbled, under the radar after tailing off from his fast start.Time to get out the magnifying glass. I'll outline my opinion before

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-30604775508144271722007-05-23T00:44:00.000-04:002007-05-24T01:08:36.787-04:00To The Front!

Q: How can you spot the Red Sox fans at Yankee Stadium?A: They're the ones looking at the field.Tonight I had the opportunity to participate in the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry for the first time in The House that Ruth Built, and the experience managed to disappoint me on a wide variety of levels.I arrived at about 6:45 to my seats in the uppermost of upper decks in right field, just inside the foul

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-30569452106344653732007-05-21T21:38:00.000-04:002007-05-21T22:47:31.459-04:00Just what the doctor ordered

Monday night was the hard slap across the face. The splash of cold ice water. The vigorous shake of the shoulders.Snap out of it Red Sox nation. It ain't over yet.There appears to be no middle ground when it comes to Red Sox fans. We go from zero to 60 faster than a Porsche Carrera. It's either "they" really stink or "we're" going all the way. There never appears to be anything in between for the

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-79272863508131108222007-05-19T23:33:00.001-04:002007-05-20T00:10:56.925-04:00Good news from the front.

They're beginning to sweat in New York City.There are several occurances in the city I've come to identify as barometers of the Yankees' success - the most prominent being my "Yankees hats in Time Square" test (amount of Yankee hats in midtown=level of on-field success). A more accurate but lesser-used test is the "Jeff the Yankee Fan" examination - a close friend of mine from college is a

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-46079222964433659502007-05-17T22:15:00.000-04:002007-05-17T23:10:23.122-04:00C'mon Get Happy!

Rereading our last two posts, I can understand why people are beginning to think that Kevin and I are head cheerleaders for the next depression. We have taken the phrase "cautious optimism" to stupefying levels. Enough of that. Sweeping the Tigers today and taking two of three from the defending pennant winners should dispel any unfounded worries.Why should we stop to smell the roses? Let me

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-4488236451267675472007-05-15T23:30:00.000-04:002007-05-16T00:20:24.052-04:00"The Dirty Dozen"

Walking by the newsstand today, I was stopped in my tracks by the headline blaring from the back page of the Daily News."The Dirty Dozen: 12 Games that could decide Yankees' season."Combined with the logos of the Yanks' next four opponents and a picture of a semi-comatose Joe Torre, the caption for the graphic reads, "With his team 8.5 games back in AL East, Joe Torre could face disaster in next

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-30662015284136616892007-05-13T01:01:00.000-04:002007-05-13T20:20:31.327-04:00What Me Worry?

It's apparently official. Six weeks into the season and the Red Sox can do no wrong. For proof, you need look no further than today's improbable win over the O's, a game the moribund Sox had no business winning. But they won it. Everything is going their way. The Sox own the best record in the Majors and are playing at a near-.700 clip. They have an 8 game lead in the AL East and appear to be

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-44418803567534269892007-05-11T23:02:00.000-04:002007-05-12T00:33:26.762-04:00The Lightning Rod

You may or may not have heard that Curt Schilling has a lot of opinions and he's not shy about sharing them. While some have called for Curt to just shut up, I think he should keep talking as long as he can still think of things to say.Do I care what he's talking about? Not really. I'm more interested in Curt pulling the focus of the Boston media on to himself and off of his teammates.If

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-60423233058461176912007-05-07T22:28:00.000-04:002007-05-09T23:11:08.126-04:00Back to the Future

New, York, NY. In a stunning announcement Sunday, the New York Yankees took another monumental step in their new strategy of getting younger and cheaper by signing soon to be 45 year old Roger Clemens to a contract that will pay him $153,000 per day.The Yanks brass confidently announced that the Clemens signing was just the beginning of a complete overhaul of the Bombers' roster caused by their

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-22982569099088590892007-05-07T13:05:00.000-04:002007-05-07T18:43:44.935-04:00Not quite a storybook ending

For hours and hours at a time, I'd launch baseballs at the chalk-outlined strike zone on my chimney. I'd mix my pitches - start out with a four seamer away, then go to a curve on the inside black of the dish; I'd waste another heater high, and then get the invisible batsman to chase a devastating forkball that would dive out of the zone at the last second, then richochet off the brick and down

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-86437319705829610032007-05-05T23:14:00.000-04:002007-05-05T23:44:07.585-04:00Oh what a relief it is

In years past, the news that Mike Timlin was heading to the DL would be enough to send hordes of Sox fans to the window ledge. This year, no such angst occured when the 41 year old Timlin checked out with tendinitis in his shoulder. The reason: Timlin wasn't even in the top five of what is turning into the most effective Red Sox relief corps in recent memory.About two months ago, I ripped Theo

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-41458535052264720132007-05-03T22:28:00.000-04:002007-05-03T22:58:21.886-04:00Loser walks.

