Thursday, May 31, 2012
Pretty Girl 05.31.12 - Courtney Henggeler
MVotD - Semisonic - Closing Time
It's always closing time somewhere... ;-j
If only I knew who I wanted to take me home...
Captain's Thoughts: Tim Thomas Moving to Colorado
I love how Joe Haggerty added the word "abruptly," which makes Thomas' move seem like he bolted in the night, having the movers tip-toe as they hauled away their furniture in covert silence.
Haggerty, and now others in the sports media, have jumped to the conclusion that Thomas decided his future in Boston wasn't going to extend past the 2011-12 season. Thomas has a no-trade clause which expires on July 1st, next year is the last on his contract, and the Bruins could use the cap space. And that's why he moved his family to Colorado.
I'm not saying that I think Thomas will be here next season. Because I don't. But I seriously doubt that his uncertain future with the Bruins was the motivation behind this move. It doesn't make sense. If he didn't think he'd be a Boston Bruin in the fall, why not wait and see what team he'd wind up with, then move there?
I think he got tired of living in Boston. The White House story set sports radio on fire. People insinuated that he was racist, some blamed him for the team struggling after that, some guy from TSN made a joke on Twitter about his three children all having names that start with K ('KKK').
His three children are 12, 7, and 6. Which means they were going to school with the sons and daughters of Bruins fans who were angry with Thomas for being a distraction. If I were a father, I'd get tired of my kids taking crap in school because someone else's parent was mad at me for not attending a White House photo op.
In Haggerty's column, he called Colorado "more politically conservative" than Massachusetts. Name me a state (apart from Vermont) that isn't more politically conservative than Massachusetts. It is impossible to move from Massachusetts and not move to a more politically conservative state.
Haggerty makes it seem as though Colorado is in the Deep South. Obama won Colorado in 2008. Both Senators from Colorado are Democrats. Three of the seven Representatives are Democrats. The Governor is a Democrat. It's a moderate state.
I think Thomas got tired of the incessant questions and aggravations he and his family dealt with in their daily lives in suburban Boston. Haggerty points out that his source mentioned Thomas might have wanted to be near Team USA's headquarters in Colorado Springs. Haggerty then dismisses this quite reasonable explanation because of that word "abrupt" I mentioned earlier. Why so quickly?
Again, how abrupt was it? Is there any way to know how long Thomas might have been planning to move and just didn't want to say anything because he was already trying not to talk about his personal life with the media?
Haggerty got a weird bit of info and jumped to the most sensational and exciting conclusion possible. He didn't bother to consider other alternatives to the conclusion he reached. He didn't even bother to look at a Wikipedia page about Colorado's Congressional Delegation. He just went with it.
Good job, Joe. Responsible journalism at its finest.
No wonder Thomas moved away from here.
-The Captain
Tigers @ Red Sox Preview
Red Sox go for the sweep of the Tigers today as Beckett faces Max Scherzer. Since the whole ugly incident where Beckett got booed off of Fenway he's gone has gone 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA. He's pitched at least seven innings in each of those three outings. There is a part of me that worries if Beckett will just fall off again, but he has been pitching well so it's hard to criticize.
You think Beckett is tough to figure out try Max Scherzer. He could either get lit up for 5 runs over 3 innings, or pitch 7 innings with 15 Ks. He hasn't been good in his short career against the Sox as he is 0-2 with an 11.81 ERA (his highest against any opponent) in 4 starts.
David Ortiz, 7 for 12 with 2 homers 3 doubles and 5 RBIs in the series, is 6 for 8 with 2 homers off Scherzer. Adrian Gonzalez, who has two hits in 11 at-bats against Scherzer, is batting .300 (12 for 40) during a team-best 10-game hitting streak. Those two guys should be enough to get to Scherzer.
Red Sox win 8-4
Player of the Game: Ortiz
Game starts at 7:10pm
Evidence Tim Thomas Is On His Way Out?
According to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com, several sources report Thomas "abruptly" moved his family from their Boston-area home to Colorado ... mid-season. The alleged change in residence might be considered extra weird since Thomas had been relatively rooted in Boston -- and New England in general -- for several years. And Haggerty suggests the move could speak volumes to the 38-year-old's current intentions.
"... His move to the more politically conservative state of Colorado might explain why Thomas has been so noncommittal when asked about retiring as a Bruin. He also wasn't very forthcoming in declaring his happiness as a member of the Bruins organization after the team fell to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs this season ... (ESPN)"
I think this has more to do with Thomas knowing that no matter what next year is his last with the Bruins. There is no way they bring him back, as long as the resign Rask. I have been saying it all offseason, but I think the best move is to move Thomas. He is the best player on the the Bruins, but it's his last year and we either trade and get something for him or risk losing him for nothing. Plus, if you are going to resign Rask, it's going to cost a decent amount, and it would just be too much money wrapped in two goalies, and the Bruins will have some holes to fill.
