Wally's World

Its In The Genes, Man.

by; s.james ward}

 
   Although my wife gets quite a chuckle when I say I possess a precious few quirks of character or "pet peeves"  one I do admit to is how people tend to make more of themselves, inflate themselves at the denial of everything about them! For God sake try to comprehend what it is peering back at you in your mirror: That image is very much like anyone of us whom just may choose NOT to spend too much time in it's glaring presence.  Once again, Perception is indeed reality.

   Despite an opinion here    and there to the contrary there I not sufficient evidence to lend credence to the fact that this rivalry,  between those beautiful Boys of Boston and Bums from the Bronx possess the intensity of some maniacal Intergalactic Nuclear Meltdown as exceeding or yet equal to this perennial power struggle. (My brain hurts)  As hard as I tried to find reason to applaud the Yankees for their job well done, I could not. Derek Jeter is an individual worthy of " Cross Party Line" congratulations for his on/off field dedication and class and though try as I might, I just could not do it!  He is, after-all, the only one to single out but then I see another replay of Swisher and Damon walking the "New" confines post game with muscles flexed like some individual FREAK and GEEK SHOW  and my inner soul slides behind the raw nerve acrimony I am reminded of merely by their sight. 

I was talking with my slightly older yet two-hundred fold Wiser, brother, the very one who took me aside and forewarned me of words to live by, ("A hard @8*&  has no conscience")  on the land line yesterday as we rehashed games past and future yet not at all relegated to those aforementioned but to another beloved team, New England Patriots . We danced about the subject of baseball for obvious reason while one by one replayed the offensive action contributing much of the fortunes, and rightly so, upon the 6'5" frame of Tom Brady, our latest of sports heroes in this sports wealthy state and section of the country and universe. He, Brady, is indeed a class individual by all measuring devices and possess, too, such talent... In any event; i came around to the obvious, Hey Row,  (a surviving childhood nickname) why is it, try as I do to find some place within to he happy for the New York Yankees or in the very least Derek Jeter, I just cannot??? Without a shred of guilt or anger or perceptive disappointment I find myself loathing every Pin Striper available and even some long since unavailed. What is it man? I queried rather anxiously? Help me out here brother... "Steven", he says stoically, Row is truly incarnate of the Greek marketplace where Socrates, Plato and the band of Brothers "Non-Knowledge" meet in daily discourse, "It is in our DNA, brother, there isn't a thing you can do about it." All part of who we are" I was rejuvenated indeed, and wanted to scream from a mountain's grandest summit, Hail All Universal..I am a BOSTON RED SOX FAN and a tried and true member from birth of the greatest of all Nations, ~ RED SOX NATION !  I thanked my groovy bro and went about my day ready for next season to get under way..  Finally!    

 

Chess or War, Let the Games Begin!

by; s.tyg-ward}

   The rules are perfectly clear when it comes to the "Free Agent" market; however Theo Epstein was able to make his first move in the rebuilding of the Boston Red Sox for 2010 and beyond by bringing in a once "highly touted"  and versatile outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins in exchange for two minor league pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. Epstein was visible excited to have worked the deal for the 25 year old  who is also sharing equal enthusiasm with the thought of going to The Boston Red Sox and playing beneath that hallowed eye of the Green Monster.   

With the first round of "Free Agents" from Boston having filed; Billy Wagner, Jason Bay, and Rocco Baldelli ,Theo Epstein and the Boston brain trust began their work. Theo said "We're really just in the planning stages, going through different scenarios, trying to get as good a feel for the market as we can," Epstein continued on saying-  "It's a complicated landscape between trade possibilities, the free-agent market. We spend as much time as we can trying to get a really good feel for the landscape and getting a feel for the supply-demand dynamic of this particular off season, and then we can go forward with a strategy in place instead of just going in blind and seeing what presents itself."     
 Theo Epstein is still and shall continue to be the Mr. Wizard of Yawkey Way. With the franchise his canvas another Masterpiece awaits. The challenge for any artist is the pathway to perfection that is visible to only he. Whether it is attained in the length of a brush stroke or a blending of hues his chase continues in quiet frustration until the reflection from those highlights shines back in their perfect harmonies.