As the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." When it comes to the New York baseball universe, however, the phrase should be something more like, "When the going gets tough, the Yankee fans get out their Mets gear."I have worked in or around Times Square in the middle of Manhattan for the majority of the two years I've spent in New York City, and one of my favorite

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-53128256441110495572007-05-01T21:57:00.000-04:002007-05-01T22:43:24.849-04:00Spring Fever

Oh what a glorious April! Palpitating partisans of Sox nation, trying to maintain their composure, have been innoculating themselves against PPF (Premature Pennant Fever) with heavy doses of "It's only April." The feeble effort isn't working as a giddy fanbase marvels at what the Sox accomplished in the first four weeks of the season and is experiencing feverish delusions of what may follow.Back

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-7683259071452513252007-04-29T21:53:00.000-04:002007-04-29T22:48:59.853-04:00The Last Days of Joe Torre?

An ominous wind is blowing in New York City.It wouldn't be the first time Joe Torre's job security has been questioned. One could argue his greatest managerial skill is his ability to hold the rudder steady when the tempests of the metropolitan market begin to kick up. Players who have spent the majority of their pinstriped careers look to Joe as a father figure, the stoic face of a legendary

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-70537650040327484812007-04-27T12:23:00.000-04:002007-04-28T00:14:51.394-04:00What's to be done about Wily Mo?

As the giant man-child Wily Mo Pena strode to the plate to face O's closer Chris Ray last night with the bases loaded and one out and the Sox needing a run to tie the game, I turned to Kevin from New York and said, "Tito can't let Wily hit here, can he? We need Hinske. Or Cora. Someone who can put the ball in play. Don't we?"Wily didn't put the ball in play. He put it in the Sox bullpen for a

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-45466934121363019222007-04-25T16:31:00.000-04:002007-04-25T17:41:19.805-04:00The next generation?

In the wake of Trot Nixon's premature retirement from the game of baseball, the Red Sox entered the season without an heir to the prototypical Dirt Dogs throne. Theo has trimmed the "blue collar" contingent on the active roster from its peak in 2004 (Millar, Bellhorn, Damon, Nixon, Varitek, Youkilis, Mirabelli, Timlin, Embree), and even the holdovers from that season, with the exception of

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-40917717825661987362007-04-23T23:16:00.000-04:002007-04-23T23:42:08.516-04:00Broomin' the Bombers

Yes, I understand it's only April, but it feels a whole lot better saying "It's only April" after we've won three games from the Yankmees than if we'd lost them. And let's face it, the Sox really HAD to sweep the series considering the injury problems New York is struggling through. Which by the way reminds me, I don't remember hearing any qualifiers last August during "Boston Massacre II" when

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-21251915800835238792007-04-21T21:17:00.000-04:002007-04-21T22:13:10.982-04:00

"Torre vowed all spring that he would not, would not, would not ask Rivera to pick up multiple-inning saves this year, hoping to maximize Rivera's platinum plated arm...Torre meant it, he swore he really meant it. And maybe he did. At the time."I lied," Torre said, still grinning. "What can I tell you? I didn't plan on lying." -Mike Vacarro, today's New York PostWho can blame Joe? If a manager as

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-22579352892937947282007-04-19T21:35:00.000-04:002007-04-19T22:36:05.322-04:00The Empire Advances

A long time ago (2004), in a galaxy far, far away (New York)...It is a period of civil war. Red clad rebels, striking from a hidden base in Boston won their first victory in 86 years against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle the Red Clad Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans on the way to defeat the Empire. Pursued by the Empire's sinister Cashmen, Prince Theo races home from

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-48590785276812924862007-04-17T22:05:00.000-04:002007-04-17T22:50:57.818-04:00Oh, Captain.

