Hola.
Mi nombre es Jonathan Papelbon.
Bienvenido a Fenway.
Espero que disfrute el partido.
Doesn't sound that hard to say, right? Even a little basic high school Spanish will get you through those few lines. But not if you're Jonathan Papelbon...
Don't Fight The Boogie
I hate to post two youtube videos in a row - especially because the one in this second post has absolutely nothing to do with the Red Sox. However, this video has to be shared- because I cannot deny the power of the boogie.
Orel Hershiser - you CANNOT DANCE. Stop it. You are giving a bad name to all other rhythm-less white guys out there in the world. Also, your gyrating hips are going to haunt my dreams. Well, that and those satin jackets you and your teammates are wearing.
I would pay good money to see someone try and convince a team of today's ballplayers to do something like this. "No, Derek Lowe, singing into a hairbrush like it's a microphone while wearing makeup and a satin jacket does not make you look like a tool. I swear!" Or- "I don't know, Gary Sheffield, I think this pink satin jacket is more your style. The lavender satin doesn't go well with your skin tone." Or- "Hey, Greg Maddux, it's almost time for your solo. Really go to town with those hip swivels!"
On the other hand, it is entirely possible Jonathan Papelbon would be game to do that. In fact, he may already have recorded a version of this video- it wouldn't surprise me.
hat tip to piney61
Tuesday Curveball
Every Tuesday, I'll post a discussion topic or question for everyone to think about and then discuss in the comments section. Tuesday is always one of the most difficult days of the week to get through - you don't have the afterglow of the previous weekend's fun any more, and yet you're still days away from the next weekend. This should give us something fun to do to pass the time.
Tuesday Curveball - Week Six
Everyone loves Fenway - it's "America's Most Beloved Ballpark"! Just ask the giant banner hanging on the side of the Park! But other than Fenway, what is your favorite ballpark to visit and watch a game at- and why? It doesn't have to be a modern park - if you really dug sitting in those rainbow seats in the Astrodome, tell us about it. And you can pick your favorite based on whatever reason you want - skyline view from PNC, great food at CBP, cheap tickets at the Trop... whatever!
As always, you don't have to be a fan of the Red Sox to get in on the discussion. All baseball fans- even Yankee fans- are welcome.
Vox Populi
Sometimes, you just have to give the people what they want.
And in this case, that's video of a feature that aired on Red Sox Report about the team getting sized for their World Series rings. It's neat to watch the guys, because you can practically see them imagining what it will feel like to have that ring -- especially the baby Sox, who are quite clearly trying to contain their glee.
But the real star of the piece is Mr. Jason Varitek, who convinces the Jostens rep that he is going to wear his ring on his toe. You know, because he wears a wedding ring on one hand, and his 2004 ring on the other... he doesn't have room on his fingers. He takes off his song, and proceeds to size his toe himself when the Jostens rep appears a bit freaked out. Jason even signs the form accepting the ring in his toe size, while the rep is all "Are you really serious?" I love prankster Jason.
So, by very, very popular demand, I give you...
video courtesy of NESN and Red Sox Report
Speaking of which: I'm putting out the word now - during the season, if anyone sees anything funny or cute during a game, or on NESN, alert me by email. I'll try to make sure and get video of those things when possible.
And Now Introducing YOUR 2008 Red Sox...
Baseball is just two days away. TWO! Now, granted, it's spring training baseball. And it's against collegiate teams. But is anyone going to complain? The Sox have confirmed the starting lineups for the day-night doubleheader on Thursday, and so...
NOW INTRODUCING YOUR 2008 BOSTON RED SOX:
Thu, Feb 28 - 1:05 pm
vs. Boston College (s/s)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Dustin Pedroia 2B
3. David Ortiz DH
4. Mike Lowell 3B
5. Jason Varitek C
6. Kevin Youkilis 1B
7. Julio Lugo SS
8. Bobby Kielty RF
9. Brandon Moss LF
SP: Justin Masterson
P: Craig Hansen
P: Craig Breslow
P: Hunter Jones
P: Kyle Jackson
Thu, Feb 28 - 6:05 pm
vs. Northeastern U. (s/s)
1. Coco Crisp CF
2. Alex Cora 2B
3. J.D. Drew RF
4. Manny Ramirez LF
5. Sean Casey 1B
6. Chris Carter DH
7. Doug Mirabelli C
8. Jed Lowrie SS
9. Keith Ginter 3B
I'd imagine the switch of Beckett and the first-stringer pitchers to the night game is because the team will be visiting the White House on Wednesday now, so they're giving him time to warm up that day after traveling the night before. Interesting that JD Drew and Manny Ramirez are in with the scrubs - and that Jacoby gets the game 1 nod over Coco. It looks to me like Tito is keeping the entire starting outfield together in that second game.
