tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43415158374398737852024-02-19T03:59:06.432-05:00FenwayNation—Red Sox, Mookie, J.D., Bogaerts, Sale, JBJ—Founded 1/27/2000—9-Time ChampsServing Red Sox Fans Everywhere Since January 2000Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-15270345036293244102023-01-06T18:13:00.002-05:002023-01-06T18:13:08.798-05:002023 BOSTON RED SOX SCHEDULE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdQ-UIHT7Da3Ew4N8Sw7NO5EK73ERMvDrQ4pHhWNYmARjokakf-azyin0c-WCGWUM16T8dVKLCf4ZGzzjCAAp94FKSNyjredEsq4857uGzzeryiKhfq3mMoBQ50Sq1i5rxMYzJcF97hl5qm7yGh0x4_5ibKB0Y1zeM1Es54F_VC3TpKVAhm3WcqZh/s1920/Fa8fToYWQAAqZ-S.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdQ-UIHT7Da3Ew4N8Sw7NO5EK73ERMvDrQ4pHhWNYmARjokakf-azyin0c-WCGWUM16T8dVKLCf4ZGzzjCAAp94FKSNyjredEsq4857uGzzeryiKhfq3mMoBQ50Sq1i5rxMYzJcF97hl5qm7yGh0x4_5ibKB0Y1zeM1Es54F_VC3TpKVAhm3WcqZh/w640-h360/Fa8fToYWQAAqZ-S.jpg-large.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-50659788873065023712022-06-04T11:15:00.005-04:002022-06-04T11:17:16.252-04:00While Flawed, The Red Sox Have Also Been Unlucky<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b3OhqKYzPwxsWMDmzhq712YmZGN2IW2UYaOQgKfbKCktRjw_5bePW0KJo8Wds0yHn-fObzNpJwaKUlOYoTtkDfV3hYtwhVnpj6qdBcxLmjzhQOCDYcNWSmXH09KPrPoH_UKWg0T_W7rIsQz30upJoQ_tIuIkv3ifBWzuk7ZaPAggGv_6bsDc_iT7/s1200/e0afdler5echdg1qh2qx.jpg.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b3OhqKYzPwxsWMDmzhq712YmZGN2IW2UYaOQgKfbKCktRjw_5bePW0KJo8Wds0yHn-fObzNpJwaKUlOYoTtkDfV3hYtwhVnpj6qdBcxLmjzhQOCDYcNWSmXH09KPrPoH_UKWg0T_W7rIsQz30upJoQ_tIuIkv3ifBWzuk7ZaPAggGv_6bsDc_iT7/s320/e0afdler5echdg1qh2qx.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></div>There's no question that the current configuration of your 2022 Boston Red Sox is not championship calibre. They are deficient at first-base, in the bullpen, in the starting rotation and on the bench. Having said that, they have also been incredibly unlucky so far this season. According to ESPN's metrics, The Carmine Hose should have a 29-23 record right now—four wins more than they actually have. Their run differential is a respectable +27 (4th best in the American League). No one better exemplifies this misfortune than Alex Verdugo—who has hammered the ball this year but gotten little to show for it. <p></p><p>There are other issues. For example, Boston is 1-6 in the incredibly stupid MLB extra-inning format. You have to think that in a normal extra-inning format, they'd at least have a few more of those wins. They are also 4-8 in one-run games—probably mostly due to their crappy bullpen. They also reside in the toughest division in baseball—and they've gone just 7-14 so far against their division rivals. That's not sustainable.</p><p>So, if you mix in some bad luck and some crappy performances—you get a team that's 12 games out of first place in June. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-83245097910870367812022-06-02T11:29:00.005-04:002022-06-02T11:30:43.497-04:00Now Is The Time For The Red Sox To 'Trade Up' To Relevance<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitFJZpMau7hSrBDTVvikkanNCCHfp6oOYrUdGvqCKezJqbhB7xDp1zjq5OYuL5hFOn8lR55Sb9z7Hwmp2ICYtIfCRxucE9WjSZ3m-yxsHD0AVinKufkQu6Q3e9xtgzrHwq9JC63-q5jz948lwsnhFURJzl-ZE4uDenHlBan-K5leJqBumTbCTQEay/s900/trade-central2-900x635.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="900" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitFJZpMau7hSrBDTVvikkanNCCHfp6oOYrUdGvqCKezJqbhB7xDp1zjq5OYuL5hFOn8lR55Sb9z7Hwmp2ICYtIfCRxucE9WjSZ3m-yxsHD0AVinKufkQu6Q3e9xtgzrHwq9JC63-q5jz948lwsnhFURJzl-ZE4uDenHlBan-K5leJqBumTbCTQEay/w200-h141/trade-central2-900x635.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>Despite the recent surge of optimism for your Carmine Hose, they still lost three of five—<b><i>at home</i></b>—to the pathetic Orioles. Moreover, they went 3-4 on the recent home-stand against those Orioles and the even more pathetic Reds team. This is no championship team right now. In fact, they're struggling to get to .500. <p></p><p>What's needed right now is a major trade—to bring multiple relievers and a major-league quality first-baseman to Boston. You can't solve all of the problems with one trade—but the bullpen and first are the most egregious failures. Perhaps the return of<b> Chris Sale</b> and the relative consistency of <b>Nick Pivetta</b> and <b>Nathan Eovoldi </b>will stabilize the rotation. </p><p>If the Red Sox are not serious about re-signing <b>Xander Bogaerts</b> (which appears the case), then trade him now. It's shameful that this even has to be considered—but apparently <b>John Henry</b> cares more about foreign soccer and NASCAR than keeping franchise players on his baseball team. </p><p>The only alternative is to punt on 2022, bring up <b>Triston Casas</b> to play first—while gouging regional fans with the $29.99/month NESN 360 'streaming' service. I'm tired of Henry's act. Can we get some local ownership, please?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-46233769936773336672022-05-21T10:31:00.008-04:002022-05-21T10:44:25.342-04:00Let's Not Get Too Excited By Recent Red Sox Run<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpE0eYF-MBZKp3EcjgbY4lH94mIiBNCmuvoDV45ZSI0rEupe-IOFw0xCMbe9HHJ5hlHtY-kHuPW7dyZeptiEUL8GeVRAWtz_ydWiM260AjmzUCv042DMZlFztl_2dNyfqoRgriOqyhq4-FAIq4Q4eyh3kC4moKtA-poOqfrn6cNgTeUgZ9hC7Y4BO/s720/pulpwolfvincentjules1.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="720" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpE0eYF-MBZKp3EcjgbY4lH94mIiBNCmuvoDV45ZSI0rEupe-IOFw0xCMbe9HHJ5hlHtY-kHuPW7dyZeptiEUL8GeVRAWtz_ydWiM260AjmzUCv042DMZlFztl_2dNyfqoRgriOqyhq4-FAIq4Q4eyh3kC4moKtA-poOqfrn6cNgTeUgZ9hC7Y4BO/s320/pulpwolfvincentjules1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Winston Wolfe</b></td></tr></tbody></table>Your 2022 Boston Red Sox are <b><i>finally</i></b> performing like they were supposed to. Unfortunately—even though it's only May 21st—they may have dug themselves too big a hole for any post-season appearance. They <i>could</i> qualify again for a play-in Wild Card game (they're only 4 out right now), but the inconsistency on both offense and defense (not to mention pitching) this season suggests that we shouldn't get too excited about playoff prospects (heeding the sage words of <i>Pulp Fiction</i>'s <b>Winston Wolf</b>).