The Boston Red Sox for the first half of the 2009 season were indeed nearer perfection than any other however somehow their sheen was lost along the way-side; perhaps his latest Masterpiece isn't as distant as one may think.

Let us see what unfolds over the next month or so as we peek over Theo's shoulder and try to understand his patterns and mixtures. For now, Red Sox Nation and my fellow Nationites.. Enjoy your Off-Season..

 

How is This "The Off-Season"?

by; s.tyg james}    

        I sit on the back porch more these days basically for two (or deux) reasons.Un (or 1) The ambient temperatures now are nearer those that like Mythological Sirens are apt to induce one to their surrender and 2) Such relaxation requires one to move even less than when in Summer-time's sizzling grasp. The deadlines, back in July, were more important than here in November where the word of the day is "soft"
much to the chagrin of the Mrs.... Nevertheless, I read more and write less which IS a bit of a blessing as the words at season's end were of a watered-down stew and my mind a broken ladle. Little by little now I am mixing in new and exciting and source approved words and I am nearing a degree in Phrasiologics (if such a thing exist).. Soon the old tongue will be whet once more, but man, I hope NOT too soon. Here, however, it seems I should come clean and admit that I am not 100% in therapeutic R-n-R. I also toil in the "Wild and Crazy" world of the National Hockey league otherwise exposed as the NHL! Nope, not a Bruin of Boston am I nor ever in their shallow pockets hope to go but choose to fly the season by as a Red Wing from The Joe".

At the crossroads of off-season where Spring training Ave and World Series Way intersect, the traffic is still quite a burden. At one end the activity is sparse but never lulled, the other of celebration, celebration and center stage. On and On it goes... I have seen Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox Center Fielder, on several Talk and Entertainment Programs and continue to be impressed with his integrity and his demeanor; a class-act he is and is not ready to ride the free-fall of his talents as they are now but is quick to admit he has a long way to go..With a core of Ellsbury, Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and whom-ever they chose to sign in the "Off season" the Boston Red Sox will be ready to make their run one more time! 

So this "Off Season" has not yet begun and believe me the current World Series Show has nothing to do with it because, being a Boston Red Sox from birth, I can never-ever par take in a Yankee sponsored Classic. I do wave a "Phillies Phlag" as to me they are the Boston Red Sox of the National League, and always have been. Now, I would rather lead a chant of YANKEES S^%$@, YANKEES S^%$@ from the Bronx Bleachers than to befriend the Philly Flyers or any other franchise from my ancestors own birth state but for some reason, the Philly's are A-OK!   Ah yes, Ole Willie Penn of the 16th century Quaker Penn's

As you can see there is a resemblance still twixt my photo above and this happy Cat. (Ouch)

I'm Trying to Just Let it Go..

by: s. james ward}

  

   Since our beloved Boston Red Sox bowed out rather meekly to a much hungrier west coast opponent time has become almost stationary. No, Ti's not of sour grapes I react, nor oppressed a glowing monster green and I cannot howl at the moon or curse those wild fates for the season unfolded and fared as was it's design and I do not lament the end. I merely miss the play of baseball by my celestial sanctified, Angellically endorsed and eternal home team. It matters little they failed the standards set by others as well as themselves, for the very theory of competition designates a winner and a loser, alas both entities must be fulfilled, our adopted Boys of Boston showed well and I was complete with pride by their final swing. I was alone during those final innings and through the saddnes a tear escaped and I stood one hand amid the other repeatedly applauding their efforts. Thank you Boston Red Sox; top to bottom the organization and those who spilled each drop of blood, sweat and tears to allow such a pleasing of one spirit to become a part of their sojourn, year to year. Past, present and future I hail. The World series is well underway and I skim oe'r the channel but slow to a crawl for the score must yet be known if nothing else. Good-night to baseball for now I chase it's splendid silence here and then alas, somewhere other, but ever nigh.