And just because posting on the starting lineups gave me a chance to post a picture of Mike Greenwell's Starting Lineup figure, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Mike (and Mo Vaughn and Bill Lee and the other 5 inductees) on being named to the Red Sox Hall of Fame.
EDIT: ProJo was my source for the schedule above, but the Ft. Myers News-Press, Hartford Courant and Ian Browne (of MLB.com) all have the pitchers switched -- they all are reporting Josh and co. will pitch in the morning against Boston College (which also matches what Tito said late last week).
Sox Paint the White House Red
George Bush cannot get enough of the Red Sox. After having Terry Francona and Mike Lowell over to dinner last month, today he had the entire 2007 World Champion team (including the coaching staff and ownership) over for a big hoopla-filled ceremony on the White House front lawn.
The team snazzily dressed up in their best duds (more on that later) - minus Manny Ramirez, of course - was honored by President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Not one to miss a Boston fete, Ted Kennedy and John "Manny Ortez" Kerry were also in attendance. President Bush spoke for almost 10 minutes about the team - and got more than a few laughs from the crowd.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts from the President's speech:
So Tim Wakefield's batterymate is Doug Mirabelli -- mine is the Vice President. We're glad you all are here. The Mighty Red Sox Nation has stormed the South Lawn.
I'm proud to be here with Terry Francona; the captain of the Mighty Red Sox, Jason Varitek-- the MVP of the World Series, Mike Lowell. They're mentioned because I'm trying to entice a gift out of them.
You know, Red Sox Nation extends beyond the South Lawn, extends beyond New England -- it obviously goes to the Caribbean and even the Far East. So we welcome Japan's Daisuke here to the South Lawn. His press corps is bigger than mine. And we both have trouble answering questions in English.
I love the fact that you've got some of the game's biggest stars. I mean, "Big Papi," the guy lights up the screen. He brings a great personality. I'm sorry his running mate, Manny Ramirez, isn't here. I guess his grandmother died again. Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it. But I do want to quote him. He said, "When you don't feel good, and you still get hits, that's when you know you're a bad man." I don't know what that means. But if bad man means good hitter, he's a really bad man, because he was clutch in the World Series and clutch in the playoffs.
As was my fellow Texan, Josh Beckett. Man, you're looking sharp.
I've got to make mention of a guy who is from my hometown of Midland, Texas -- that would be Mike Timlin. Mike, good to see you again. You did not buy those glasses in Midland, Texas.
And how about Jonathan Papelbon? The guy pitches almost as well as he dances. And I appreciate the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants.
No word on whether Eric Gagne was invited- but he was most definitely not in attendance.
If you missed getting to see the event live, NECN has got you covered with great video of the President's South Lawn speech here, and the post-speech press conference with Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Hideki Okajima here.
Luckily, a roving correspondent was on the scene on the White House south lawn-- and she's shared her photos of the day with me. Thanks to Kate Michael - you can see all her photos right here- but a few of my favorites are below and after the jump...
Papi always gets to carry the trophy.
Wherever there's a Red Sox party, Teddy will be there.
It's all very exciting that the Red Sox visited the White House yesterday- but all I really want to know is... what were the guys wearing? Let's have our very own red carpet fashion police, shall we?
Kicking it off with the men who made the Best Dressed List...
First up: Daisuke Matsuzaka, in a classic-cut black suit, with crisp white shirt and black tie. Love the lapels. The suit is so sharp, it could almost double for a formal suit (verging on tux). How very James Bond of him. It's even sharp enough to distract from his Sonic the Hedgehog hair.
Jacoby Ellsbury, stylin' in charcoal pinstripes and a slick gold tie. Even the sunglasses look smart. Our little rookie done growned up so fast! He does, however, need to invest in a backpack or bag of some kind -- don't the Red Sox give their rookies at least a duffel? And someone get him a case for his toiletries, so he can stop carrying them around in a plastic bag. I think that's Kiehl's I spy- how very metro of you, Jacoby.
Jacoby's pinstriped doppelganger, Josh Beckett, also finished high on the Best Dressed List. Josh rocked it out with charcoal pinstripes (I'm sensing a theme here), and with the cojones to wear a bold striped tie to boot. Bonus points for the belt- although: BUTTON UP YOUR JACKET, Josh. I know you're proud of your snazzy belt buckle, but you're meeting the President-- not lounging at Pure.
Except for the 6 inch height differential, they look like brothers. Or hit men. At least when they're wearing the same suit. I'm betting girlfriends Kelsey and Whitney shop at the same store for them.
More of the good, the bad and the ugly after the jump...