<p></p><p>For example, despite their recent run at Fenway, Boston in the <b><i>only team in the AL East with a losing record at home</i></b>. In a division as talented as this one (even the Birds are pulling off walk-off wins) that's not sustainable. </p><p>There are still far too many holes on this roster to realistically hope for a post-season berth—first-base, bench, bullpen, health of the starting rotation (we could go on). So, let's enjoy the recent barrage of run-scoring—but let's not get ahead of our skis. Let's get to .500 first.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-80415129269701184032022-04-07T15:40:00.001-04:002022-04-07T15:44:12.583-04:00FOCO Releases New Xander Bogaerts Bobblehead<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZS7cKgQIId9Axxovb1moKTR95DuNlPwbPCQxA7kov5NT6urQLOU-guuk2YY2rIdmmNddNxApOKZi7Sp1_YsnXsX4hZHaMixWpWnA4efdahRXwEtXQD4_nHskmg6eCQ5iImKEu7LerOWToxu6XK-gxEyysgzTl3rDUbsfAKyLo5r70xulBkjD576/s2048/0C74E259-8DB3-46E1-891A-9BDBFD0105C9.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4ZS7cKgQIId9Axxovb1moKTR95DuNlPwbPCQxA7kov5NT6urQLOU-guuk2YY2rIdmmNddNxApOKZi7Sp1_YsnXsX4hZHaMixWpWnA4efdahRXwEtXQD4_nHskmg6eCQ5iImKEu7LerOWToxu6XK-gxEyysgzTl3rDUbsfAKyLo5r70xulBkjD576/w200-h200/0C74E259-8DB3-46E1-891A-9BDBFD0105C9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>FOCO, one the world's most prominent manufacturers of apparel, toys and accessories for all major league sports, has released a new <b>Xander Bogaerts Boston Red Sox Play Ball Bobblehead</b>. As you can see, the bobble shows the X-Man in action—ready to blast another home run over the Green Monster. You can get more information on all of FOCO's products by visiting their social media sites (@focousa) or their website (<a href="https://foco.com">https://foco.com</a>). <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-78046518653860329312022-03-16T16:48:00.003-04:002022-03-16T16:48:33.724-04:00Red Sox Reveal Revised 2022 Schedule<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6x6QCudOpdlt8Ht7WGp72QZJ30olpfsLMAjjrLdeW6QjpwaUCR51tQ_SwpyuxZREN4-slFVFY0YhYiPhYiM1exB_laXQVDC77v0wvHU-p31e5D-bNVaZKvbBnHMECe3QqQc51bocXLBbSos_01_T_Z530B1TXHNSwl-6yMx5TG49dTSr4Dn9wMuC4=s650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6x6QCudOpdlt8Ht7WGp72QZJ30olpfsLMAjjrLdeW6QjpwaUCR51tQ_SwpyuxZREN4-slFVFY0YhYiPhYiM1exB_laXQVDC77v0wvHU-p31e5D-bNVaZKvbBnHMECe3QqQc51bocXLBbSos_01_T_Z530B1TXHNSwl-6yMx5TG49dTSr4Dn9wMuC4=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-3105207171541117962021-11-02T12:44:00.003-04:002021-11-02T12:46:04.458-04:00A Groundswell Of Support To Honor Jerry Remy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNBX87nfs83sDO6jYIJgjBNcyBgUQv2U9Q7YuOf2Gc00_KpciXgUv6x3F_ZjlHGXnyGz0Kpsv4dVGhcmjVvC6Kujj7hZZBk1WXIO1NDEXAE-kIsats8-IazjAv7-dw8R_YBDZWfZSBeLJk3Sqjp-DVwvl7CwmfXuak3lXn0JdOoQVpRiNRBmyCge6p=s1276" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1276" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNBX87nfs83sDO6jYIJgjBNcyBgUQv2U9Q7YuOf2Gc00_KpciXgUv6x3F_ZjlHGXnyGz0Kpsv4dVGhcmjVvC6Kujj7hZZBk1WXIO1NDEXAE-kIsats8-IazjAv7-dw8R_YBDZWfZSBeLJk3Sqjp-DVwvl7CwmfXuak3lXn0JdOoQVpRiNRBmyCge6p=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Last Sunday morning, as I learned of the passing of Red Sox legend<b> Jerry Remy</b>, a wave of real sadness passed over me. But soon after, I had a thought: Why not honor his legacy as a player, broadcaster and local Boston kid by re-naming Jersey Street as "Jerry Remy Way"? After all, Jersey Street has no real connection for Red Sox fans, but naming it for the long-time player and broadcaster would have tremendous significance. <p></p><p>When my modest tweet garnered almost 6,000 likes and almost 700 re-tweets in less than two days, I realized this could be a real possibility. So, I created a petition on change.org. As of this writing, nearly 3,500 people have signed. I was even interviewed by a local television station about the petition (Channel 7 in Boston).</p><p>Hopefully, the City of Boston and the Red Sox will heed this public groundswell of support and re-name Jersey Street for one of the most iconic members of Red Sox Nation—Jerry Remy. If you haven't done so yet, please consider signing the petition <b><a href="https://chng.it/ry9nP6bYg9"><span style="color: #cc0000;">HERE</span></a></b>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-33540421399200023152021-10-29T12:52:00.007-04:002021-10-29T12:54:12.355-04:00The New 2022 FenwayNation Calendar Is Available Now!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj30JQm6UV-ecKCn6MppW78QI9Jen_J0YOrWyLjylxeqKW4VmAt6WnIPqilTwu0mKnglRbq5VcnVIUIiJWj-rzrkWEyx0Jog3af4u6jBoKxGyHzi5QbyWIrvfwozUMXigozGUepZ2jPVeSDnOB6vUEmfFPd3m78-DIRDv_BcjAblgwrO7ylkXNjybXu=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj30JQm6UV-ecKCn6MppW78QI9Jen_J0YOrWyLjylxeqKW4VmAt6WnIPqilTwu0mKnglRbq5VcnVIUIiJWj-rzrkWEyx0Jog3af4u6jBoKxGyHzi5QbyWIrvfwozUMXigozGUepZ2jPVeSDnOB6vUEmfFPd3m78-DIRDv_BcjAblgwrO7ylkXNjybXu=w200-h150" width="200" /></a></div>It's here! The brand new, <span style="color: red;"><b>2022 FenwayNation Calendar</b></span> is now available for purchase. Filled with <b><i>exclusive</i></b> photos from the exciting 2021 Red Sox season, this calendar is a MUST for those crazed BoSox fans you all know! Maybe even for you! From the up-and-down regular season, the Wild Card win over The Evil Ones, to the thrilling ALDS win to the ALCS—it's all here in stunning display. The cover features the incredible rainbow that shot across Fenway as a symbol of the great things that happened during the 2021 season. You can't get these photos anywhere else!<p></p><p>Click <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/ernest-paicopolos/2022-fenwaynation-calendar/paperback/product-r258j8.html?page=1&pageSize=4">HERE</a> to buy your copy of the 2022 FN Calendar (or <b><i>many</i></b> copies)!!