Today"s Business-Vision

by:s tyg-Ward}

  Tito Francona and Theo Epstein disgust the painful last days of the Boston Red Sox 2009 season. Neither was prepared for the game 3 loss to L.A. especially the way it came about. But the facts did not change as the night of became the morning after; Jonathan Papelbon is indeed mortal he gave up a couple runs including those very painful winning runs for the opposition. Incidentally those were the first runs yielded by Papelbon in the post season in 26.1 innings. Perhaps in the long run those runs and this failure will be the defining moment of his career, even his life, making him a stronger person one of humility and self substance. I can tell you that no-one in the Red Sox Organization has given up on Papelbon, not even close. Aside from this there is a list of players in which the Organization need to decide upon, either Free Agency or Team Options. Jason Bay is a priority, a healthy Matsuzaka is also and a much sharper David Ortiz is a priority in 10 different directions, no team can afford a D.H. in a slump. 2010 is not as far away as one might think, especially for Epstein and his team.

Team Theo isn't fortunate enough to rely on the equipment of most associated with baseball, no bats or gloves, no snow white hard balls or batters helmets, no not even a jock; For Team Theo they must rely solely on something called "Vision". The ability to see beyond, behind and farther still. Theo Epstein needs to utilize projective thinking almost as if a magician his hat and in the end though accused of slight of hand he stands victorious where most fail, where most falter. If you have ever had the opportunity to watch him, study him during a ball his passion simmers inning by inning and shall spill from time to time though never uncontrolled. I would like see through his eyes, at perspective, at depth and alas perfection while transfixed, he is, upon the end result. Have no fear Red Sox Nation, if there exists a link amid the chain that has endured frail or weaker still it shall face the remedial action required. A genius, remember, first solves the equation in his mind before dispensed to black and white.

When we look at the core of the Red Sox there is not much to alter, however a team wide power outage is something that cannot take place and still imagine victory.

Kevin Youkilis, at 1st or 3rd defensively differs NOT! what does indeed matter is that the Boston Red Sox keep him here as long as he plays baseball, and possibly beyond. Youk is everything any organization would yearn in a player so back-OFF everyone, he is a Boston Red Sox!!

  

 

 

These two Cats need to stay put as well, I see great things from these three and they were born to be Boston Red Sox now and forever! Jacoby needs perhaps another year seasoning and Dustin Pedroia he simply needs NOT to lose an ounce of that passion that drives him and his teammates winners. His confidence and genuine love for the game is unparalleled and NO, nobody will get their meat-hooks on him..

Just whom will end up taking the field next season is the responsibility of Team Theo so we, those of us who profess to know the score, can trust their minds and be prepared ourselves for that First Pitch"  I cannot wait.   Be well Nation, I'll be writing ya...

Will The Tarp Fall On Fenway Today?

by: s.tyg-James)

 

A Sight To Behold:

 The Boston Red Sox are home again upon grounds hallowed and heavenly, where their chase is sanctified, glorious and failures forgiven. Past or present day the spirit rises to every pitch, pulses quicken and hope is eternal when fleet of foot each deep green blade of grass springs back again aft cushioning the chase. Welcome home my boys, Welcome home.

Not a day sculptured nor drawn, formed and painted at the hands of so skilled an artist could be set as today before us the day our Boston Red Sox came home to open their Post Season bid. Down to the L.A. Angels 0-2 but certainly not crippled in fear nor frozen by the pressures of winning.  Scott Kasmir VS Clay Buchholz       

 

The main concern surrounding the Red Sox is those shinny stalks of wood used to swat the hardened sphere which have in slumber been and nigh impossible to awaken. Would they shake free today? In the 3rd the Sox pushed across 3 runs led by a Dustin Pedroia double high of the Monster in left for two RBIs after giving one back in the top of the next inning. In the bottom of the 4th J.D.Drew rocketed his first of the Post Season to the deepest part of center field and off a Camera Shack back to the playing surface for a 2 run job and a 5-1 lead.

Buchholz got a bit rattled in the Sixth loading the bases then gave way to fireballer Daniel Bard who allowed a run producing double play and a harmless pop-out to retire the side. in the seventh Bard pitched near perfect retiring 1-2-3, the Angels. Then for some reason Francona began his long employed knack for OVER-COACHING and brought in Billy Wagner in relief.. Why relieve a player who is near perfect? what makes him think Daniel needed relieving? I strain my memory to even recall a ball being called. Next in Billy Wagner and the bases became active again, In came Pabelbon with 2 outs in 8th. Papelbon promptly got stung for a frozen rope and two runs scored bringing the score to 5-4. The runs were charged to Wagner, however one of the real problems with scoring is the runs be charged totally back to the pitcher who allowed the hit, yet without another hit allowed by Paps the runs would not have scored, some blame needs to be spread to the pitcher who gave up the hit. Papelbon then picked off the runner on first to end the inning. In the Bottom of the inning David Ortiz finally exercised his demons and singled up the middle his first hit of the series. Lowell next cracked a shot inside the first base line and Gathwright running for Papi came around to score for a 6-4 lead.

