I just wanted to welcome to our list of followers one of my two favorite people in the entire world. No, YBL, not Arlen Showstack or Dave McKay, even though they are way up there.
Welcome to Cousin Stu's Stats, my son Justin Sklaver. He is now a follower of our new, but hopefully illustrious blog. Who's my other fave? My daughter Stacey, of course.
Justin's friend Ben, is a follower of Justin's blog, so I guess in a round about way, he is also one of our followers.
Justin is out in San Francisco trying to finish college and create the best video games in the world.
If anyone wants to see any stories from "The dude", let me know. I'll pass it on to him. Maybe he can give us a little insight of the Bay Area.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Trivia answer
The player who hit in all 14 World Series games that he played in ( a record) is the one and only Roberto Clemente.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Trivia time
Almost forgot today's trivia question....
What player appeared in 14 World Series games and had a hit in each one of them (a major league record) ?
What player appeared in 14 World Series games and had a hit in each one of them (a major league record) ?
what a sports weekend!!!!!
I know its really early in the season, but is it THAT early to start getting pumped up about this being TITLETOWN once again???
First off, what's gotten in those Bruins?...A little dose of Milan Lucic magic maybe?...Yesterday, the B's pummeled the Florida Panthers 7-4 @ the Boston Garden. When I say pummeled, I mean it. Just ask ex-Bruin Nick Boynton, who chose to go mano e mano with Lucic, and came up a bloody mess. He looked like Sean Michaels after a match on Monday Night Raw....but the best was tonight...after the B's had to stand and watch, big time Canadien Jerk, Patrick REWWWWAAAA (Roy) get his #33 retired, the Canadiens sent their tough guy who never plays after Lucic, strictly to bring him to the penalty box. Lucic, said Naa ahhh. Not this time. Then scored the goal that tied the game. The B's would eventually win the game in the shootout....Ladies and Gentleman, with tonights victory, Your Boston Bruins, now stand in FIRST PLACE in the NHL East, by a full two points over the Rangers. But, are you sitting down. The B's are seven points ahead of Montreal. OLAY OLAY OLAY OLAY!!!!!!!!!
The Celtics...After that ridiculous suspension of Kevin Garnett last week, you would have thought that the C's would be there for the taking. And maybe they were. But after wins against the Knicks, Detroit and the Timberwolves, they same to be on their way as well. And yes they are also in first place in the NBA East. HOOOO HAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boston College Eagles....Today the Eagles had every reason to lay down and lose to Wake Forest in North Carolina. Not only were they playing in hostile territory, but after jumping out to a 13-0 early lead, they lost their Tom Brady, QB Chris Crane, for who knows how long. His replacement was a redshirt freshman, Dominique Davis, who to be perfectly honest with you, I've never heard of. He went on to play like a freshman, fumbling once right into a Demon Deacon players hand, who walked in for a TD. But, the killer came with about four minutes left. BC was to punt from their, I think the 30-35 yard line. They had a 16-14 lead. All they needed to do was to control the Wake offense, which they had done all day, and it would have been over. But Wake blocked the punt and took over at the BC one yard line. One play later Wake led 21-16. You would have thought it was over....Davis had his bar-mitzvah, he became a man. He drove BC 70 yards in 3 minutes, scoring from the 1 to give BC an exciting 24-21 comeback win. Right now, BC is tied with Maryland for First place in their conference of the ACC.......FOR BOSTON FOR BOSTON
The Pats....We'll talk tomorrow.
First off, what's gotten in those Bruins?...A little dose of Milan Lucic magic maybe?...Yesterday, the B's pummeled the Florida Panthers 7-4 @ the Boston Garden. When I say pummeled, I mean it. Just ask ex-Bruin Nick Boynton, who chose to go mano e mano with Lucic, and came up a bloody mess. He looked like Sean Michaels after a match on Monday Night Raw....but the best was tonight...after the B's had to stand and watch, big time Canadien Jerk, Patrick REWWWWAAAA (Roy) get his #33 retired, the Canadiens sent their tough guy who never plays after Lucic, strictly to bring him to the penalty box. Lucic, said Naa ahhh. Not this time. Then scored the goal that tied the game. The B's would eventually win the game in the shootout....Ladies and Gentleman, with tonights victory, Your Boston Bruins, now stand in FIRST PLACE in the NHL East, by a full two points over the Rangers. But, are you sitting down. The B's are seven points ahead of Montreal. OLAY OLAY OLAY OLAY!!!!!!!!!
The Celtics...After that ridiculous suspension of Kevin Garnett last week, you would have thought that the C's would be there for the taking. And maybe they were. But after wins against the Knicks, Detroit and the Timberwolves, they same to be on their way as well. And yes they are also in first place in the NBA East. HOOOO HAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boston College Eagles....Today the Eagles had every reason to lay down and lose to Wake Forest in North Carolina. Not only were they playing in hostile territory, but after jumping out to a 13-0 early lead, they lost their Tom Brady, QB Chris Crane, for who knows how long. His replacement was a redshirt freshman, Dominique Davis, who to be perfectly honest with you, I've never heard of. He went on to play like a freshman, fumbling once right into a Demon Deacon players hand, who walked in for a TD. But, the killer came with about four minutes left. BC was to punt from their, I think the 30-35 yard line. They had a 16-14 lead. All they needed to do was to control the Wake offense, which they had done all day, and it would have been over. But Wake blocked the punt and took over at the BC one yard line. One play later Wake led 21-16. You would have thought it was over....Davis had his bar-mitzvah, he became a man. He drove BC 70 yards in 3 minutes, scoring from the 1 to give BC an exciting 24-21 comeback win. Right now, BC is tied with Maryland for First place in their conference of the ACC.......FOR BOSTON FOR BOSTON
The Pats....We'll talk tomorrow.