Red Sox vs. Boston College (s/s)
1:05 pm
City of Palms Park - Ft. Myers
SP: Josh Beckett
tv/radio: none - live box score
Red Sox vs. Northeastern (s/s)
6:05 pm
City of Palms Park - Ft. Myers
SP: Justin Masterson
tv/radio: WEEI
The Red Sox 2008 season opens today - if by "opens", you mean "playing on a baseball diamond against two collegiate teams in games that neither count towards the regular season record, nor even count towards the spring training Grapefruit League record (or even spring training statistics)". Still - it's BAYSBAWL, and the first baseball of the year for Sox fans at that.
Game One vs. BC won't be on TV or radio anywhere - but I put a link to the boxscore above, so you can follow along through the box. Game Two will be on WEEI.
Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. I figure it would be fun for everyone to have a place to discuss the games in progress this season.
Sidecar Papi
Just because.
Thanks to educated cheese at SoSH for the photo, and see the Herald for the story behind the picture.
Who Are You?
Who is this new Josh Beckett - and what has he done with the old Josh Beckett?
Stop taunting him, Dougie!
Joking around with the press, laughing... in public (!), grinning in photos, tickling other ballplayers. JOURNALING? It's all very new and scary.
Best White House day picture, hands down.
One thing hasn't changed with the 2008 model Josh Beckett - at least not judging by his pitching against Boston College this afternoon, in the Sox 24-0 win: 2 innings, 6 batters, 4 strikeouts, 0 hits, 18/25 pitches for strikes, 0.00 ERA. Yes, it's an extraordinarily small sample size. Yes, he was facing collegiate batters. Still - I'll take it.
I'm out there trying to do everything I can. It doesn't matter. You're out there trying to execute pitches. It doesn't matter who you're facing, doesn't matter if it's a media game, a college team or facing big league hitters. I told somebody that today, I'm not going to let them hit it. It doesn't matter. I'm out there trying to do my job. My job right now is to get in shape for the season. If I'm out there facing a college team and I'm messing around, I might take that into another game. That's not what I'm trying to do.
I didn't think I threw my curveball very well in the game. I went and threw 17 pitches down in the bullpen after the game and I threw 7 or 8 really good ones down there. My body was getting in front of me and having to rush to catch up.
Josh, I thought we had all agreed that "pitch by pitch" was the new "executing pitches"? I thought PBP was going to be the new mantra?
Josh, still executing pitches... today in Ft. Myers
And then there's this interview from Tuesday - thanks to NECN- during which Josh plays catch and chats and jokes and generally is affable and charming. Josh Beckett... charming? Hold me, mommy, I'm scared!
Dance Off!
The epic battle is looming. If you thought Sunday's Cookie-Off was going to be riveting TV, just imagine if we get ahold of video footage of the Red Sox Dance-Off happening Saturday night at Mike Lowell's charity fundraising event.
We know Papelbon likes to jig (or an approximation thereof).
Beckett will join in with the awkward two-step he does.
David Ortiz should show off those breakdance moves he tried to teach Papelbon.
And apparently Coco can breakdance as well.
The question is... can we get any of them into a white leisure suit?
MLB Loves Me
I'm taking it as a personal shout-out, that MLB has this ad popping up all over the place on its website.
I mean, COME ON. The Sox, the Cubs AND the Phillies? All in the green of my people? MLB totally loves me. And also recognizes that I'm a sucker for any merchandise with a shamrock on it.
The Sox are back... but on TV this time! Dice-K opens the real spring season for the Red Sox, facing off against Boof Bonser and the Twins. We're keeping the Mayor's Cup this year, Twins! It looks better at City of Palms Park.
Don't be alarmed when this svelte pitcher strides to the mound for the Twins in the 1st inning... it's Boof. I swear. He's just 30 pounds lighter this year.
Use the comments to this entry as your own personal Gameday open thread. I figure it would be fun for everyone to have a place to discuss the games in progress this season.
#24 Pitches Scoreless Inning
That #24, he can do it all! Normally, he hits up a storm and plays balls off the Monster - but today, #24 pitched a scoreless inning in relief against the Twins, giving up just one hit and no runs. No, not that #24 - this #24:
Jonathan Papelbon left his #58 jersey behind at City of Palms Park, so when he reported for duty this morning at Hammond Stadium he was jersey-less. He had a choice: don the spare #99 jersey (Wild Thing style), or use one of the extra Manny Ramirez #24 jerseys the Sox keep around. Papelbon chose to suit up Manny-style.
I could feel the dreadlocks flowing.
I just forgot my jersey and sure enough, they seem to always have an extra Manny jersey laying around here due to the circumstances. It looked better than 99.
"Due to the circumstances" is code for "due to the fact that Manny is nutty", I think. It should surprise no one that out of everyone on the team, the Sox keep extra Manny jerseys around. "Circumstances" being what they are and all.