Top of The Ninth:

These are the times that try men's souls"

  Jonathan Papelbon has been "The Closer" for several years now and quite respected in this, his profession.  From a fan's point of view it seemed as if a simple mistake would come at any time with dire consequences. Not today though. The Ninth began with the crowd and Nation everywhere anticipating game 2 Tuesday night here at home. 1 out, 2 out a single, a double, a double the score tied-another run Angels lead 7-6 and Papelbon is pulled for Okajima who urged a pop-fly 3rd out for the inning. Guess what was set to transpire during the Red Sox half of the last inning? Yes, your most likely correct-3 up and 3 down, The sweep was complete!

I'll miss the Red Sox but I fully expect the New York Yankees to win it all this year, they truly seem to be Destiny's Team this, the 2009 MLB season.

Good Night Nation, try not to harbor any regrets, The Red Sox did what they could. But there is obvious work to do.

The Beat Goes On: Game 2 (from Anaheim)

by: s.tyg-James)

 

  #19 @ 6'5", 220lbs. is an imposing figure as he stands of a raised hill and peering down on a batter. However in the major leagues nobody is going to be intimidated merely by sight so forget it. Beckett needs to be on his game tonight and in control, he cannot allow a single mistake to hang waist high for one of their hitters, not one! With the big right handers penchant for giving up home-runs over the second half of the season the Angels may just be a tad more patient at the plate.

 

The gathering at home plate like the one we see here must become a more common occurrence for the simple reason that no pitcher can be expected to work an entire 9 inning game with-out a run in his back pocket. This team from Boston is not one of finesse, they are hitters, not streak hitters but hitters and team wide slumps, (as I stated yesterday) are not acceptable from anyone so Francona had better be quick with his Managerial reminders to these guys. He need not be concerned about hurting anyone's feelings if he is then we'll soon see. Team toughness is a remarkable commodity if you do not think so take a look at the Yankees.

Tonight's Game has a strange likeness to a game I watched earlier this year between two good teams. The teams were pretty much locked up in a pitchers duel but the game somehow seemed to be tilting toward the pitcher who was a decided underdog. Then in the 5th or 6th a couple of hits became a 3 run lead and the favored team just couldn't seemed to find the key to undoing the other pitcher..It ended in a loss and what was the most glaring problem wasn't the loss, O no- it was the apparent slump the offense had fallen into.. Uhm, sound familiar?

 

Josh Beckett was solid if not spectacular tonight through 6 he had not walked a man and yielded only 3 hits. In the 7th Josh allowed Vladdy first base on his first walk of the game then went 3-0 on Moralas before he fouled off several tough pitches and flied out to J-Bay in left. Later on in the same inning with Vladdy's pinch runner on second and 2 outs a single brought the go ahead runner home (2-1) but before the 7th was complete the lead had stretched to 4-1 and Beckett gone. Billy Wagner relieved to cap the outbreak and the stage was set for another Yankee-like last inning walk-off winner. There were a couple of fault lines, however, amid the landscape. First and foremost the Red Sox are NOT those present day Yanks who to my knowledge, as limited as it is, have not been beset by the ravishings of so devastating as a team-wide power outage as the Red Sox suffer at far too common an occurrence, and secondly they seem not such flare for dramatics nor the hope therein. Will this game and this time of year, poised at the Post Season's first summit dictate a new and exciting out-come? The top of the 9th 2out and 2 on as Mike Lowell waits at the batters box, slightly squinting at the moments all to familiar piercing, knowing well he represents the game's tying potential and the series turn around. Well, in years past Lowell would be the man for that particular instance, and I  have great admiration and respect for him but I fear that time has begun it's undermining of the gifts once bestowed and as the fly ball that bounded off the sweet spot of his finely polished stick began it's descent it was clear, perhaps the sadness of a man losing his grip on his prime is sadder still than the opportunity lost.

Next Game Nation-Sunday from Fenway Park in Boston..

