It's Just a Little Crush.

Manny Delcarmen is absolutely thrilled that the Red Sox have re-signed Jason Varitek. According to Manny Del, Varitek is the backbone of the team and it would have been weird to be there without him. He is willing to admit that Varitek's hitting was not so hot last season (he expects that it will be better going forward) but he'd take him anyway.

And yay for me for getting the video to work!

Extra! Extra!

Watch more Welcome Back Kotter videos on AOL Video

I guess we're going with Welcome Back! This is, of course, coming from the guy who started the whole deadline is Saturday, er...no it's Friday, but you know the deal is so distasteful to Varitek that he might just be petulantly considering retirement stuff. According to Massarotti, Varitek has accepted the one year, one mutual option version of the contract offered to him. Heyman has him agreeing to two years.

All Quiet.

The end of January is a baseball wasteland; all eyes have turned to football and to Sunday's grand spectacle. Little happens in the Superbowl's shadow. Underneath it though, the hum of baseball grows louder. And like Mecca, Florida and Arizona are gearing up to call the faithful to prayer. The fire in the hot stove is nearly burned out. All the players worth signing (should) have found a home by now. Two more weeks and there will be (almost) real baseball. And with baseball comes the promise of spring and the summer beyond. And warmth. It would be nice if it was warm for awhile.

Teams should have a good idea of what the next season holds for them. And save for a little tweaking, rosters should be set. A minor league deal here, a minor league deal there, a depth signing; these should be the moves left for a front office to make.

In that vein (you knew there was a point here somewhere, right?), the Mets minor league roster looks to be full of old socks next season; both Bobby Kielty and Kyle Snyder have signed minor league deals with the team. And although he doesn't really count as a former Sox player, Tony Armas' son, Tony Jr., has also signed a minor league contract to pitch for the Mets.

Four-Leaf Clover at the Ready.

If you feel like throwing your hat into the ring, registration for the drawings of the most desirable Red Sox tickets opens today. Opening Day, Yankee games, Green Monster tickets, and tickets for the Right Field Roof Deck will be available to winners of the lottery. Registration for Opening Day and Yankee tickets closes at noon on February 2, Green Monster tickets closes on February 13, and Right Field Roof Deck tickets closes on March 2. You can register for all three drawings today. It's like trying to get into the New York City Marathon but why not try your luck?

Lecture Circuit.

Jon Lester (and Joba Chamberlain) appeared at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT last night. The two answered questions for about an hour and signed a few autographs. Jon Lester isn't the most exciting person in the world but I did enjoy this quote about his World Series ring:

"It’s big, it gets in the way, and it draws a lot of attention. You have to pick and choose where you wear it, but I like wearing it at stuff like this.”

Lester also joined Manny Delcarmen in the abject fear of having to pitch to anyone else beside Jason Varitek.

"I don’t want to think about that. If I had to build a team, he’s the guy that I would pick to start my team around.”

They're going to have to give up their binky at some point.

Fore!

It's a long held tradition for the Red Sox to hold a charity golf tournament during spring training to benefit the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida. This year's tournament (on February 20) will be the sixteenth time that they've done it. I imagine that it's much appreciated, as last year they raised $665,000 for the neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital.

I don't know if Smoltzy's shoulder will allow him to play but this would be right up his alley. (I can call him Smoltzy, right? It seems only a matter of time before Francona, in the tradition of Millsy, Mossy, Pedy, Loogie, Mikey, Wakey, Cashie, Petey, Dougie, Javy, Oki, etc., bestows the nickname upon him.) Last year's tournament also provided us with the tidbit that Javier Lopez was a high school tuba player, which explains his superior musicianship in the band-in a typical high school band the tuba might as well be a member of the percussion family.

Catching Up.

I was flipping through my old CDs today when I came across this song. It reminded me of Jason Varitek's current situation, so I thought I'd share. In case you've been living under a rock: on Sunday the news broke that the Sox had made a contract offer to Varitek, $5 million for 2009 and a mutual option for 2010. The offer came with the caveat that they needed to know by, at first the deadline was unknown, then it was Saturday, and now it seems to be either Thursday or Friday.

As the song says: And the lord of lords, he laid out a feast. He said "listen to me boys, this will be last one of these. So you better get to the table, get to the table on time."

Just a Thought.

If you happen to be lucky enough to be traveling down to Spring Training at the end of February, you might think about dropping in on the Fourth Annual Evening with the Red Sox. The event, held on February 26 at the Crown Plaza in Fort Myers, benefits the Boys and Girls club of Lee County. Part of the evening will be consumed with a live auction that will include the rather fabulous lot of four green monster tickets to a Yankee game. Like I said, it's just a thought.

Short Jokes: Not Just for New Yorkers Anymore.