We've been spoiled over the past ten years.Catchers are a rare breed. On the baseball diamond, they are the quarterback, coach, and amateur psychologist all rolled into one. They are both the field general and the bearer of the tools of ignorance. There have been many great receivers throughout the years, but very rarely are they as outstanding with the bat as they are behind the plate. Jason

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-91253982931355114932007-04-15T19:13:00.000-04:002007-04-15T20:58:33.916-04:00Patriot's Day: A Father and Son Tradition

The Red Sox have played their quirky Monday morning game on Patriot's Day since 1960. For a dozen years, Kevin from New York and I established our own traditional celebration of this unique New England holiday.Beginning in 1990 and continuing through 2002, Kevin and I would truck into Fenway on Patriot's Day morning for the Sox game. It became our tradition. From the time he was 6 and just

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-70992419063717257682007-04-13T20:33:00.000-04:002007-04-17T22:50:44.723-04:00Time for The Rocket to land

With Yankees starter Mike Mussina slated to miss at least one start thanks to a note from his mother, the Yankees rotation has degraded to Pavano-Pettitte-Igawa-Rasner-Brian Cashman. They are in need of another arm more than ever. And that is exactly why the Boy Genius needs to bring Roger Clemens' career full circle in the next month.Many fans, including Tom in Boston, are of the opinion that

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-45827876391779148712007-04-11T21:46:00.000-04:002007-04-13T20:32:53.787-04:00Brain Dump

Random thoughts while watching Felix Hernandez one hit the Sox.*It's tough forming opinions after only a week and a half of play and with the horrible weather we've had, although Kevin from New York does always accuse me of making emotional snap judgements. But despite the opening day outburst against the Mariners, doesn't this Sox lineup appear to be very "soft"? And with Manny and Big Papi not

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-70550644797537023352007-04-09T23:59:00.000-04:002007-04-10T00:28:47.565-04:00The Unbiased Opinion: A Summary of a Different View

The majority of my baseball knowledge comes from two men, infatuated with arguing with each other, but in the corner I have always sat listening. Waiting for my chance.Call me Julian Tavarez or Kyle Snyder. Heck, call me David Pauley. Tonight, I sit here on my computer, where I have read just about every post of this blog. Requested to act as the “5th starter”, as my older brother Kevin stated,

Coreynoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-74863239510238408172007-04-07T23:10:00.000-04:002007-04-07T23:32:41.831-04:00Blinded By The Daylight

Rant Warning! Rant Warning!I hated this opening week of Red Sox baseball. And it had nothing to do with the results of the games.Not that they weren't exciting. You had the festive opening day, despite the fact that the Sox threw up all over themselves like a baby who had consumed a bad can of Gerber's. Then we had Dice K's memorable first game as a member of the Sox. Followed by an impressive

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-33613459751673031022007-04-05T13:56:00.000-04:002007-04-05T22:40:50.753-04:00Matsuzaka!

The Matsuzaka Era begins today. And what better way to mark the occasion than to keep a SportsGuy running diary through the afternoon?Even if he actually did do a Running Diary himself this afternoon. Oh well.I (conveniently enough) have the afternoon off and thought it would be best for posterity to keep a running record of my first impressions on this highly-touted import.And to add a slight

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-63816481754221322972007-04-03T22:21:00.000-04:002007-04-03T22:35:04.347-04:00Man The Lifeboats

Control. Control. It's only one game. Must maintain Control. The hell I do.After all the hysteria, hoopla and high hopes, the 2007 Boston Red Sox opened the season by taking a hot, steaming dump in the fountain at Kansas City's Kaufman Stadium. Owner John Henry sat in the front row and watched as he spent the first million of his $160 million payroll. What did he get for his cool mil on this warm

Tom Condardohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09373943940929651446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2490738217773784683.post-73945517890411648022007-04-01T20:17:00.000-04:002007-04-03T14:10:53.012-04:00Let the games begin.

Somewhere in the middle of the country, the defending World Champions of baseball (regular season record: 83-78) are doing battle with the enemies of our enemies (and therefore our friends), who live in a big ugly blue donut down the street from me.No, I'm not on drugs - but I do have a bad case of Baseball Fever!(April Fools! I bet after reading that intro, you thought you wandered across the

Kevin in New Yorkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01670766868975467900noreply@blogger.com1