Sharpen Up Those Cleats Boys!

by: s.tyg-James) ~{s.J.Ward}

In most cases I am inclined to remain amid the shadows of the events I scribe about, I prefer a hat and dark glasses and the solace of my keyboard to being acknowledged or standing out and I am most definitely if the choice had to be stated would opt for hermitage over society's badgering. In the soothing words of America's finest literary genius, Henry David Thoreau, "I love to live alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude" Let it be known however, I am companionable indeed to my wife and she, me; yet we live beneath the same roof amid the very same concept and contempt. How then does this tether together the article at hand and the looming Boston Red Sox / L.A. Angels play-off series?.. I seem to have misplaced the very vein in which I was to utilize in the letting of one to the other so I will ad-lid as they say. Ah yes, I posted above a fine artistic rendition in the excitement of the games at hand, the time of year and the overwhelming urge to step out of doors poised in my Boston Red Sox Boxers and nothing, not hat/nor shades nor day's light end, nothing else upon! Of course I take the chance of my wife calling for restraints and an ushering to a much quieter place alas. But the truth remains I cannot wait for the 8:37 pm first pitch. (central time) To see Jacoby a foot above the earth his winge'd and wonderful feet set free, and Dustin Pedroia's passion drool. Or Papi stride toward the box where his power starts it's surge And Jon Lester from 60' and 6" reach for perfection, pitch by pitch. The love affair tween baseball and I has provided the buoyancy seen as a boy in my beloved grandfather and father though his premature leaving forbid any further bonding there except where spirits sometimes meet; and I find myself as I did them at times, seated in the "box seat"  and TV there cheering on. Another query solved with age.

     HE WINDS AND FIRES ......

 I refuse to dip into that thick, musty barrel of BLAME but I will right away protest the apparent size and position of the strike zone for David Ortiz and several other members of the Red Sox. That cumbersome red oblong piece on the bottom right of the screen is a perpetual reminder of how far the pitches miss the "strike zone" and how often they are called STRIKES"! One would think MLB would use a Home Plate Umpire who has sight intact. Ridiculous, and that paid wind up manikin in the booth (Bucky) is afraid to utter a word. Lester was bull... in the 3rd as he delivered what should have been strike 3 to Tori Hunter but was allotted a ball 3 and eventually walked Hunter, luckily Jonny whiffed the next batter, a dangerous Vladdy-G with the bases sacked.

With one down in the fifth and 2 on Tori Hunter drove a Lester fastball about 450' into the Waterfall in center field. 3-0 Angels. Are these Umpires for real??? That Cat on first base is somewhere else Man, not once, twice but at least 3 times did he screw up a call with such utter absurdity that the powers to be had better address the casualty, and FAST!

The bats of the Red Sox are as silent and forgiving as I have seen them all year, unfortunate timing indeed. Jon Lester gave the ball to Ramon Ramirez for the 7th inning, Jon did not pitch badly, he got really hosed by the Ump and made only one or two mistakes; but his command was not as sharp as we have come to expect and at this time of year that's all it takes.

In a short series (best of 5) a team cannot afford, obviously, a slump that starts at #1 and swallows all 8 to follow. The BoSox are experienced this a half dozen times this year but I cannot imagine it taking place during the Post Season, It has tonight though, and of tomorrow? What I am about to say may well come back to bite me, although I doubt it seriously because he was 0-10 during the season but what a TREMENDOUS blunder that Casey Kotchman deal was! he is as useless to this team as anyone I have seen and we gave up a true power hitter with a solid average who sincerely loved his time with Boston and openly stated he would do whatever the organization asked of him..Why O why did you make that trade?? Andy, I would really have loved to watch you play out your career here in Boston.