Ortiz Says No To HR Derby
David Ortiz told WEEI.com Wednesday that he will not participate in the Home Run Derby at this year's All-Star Game if asked.
"No, man. Last year was it for me," Ortiz said. "I can be the captain if they want me again, but I won't participate. I'll just be cheering for the guys (WEEI)."
Ortiz basically went all Sergeant Murtaugh "I'm too old for this shit", and thank God. I don't want any Red Sox players in this. Gonzo hasn't been the same since, and with everyone on the Red Sox doing their best Mr. Glass impressions I don't even want anyone from the Red Sox in the All-Star game. Honestly, if you're a Red Sox fan don't vote Red Sox into it. Let them rest in a padded room.
Nicklas Lidstrom To Retire Today
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will announce his retirement after 20 NHL seasons at a news conference Thursday afternoon. Lidstrom is one of the best defenseman that has ever lived. 7 times he was voted the NHL top defenseman, and 3 times he was the runner up. That means half the time he was in the NHL he was either the best or 2nd best defenseman in the NHL, that's pretty amazing.
Lidstrom never missed more then 11 games in a season. Even in his last season (actually the year he missed 11 games) Lidstrom had 34 points and a plus-21 that ranked among the league leaders.
This 12 times All-Star, 4 time Stanley Cup winner, 7 time Norris Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Gold Medal winning is a no doubt Hall of Famer, and even though I have never liked the Red Wings he will be missed.
NBA Draft Is A Joke
As a referenced before the NBA Draft lottery was last night, and not surprisingly the team owned by the NBA got the first pick. Really, it was so obvious who it was going to that it was hard to watch.
According to HOOPSWORLD, the NBA required the new owners of the Hornets to be in attendance of the NBA Draft Lottery. It does seem like the NBA already knew who the winner was before the show started.
If you're going to do something like this do it out in the open. Show us that it's not fixed. Don't just read cards, show us that this was how it was picked, that it was random, because between the horrible officiating, one ref already caught for fixing games, and the NBA Draft it's hard not to think this is all just one big predetermined scam.
Anyways, here is the draft order for the first round...
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. Charlotte Bobcats
3. Washington Wizards
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Sacramento Kings (from Bucks)
6. Portland Trail Blazers(from Nets)
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Detroit Pistons
10. New Orleans Hornets(from Wolves)
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Milwaukee Bucks
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Houston Rockets
15. Philadelphia 76ers
16. Houston Rockets(from Knicks)
17. Dallas Mavericks
18. Minnesota Timberwolves(from Jazz)
19. Orlando Magic
20. Denver Nuggets
21. Boston Celtics
22. Boston Celtics(from Clippers)
23. Atlanta Hawks
24. Cleveland Cavaliers(from Lakers)
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. Indiana Pacers
27. Miami Heat
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
29. Chicago Bulls
30. Golden State Warriors(from Spurs)
Red Sox 6, Tigers 4
Since coming off the DL, Youkilis is 9 for 31 (.290) in 8 games. He's getting on base. He's hit 2 homeruns and knocked in 12 RBI. He only had 9 RBI in 18 games in April. I think it's safe to attribute some of his struggles in April to his injury.
With players like Pedroia and Ellsbury on the DL, it's tough to trade Youkilis away. And at the same time his trade value increases, his value to the Sox also increases.
Jon Lester gave the Sox a good start. It's amazing how well the team plays when the starting pitching does its job. He went 6.2, throwing 120 pitches. He was charged with 4 earned runs, but 1 of those was an inherited runner that Albers allowed to score. He allowed 10 hits, but he didn't walk anyone, and he got 7 strikeouts.
Lester is a key figure to the Sox' success. It's hard to imagine the Sox making the playoffs (let alone winning in the playoffs) if Lester isn't performing. He's been a rock in the rotation for a few years now. This year he's been shaky. He needs to put together a few good starts in a row and get into a rhythm. He doesn't have to be an Ace. He just has to be consistent.
I'll give a tip of the cap to Alfredo Aceves, who's pitched in 4 straight games. I'll show more restraint with my appraisal of his performance this season. He's blown 3 saves. One of those came in this 4 game stretch. He hasn't been bad. But let's stop declaring him things that he's not. Only 4 other relievers have blown more saves this season.
Then again, he has stepped up and adequately filled a role the Sox needed to fill. It's not his fault that Papelbon wasn't re-signed, that Bailey got hurt, and that the Sox didn't acquire a starter so they were forced to put Bard in the rotation.