Joe O'Hara and the Farr Academy
I'm sure most, if not all of you know Joe O' Hara, the manager of the Al Thomas A's.
Well, I've read some interesting facts about the guy today that could win him a Shattuck Award. It is even more interesting to read considering that the holidays are fast approaching. You'll want to read on.
Joe works with a 501 non-profit organization, Farr, Inc. They operate three programs for children and young adults who are at risk, disabled or autistic.
One of the schools is the Farr Academy in Cambridge. This facility is a Junior and Senior High School for children who are at major risk for dropping out of school. They have learning and emotional problems and Farr could be their last hope to turn things around.
The Agape Inn in Holbrook is a home for developementally delayed and/or autistic children or young adults. These youths suffer from a wide range of disabilities, either have no families or are taken away from their families by DSS because they simply cannot care for them properly. The children, ranging in age from 6-18, live at Agape with 24-hour care, with full time nursing staffs. They are taught social skills in the hopes of developing them emotionally, physically and mentally.
Lastly, there is the Brookline Infant Toddler or BITC in Newton, which is a pre-school. It's felt that any child regardless of handicapped condition deserves the richest life possible.
To help raise money for these far less fortunate, but just as beautiful children, and to keep these outstanding facilities going...Joe O'Hara wrote this in his Facebook today. I know he wouldn't mind if I shared it with you.
"We have our golf tournament on June 16,2009 at the Indian Pond CC in Kingston. I'm looking for anyone to help out on the golf committee. We meet in Holbrook and Cambridge, whichever is more convenient, and the meetings are not mandatory, as long as I can communicate via e-mail and phone. We need help so that we can reach out and tell our story to more people, hopefully some of whom may also believe in our mission and want to support our cause in any way they are able. We don't know who you might know, so we're hoping to bring aboard some conscientious people to help us with fresh ideas and lead us to more friends"
To reach Joe at Farr the number is 617-497-2620 ext 35
I don't know about you, but I'm extremely proud to say that I know Joe O' Hara.
Well, I've read some interesting facts about the guy today that could win him a Shattuck Award. It is even more interesting to read considering that the holidays are fast approaching. You'll want to read on.
Joe works with a 501 non-profit organization, Farr, Inc. They operate three programs for children and young adults who are at risk, disabled or autistic.
One of the schools is the Farr Academy in Cambridge. This facility is a Junior and Senior High School for children who are at major risk for dropping out of school. They have learning and emotional problems and Farr could be their last hope to turn things around.
The Agape Inn in Holbrook is a home for developementally delayed and/or autistic children or young adults. These youths suffer from a wide range of disabilities, either have no families or are taken away from their families by DSS because they simply cannot care for them properly. The children, ranging in age from 6-18, live at Agape with 24-hour care, with full time nursing staffs. They are taught social skills in the hopes of developing them emotionally, physically and mentally.
Lastly, there is the Brookline Infant Toddler or BITC in Newton, which is a pre-school. It's felt that any child regardless of handicapped condition deserves the richest life possible.
To help raise money for these far less fortunate, but just as beautiful children, and to keep these outstanding facilities going...Joe O'Hara wrote this in his Facebook today. I know he wouldn't mind if I shared it with you.
"We have our golf tournament on June 16,2009 at the Indian Pond CC in Kingston. I'm looking for anyone to help out on the golf committee. We meet in Holbrook and Cambridge, whichever is more convenient, and the meetings are not mandatory, as long as I can communicate via e-mail and phone. We need help so that we can reach out and tell our story to more people, hopefully some of whom may also believe in our mission and want to support our cause in any way they are able. We don't know who you might know, so we're hoping to bring aboard some conscientious people to help us with fresh ideas and lead us to more friends"
To reach Joe at Farr the number is 617-497-2620 ext 35
I don't know about you, but I'm extremely proud to say that I know Joe O' Hara.
Skip's Corner...The Birth of a Champion
This is the very first of many installments of the musings of Skip McCarty, the Manager of this year's Yawkey Baseball League champions, the East Boston Bluefish...
The Birth of a Champion....
The feeling of glory from winning a championship has come and gone, but its never a bad time to go back and reminice.
The road to a championship began four years ago, back in 2005, when the Bluefish entered the Yawkey League. We knew that the league would be a whole lot tougher than where we came from, but came prepared for battle, both for year number one and beyond.
One of the first things I wanted to do was to assemble a coaching staff, because, playing as often as we had, I was hoping to get more than just my own input in molding a championship caliber team.