Boston failed to push a run across home plate as a matter of fact they never hit anything more than a mere single and those were scarce indeed with only 4 so Game # 1 goes to L.A and game 2 is Friday night.. Best of 5: L.A. Angels 1   Boston Red Sox 0

 

9-2 vs 11-2 :The Language of Vegas

by: s.tyg-James)

 

   T'was somewhere near 3:30 am (central) when first I attempted to detach the thick cob webs that had enveloped my life-less and suspended body in the aftermath of the ALDS qualifier Tuesday night between the Detroit  Tigers and Minnesota Twins. Wrapped almost drum tight, I wriggled free finally and felt the blood begin to flow again to the extremities, a few deep breathes and I found my chest start to raise up and down in a general and accepted pattern. The house was dark, the fireplace just a faint glow and my dog stretched out on the couch with his head comfortably laid on his pillow. (Give me a break) I looked around perplexed, rubbed my hair and sat back in the recliner trying to sort out the last several hours. Ah, step by step, bit by bit- it all started coming back with the gentleness of a winter's squall. What a deluge of action, no wonder I mused, I was catatonic; First the Tigers, back came the Twinkies, clawing away once again the Tigers- ebb and flow and flow and ebb, the 9th-10th O man that was incredible- Orlando Cabrera was a hero for the Red Sox and one there in Minnesota too, why did we not grab him again this season when we needed a Shortstop so desperately! Finally the twelfth inning. First the top of the inning-Ohh noo, now the home half and ...yup its over! How can I possibly sleep now, I utter to the blackness that swallows me at this cold hour? My heart still thrashes about and the game ended hour ago..The Tigers lost it? No way, Man..No way...

 

   Jon Lester, #31: had 225 Strike-Outs on the year set a Boston Red Sox record for a lefty. Yes, he IS human and therefore has had and may yet have an off day from time to time but since May 31st has had a major league best 12-3 record and an Earned Run average of 2.31. Lester has had 5 Post Season starts and is 2 up and 2 down with an ERA of 2.25.

Tomorrow Jon and John start things off for their respective teams maybe one or both will end up being the "pitcher of record" which means one and/or the other may get the win or the loss. Hmm

 9-2 / 11-2     ~   This is what the world of sports has come to, I wonder if there is any blood running inside those digits of yours or a heart pounding in anticipation? Las Vegas, you can keep the business aspect of Sports, keep arranging, rearranging or what ever it is you do to maintain your glib and glossy lives. We will take with us the soul of the game- to share in the tears of joy or tears of defeat for it is all we have left that separates us from the Gladiators of ancient Rome when then too did they wager on winners and losers and the losers became the crowd favorite because they were fed to the wild beasts, only slightly different from you. The essence of Major League Sports is in the hearts of those who rise and fall with their teams nothing will ever change that...   99-1!

Whew, I Needed That Time Off

by: s. tyg-James)

 

Man, after going all out for the whole year I needed that time off to heal up before the Post Season begins. I was barely able to fall out of bed in the morning because of those long endured nagging injuries. My finger-tips are puffy and swollen and the Carpel Tunnel has failed miserably. My eye sight's gone from all those late night squints not to mention so poor a diet and it's attributed problems. I am so sore, I still need to stretch before sitting at my desk, snap my knuckles back so that they are sufficiently limber to bounce off the keyboard. I was able to sleep in this morning, near 6:00 am; I awoke refreshed and the muses were yammering away at me like a woodpecker on steroids. (difficult to detect indeed)

Today though, this weather friendly day in early October, we await..And each minute as it passes does so with a new and exciting scenario intact of how it will all shake out. The strangest aspect about these scenario's is however each and every one of them survive the run and finish with a frenzy of unparalleled proportion upon that greenest of God's green earth..Fenway Park and the home team in yet another celebration.

Game # 1     Thursday, October 8; 9:35 pm et. from Anahiam Ca. A Wild Card series opener featuring two of MLB teams with the 2nd and 3rd highest winning %. L.A. Angels-599%; Boston Red Sox -586% (Tied with the LA Dodgers)
Quite remarkable when one takes the time to look back over their respective seasons'. 

Jon Lester takes to that high rise 60' 6" from a tempered and triangular plate,  against a west-coast counterpart John Lackey. Statistics head to head or in previous discourse infer absolutely nothing at the present time so we begin upon grounds equal. the lone fact  we are able to carry forth into this Post Season squall is that each team faces the others year-long best and with all things considered should result in few runs total. Whom is capable of capitalizing on a mistake or two shall be victorious in the end. Or a slugfest awaits...

Alas Nationites, sit back and enjoy today's AL one game playoff between Minnesota and Detroit and take a moment to thank the Baseball Gods it is not us, the Red Sox, who are summons to that center stage.

Until we meet again Nation...

See Ya!