I'm liking Daniel Nava more and more each game. He had an outfield assist in the 7th that proved critical. If he doesn't throw out Avila at second, the 7th inning might have seen Detroit take a lead, not just tie the game.
Marlon Byrd also made a spectacular diving catch.
Guys like Nava, Byrd, and Aceves are easy to root for. There's no doubt that they're giving 100%, and that they're hungry to win.
The Sox are now 13-13 at home. They'll look to sweep the Tigers tonight. Beckett faces Max Scherzer. The Sox tagged him for 7 runs in 2.2 innings back in April (then lost 13-12). He's settled down since then, and has had a decent May. But the Sox should still win this apparent mismatch.
-The Captain
Heat 115 Celtics 111
Last night you saw one of the best basketball games I have ever seen in my life. The problem is on the very same night we saw some of the worst things about the NBA you will ever see. First, right before the Celtics game starts they had the lottery drawing (more on this in a later post). Before the picks were ever announced I did a quick look down the "most likely to get the #1 pick list", because I knew damn well the Bobcats weren't getting it. Looking down the list I see the Hornets. The team that is owned by the NBA (to be sold soon), hmmm I wonder who will win. Either I'm a God, or the NBA is turning in the WWE, because that's exactly what happened.
Whatever, who gives a fuck. The Celtics are coming on.
Celtics came out hot going up by 15 point at one point. Everything was clicking. Rondo is doing whatever he wants, Pierce hitting his fadeaway, all is well. The Heat rally and are able to close to gap to 7 by halftime. This is worrisome, as the Celtics are the older team and the Heat are starting to gain some confidence.
2nd half starts horribly. Heat score 35 points in the 3rd quarter. It looks like all is lost. Really, at this point I am debating whether or not I should just call it a night and get some sleep. Heat go up by 7 points, KG looks like he might puke, Rondo has played ever minute of the game, yet Rondo gets his legs under him again. It was one of the most amazing playoff performances I have ever seen in my life. Celtics rally...
Celtics are down 3, and Ray Allen ties it with just 34.3 seconds left tied in the 4th. LeBron comes down and misses a layup, but gets his own rebound. It's Rondo vs LeBron one on one. Rondo is yelling at him the entire time. Getting in his head. LeBron gets a somewhat open look, but like so many other times in his career he misses it.
Going into overtime, I still didn't think the Celtics had a chance. Pierce at this point had fouled out on a bullshit call. Rondo scored all 12 of Boston's points in overtime, but it wasn't enough, as the Heat finally pulled away, but this is just where the story starts.
Rondo went in for a layup with 1:33 left in overtime. He gets hit right in the face by Wade, no call from that point on the Heat buried the Celtics. It changed the whole game. Heat got an easy lineup, it was basically a 4 point turnaround. I normally wouldn't say that, but Rondo was hitting everything.
I hate blaming refs, but this game how can't you. Instead of writing a whole thing about how bad it was, let's just do it in list form...
- Celtics attempted 29 free throws, LeBron alone attempted 24.
- The Heat as a team attempted 47 free throws.
- LeBron had 2 fouls called on him all game. Since the Pacers vs Heat series started LeBron has never had more then 2 fouls called on him in any game. Wade also only had 2 called on him.
- Wade hit Rondo in the face no call.
- LeBron has 4 more free throw attempts (24) then field goal attempts (20).
- Celtics F Greg Stiemsma had four fouls in the first quarter, the first NBA player to do that since 2009.
You have to wonder if the comments made before the game, where the Celtics said they were going to put the Heat on the floor had any influence on the game. Listen, I think the Heat are the better team. I think they were going to win this series, but last night the Celtics out played them and they should've won.
Rondo, you are the most confusing player of all-time. I can't figure you out, and I'm done trying. Last night, was one of the most amazing games I have seen any player have. I don't know why you can suddenly hit jump shots, or why free throws aren't that big of a deal for you anymore, or why you can't bring it like this all the time, but I am done criticizing you. You are an enigma, but a great one.
Rondo's final stat line. 53 mins (whole game), 44 points (16-24), 10 asts, 8 rebs. All 12 points in OT.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Celtics vs Heat Game 2 Preview
Game 1 was an unacceptable way to lose the game by the Boston Celtics. They let LeBron and Wade get to the rim at will and they gave up 19 lay ups, which is ridiculous. We really need to get Brandon Bass, Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus going, because they have been pretty much awful these whole playoffs. I never thought I would see the day where they are cheating off of Ray Allen leaving him open to help with KG and Rondo, but it's true he's become a liability.