Out of the clear blue, Larry Charbonneau e-mailed me. This was a former MABL manager asking me if he could come on board to help out. He also brought along with him some very important players with him. A magical three-pack of Nichols College baseball stars, namely 2008 Playoff MVP Chris Santosuosso, Chris Demers and Sean Glavin. These guys have been with the team since the very beginning and eventually play a huge part for the 2008 championship team.
Larry's recruiting would prove to be invaluable, especially prior to the 2008 season. We also brought with us a few MABL veterans to help deepen our bench, including utility man Mike Lembo and jack of all trades Anthony Leonelli. These guys would be heard from again in 2008. They, along with Bluefish MABLers Jeremy Creveling and Al Becker, amongst others, would form the Bluefish of 2005.
The team played well in its inaguaral season, going 22-9-1, includings wins against the top three seeds during the regular season. A #5 seed was the reward in the playoffs, with a chance to face the #4 seed, the Brighton Brewers (then known as the T's Mariners).
A highly competive 5 game series was to follow. But, it was the Brewers coming out on top, with a walkoff 1-0 victory in game 5, even though Chris Demers took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.
2006 and 2007 brought two more playoff appearances, including a semi-final defeat to those same Brewers, setting the stage for 2008.
(Next week) The final puzzles are put together for the 2008 season.....
The Birth of a Champion....
The feeling of glory from winning a championship has come and gone, but its never a bad time to go back and reminice.
The road to a championship began four years ago, back in 2005, when the Bluefish entered the Yawkey League. We knew that the league would be a whole lot tougher than where we came from, but came prepared for battle, both for year number one and beyond.
One of the first things I wanted to do was to assemble a coaching staff, because, playing as often as we had, I was hoping to get more than just my own input in molding a championship caliber team.
Out of the clear blue, Larry Charbonneau e-mailed me. This was a former MABL manager asking me if he could come on board to help out. He also brought along with him some very important players with him. A magical three-pack of Nichols College baseball stars, namely 2008 Playoff MVP Chris Santosuosso, Chris Demers and Sean Glavin. These guys have been with the team since the very beginning and eventually play a huge part for the 2008 championship team.
Larry's recruiting would prove to be invaluable, especially prior to the 2008 season. We also brought with us a few MABL veterans to help deepen our bench, including utility man Mike Lembo and jack of all trades Anthony Leonelli. These guys would be heard from again in 2008. They, along with Bluefish MABLers Jeremy Creveling and Al Becker, amongst others, would form the Bluefish of 2005.
The team played well in its inaguaral season, going 22-9-1, includings wins against the top three seeds during the regular season. A #5 seed was the reward in the playoffs, with a chance to face the #4 seed, the Brighton Brewers (then known as the T's Mariners).
A highly competive 5 game series was to follow. But, it was the Brewers coming out on top, with a walkoff 1-0 victory in game 5, even though Chris Demers took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.
2006 and 2007 brought two more playoff appearances, including a semi-final defeat to those same Brewers, setting the stage for 2008.
(Next week) The final puzzles are put together for the 2008 season.....
Friday, November 21, 2008
2008 Al Thomas A's
As promised, I've been trying to put together some reviews of the 2008 season in the Yawkey Baseball League and what the 2009 schedule looks like.
Alphabetically, Lets start with Joe O'Hara's Al Thomas A's.
Here's what Coach O'Hara had to say, " The 2008 season was a long for the A's, as job commitments and injuries took away the teams four best hitters and the two best pitchers for close to two-thirds of the year.
But there were encouraging signs, however. Many rookies got extended playing time, were very successful, and the team made the playoffs. A 1-0 loss to top seeded Malden was followed up by a 7-1 loss in Game 2 of those playoffs to knock the A's from the post season. But, the A's bowed out graciously.
I was proud of my team advancing to the playoffs, as we basically lost our number two through five hitters for the entire season after just ten games. I brought aboard nine 19 year olders and yet another 18 year old rookie, and guess what, they all contributed for us.
It was what you might call an accidental rebuilding year. We were last in team defense, next to last in team offense. So those are things, in particular that we must address in the off season.
We hope to compete for another championship in 2009."
Thank you Joe
Al D's Sideliner Notes
I would like to take this time to honor the girls field hockey team in Watertown for an outstanding season in 2008.
This team was young and inexperienced, but for 20 weeks they put the Middlesex League on notice that they were not going to be pushed around by anyone. That did this by earning an incredible accomplishment, winning the league crown with a 13-0-5 regular season record that saw them achieve the #1 seed in the North Sectional Girls Field Hockey Division 2.
Once the playoffs started, the Raiders opened up against mighty Belmont. But, it was in this game where the girls of Watertown began to get the State's attention. Even though this was a game held on Halloween, neither team was willing to give up that extra or in this case, an overtime goal. But little did anyone expect this game to go triple overtime, in which superstar freshman Erika Kelly got credit for the winning goal for the Raiders, 3-2.