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-10962959932011927402021-10-17T11:08:00.005-04:002021-10-17T11:10:03.263-04:00An All-Boston Original Franchise World Series Is A Real Possibility<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTpclaCbzt241Rb43JmfW7lfqmcukKN5anBrOwYRfVyJTG88GAROythHNRDKTQs7yWYQ8bXREvLwq5lg-M7iTA_JIzUUuee53GshFkn7V4dUUFHgEMCVEPlsoCh2z361g0yl2gfBW57jFsbCoeg7Ux_9O46hP6Rl6_4Lq8jBlcoiTzLWvYk9SQSlkY=s1200" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTpclaCbzt241Rb43JmfW7lfqmcukKN5anBrOwYRfVyJTG88GAROythHNRDKTQs7yWYQ8bXREvLwq5lg-M7iTA_JIzUUuee53GshFkn7V4dUUFHgEMCVEPlsoCh2z361g0yl2gfBW57jFsbCoeg7Ux_9O46hP6Rl6_4Lq8jBlcoiTzLWvYk9SQSlkY=s320" width="320" /></a></div>With the Red Sox tying their ALCS series with a "Double Salami" whooping of the TrashCanBangers <b><i>and</i></b> the Braves walking-off the Trolley Dodgers in their NLCS Game One, we actually <b><i>could</i></b> have and All-Boston (original franchise) World Series.<p></p><p>This <i>almost</i> happened back in 1948, but the Red Sox lost a one-game tie-breaker with the Cleveland Indians—who went on to beat the Braves in the World Series. Think of what could have been! A short commute Fall Classic—between Fenway Park and Braves Field (the current site of B.U.'s Nickerson Field). Alas, since the Braves are now in Dixie, it's more like a 1,000 mile drive—but still, it would be the first World Series match-up between two original Boston franchises.</p><p>Of course, Inter-League Play (which started in 1997) has <b><i>severely</i></b> diluted the potential sweetness of this possibility—since they matched up <i>four times just this season</i> (the Red Sox wining three of four, by the way). Still, forcing the Dodgers and Astros to play golf the rest of October would almost be sweet enough in and of itself. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-62143181789900720572021-10-05T09:14:00.002-04:002021-10-05T09:15:37.498-04:00Devers And Whitlock Gain Top FenwayNation Honors For 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gl4r5zLgWa7yU8TwcY8dlApRaHyw1T3GE3Y2PUk9yFnifaOX8ikDSDuSym5jLcx_RrsS9lKqxjfdc_LK0ZDcbm81ZQsw4VupS3QrAXifj9yepViyk1wsbenvXeZXydU7u9GB1sE48ZM/s450/screenshot_7931.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="450" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gl4r5zLgWa7yU8TwcY8dlApRaHyw1T3GE3Y2PUk9yFnifaOX8ikDSDuSym5jLcx_RrsS9lKqxjfdc_LK0ZDcbm81ZQsw4VupS3QrAXifj9yepViyk1wsbenvXeZXydU7u9GB1sE48ZM/w200-h151/screenshot_7931.png" width="200" /></a></div>FenwayNation announced their <span style="color: red;"><b>2021 Red Sox Award Winners</b></span> last night—tapping 3B <b>Rafael Devers</b> as "Player Of The Year" and RP <b>Garrett Whitlock</b> as "Rookie Of The Year".<p></p><p>Capping an All-Star season, the 24-year-old Devers clouted 38 home runs and knocked in 113, while hitting .279. He also collected 37 doubles and tallied 318 total bases. His 62 walks were the highest of his career. Mostly, he transformed himself from an exceptional young player into a superstar.</p><p>The 25-year-old Whitlock delivered a stellar 1.96 ERA in 73.1 innings for the 2021 Red Sox. Picked up last December in the Rule 5 Draft from the Yankees, Whitlock became the "go-to" bullpen arm for multiple-inning relief appearances. He faced 298 batters and struck out 81—walking just 17.</p><p><b><i>Congratulations to Rafael and Garrett!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-48055049327829357092021-10-02T12:25:00.002-04:002021-10-02T12:26:00.402-04:00Red Sox Hold Their Post-Season Fate Squarely In their Own Hands<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFYnxxCoXpMf63dhJyw8ZxIHqjri1lNqyDTEHxPY7KHr3c9fnez7uVoweQfvTH0Dfg8ICbw6QyIB4KFsDJ6D6rx5rJIrdkZW49aJvDqwyARPijTz5cUIs0ls9Ep8AT7otf2mV8d_9sVg/s800/photo-1499019994040-051a7b3135f2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFYnxxCoXpMf63dhJyw8ZxIHqjri1lNqyDTEHxPY7KHr3c9fnez7uVoweQfvTH0Dfg8ICbw6QyIB4KFsDJ6D6rx5rJIrdkZW49aJvDqwyARPijTz5cUIs0ls9Ep8AT7otf2mV8d_9sVg/s320/photo-1499019994040-051a7b3135f2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>No excuses. With two games left in the regular season (barring a "play-in" tiebreaker on Monday), your Boston Red Sox just need to win on Saturday and Sunday to secure a post-season berth. Period. No scoreboard watching, no Yankee angst—just get 92 wins and wait for your next destination.<br /><p></p><p>It sounds easy—but nothing has come easy for this Boston Nine in 2021. They started the season by losing three at home to the pathetic Orioles (only to almost repeat that debacle in Charm City in late September). They have gone on near-historic runs that made us think this collection of "Bloomers" was destined for greatness. They have collected doubles at an astounding rate—leading Major League Baseball by a long shot. But, alas, the pitching is the big conundrum—sometimes the starters, sometimes the 'pen. Does a 2021 Sale Day guarantee a win? Ummm, not necessarily. Is Barnes a true closer? Ummm, not bloody likely.</p><p>And so, it all comes down to whether this crew can hit and pitch in 18 consecutive innings. If they do, we're in the tournament. If they don't, the pitchforks and torches will be out in full display on Yawkey Way (Jersey Street is a fiction). </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-3000758307974989402021-05-03T09:13:00.009-04:002021-05-03T09:17:31.431-04:00 FN International Editor: John Henry And The "Soccer Super League" <p><span style="color: red;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTQrg8CEuRd5ynSRAY-MTZtHoiI94Sg5sEkNGzYHJzmnY1bm8_X-f8cNo_CKdC0-I-hKLiyrTEZ5IXjaaw7fbRYQZI2UbRs-rPVvSXyxQz6MnrCppFC9v_Utw2uroDibZHdZSF8H2tZ8/s200/screenshot_6299.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTQrg8CEuRd5ynSRAY-MTZtHoiI94Sg5sEkNGzYHJzmnY1bm8_X-f8cNo_CKdC0-I-hKLiyrTEZ5IXjaaw7fbRYQZI2UbRs-rPVvSXyxQz6MnrCppFC9v_Utw2uroDibZHdZSF8H2tZ8/s0/screenshot_6299.png" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: red;"><b>by Mark Lawrence, International Editor</b></span><p></p><p><b>Sydney, Australia—</b>I've never given much thought to the game of soccer. I've never given so much as a rat's narrow behind about it, to be honest. But this latest brouhaha over in the Old Dart is relevant to any one who's ever handed their hard-earned to the ticket takers down on that street outside Fenway Park - I forget what they're calling it these days. </p><p>The British soccer fan has been quite a bit het up lately. Why? Well, partly because of the pallid presence of <b>John Henry</b>, owner of a little outfit called the Fenway Sports Group. FSG owns the Liverpool Football Club and - for those who don't know - Liverpool has a fan base whose passion rivals that of Red Sox Nation - and probably even exceeds it. The Club uses a song from the musical Carousel