Also, expect more technical fouls this game, the Celtics have been talking to make it more of a physical game and that's what they are going to need to do, however, the refs know that and the Heat know that so their will be short fuses all around. The Celtics should be pissed this game after the mockery the Heat made of game 1 with taunting and showboating.
It's hard to call out this guy, but Paul Pierce needs to be a beast offensively. He settled for a hard jumpers and a ton of bad lay up attempts. He also didn't shoot a free throw in game 1. He needs to be THE TRUTH for us to have a chance.
If Rondo stays aggressive and KG can dominate we can win this game and I believe that will happen. Also, can somebody run the fucking baseline, Avery Bradly did that and got so many easy points from doing that.
Celtics win 91-87
Tommy Award: Paul Pierce
Tigers @ Red Sox Preview
I am shocked that the Red Sox won last night. I really am, I thought they had no shot. Good for them, and good for Bobby V who I think has done a terrific job lately with so many guys in and out of the lineup and the management of that bullpen.
Tonight we get Lester vs Smyly. I am really getting sick of trying to figure out Lester. We just never know what we are going to get from him. It seems like he brings his stuff everytime out, but if one thing goes wrong (bad call/error) he gets pissed and that's the end of any chance of him pitching well. That's terrible for a guy who should be the leader of this staff. Lester is 3-4 with a 4.72 ERA and is coming off a disastrous outing, giving up three homers in four innings in a 7-4 loss to Tampa Bay. Lester gave up all 7 runs in that game. Lester is 0-2 with a 4.62 ERA in four career starts versus the Tigers, but was good against them during opening day letting up just 1 run over 7 innings.
Drew Smyly has been one of the most surprising pitchers in the AL this year. He is 2-1 with a 3.14 ERA, but teams may be starting to figure him out. He has let up 4 runs in each of his last 4 starts without ever making it to the 6th inning.
This game is a tough one to pick. Like I said I never know what we are going to get from Lester, and the Red Sox usually have some trouble against lefties. It makes me even more concerned that they haven't even faced this kid yet. Still, I got to pick the Red Sox.
Red Sox win 7-4
Player of the Game: Aviles
Game starts at 7:10pm
Phillies Lose Halladay For 6-8 Weeks
"Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay is expected to miss six to eight weeks because of a right latissimus dorsi strain, the latest major setback for the five-time NL East champions. Halladay was put on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, two days after he was hit hard and pulled from a start in St. Louis after just two innings because of shoulder soreness (ESPN)."
Realy bad news for a team that relies to heavily on their rotation, because they can't hit the ball. Halladay has been starting to show his age a bit this year with a 4-5 record and a 3.98 ERA in 11 starts. This injury comes with the Phillies at 26-24 and tied with Atlanta for last in the division, four games behind Washington. With Howard and Utley still out I just don't see the Phillies being able to stay in the race. Actually, I would go as far as to say the Phillies should start looking into trading some of their rotation and begin the rebuilding process.
DeShawn Stevenson Has An ATM In His Kitchen
The Big Lead had this story and I couldn't resist. For a second take a look at that picture. Sure, he is wearing a ridiculous outfit, and it's very odd that he has his pants rolled up like that, but that's not the strange part. WHY THE HELL IS THERE AN ATM MACHINE IN HIS KITCHEN????
Is this like a new thing? Do "ballers" not even want to deal with having to do to an ATM?
Actually I guess it's smart. Less chance you're gonna get robbed. I would love to have an ATM machine in my house.
The Big Lead made this joke, and it's really perfect...
"Considering he has Abe Lincoln tattooed on his throat, you have to assume that ATM dispenses nothing but five dollar bills, right?"
Patriots Cut Anthony Gonzalez
The Patriots have cut Anthony Gonzalez. There was a lot of interest if the 27-year-old slot WR could have a bounce back season after injuries have crushed him over the past few years. Yet, it seems that either these injuries (thumb, foot, knee, shoulder, hamstring, back and groin) are still a problem, or they really just signed him because they were worried that thing with Welker might not go well.
Whatever the reason this isn't a major loss. The Patriots still have 11 WRs on their roster, so this won't be the last well known WR to be cut by the Patriots before the season starts. Plus, the Patriots already have Welker, Julian Edelman and rookie Jeremy Ebert to play the slot.
Zombie Attack In Miami: True Story
"The man who had his face chewed off Saturday afternoon is reportedly a homeless 65-year-old man named Ronald Poppo (guy on the right).
A witness said he saw a man, now identified as 31-year-old Rudy Eugene, chewing flesh from Poppo's face.
Eugene (guy on the left) is former high school football player with a prior criminal record, including an arrest for possession of marijuana in 2008.Eugene is also believed to be homeless at the time of the attack.