It was then on to the next round against a team that always seems to be there in the end, Bishop Fenwick. The game started out very well for the Raiders, as almost single handidly, Kelly would net a hat trick in just the first half alone, giving Watertown a 3-1 at intermission. The second half was not quite as successful as Fenwick roared back to tie the game at 3-3. But the Raiders were not deterred. This one again went to overtime, where Kelly again worked her Raider magic, by scoring yet her fourth goal of the game to again send the victory to Watertown.
With that victory in the books, watertown now earned a bid to the Division 2 North Sectional Title game against Manchester Essex. This one proved to be a real nail biter. After Manchester scored first, that girl Kelly scored again in the second half to tie it. The game went OT once more, but this time a different hero arose. Lauren Giadano would score the game winner for the Raiders.
That 2-1 victory sent The Raiders to State Semis against the strong and talented Hillers of Hopkinton. Just think, one more win for Watertown and its on to the finals.
Things started brilliantly in this one as Giadano and Bianca Jones each scored to send the Raiders into halftime with what appeared to be a commanding 2-0 lead. But, Hopkinton didn't come this up the hill to be heartbroken, as, to their credit, they scored three unanswered second half goals to win it 3-2, and thus end Watertown's bid for a 10th State title.
But, while the Raiders didn't take home the big prize, what they did accomplish was to prove the critics wrong in 2008 by fighting all the odds. All this, being led by a freshman goal scorer.
Congratulations to the team and coaches on a job well done.
AL DiTullio
Alphabetically, Lets start with Joe O'Hara's Al Thomas A's.
Here's what Coach O'Hara had to say, " The 2008 season was a long for the A's, as job commitments and injuries took away the teams four best hitters and the two best pitchers for close to two-thirds of the year.
But there were encouraging signs, however. Many rookies got extended playing time, were very successful, and the team made the playoffs. A 1-0 loss to top seeded Malden was followed up by a 7-1 loss in Game 2 of those playoffs to knock the A's from the post season. But, the A's bowed out graciously.
I was proud of my team advancing to the playoffs, as we basically lost our number two through five hitters for the entire season after just ten games. I brought aboard nine 19 year olders and yet another 18 year old rookie, and guess what, they all contributed for us.
It was what you might call an accidental rebuilding year. We were last in team defense, next to last in team offense. So those are things, in particular that we must address in the off season.
We hope to compete for another championship in 2009."
Thank you Joe
Al D's Sideliner Notes
I would like to take this time to honor the girls field hockey team in Watertown for an outstanding season in 2008.
This team was young and inexperienced, but for 20 weeks they put the Middlesex League on notice that they were not going to be pushed around by anyone. That did this by earning an incredible accomplishment, winning the league crown with a 13-0-5 regular season record that saw them achieve the #1 seed in the North Sectional Girls Field Hockey Division 2.
Once the playoffs started, the Raiders opened up against mighty Belmont. But, it was in this game where the girls of Watertown began to get the State's attention. Even though this was a game held on Halloween, neither team was willing to give up that extra or in this case, an overtime goal. But little did anyone expect this game to go triple overtime, in which superstar freshman Erika Kelly got credit for the winning goal for the Raiders, 3-2.
It was then on to the next round against a team that always seems to be there in the end, Bishop Fenwick. The game started out very well for the Raiders, as almost single handidly, Kelly would net a hat trick in just the first half alone, giving Watertown a 3-1 at intermission. The second half was not quite as successful as Fenwick roared back to tie the game at 3-3. But the Raiders were not deterred. This one again went to overtime, where Kelly again worked her Raider magic, by scoring yet her fourth goal of the game to again send the victory to Watertown.
With that victory in the books, watertown now earned a bid to the Division 2 North Sectional Title game against Manchester Essex. This one proved to be a real nail biter. After Manchester scored first, that girl Kelly scored again in the second half to tie it. The game went OT once more, but this time a different hero arose. Lauren Giadano would score the game winner for the Raiders.
That 2-1 victory sent The Raiders to State Semis against the strong and talented Hillers of Hopkinton. Just think, one more win for Watertown and its on to the finals.
Things started brilliantly in this one as Giadano and Bianca Jones each scored to send the Raiders into halftime with what appeared to be a commanding 2-0 lead. But, Hopkinton didn't come this up the hill to be heartbroken, as, to their credit, they scored three unanswered second half goals to win it 3-2, and thus end Watertown's bid for a 10th State title.
But, while the Raiders didn't take home the big prize, what they did accomplish was to prove the critics wrong in 2008 by fighting all the odds. All this, being led by a freshman goal scorer.
Congratulations to the team and coaches on a job well done.
AL DiTullio
trivia answer
The answer to yesterdays trivia question......Marty Cordova....probably got a pretty good tan.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Todays trivia
Today's question is pretty interesting....
Which former American League Rookie Of The Year, who spent a short time with the Red Sox, once got placed on the Disabled List, because he fell asleep in a tanning booth? And no, it's not George Hamilton.
Which former American League Rookie Of The Year, who spent a short time with the Red Sox, once got placed on the Disabled List, because he fell asleep in a tanning booth? And no, it's not George Hamilton.
Free agency predictions as promised....
Today's column is totally based on predictions only...MINE!!!
I put a list together of what I thought were the key Free Agents this year and where I thought they would end up.....So lets get started.