as its motto and its anthem - You'll Never Walk Alone - and they belt it out louder and stronger than poor old Sweet Caroline every chance they get. </p><p>John and his pals somehow got the bright idea that they could futz with English Football - soccer, to you and me - and no one would much care. They made the fatal assumption that soccer fans would docilely accept a European Super League comprised of the highest-priced teams and happily kick over even more dough at the turnstiles for the privilege. The idea was simple: the best clubs would form their own competition within the game's existing structure. But it goes a little deeper than that and the concern down here and elsewhere is that John and his fellow MLB owners might try and pull the same gag with Baseball. As Nick O'Malley (Masslive.com) neatly puts it, imagine if the Yankees, the Dodgers, our own beloved Red Sox and 'other big-money teams joined a separate league with the top Korean and Japanese teams to start their own playoffs and World Series that they’d play for, in addition to normal Major League Baseball. Smaller market teams would get a chance to play, but the big-money teams would always have a seat in the playoffs.' </p><p>Sounds pretty sleazy, doesn't it? I mean, wouldn't that make the Fall Classic essentially a bit of a joke? If a bonehead like your Downunder Correspondent can see it, surely the stock-ticker minds of Henry et al had to have seen it too? Well, no, actually. It looks like they didn't. </p><p>One of the Super League cabal members, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, said they came up with the plan because young people are 'no longer interested in football' due to 'a lot of poor-quality games'. </p><p>I found some interesting research from a fan-intel outfit called Ear to the Ground. They're based over in the UK and while they're not exactly Polity Research, the data they gathered shows that Florentino doesn't have a firm handle on what those Real Madrid fans are feeling. According to the Ear guys, almost 90% of soccer fans think Perez - and his super-rich pals - are simply full of it. As one of the Ear guys put it: “It’s about knowing what your audiences care about, and the role you play for them,” (This is Owen Laverty, director of fan intelligence) “We know there are smart people working across all of these clubs, but it feels like these decisions about a breakaway league were made in boardrooms by individuals who were disconnected from the real world and potentially misunderstood the values of the people that this mattered to the most - the fans…" Ear to the Ground is very likely making some serious scratch from simply identifying what's important to sports fans and acting accordingly. And if John Henry hasn't already taken steps to go and do likewise, well - he might not be as smart as he thinks he is. Owning a globally recognized sports franchise - like the Boston Red Sox - is not just having some awesome money-making machine, it's a deadly serious responsibility. John Henry and the other super-rich MLB owners have a duty to the Game and an obligation to the Fans. And you wanna know something? Up until this Super League debacle, I felt reasonably comfortable with Henry's stewardship of our club. </p><p>Now, I'm not so sure. How about you?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-51842962772240921842021-04-30T12:13:00.003-04:002021-04-30T12:13:53.138-04:00Will Middlebrooks And Jenny Dell To Co-Host Jimmy Fund Bingo <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUT1X06pzL7LfFUGBNFAhM9sqr3gF1mTGw-nvIXrqgchLXPt5r6GrHWEtGcsBZtaV7ydDvkB4KNh3JGGbsr8H6Br5tsL3bESGyR650kx6S8a6Nq7NfyU6KvNoUtXgDuSkLDJO39Dzu-A/s1427/cae6155d-af2b-4fb0-b760-08afa478e73f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUT1X06pzL7LfFUGBNFAhM9sqr3gF1mTGw-nvIXrqgchLXPt5r6GrHWEtGcsBZtaV7ydDvkB4KNh3JGGbsr8H6Br5tsL3bESGyR650kx6S8a6Nq7NfyU6KvNoUtXgDuSkLDJO39Dzu-A/w200-h200/cae6155d-af2b-4fb0-b760-08afa478e73f.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>Former Red Sox third-baseman (and 2013 World Series Champion) <b>Will Middlebrooks </b>will co-host the upcoming <b><i>Jimmy Fund Bingo Night</i></b> on Friday, May 7, 2021. He'll be joined by his wife (and former NESN reporter) <b>Jenny Dell</b> for the game—which will be played on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thejimmyfund/">Jimmy Fund Facebook Page</a>. <p></p><p>To participate in <b><i>Jimmy Fund Bingo Night</i></b>, a $10 or more donation is suggested to receive one Bingo card. Family packages and the option to sponsor a patient to play Bingo are also available. Confirmation details will be emailed to all participants prior to the start of Friday’s game. Winners of each round will receive fun prizes, including exclusive Jimmy Fund items. Bingo cards are available for purchase until 4 p.m. EST on May 7th. All participants who register before 5pm on May 5th will be entered to win a pizza party from Papa Gino’s to enjoy while playing during Friday’s Bingo livestream. Visit <a href="https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=jimmyfund_bingonight_cancer">Jimmy Fund Bingo </a>for more information. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-53522209293105519322021-04-18T11:12:00.006-04:002021-04-18T11:29:33.867-04:00BOOK REVIEW: 'A Fastball For Freedom' <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hL07IUYe3icYwbUpMExRXAFCmJMVR9xQZvVonefBkL5KrWhfSkRIP9gf1oYwleHLGLocBiTgl3ih8TRMkQjk9Y8P4DCVU-b7D69vaAgiFCvYkhyphenhyphenOTCOxiXdQngsqiHokNMsCmeFTPi0/s200/Books_Morgenstein_Fastball_for_Freedom__element272.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="130" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hL07IUYe3icYwbUpMExRXAFCmJMVR9xQZvVonefBkL5KrWhfSkRIP9gf1oYwleHLGLocBiTgl3ih8TRMkQjk9Y8P4DCVU-b7D69vaAgiFCvYkhyphenhyphenOTCOxiXdQngsqiHokNMsCmeFTPi0/w130-h200/Books_Morgenstein_Fastball_for_Freedom__element272.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div><span style="color: red;"><b>Review by Ernie Paicopolos:</b></span></div><div><br /></div>Rarely does a sequel match or surpass the original. You can pretty much count the times on one hand: <i>Godfather 2 </i>(following the <i>Godfather</i>); <b>Margaret Atwood</b>'s <i>'The Year Of The Flood'</i> (following '<i>Oryx And Crake'</i>); Jeopardy's <b>Alex Trebek</b> (following <b>Art Fleming</b>). By the way, I'm deliberately leaving out Buccaneer <b>Tom Brady</b> (following the Patriot version) because of where I live.