Police say as the men laid naked side by side, Eugene tore off the victim's cheeks, nose, and one of his eyes. A Miami police officer shot and killed Eugene after telling him to stop attacking the man."
This is the most horrifying thing I have ever read in my life. I have read this story about 20 times from 20 different sites, and the scene seems like something straight out of the a zombie movie. I am not going to put up the picture of what this homeless man looked like after, but if you google "Miami Zombie" and click images you can see it. I really suggest you don't, because the dude ate his face.
I guess even when the cops shot this guy he kept going, unless finally they fired a couple more shots and he died. There is no word on what this dude was on (in anything), but one rumor is something called "bath salts". I guess I am not up on my latest drug lingo, so I did some research. I guess it's like LSD, and this isn't the first case, actually it's been a growing trend.
Hmmm... Zombie attack... Growing trend...
I am officially on suicide watch.
I have always said that if there was ever a zombie outbreak that I am killing myself before it really gets going. I am not dealing that that shit. It doesn't really ever seem to have a happy ending. Plus, I am not all that fast and have never even shot a gun, so my chances are slim to none anyways. So yea, not dealing with that.
It really surprised me that it was the dude on the left that was eating the guy on the right. Seriously would've thought it would be the other way around. Guy on the right seems like he might eat me.
Why does this shit always happen in Florida? Everytime I hear some really fucked up story it's in Florida. I don't get it. The weather is great, why is every fucking crazy? Is it too nice? Is it the heat. STOP EATING EACHOTHER!!!!
Like I said Google Miami Zombie and click on pictures if you don't feel like sleeping for the next 2-3 months.
Pedroia Wants to Play Despite Injury
Right now, the Sox are in a holding pattern on this injury, waiting to see how much the swelling goes down, and if Pedroia feels any pain. If it hasn't healed and he's not back in the lineup in the next 2 to 4 days, he'll likely be placed on the DL.
Pedroia is eager to play. He's declared a willingness to play even if it still hurts, even if he still feels pain. And the Sox' PR Machine hasn't been reluctant to mention this old-school grittiness.
At first, part of me thought that the Sox should sit Pedroia for 2 weeks, just to be safe. Then I remembered that I'm not a doctor. If this muscle has healed, it's healed. And it might even be medically unwise to avoid using it. From what we've been told, the tear isn't that bad. It's a slight tear in a thumb muscle, not a ripped hamstring or detached quad.
My opinion is this: I don't want Pedroia playing through this injury. If it's still injured, if it requires a splint or any sort of special treatment, I want Pedroia on the DL so this thumb can heal properly and he's available down the stretch. At the same time, I also don't want the Sox to be overly cautious. If the injury has healed, then let him play. Don't make him sit out with his thumb up his ass.
The next 24 hours will determine a lot. Is the thumb healed, or does it need further healing. I only wish the doctors announced the news in this manner:
-The Captain
Terrell Owens Cut By Indoor Football League
Owens signed with the Wranglers in February, receiving a six-figure salary and an ownership stake in the franchise located about 30 minutes north of Dallas. Owner Jon Frankel said Owens' ownership stake has been terminated because he violated his contract.
Frankel cited Owens' refusal to play in two upcoming road games that are critical to the Wranglers' playoff hopes and Owens' no-show for a scheduled appearance at a local children's hospital as the breaking points in the team's relationship with the receiver. ESPN
Well, how the pathetic got more pathetic. T.O. gets cut by basically his own team. He recently came out saying he was broke and has just had a mockery of his should be Hall Of Fame career. Terrell Owens was a headcase and that's what killed him in the NFL. He was just the worst teammate he left every team he played for with a bad taste in their mouths.
Where does he go from here? Probably bankruptcy and then to the unemployment line. With probably any athlete I would say this is a shame, but not Owens, he's a dick.
Around The NBA
120 Spurs, 111 Thunder
Don't let the score fool you, it was not a 9 point game. The Spurs absolutely rolled the Thunder taking a 2-0 advantage on the series. The Spurs look like the team to beat in the NBA. They are so good, so polished and so deep. Tim Duncan struggled last night, but has been a monster defensively, Manu Ginobelli is still a squirrely fuck that scores in odd ways and Tony Parker has been playing like the MVP of the playoffs but those aren't the only stars on the team, They get a help from cavaliers cast off in Danny Green, Stephen Jackson, and Tiaggo Splitter.
As for the Thunder, I was worried about them going into this series due to them relying on 3 people so much offensively. Basically Durant, Westbrook and Harden need to outscore the Spurs every game and that's just not going to happen. They got 68 from the 3 last night and that's just not going to cut it, especially when their "point guard" shooting 10 for 24.