Catchers
1. Jason Varitek- He'll soon be 37, His Agent is the Evil Boros Monster and his starting negotiations came in at the same salary of what Posada got $14M per. The difference here is that Jorge can still hit and hit for power, while El Capitan is more of a Defensive player now. So for Varitek to get 4 years and over $50 million is a pipedream....Realistically, if he wants to stay here, and the Sox would like that, he's looking at two years at about 5.5 Million per. If the Sox get Saltalamacchia, still a possibility, Tek can train him.
Prediction----The Red Sox---(no other team interested)
2. Pudge Rodriguez- Everyone needs a good catcher, but Pudge would be an incredible back up, wouldn't he? He's also insurance, if Tek goes to the Tigers.
Prediction----The Red Sox---(no other team interested)--but if they get Salty, neither will Boston
3. Paul LoDuca- Definately on the decline, but weak Free Agent group of catchers.
Prediction----Cincinnati Reds---(Padres, Tigers)
4. Javier Valentin- No more than a platoon player at best.
Prediction----San Diego Padres--(Reds, Tigers)
First Baseman
1. Mark Texeira- The big offensive gun out there. Lots of teams want him. Can the Angels afford to lose him?
Prediction----Boston Red Sox---(Angels, Nationals, Orioles, Yankees)
2. Jason Giambi- Still has that Balco power. Had 32 homers last year. Some team, most likely on the West Coast, will want a strong lefty power hitter.
Prediction----Oakland A's-------(Giants, Mariners, Angels, Blue Jays, Orioles, Yanks)
Second Baseman
1. Orlando Hudson- The ODog had three straight solid years and there is no other competing second sacker on the market. Great timing for a big contract.
Prediction----White Sox---------(Marlins, Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees)
2. Ray Durham- After mid-season trade to Brewers, he helped bring them to the playoffs. At 37, with his bat, he'll get a job.
Prediction----Brewers------------(Marlins, Cardinals, Dodgers)
Shortstops
1. Rafael Furcal- From what I hear, he wants to return to LA, but he may receive more offers than any other player on the market. So Toronto could tempt him.
Prediction----Dodgers------------(Blue Jays, A's, Red Sox, Giants, Braves, Orioles, Indians, Royals & Cubs)
2. Orlando Cabrera- He'll end up at one of the teams chasing Furcal, or--
Prediction----Blue Jays----------(Orioles, Dodgers, Royals & Twins)
3. Edgar Renteria- Mediocore year. Not a very good American League player.
Prediction----Cardinals----------(Braves, Orioles)
Third Baseman
1. Casey Blake- Had good year. Dodgers will try to hold him, Indians want him back dearly.
Prediction----Indians-------------(Dodgers, Twins)
2. Joe Crede- Power hitter if he is to stay healthy.
Prediction----Dodgers-------------(Indians)
Outfielders
1. Manny Ramirez- He wants the long term contract, Dodgers not willing, but they are ready to strike with a contract that would make Manny the highest paid player in baseball annually by meeting him down the middle. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me. I still firmly believe, as Bill Lee said, with Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox are the 2008 champs.
Prediction----Red Sox---(JUST KIDDING)----
Real Prediction---Dodgers--------(Angels, Blue Jays, Orioles, Giants, Yanks, Mets & Phillies
2. Bobby Abreu- He wants three years to stay in New York. This would be his first choice. But the length of the contract is too much for Brian Cashman.
Prediction-----Cubs-----(Mets, Blue Jays & Yankees)
Update---The Yankees have offered Abreu arbitration. It is thought that this was done so that they could receive draft choices, if and when Abreu walks.
3. Adam Dunn- Believe it or not, for four straight seasons Dunn has hit 40 homers, ON THE NOSE. This has to be some kind of a record. So is his strikeout speed.
Prediction-----Nationals----(Cubs)
4. Raul Ibanez- The Mariners had a chance to trade him last year and they blew it. Big dummies. Now he can walk for nothing.
Prediction-----Cubs-----(Mets, Rays, Royals)
5. Milton Bradley- He can hit, but such a cancer in every clubhouse he plays for. He'll soon leave Texas too. Reminds me of Carl Everett.
Prediction-----Rays-----(Blue Jays, Nationals)
6. Pat Burrell- Loves Phillies, but they aren't interested anymore.
Prediction-----Mets-----(Cubs, Rays, Red Sox)
7. Garrett Anderson- All time Angel leader in everything. Time to leave LaLa land.
Prediction-----Mariners---(Cubs, Mets)
8. Rocco Baldelli- Great that he was able to come back and win a ring last year. Should get to play for his hometown team.
Prediction----Red Sox---(Phillies, Rays)
9. Jim Edmonds- Pulled a Roger Clemens last year. Missed the first two months, almost retired, then showed everyone he still had it.
Prediction----White Sox----(Brewers, Retire)
10. Ken Griffey, Jr.- There's no place like home!
Prediction-----Mariners---(No one else)
Designated hitter
1. Mike Sweeney- Possible help. He can hit when healthy, which is not often. But Sweeney has a great clubhouse presence.
Prediction-----Rays----(no one else)
2. Frank Thomas- Same as top, except for the clubhouse deal.
Prediction-----Rays----(no one else)
Starting Pitchers
1. CC Sabathia- Want $25 Million? He can have it. He will hit the jackpot this year. Prefers the West Coast and the NL, but with all these teams making big offers, who knows?