Jonathan also had a successful outing speechifying for the college kids back at his alma mater, Mississippi State. I noted his appearance in the sidebar calendar (you can always check there for the latest events and appearances), but Jonathan was the keynote speaker at MSU's First Pitch banquet. The banquet was a fundraising activity for the baseball department, trying to get together enough money to build a weight room facility. And, kind of surprisingly, Papelbon's 20 minute (!) speech sounds like it was very heartfelt and not at all wacky:
"There are a lot of ups and downs in baseball," Papelbon said. "Baseball is an even keel game and you also can't go through life without having some ups and downs. I guess baseball is what has helped me keep a level head about me."
Papelbon spoke about his many experiences as a Bulldog and during his brief professional career in the Red Sox organization.
"Baseball is a very humbling game," Papelbon said. "When you think you've figured it out, it will turn around and punch you right in the nose. It's the same in life. I've tried not to get too ahead of myself.
"It's an honor to play the game of baseball and it has taught me a lot."
Move Over Jacoby, Cover Boy Is Here
Jacoby Ellsbury may have been the Men's Vogue model for March, but Josh Beckett just couldn't let that go unanswered... he'll be the cover boy for the April issue of Men's Fitness. That's right, he will kick your ass on the field and then he will take over your local newsstand!
The feature on Josh centers on his offseason and conditioning regimen. From the article:
As for the cardio workout, it mostly helps him with recovering from a pitch.
Each throwing motion requires three seconds of intense effort, followed by 12 seconds of recovery time, he said. Who knew?
"We try to train my body to recover during those 12 seconds," said the Sox fastball biggie... "I try to throw the damn thing as hard as I can."
Tie a string around your finger so you don't forget: the Red Sox added a bonus B-game to the schedule for Monday. They'll be facing off against the Minnesota Twins (again! 4 days in a row!) at City of Palms Park at 10 a.m., even though the game still doesn't appear on the team's official schedule at redsox.com.
Josh Beckett and batterymate Jason Varitek will stay to pitch the early-bird B-game in Ft. Myers, Kyle Snyder and the lion's share of the team will travel to Jupiter to face the Marlins in the afternoon. Tito Francona spoke about the decision to add the game to the ProJo:
We felt like we had between seven to nine innings of pitching we wanted to account for (that day). Actually, the Twins approached us. We had the pitching, so due to the abbreviated spring training, it gives us nine more innings to see pitching. We actually don't have enough position players, so we're going to have to scuffle [to find it].
For those lucky enough to be down in Ft. Myers, admission will be free.
Oh My Sweet Lord
As I reported yesterday, there was a Red Sox dance-off for charity earlier this evening in Ft. Myers. Jonathan Papelbon, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Lowell and Alex Cora partnered with pro ballroom dancers as part of the "Dancing with the All-Stars" benefit for the Mike Lowell Foundation and Red Sox Foundation. But the majestic reality of this event is so much better than I could possibly have imagined.
I... just... words fail me.
So many questions. Is that "DADDY" written on Dustin's chest in Sharpie? Why did Mike Lowell get away with wearing a normal outfit? Where in the hell did Papelbon get that "shirt" (and I use that term very loosely)? For that matter, where did he get the belt? And why does it look like he's really enjoying wearing that shirt and belt?
Each player was paired with a professional dance partner who, in two hours, taught merengue and salsa steps that usually take two weeks to master. The event was Cuban-themed to celebrate Lowell's heritage.
It didn't take long for his teammates to lighten the mood, beginning with Papelbon, whom [sic] came out in a black lace top -- a hard look for any dancer to pull off, not to mention one with a build like the intimidating Red Sox closer.
Pedroia came out and proceeded to rip off his shirt while dancing his best.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona attended the event, while teammates Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, Javier Lopez, Sean Casey and Jacoby Ellsbury all provided emotional support and some unbiased judging during the nerve-wracking dancing contest.
I can only imagine what kind of "emotional support" and "unbiased judging" those guys had to offer... especially stoic Jason Varitek and Josh "F-Bomb" Beckett. I'm thinking "support" = "mocking", and "judging" = "more mocking". And it comes as no surprise that the self-proclaimed Gun Show Pedroia ripped off his shirt at the first available opportunity.
"[Papelbon's shirt] was terrible," Pedroia said. "I thought my body pulled it off, and his didn't. That's my personal opinion. A lot of women, they loved it."
Pedroia threw his shirt to owner John Henry, nearly killing manager Terry Francona in the process.
"I thought I was going to have a heart attack," Francona said. "My chest hurt, I was laughing so hard. Pedroia is a moron. You can write that. He is a moron. He was dancing, he looked like a puppet on a string. He's such a little gamer, but he's looking over knowing we were crushing him. He's drinking the Red Bull. He's exhausted. He's trying to do these things with this girl he's not strong enough to do. It was hilarious.
"They showed me something getting up on that stage, because I guarantee they were scared to death."
photos courtesy of the Red Sox and Brita Meng Outzen