I said before the series Spurs in 6, but I don't know if the Thunder will be able to win a game.
Red Sox 6, Tigers 3
They weren't supposed to do it last night. All the explanations and excuses were lined up in advance. Verlander was on the mound for Detroit. The Sox' #5 starter Bard was facing him. It seemed a foregone conclusion that the Sox would lose. But they didn't.
If you're going to wait until May 29th to go over .500, you'd better make it special. Or at least interesting. And the Sox did that. They got to Verlander, one of the top pitchers in the game. Bard had a very Bardlike game, but Valentine was able to retrieve him before any major damage was done. The bullpen did a solid job finishing the game. And Aceves didn't allow a homerun.
The Sox got 10 hits off Verlander, including 3 doubles. They also got 4 hits with runners in scoring position. Verlander's ERA increased 0.40 thanks to the 5 runs he allowed in 6 innings last night. It increased 18.6% from 2.15 to 2.55. If that happened to Beckett's ERA, it'd go up 0.77 points.
Daniel Nava's 3 run double in the 4th was the biggest hit of the season. There were 2 outs, the bases loaded, a full count, and the game would turn on the next pitch. Verlander would either escape the jam and the Tigers would eventually score on Bard and have a good chance to win. Or, Nava would get a hit, give Bard a cushion, and put the Sox in the driver's seat.
After that, the Sox didn't mess up and lose control of the game. The bullpen did its job. Ortiz had an RBI double in the 5th and a solo homerun in the 7th to pad the lead. Detroit's not a very good offensive team (9th in the AL in runs scored), and the Sox took advantage of that.
Ortiz has returned to his role as the heart of the Red Sox lineup. He leads the team in the following categories: runs, doubles, homeruns, total bases, walks, batting average, OBP, SLG, OPS.
Now that this hurdle has been overcome, the next step is to keep up some of these good habits we've seen lately. We've seen very few bad starts from the pitchers, the bullpen has stabilized, the offense is getting clutch hits in game-turning situations. That's a winning formula. It starts with the starting pitching, and the rest falls into place.
The Orioles, Rays, and Yankees all lost last night. The Sox are only 3.5 games out in the division, and 1.5 out of the 2nd Wild Card. The opportunity is there.
Jon Lester pitches for the Sox tonight. Drew Smyly is on the mound for Detroit. Smyly was good in April. He's been bad in May. He has a 6.75 ERA in his last 3 starts.
-The Captain
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tigers @ Red Sox Preview
The Red Sox always seem to get to the point of being about to get over .500 line and then lose. Tonight, most likely will be no different. Not only do the Red Sox have to go against the best pitcher in all of baseball, but they will most likely be doing so without the help of Dustin Pedroia, who jammed his thumb yesterday.
Bard is on the hill for the Red Sox. His main problem is his control, he had 4 walks last game, and for the season has more walks (29) then strikeouts (28). The other alarming thing with Bard is his dramatic drop in velocity. When Bard was in the bullpen he could pitch anywhere from 97-100, now he pitches more like 90-92. That is a pretty big drop. You expect some of it, because he needs to spread his stuff over more innings, but that is much more than I thought it would be.
I wish I could say today is the day the Red Sox finally make it over the .500 mark, but there are just too many thing going against them tonight, and I don't see this game being very close.
Tigers win 7-1
Player of the Game: Verlander
Game starts at 7:10pm
Dolphins To Star On Hard Knocks
After a drawn-out offseason process, HBO has decided to showcase the Miami Dolphins on this summer's version of the hit reality TV series "Hard Knocks."
Ehh, it's better than the Jaguars, but not the most exciting thing in the world. I guess it will be cool to see Tannehill compete with Matt Moore and David Garrard for the Dolphins' starting job, and I am sure Reggie Bush should be pretty entertaining, but other than that I am not all the pumped.
I guess in the end the show is always good, just don't expect it to be anything close to as good as the Jets one was.
Pau Gasol To Bulls?
Pau Gasol is going to want to stay in a cave for a few months, because he's about to get hammered even more with questions speculating where he could be traded to and how he feels about it. Today's fun rumor comes from Bull.com's Sam Smith who writes that Gasol would like to be traded to the Bulls.
The interesting part, according to Lakers' insiders, is Gasol would like to play for the Bulls. And what you hardly need any sources for is to see how he and Bryant basically can't stand one another. It was no secret around L.A. what all those post series comments were about. "We got to be committed to each other," said Ron Artest. "This year we wasnt as committed collectively, and that hurt us a lot." Said Bynum: "We just werent doing it together.”