Prediction----Yankees----(Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Giants & Mets)
2. AJ Burnett- Had a year where he wasn't injured and was close to domination. Should top $20 Million. Listen to the list after the prediction.
Prediction----Red Sox----(Yanks, Blue Jays, Orioles, Dodgers, Braves, Rangers, Cubs, Mets & Angels) WOW!
3. Derek Lowe- Do you know that DLowe has tossed 200 innings in 5 out of 6 years. He's pretty durable. I think he might be the best starter of them all, but who am I? The Sox would welcom him home as a second option if they lose out on Burnett.
Prediction----Yankees/Red Sox---(Tigers, Braves, Mets, Cardinals, Blue Jays, White Sox, Angels)
4. Ryan Dempster- Last year's DLowe, he won, switching from the closers role to the starting rotation. He wants to remain a Cubbie, but....
Prediction----Cubs---(Braves, Mets, Cardinals, Blue Jays)
Update-----Yesterday signed a 4 year deal to stay with the Chicago Cubs
5. Mike Mussina- 20 wins at age 39. A remarkable experience for him. If he doesn't retire, he'll only return as a Yankee.
Prediction----Yankees-----(RETIRE?)
Update------Mussina retired today...most likely will be a Hall of Famer
6. Andy Pettitte- Pitched 200 innings for the fourth straight year and it showed at times.
Prediction----Texas Rangers------(Houston, longshot-Yankees)
7. Randy Wolf- Looked good for the Astros after Tommy John surgery.
Prediction----Dodgers-------(Astros, Braves, Cardinals, Nationals)
8. Mike Hampton- Finally healthy at the end of last season and the team he finished with, the Braves, should be the only team interested.
Prediction----Braves-------(no one else)
9. Brad Penny- Missed the whole season. But, is it in his head? Too talented. Sox want him badly.
Prediction----Red Sox-----(Blue Jays, Mets, Nationals, Astros, Cardinals, Pirates, White Sox, Royals)
10. Jon Garland- Pretty good the past few years, but ERA was terrible last season.
Prediction----Pirates-----(Blue Jays, Mets, Nationals, Cardinals, Royals)
11. Tom Glavine- Didn't really get to pitch for the Braves last year, will he this year?
Prediction----Braves----(Retire)
12. Pedro Martinez- I think he still has something left and no one would to see the Red Sox bring him back more than I. But, its an outside shot.
Prediction----Nationals----(Red Sox, Mets, Dodgers)
Relief Pitchers
1. Francisco Rodriguez- Record breaking year. Wants the big bucks. Looking at who needs relief help, the Mets CAN afford him, the Padres cant. But, if they lose Trevor Hoffman, which it looks like they might, maybe they get into the bidding war.
Prediction---Mets-----(Padres, Angels)
2. Trevor Hoffman- Someone said they can't believe he would sign anywhere else. We'll have to see.
Prediction---Padres---(Indians, Tigers, Cardinals. Angels, Rays)
3. Kerry Wood- He could be a monster swing man-34 saves
Prediction---Rangers--(Indians, Mets, Brewers, White Sox)
4. Brian Fuentes- Lefty Stopper and a great one.
Prediction----Mets(if they dont get KRod)---or Cardinals----(Indians)
5. Jason Isringhausen- His closer days are done, but someone might take a chance on a setup man-
Prediction----Phillies----(Rockies, Brewers)
6. Chad Cordero- Injured last year, but too good to pass up on.
Prediction---Rockies----(Philles, Mets, Brewers, Red Sox)
We'll see how I do....
Al D's Sideliners Notes will be up tomorrow...look forward to his story about the Watertown High ladies field hockey team. Thats tomorrow in this space.
I put a list together of what I thought were the key Free Agents this year and where I thought they would end up.....So lets get started.
Catchers
1. Jason Varitek- He'll soon be 37, His Agent is the Evil Boros Monster and his starting negotiations came in at the same salary of what Posada got $14M per. The difference here is that Jorge can still hit and hit for power, while El Capitan is more of a Defensive player now. So for Varitek to get 4 years and over $50 million is a pipedream....Realistically, if he wants to stay here, and the Sox would like that, he's looking at two years at about 5.5 Million per. If the Sox get Saltalamacchia, still a possibility, Tek can train him.
Prediction----The Red Sox---(no other team interested)
2. Pudge Rodriguez- Everyone needs a good catcher, but Pudge would be an incredible back up, wouldn't he? He's also insurance, if Tek goes to the Tigers.
Prediction----The Red Sox---(no other team interested)--but if they get Salty, neither will Boston
3. Paul LoDuca- Definately on the decline, but weak Free Agent group of catchers.
Prediction----Cincinnati Reds---(Padres, Tigers)
4. Javier Valentin- No more than a platoon player at best.
Prediction----San Diego Padres--(Reds, Tigers)
First Baseman
1. Mark Texeira- The big offensive gun out there. Lots of teams want him. Can the Angels afford to lose him?
Prediction----Boston Red Sox---(Angels, Nationals, Orioles, Yankees)
2. Jason Giambi- Still has that Balco power. Had 32 homers last year. Some team, most likely on the West Coast, will want a strong lefty power hitter.