<p></p><p>Anyway, author <b>Gary Morgenstein</b> has managed to pull off this rare feat. His new novel, <i>"A Fastball For Freedom"</i> is Book Two in the <i>"Dark Depths"</i> series of novels that began with the amazing, <i>"A Mound Over Hell"</i>. Protector-of-all-things-baseball (and pretty good pitcher) <b>Puppy Nedick</b> is back—but the year 2098 is not a fun place for lovers of baseball (or freedom, for that matter). Puppy (and his ex-wife) are on the run from <i>'The Family'</i>—the religious dictatorship that now runs America. He's been branded a traitor for trying to keep baseball alive.</p><p>What makes Morgenstein's books so compelling is the character portrayals—they're complex, but they're also identifiable as they weave their way through the treacherous, dystopian times in which they live. And I'm not just saying this because there's a new character in the mix named <i>'Ernie The Wizard' </i>(well, maybe a <i>little</i> bit). And, as with the first novel, Morgenstein is not afraid to take on political correctness—and strike it out with a backdoor slider on the inside corner. How refreshing is <b><i>that</i></b> in our timid times? </p><p>The bottom line is that if you love speculative fiction and you love baseball, this is a must-read. Can Puppy fight a new oppressive regime, save the planet from global conflict—<b><i>and</i></b> save baseball? You'll just have to read it. You can order the novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T6DPJFL?tag=books2read02-20"><b>HERE</b></a>.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-45457389276762260542021-04-13T17:40:00.007-04:002021-04-13T17:44:46.817-04:00Red Sox Notch Seventh Straight Win, Come Back On Twinkies, 4-2<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaMl-Y-v1mtPKoK0NR4KBMUPsOJLH3rmKNDv-D9xyrlqFc6xJvd9jBHajz-xp8-CyJgUS0WdGdJfgWJ5bd-ugAuBy8KimWQiueT_Dv2QmFADbb_RBJPGaU7ZP42Y8zT1aS-f3i7-R8Ik/s750/IMG_6362.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="750" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaMl-Y-v1mtPKoK0NR4KBMUPsOJLH3rmKNDv-D9xyrlqFc6xJvd9jBHajz-xp8-CyJgUS0WdGdJfgWJ5bd-ugAuBy8KimWQiueT_Dv2QmFADbb_RBJPGaU7ZP42Y8zT1aS-f3i7-R8Ik/w320-h206/IMG_6362.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Text to Henry Kanter on April 5th</b></td></tr></tbody></table>After dropping their first three games of the season, your Boston Red Sox have gone on a tear—winning their <b><i>next seven games</i></b>. Today, they overcame a 2-0 deficit in snowy Minneapolis to gain <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=mlb+scores&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#sie=m;/g/11n0bx90bm;4;/m/09p14;dt;fp;1;;">their fifth come-from-behind win of the season, 4-2</a>. The Boston heroes were: <b>Bobby Dalbec</b> (2 RBI doubles); <b>Hunter Renfroe</b> (solo HR); <b>Rafael Devers</b> (solo HR) and a gutsy <b>Martin Perez</b>. <p></p><p>After the opening series losses, I texted my Fenway seat partner, <b>Henry Kanter</b>,<b> </b>that the Sox would "only" need to rattle off 13 straight victories to go 10 games over .500 (see image). Little did I know that my prediction would need just 6 <i>more</i> consecutive wins to come true! This actually could become an interesting Red Sox season. Who knew?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-28426360327956968792021-04-08T10:20:00.001-04:002021-04-08T10:20:11.589-04:00POLL: Do You Like The New (Yellow & Blue) Marathon-Themed Uniforms?<form method="post" action="https://poll.pollcode.com/87783162"><div style="background-color:#EEEEEE;padding:2px;width:500px;font-family:Arial;font-size:small;color:#000000;box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;"><div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Do you like the new Red Sox Marathon-themed, yellow and blue uniforms?</strong></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="1" id="answer877831621" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer877831621" style="float:left;width:475px;">Yes, it's very cool</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="2" id="answer877831622" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer877831622" style="float:left;width:475px;">No, it's pretty tacky</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="3" id="answer877831623" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer877831623" style="float:left;width:475px;">(Not Sure)</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><div align="center" style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote "> <input type="submit" name="view" value=" View "></div><div align="right" style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="https://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div></div></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-72624330357405724292021-04-08T10:10:00.002-04:002021-04-08T10:11:47.627-04:00Reports Of Red Sox Demise Are Greatly Exaggerated<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS_Es4wEI8655qVS4eMhgk0pL3U59Mpg7V2a8isdY0_Zb8tkC0lM8KyLPTPbCcBcfWHoObZvNPes_IiycqowGHbuuAPd6LWE6nArV3m6Gg1B6gbIQ3yh3sw3z1Cq8aqow-730YtSWu0o/s600/screenshot_7831.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMS_Es4wEI8655qVS4eMhgk0pL3U59Mpg7V2a8isdY0_Zb8tkC0lM8KyLPTPbCcBcfWHoObZvNPes_IiycqowGHbuuAPd6LWE6nArV3m6Gg1B6gbIQ3yh3sw3z1Cq8aqow-730YtSWu0o/w200-h151/screenshot_7831.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Getty Images)</td></tr></tbody></table>After dropping the initial three games of the 2021 season to the lowly Orioles, <i>The Nation</i> descended into panic mode (including—to <i>some</i> degree—your humble scribe). What was particularly concerning was that the so-called "strength" of the team (a prodigious offense) was missing in action against The Birds. On top of that, the AL Champion Rays were coming to town for the next three contests. Well, what do you know? The offense emerged (scoring 26 runs in the Rays series) and the pitching remained pretty decent. Now, your 2021 Carmine Hose are a .500 ball-club—having swept the denizens of the Trop. <p></p><p>It just goes to show you that one of baseball's oldest chestnuts—'it's a marathon, not s sprint"—is as true today as it ever was. Speaking of which, the team announced a new Patriot's Day uni that honors the tradition of the Boston Marathon. It's unusual (to say the least) with yellow and blue colors. But, we like it. We'll be running a poll soon to see what our readers think.