Honestly I feel bad for Gasol. Dude seems to always get ripped on. From Laker fans, to the media, to his own teammates (Kobe), and I really don't think he deserves it as much as he seems to get it. For his sake I hope he does get dealt, because I do think he has some good years in him. The Bulls would certainly be an interesting team, but it would be all about cost. Some say Boozer, and Gibson, which would be a terrible deal for the Lakers. The other deal would be Deng, and I don't see the Bulls doing that. I do think the Lakers are going to deal one of their big men, but their biggest problem is Kobe's contract which is going to be the biggest in the NBA next season.
Jered Weaver Injures Back
Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver was unable to record an out on Monday against the Yankees, as he was pulled from the game after three batters with what has been diagnosed as a lower-back injury.
Weaver tried to stay in the game throwing a warmup pitch only to wince in pain and head for the dugout. He said after the geame it felt like someone stabbed him in the back. It is really tough to say how long Weaver will be out. It could be something simple like a nerve just got a little pitched, to something much more serious like Buchholz had last year.
This comes at a really bad time for the Angels. They are riding a 7 game winning streak and are finally back to .500. They are going to have a tough time getting back in the AL West race, but could still make a Wild Card run. Rumors is if Weaver has to go to the DL Garrett Richards could be called up, but he has over a 6.00 ERA this month, so I don't know how strong of an option that is. I guess if it's something long term they could try to jump into the Oswalt race.
Dodgers Make Offer To Roy Oswalt
Rumors are going around that the Dodgers have made an offer to Roy Oswalt, but it is also being reported that the two sides are not close. From everything I have read it sounds like it is just a matter of time before the Rangers sign him. The Dodgers, Red Sox, Orioles, and Phillies are said to all be in the running, but from the start we have heard the Phillies and Rangers were the most likely. I see no chance the Red Sox will be in this. They already made him an offer during the offseason and he didn't jump on it, plus they really don't have a spot for him at this time, unless they change course and send Bard back to the bullpen.
Oswalt is rumored to be making his decision within the next week or so.
Red Sox Reach .500... Again
The Rays finally took a series from the Sox. The Rays' pitchers quieted the Sox' bats. The Sox only scored 10 runs in their weekend series. And while Saltalamacchia won Saturday's game with a walk-off win, Alfredo Aceves returned the favor to Tampa Bay by blowing a save. His 3rd blown save of the season.
Jonathan Papelbon has yet to blow a save this season.
People have been praising the Red Sox bullpen. But such praise is merely selective memory. In the last 20 games, the bullpen has been decent. The 20 games before that, not so much. Looking at the guys that are out there, none of them are guys I'd classify as tough-situation-relievers. When the game is on the line, how confident are you when Padilla or Albers comes jogging in from the bullpen? Be honest.
The Sox scored some runs off Doug Fister yesterday, and that's not easy to do. They got 11 hits off him, including 3 doubles and a homerun. It was Saltalamacchia's ninth. He has 5 more homeruns than Adrian Gonzalez, in 69 fewer at-bats, and for $19.6 million less salary. He's been a nice and surprising offensive contributor.
The Sox got another very respectable start from Doubront. Prince Felix went 6, allowing 2 runs off 4 hits and a walk. He struck out 6. He's 5-2 on the season, which means he's the winningest pitcher in the rotation. He's the only Sox starter with an ERA under 4. Again, a nice and surprising contributor.
I enjoy rooting for the Felix Doubronts and Jarrod Saltalamacchias on this team. They try. They care. They're playing to the maximum of their potential. And they're the reason this team is .500 and within shouting distance of a playoff spot.
As I said at the start of this post, the Sox are 0-5 when they've had a chance to be over .500. Technically, I suppose it's 0-6 since they lost their first game (when they were 0-0). I'm not overly optimistic that they'll improve on that mark, as Verlander is on the mound for Detroit. Bard is pitching for the Sox.
-The Captain
93 Heat, 79 Celtics
Well that sucked, but I'm not going to get overly discouraged due to this game ending like this. They kept the game close until the 3rd happened. The huge problem last night with the Celtics is that they stood around on offense and settled for jumpers. Nobody was in attack mode, and even the jumpers they settled for open looks that they just missed.
The things that killed the Celtics were:
Missing open jumpers primarily Pierce, Bass and Ray Allen
Missing 10 free throws
The refs, technicals, 4 "huh" technicals. That was dumb
They will be fine. And I think the Heat showboating will come back to bite them in the ass.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Pretty Girl 05.29.12 - Ann Lux
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Pretty Girl 05.28.12 - Jaimie Alexander
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Pretty Girl 05.27.12 - Irina Shayk
Friday, May 25, 2012
Rays @ Red Sox Preview
Red Sox did what they needed to do against the Orioles winning 2 out of 3 and now are just 5 1/2 games out of first in the AL East. Winning games in your division is huge right now, when you are trying to dig yourself out of the cellar. The Sox have a good chance to do that with this 3 game series against the Rays. Looks like the Red Sox have a pretty good chance at doing so with Lester on the mound and a 3-1 record against the Rays at Fenway.