Prediction----Oakland A's-------(Giants, Mariners, Angels, Blue Jays, Orioles, Yanks)
Second Baseman
1. Orlando Hudson- The ODog had three straight solid years and there is no other competing second sacker on the market. Great timing for a big contract.
Prediction----White Sox---------(Marlins, Cardinals, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees)
2. Ray Durham- After mid-season trade to Brewers, he helped bring them to the playoffs. At 37, with his bat, he'll get a job.
Prediction----Brewers------------(Marlins, Cardinals, Dodgers)
Shortstops
1. Rafael Furcal- From what I hear, he wants to return to LA, but he may receive more offers than any other player on the market. So Toronto could tempt him.
Prediction----Dodgers------------(Blue Jays, A's, Red Sox, Giants, Braves, Orioles, Indians, Royals & Cubs)
2. Orlando Cabrera- He'll end up at one of the teams chasing Furcal, or--
Prediction----Blue Jays----------(Orioles, Dodgers, Royals & Twins)
3. Edgar Renteria- Mediocore year. Not a very good American League player.
Prediction----Cardinals----------(Braves, Orioles)
Third Baseman
1. Casey Blake- Had good year. Dodgers will try to hold him, Indians want him back dearly.
Prediction----Indians-------------(Dodgers, Twins)
2. Joe Crede- Power hitter if he is to stay healthy.
Prediction----Dodgers-------------(Indians)
Outfielders
1. Manny Ramirez- He wants the long term contract, Dodgers not willing, but they are ready to strike with a contract that would make Manny the highest paid player in baseball annually by meeting him down the middle. Sounds like a match made in heaven to me. I still firmly believe, as Bill Lee said, with Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox are the 2008 champs.
Prediction----Red Sox---(JUST KIDDING)----
Real Prediction---Dodgers--------(Angels, Blue Jays, Orioles, Giants, Yanks, Mets & Phillies
2. Bobby Abreu- He wants three years to stay in New York. This would be his first choice. But the length of the contract is too much for Brian Cashman.
Prediction-----Cubs-----(Mets, Blue Jays & Yankees)
Update---The Yankees have offered Abreu arbitration. It is thought that this was done so that they could receive draft choices, if and when Abreu walks.
3. Adam Dunn- Believe it or not, for four straight seasons Dunn has hit 40 homers, ON THE NOSE. This has to be some kind of a record. So is his strikeout speed.
Prediction-----Nationals----(Cubs)
4. Raul Ibanez- The Mariners had a chance to trade him last year and they blew it. Big dummies. Now he can walk for nothing.
Prediction-----Cubs-----(Mets, Rays, Royals)
5. Milton Bradley- He can hit, but such a cancer in every clubhouse he plays for. He'll soon leave Texas too. Reminds me of Carl Everett.
Prediction-----Rays-----(Blue Jays, Nationals)
6. Pat Burrell- Loves Phillies, but they aren't interested anymore.
Prediction-----Mets-----(Cubs, Rays, Red Sox)
7. Garrett Anderson- All time Angel leader in everything. Time to leave LaLa land.
Prediction-----Mariners---(Cubs, Mets)
8. Rocco Baldelli- Great that he was able to come back and win a ring last year. Should get to play for his hometown team.
Prediction----Red Sox---(Phillies, Rays)
9. Jim Edmonds- Pulled a Roger Clemens last year. Missed the first two months, almost retired, then showed everyone he still had it.
Prediction----White Sox----(Brewers, Retire)
10. Ken Griffey, Jr.- There's no place like home!
Prediction-----Mariners---(No one else)
Designated hitter
1. Mike Sweeney- Possible help. He can hit when healthy, which is not often. But Sweeney has a great clubhouse presence.
Prediction-----Rays----(no one else)
2. Frank Thomas- Same as top, except for the clubhouse deal.
Prediction-----Rays----(no one else)
Starting Pitchers
1. CC Sabathia- Want $25 Million? He can have it. He will hit the jackpot this year. Prefers the West Coast and the NL, but with all these teams making big offers, who knows?
Prediction----Yankees----(Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Giants & Mets)
2. AJ Burnett- Had a year where he wasn't injured and was close to domination. Should top $20 Million. Listen to the list after the prediction.
Prediction----Red Sox----(Yanks, Blue Jays, Orioles, Dodgers, Braves, Rangers, Cubs, Mets & Angels) WOW!
3. Derek Lowe- Do you know that DLowe has tossed 200 innings in 5 out of 6 years. He's pretty durable. I think he might be the best starter of them all, but who am I? The Sox would welcom him home as a second option if they lose out on Burnett.
Prediction----Yankees/Red Sox---(Tigers, Braves, Mets, Cardinals, Blue Jays, White Sox, Angels)
4. Ryan Dempster- Last year's DLowe, he won, switching from the closers role to the starting rotation. He wants to remain a Cubbie, but....