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-83213876938830718462021-03-16T15:31:00.005-04:002021-03-16T15:32:32.686-04:00LeBron James Buys Part Ownership Of The Red Sox (YAWN!)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPiUojNF8zG-saw5zKGRhRjmADaer0CznYqc4rokxuv92sZPCAB1Mr0ztae_KN2WeYwZiFbZPD8UqdF_cIwvJtZ7AI513xFQc8_nBwswU9iy88z9OInuehb3CHIttcPXTnRNbWotjAp8/s553/MK-BL138_LEBRON_G_20110406173408.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="553" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPiUojNF8zG-saw5zKGRhRjmADaer0CznYqc4rokxuv92sZPCAB1Mr0ztae_KN2WeYwZiFbZPD8UqdF_cIwvJtZ7AI513xFQc8_nBwswU9iy88z9OInuehb3CHIttcPXTnRNbWotjAp8/w200-h134/MK-BL138_LEBRON_G_20110406173408.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>He was already a part owner of <b>John Henry</b>'s foreign soccer team. Now, <b>LeBron James</b> is also <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/03/beat-la-lakers-lebron-james-joins-red-sox-ownership-group.html">a part-owner of your Boston Red Sox</a>. It's hard to get giddy over this news—you know, yet another non-Boston billionaire running our storied baseball franchise. A <b><i>Laker</i></b>—a damn Laker owns our team now? <b>Red Auerbach</b> is spinning. Why can't we get local ownership like <b>Bob Kraft</b>? Oh, yeah, I forgot, the Commissioner wired the deal for Henry way back when over a local bidder. So, give another yawn, as another miserable ball-club takes the field for 2021. Maybe LeBron needs a tax write-off.<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-41628409543957010152021-03-02T12:28:00.005-05:002021-03-02T12:43:08.347-05:00Exclusive Excerpts From New Novel—"A Fastball For Freedom"!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtiWTQHlQ4O8TVXgiWX_oje3JQwZzF1_KaPyDzFhSJGzWNyszbHyARlScQ_sI-N0x0Rhx7mKEXV0mzVCvdDbcFrl2eivAagig7niSMWCMoUJ5moYWfMFqwfVLNq6_q4syrgKcxsPJ6U0/s331/Books_Morgenstein_Fastball_for_Freedom%257E%257Eelement272.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="215" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtiWTQHlQ4O8TVXgiWX_oje3JQwZzF1_KaPyDzFhSJGzWNyszbHyARlScQ_sI-N0x0Rhx7mKEXV0mzVCvdDbcFrl2eivAagig7niSMWCMoUJ5moYWfMFqwfVLNq6_q4syrgKcxsPJ6U0/w130-h200/Books_Morgenstein_Fastball_for_Freedom%257E%257Eelement272.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>We here at FenwayNation are privileged to have access to excerpts from the soon-to-be-released new novel by <b>Gary Morgenstein</b>, <i>"A Fastball For Freedom"</i>.—Book Two in the "Dark Depths" series of novels that began with the spectacular, <i>"A Mound Over Hell"</i>. You can pre-order the novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08T6DPJFL?tag=books2read02-20" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<p></p><p>We will soon have a <b><i>full review</i></b> of the new novel, but here's a sneak peek at a few exclusive snippets dealing with Boston and Fenway Park:</p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>Zelda walked quickly along Boylston Street toward the hammering humming. A BT tank was parked to the side as if unsure about being there; fans passed by quietly, bumping into her with muttered apolo- gies. More scarecrows hung on both sides of the street mutely proclaiming “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of a Fastball” and, at the corner of Yawkey Way, “All baseball fans are created equal.” </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>The scarecrows were nothing compared to the light. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>It was as if the illumination were coming from underground, bathing the construction site like an up- side down volcano. Workers in red B baseball caps scurried up and down immense steel ladders, while others dug with shovels and picks into the frozen ground. Buckets of concrete flew by on wheelbarrows pushed by singing fans in Red Sox warm-up jackets; from somewhere, a medley of Mooshie’s songs played. Makeshift stands stood patiently amid stacks of paint cans. Zelda thought it was a viewing area, but she was the only one just watching. Everyone came to work at the only place in America, along with the site of the new Wrigley Field in Chicago, where the 10 p.m. curfew was lifted. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>“What’s going on?” Zelda asked an old woman in a floppy t-shirt. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>The woman sighed disapprovingly at such an idiotic question, gesturing at the huge, hand-lettered red sign atop a flag pole jammed defiantly into the ground: “Welcome to the New Fenway Park.” </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>“Hopefully we can re-open next summer if everyone pitches in,” she said accusingly, heading off with a paint brush. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>A BT tank squatted at the north end of the construction site, bored soldiers sprawled on the front of the vehicle occasionally exchanging good-natured suggestions with passing workers about how best to build a ballpark. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>All around the site, the lights of Boston went out for the ten o’clock curfew, setting off a loud cheer of pride. For a moment, BT ’copter blades lost their stealth and glittered. Zelda hushed Diego, stirring noisily to tell the whole world he had gas, and edged toward a trench of concrete being poured into the ground. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>“What’s this?” Zelda asked a heavy-set man in a Yaz sweatshirt. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>“It’ll be the home plate side.” He pointed to some rickety chairs off to the right. “There’s a seat over there for you and the baby.” </b></span></p><p><span style="color: red;"><b>“Thanks, but if everyone else is helping, we can, too.”</b></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-84708903473906161932020-07-31T08:47:00.006-04:002020-07-31T08:49:27.327-04:00Sox Show Signs Of Life With Two Straight Wins In Baghdad On Hudson<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgJGeSKCMLuSLSc17AZkquo_J61xZs3B6Gnm_EQxD8qFpyxpBUPJOkmv8V7W_XmA7K3iUmPH_evATv0sePyCpLFPI0X4psEpHTm9swmmjdcWyjd9sSVvofpTu6jzB2q1UhyphenhyphenLrWLruSI8/s1280/OAIG5S5UMZBTLNANT6W6HRPTEY.