Boston has outscored Tampa Bay 36-14 in the wins, and David Ortiz is batting .455 with a home run, four doubles and eight RBIs in the season series. Lester is trying to win his third straight start. He wasn't that great against the Phillies, but pitched a CG the game before. I really think Lester has turned the corner, and this is a lineup that isn't that great and I am hoping to see a gem tonight.
Going against Lester is youngster Alex Cobb. Cobb is actually from Boston, so this will be a homecoming for him. Cobb took the rotation spot of the injured Jeff Niemann on Saturday, and the right-hander allowed two runs and struck out six in seven innings of a 5-2 win over Atlanta in his season debut. Like all Rays pitchers he has a ton of talent, but the Red Sox still should be able to take care of this guy.
Red Sox win 5-2
Player of the Game: Lester
Game starts at 7:10pm
Are the 76ers and Celtics Like the Tortoise and the Hare?
In my version of the tortoise and the hare, I'd have the hare purposely losing the race because he bet on the tortoise in Vegas. Then he gets killed by mob guys who lost money betting on him.
Anyway, the Celtics remind me of the hare. Their record in games that they can eliminate an opponent speaks for itself. They struggle to beat teams that they've already beaten 3 times. That's weird.
They take a kind of break. Instead of 110%, they only give 95%. No big deal, right? So long as there's enough gas in the tank to win when it matters, then fine.
What worries me a bit is that in this series, I don't know if they can just step it up for Game 7 and be the odds on favorite to win. I have a feeling like maybe they've let the 76ers stick around for too long. And now Bradley is out. His replacement Ray Allen isn't capable of playing a full game of productive basketball (on either side of the ball).
The Celtics are more talented than the 76ers. But that advantage is hedged by the Celtics' age and health.
The 76ers have also shown more character in this series than the Celtics have. They've won a game in Boston, they've outplayed the Celtics in close 4th quarters, they've recovered after getting blown out, they came back from a 17 point 3rd quarter deficit to win. They have taken full advantage of every opportunity the Celtics have given them.
The C's have not taken advantage of the opportunities given to them by the 76ers.
The Celtics are still the hare. It's their game to lose. In the fable, if the hare simply stopped fooling around and picked up the pace, he would have beaten the tortoise. That's what the Celtics have yet to do but still can do.
-The Captain
Bruins Trading For Rick Nash?
"... Most expected that the Blue Jackets would be looking for Tuukka Rask in any Nash exchange given Columbus' dreadful performance between the pipes, but indications to CSNNE.com from several places are that the Blue Jackets are looking for either Milan Lucic or Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton as their desired price tag. Seguin is an untouchable for the Bruins coming off a sophomore NHL season where he blossomed into an All-Star performer, but Lucic appears to have his name coming up more and more often in trade discussions ..."
Instead, Haggerty proposes a Jackets/Bruins deal could go down if Columbus GM Scott Howson is willing to accept a package including forward David Krejci and picks/prospects in return (CSNNE.com's Joe Haggerty).
I have said before I am totally opened to trading Krejci and/or Lucic. I am guess from this article that they wouldn't just do a deal for Thomas, which makes sense since they were the worst team in the NHL last year and Thomas is too old to grow with that team. If I was the Bruins Seguin and Hamilton would be untouchable, but if they could do a deal that was either Krecji or Lucic and prospect picks for Nash I think it would be a good deal. The problem here is money. Nash makes almost 8 million a year for the next 6 years. His age is right (27), but that is a lot of money tied in one player and my thinking is that the Bruins would have to deal Thomas as well in another deal to clear the cap space to be able to bring in Nash and resign Rask.
Nash is really good, I know his numbers have declined over the past coupe years, but I really that has more to do with him playing on a shitty team. This is something very interesting to keep an eye on and I am starting to here the Bruins mentioned in a lot of trade rumors.
Orioles To Extend Adam Jones
If it wasn't for Josh Hamilton then Adam Jones would most likely be you AL MVP to this point in the season. He is currently batting .311 with 14 HRs 29 RBIs and 6 SBs. The rumor is a deal somewhere around 6 year $120 million, which is a lot of money, but this kid is 26 years old and that deal gets him during his prime years and seems to be just reaching his potential. The Orioles are in first place, and although I very much doubt they will be there at the end of the year they have a lot of the building blocks for the future. If they could just add some pitching they could really be a dangerous team.
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