Prediction----Cubs---(Braves, Mets, Cardinals, Blue Jays)
Update-----Yesterday signed a 4 year deal to stay with the Chicago Cubs
5. Mike Mussina- 20 wins at age 39. A remarkable experience for him. If he doesn't retire, he'll only return as a Yankee.
Prediction----Yankees-----(RETIRE?)
Update------Mussina retired today...most likely will be a Hall of Famer
6. Andy Pettitte- Pitched 200 innings for the fourth straight year and it showed at times.
Prediction----Texas Rangers------(Houston, longshot-Yankees)
7. Randy Wolf- Looked good for the Astros after Tommy John surgery.
Prediction----Dodgers-------(Astros, Braves, Cardinals, Nationals)
8. Mike Hampton- Finally healthy at the end of last season and the team he finished with, the Braves, should be the only team interested.
Prediction----Braves-------(no one else)
9. Brad Penny- Missed the whole season. But, is it in his head? Too talented. Sox want him badly.
Prediction----Red Sox-----(Blue Jays, Mets, Nationals, Astros, Cardinals, Pirates, White Sox, Royals)
10. Jon Garland- Pretty good the past few years, but ERA was terrible last season.
Prediction----Pirates-----(Blue Jays, Mets, Nationals, Cardinals, Royals)
11. Tom Glavine- Didn't really get to pitch for the Braves last year, will he this year?
Prediction----Braves----(Retire)
12. Pedro Martinez- I think he still has something left and no one would to see the Red Sox bring him back more than I. But, its an outside shot.
Prediction----Nationals----(Red Sox, Mets, Dodgers)
Relief Pitchers
1. Francisco Rodriguez- Record breaking year. Wants the big bucks. Looking at who needs relief help, the Mets CAN afford him, the Padres cant. But, if they lose Trevor Hoffman, which it looks like they might, maybe they get into the bidding war.
Prediction---Mets-----(Padres, Angels)
2. Trevor Hoffman- Someone said they can't believe he would sign anywhere else. We'll have to see.
Prediction---Padres---(Indians, Tigers, Cardinals. Angels, Rays)
3. Kerry Wood- He could be a monster swing man-34 saves
Prediction---Rangers--(Indians, Mets, Brewers, White Sox)
4. Brian Fuentes- Lefty Stopper and a great one.
Prediction----Mets(if they dont get KRod)---or Cardinals----(Indians)
5. Jason Isringhausen- His closer days are done, but someone might take a chance on a setup man-
Prediction----Phillies----(Rockies, Brewers)
6. Chad Cordero- Injured last year, but too good to pass up on.
Prediction---Rockies----(Philles, Mets, Brewers, Red Sox)
We'll see how I do....
Al D's Sideliners Notes will be up tomorrow...look forward to his story about the Watertown High ladies field hockey team. Thats tomorrow in this space.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Trivia answer
Who holds the record for longest hitting streak for the Minnesota Twins?
Answer....not who you might expect...not Carew or Molitor or Puckett or Mourneau...
Its Ken Landreux...who hit in 31 straight games.
Answer....not who you might expect...not Carew or Molitor or Puckett or Mourneau...
Its Ken Landreux...who hit in 31 straight games.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Free Agent Comings and goings?
My predictions on where I think the big time free agents will end up...You can catch them two places, right here in a few days, or on Comcast, via the Boston Baseball Head Show with Dave McKay and Al Ditullio.
Later this month as promised, finally I will start the Comcast player of the month, as well as my look back at each team in the Yawkey League in 2008.
Al D's sidelineliner's notes will be featured as well as a special monthly Column From the Skip, as Skip McCarty sends us his thoughts.
If anyone else wants to be involved in this blog, please let me know, so we can come up with a fancy name for your column....Thanks guys....Cuz.
Later this month as promised, finally I will start the Comcast player of the month, as well as my look back at each team in the Yawkey League in 2008.
Al D's sidelineliner's notes will be featured as well as a special monthly Column From the Skip, as Skip McCarty sends us his thoughts.
If anyone else wants to be involved in this blog, please let me know, so we can come up with a fancy name for your column....Thanks guys....Cuz.
Lets have some fun with this....
Next week I'd like to publish a list of sports athletes with names that have something to do with Massachusetts cities....such as Tim Wakefield, Zach Randolph, Bobby Hull so forth and so on...send me your lists, if they are funny that would be great....
Will it be Dustin or Youk?
I have a pretty good feeling today that a Sox player will be bringing home the American League MVP trophy @ 2PM EST. Most likely it will be #15, Dustin Pedroia. But there is still the outside chance that Kevin Youkalis will win it. I think either way, they finish 1-2 in the voting. I've heard Josh Hamilton, who hit a brick wall around the All Star break, Carlos Quentin, who unfortunately for him, got in the way of too many pitches, (check his stats) & KRod.
Todays trivia question.....Who holds the Minnesota Twins record for hits in consecutive games and how many games in a row did he hit them in?????
Todays trivia question.....Who holds the Minnesota Twins record for hits in consecutive games and how many games in a row did he hit them in?????
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