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgJGeSKCMLuSLSc17AZkquo_J61xZs3B6Gnm_EQxD8qFpyxpBUPJOkmv8V7W_XmA7K3iUmPH_evATv0sePyCpLFPI0X4psEpHTm9swmmjdcWyjd9sSVvofpTu6jzB2q1UhyphenhyphenLrWLruSI8/w210-h139/OAIG5S5UMZBTLNANT6W6HRPTEY.jpg" title="(AP Photo)" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(AP Photo)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After dropping four if its first five 2020 games (due mostly to crappy pitching), the Red Sox rebounded with two impressive wins against the New York Metropolitans—in large part due to <i>decent</i> starting pitching. The other key factor in the wins was one <b>Christian Vazquez</b>, who has continued his torrid offensive display of 2019 into the new season. The Boston backstop homered three times in Flushing—and is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the best all-around catchers in all of baseball. <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2020/07/christian-vazquez-hits-2-home-runs-as-boston-red-sox-beat-mets-4-2-in-series-finale.html">Last night's 4-2 win </a>saw new starter <b>Martin Perez</b> go an impressive 5.2 innings to get his first Boston win—giving up just two runs on two hits. He moved to greater use of his change-up in Thursday's win. <b>Alex Verdugo</b> and <b>Michael Chavis</b> (two hits apiece) also contributed to the Boston offense—but it was Vazquez who lead the way. The Red Sox now head to the Bronx for a three-game set against <i>The Evil Ones</i>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-87166153790382296272020-07-25T10:52:00.001-04:002020-07-25T10:53:42.870-04:00Red Sox Go Bird-Hunting On Opening Day, Pummel Baltimore, 13-2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyeL2yVeBomPtfhdczfLFWTUxkJuUrZ_G3PvOPUxnS_VCEb9FMOggJP_SmJNsDjCE0s3GVvZ1ljGySpGOhewtOnLxtETezUx5ejdkUH628rt0iVu3WRItstWegeX9UJOD09H99BAoDM/s1600/screenshot_7567.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="862" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylyeL2yVeBomPtfhdczfLFWTUxkJuUrZ_G3PvOPUxnS_VCEb9FMOggJP_SmJNsDjCE0s3GVvZ1ljGySpGOhewtOnLxtETezUx5ejdkUH628rt0iVu3WRItstWegeX9UJOD09H99BAoDM/s200/screenshot_7567.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>(Getty Images)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As <b>Eck</b> so eloquently put it last night, "You have to take care of business" with egregiously crappy teams like the Baltimore Orioles. And the Red Sox did just that on Opening Day—<a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401225675">destroying the avian visitors from the Chesapeake Bay, 13-2</a>. This one got late early, as <b>Yogi Berra</b> might say. <i>The Carmine Hose</i> put up four runs in the third inning—highlighted by four doubles. Then, one inning later, they scored six more times. Despite 17 total hits, not one left the old yard. New Red Sox second-baseman <b>Jose Peraza </b>collected four hits in his Boston debut. Another newcomer,<b> Kevin Pillar</b>, made a stellar defensive play and notched three hits and three RBIs. <b>J.D. Martinez</b> also had three RBIs. <b>Nathan Eovaldi </b>was superb through six innings of work—giving up just one run on five hits and notching 100 MPH on the gun several times. All in all, a satisfying night at the empty ballpark.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-54729093011605467922020-07-16T11:47:00.002-04:002020-07-16T11:47:28.201-04:00UPDATED POLL: Favorite Red Sox Positional Player (New Choices Added)<form method="post" action="https://poll.pollcode.com/74498682"><div style="background-color:#EEEEEE;padding:2px;width:500px;font-family:Arial;font-size:small;color:#000000;box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;"><div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Which ONE of the following Red Sox positional players is your favorite?</strong></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="1" id="answer744986821" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986821" style="float:left;width:475px;">Andrew Benintendi</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="2" id="answer744986822" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986822" style="float:left;width:475px;">Xander Bogaerts</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="3" id="answer744986823" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986823" style="float:left;width:475px;">Jackie Bradley, Jr.</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="4" id="answer744986824" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986824" style="float:left;width:475px;">Michael Chavis</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="5" id="answer744986825" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986825" style="float:left;width:475px;">Rafael Devers</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="6" id="answer744986826" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986826" style="float:left;width:475px;">J.D. Martinez</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="7" id="answer744986827" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986827" style="float:left;width:475px;">Mitch Moreland</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="8" id="answer744986828" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986828" style="float:left;width:475px;">Jose Peraza </label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="9" id="answer744986829" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer744986829" style="float:left;width:475px;">Kevin Pillar </label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="10" id="answer7449868210" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer7449868210" style="float:left;width:475px;">Christian Vazquez </label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="11" id="answer7449868211" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer7449868211" style="float:left;width:475px;">Alex Verdugo</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><div align="center" style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote "> <input type="submit" name="view" value=" View "></div><div align="right" style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="https://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div></div></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-74560429032238042892020-07-15T15:37:00.002-04:002020-07-15T15:37:40.764-04:00FenwayNation POLL: Favorite Red Sox Positional Player?<form method="post" action="https://poll.pollcode.com/25131422"><div style="background-color:#EEEEEE;padding:2px;width:500px;font-family:Arial;font-size:small;color:#000000;box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;"><div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Of the following non-pitcher positional Red Sox players, who is your favorite?</strong></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="1" id="answer251314221" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314221" style="float:left;width:475px;">Andrew Benintendi</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="2" id="answer251314222" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314222" style="float:left;width:475px;">Jackie Bradley, Jr.</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="3" id="answer251314223" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314223" style="float:left;width:475px;">Xander Bogaerts</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="4" id="answer251314224" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314224" style="float:left;width:475px;">Michael Chavis</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="5" id="answer251314225" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314225" style="float:left;width:475px;">Rafael Devers</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="6" id="answer251314226" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314226" style="float:left;width:475px;">Mitch Moreland</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="7" id="answer251314227" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314227" style="float:left;width:475px;">Kevin Pillar</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="8" id="answer251314228" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314228" style="float:left;width:475px;">Christian Vazquez</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="9" id="answer251314229" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer251314229" style="float:left;width:475px;">Alex Verdugo</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><div align="center" style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote "> <input type="submit" name="view" value=" View "></div><div align="right" style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="https://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div></div></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-73858863173471952342020-07-06T16:36:00.001-04:002020-07-06T16:36:53.310-04:00FenwayNation POLL: 7 In 10 Think Red Sox Will Be AT Or UNDER .500<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E000amHm7xXe4jx_eXfI290PHQwJY_UciW70yI6fVEZ8bpmNS5b-EpBSfp9tlST4HQWvwUTUBTAjt7SGOSHIvbCLyVGEmxRHqY4z-h4DGhhMw1eTWYp3lgZxDpjyPuI9N1-klSI0fA8/s1600/screenshot_7550.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1062" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E000amHm7xXe4jx_eXfI290PHQwJY_UciW70yI6fVEZ8bpmNS5b-EpBSfp9tlST4HQWvwUTUBTAjt7SGOSHIvbCLyVGEmxRHqY4z-h4DGhhMw1eTWYp3lgZxDpjyPuI9N1-klSI0fA8/s400/screenshot_7550.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Early voting in our latest <b>FenwayNation POLL</b> shows that fully seven in ten readers think the 2020 Red Sox will finish with <i>either</i> a .500 record or worse. As the chart shows, the plurality (48%) think Boston will get <b><i>about</i></b> 30 wins (.500) in the truncated, 60-game 2020 season. Another 22% believe that <i>The Carmine Hose</i> will underperform that break-even mark—getting <b><i>fewer</i></b> than 30 wins. Thus, a combined total of 70% think the team will be .500 or less. Having said that, a fairly substantial three readers out of ten (30%) think the team will reach the 40-win plateau—which translates to a "devilish" .666 winning percentage. Nobody in the poll believes the Sox will do better than the 40-win range. You can still vote in the poll <b><a href="http://www.fenwaynation.com/2020/07/fenwaynation-poll-realistically-how.html"><span style="color: red;">HERE</span></a></b>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341515837439873785.post-90537193239348824662020-07-06T11:59:00.003-04:002020-07-06T11:59:30.235-04:00FenwayNation POLL: Realistically, How Will The Red Sox Do In 2020?<form method="post" action="https://poll.pollcode.com/67996793"><div style="background-color:#EEEEEE;padding:2px;width:500px;font-family:Arial;font-size:small;color:#000000;box-shadow: 0px 0px 5px #888;"><div style="padding:2px 0px 4px 2px;"><strong>Being as objective as you can be, where will the 2020 Red Sox end up?</strong></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="1" id="answer679967931" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer679967931" style="float:left;width:475px;">Less than .500 (fewer than 30 wins out of 60)</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="2" id="answer679967932" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer679967932" style="float:left;width:475px;">Around .500 (about 30 wins out of 60)</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="3" id="answer679967933" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer679967933" style="float:left;width:475px;">Around .666 (devilishly about 40 wins out of 60)</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="4" id="answer679967934" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer679967934" style="float:left;width:475px;">Around .750 (about 45 wins out of 60)</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><input type="radio" name="answer" value="5" id="answer679967935" style="float:left;" /><label for="answer679967935" style="float:left;width:475px;">Greater than 45 wins</label><div style="clear:both;height:2px;"></div><div align="center" style="padding:3px;"><input type="submit" value=" Vote "> <input type="submit" name="view" value=" View "></div><div align="right" style="font-size:10px">pollcode.com <a href="https://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></div></div></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com