When Dustin Pedroia was interviewed by ESPN a couple of weeks ago about his video game debut (incidentally, there's a semi-interesting video here showing the filming process) he was asked about the taunting he received because of his stature. He answered by citing an example of a Yankee-fan hyperbolist who informed him that "the grass was taller than he was."

Last night, Pedroia was in New York to pick up his MVP trophy at the BWAA dinner. As part of his acceptance speech he cracked:

"I'm the only one here that doesn't need to bend over to talk into this mic."

I'm left to assume that the inability to refrain from making short jokes is an unfortunate side effect of being in the city.

And Now a Word From Manny Del.

Manny Delcarmen: cold, desperately seeking Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell fan, aware of the recent post-season pitching performance of a major acquisition by a division rival, and poor.

Manny Delcarmen hosted his Manny's Candlepin Challenge earlier today. The event raises money for Boston public schools. While there, he spoke with NECN (I don't know why their videos never embed properly. There's probably someway to change the code but I'm not savvy enough to figure it out.) Here's the gist of it:

He leaves for Florida a week from tomorrow. He hopes that they re-sign Varitek (audio is shaky but it sounds like):

"I'm praying that he gets signed. Just because he works really well with the pitching staff and it would be weird not having him around."

He seemed incredulous that someone might contemplate trading Mike Lowell. He seems unconcerned about the prospect of C.C. Sabathia playing in New York. And with a laugh and a batting of those long, enviable eyelashes, he wants more money.

A Tale of Two New Old Socks.

Sean Casey has decided to retire from Major League baseball. Instead, he'll be taking his act on the road this season (or at least as far as New Jersey) as he has accepted an on-air position at MLB Network, the breadth of which has yet to be determined. It seems like it would be a good fit. Best of luck to him.

Alex Cora, who has abandoned his ducklings by signing with the Mets for next season, will remember them fondly (of Pedroia):

"I don’t have a little brother, but now I do. I feel a part of [Pedroia’s] career, getting to the point of seeing him getting the rewards for everything he’s been preaching, I feel very proud of him."

He's also a big Mike Lowell fan (and what rational person isn't?):

"Getting to play with a great teammate and [an even] better person like Mike Lowell was special. I consider him a friend."

And the rest of us? Yeah. He likes us too:

"It was more than work, it was a family. Obviously, the stage you’re on with the fans, that’s something everyone needs to experience. You can talk all you want about Red Sox Nation, that kind of stuff, being all around the country but until you’re part of it, you don’t have a clue. And I was one of those guys who was like, ‘Hey, that stuff’s no big deal.’ It is a big deal."

Say it with me: Awwww.

Streching for Material.

We've got it. It's the off-season and it hasn't been the most exciting off-season in the history of baseball. Finding news to talk about can be a struggle. But NESN has come up with a solution to the boredom. On Sunday's edition of the Red Sox Report, they'll be showing a recap of David Ortiz's golf tournament. It's something at least.

Super Timmeeh.

It must be really hard to dislike Tim Wakefield. Other than Brian Roberts, I can't imagine anyone saying "I hate you" to Wake. He doesn't seem to give any reason to feel that way about him; he's good, humble, classy, unassuming, responsible, and doesn't seem to have an entitled bone in his body. He's the anti-Manny. I loved Manny (and kinda still do) but I love Timmeeh more. And as many times as I've tried, I've never been able to fully describe what kind of fabulous person Tim Wakefield is. Plus, his son is as cute as a button.

For the past seventeen (or possibly fifteen depending on which part of the release you're reading) years, Wake has hosted a golf tournament to support the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a preschool for special needs children. This year is no different, as the event kicks off today. (The photo is from last year's event.)

The one quibble I might be able to think up with Wake is his taste in food. Last year, he had the event catered by the Olive Garden and this year he seems to have used Carraba's. I suppose it's a half-step in the right direction. I know you're Floridian and that that hospi-tallahassee crap might be your idea of good Italian but c'mon Wakey you can do better than that.

Another One Bites the Dust.

A little bit of depressing news to go with your lunch: The Hartford Courant has cut Jeff Goldberg's position. They will not be sending a beat writer to cover the Red Sox this season.

It really is a shame. Goldberg was one of my favorites, even if he did look like he was being held upside down by his ankles in his photograph. It would seem that there won't really be anyone worth reading this season. Rob Bradford was the best but I'm mildly protesting him since his move to 'EEI (nothing good has ever come out of there and likely never will). Edes was alright but he's moved on to Yahoo!. I've made my feelings about Amalie Benjamin clear and Tony Mazzarotti is scant inches above her. I guess with Goldberg gone, my go to guy will have to be Sean McAdam.

In trying times we all have to make sacrifices for the greater good and as such, I nominate myself to take over for Goldberg. Writing experience is limited but I'm willing to take on the constant flying, and shuttling between airport, crappy hotel--featuring even crappier food, and baseball stadium, ad nauseum until you stop caring about the baseball. I'll take on the cramped working conditions and the deadlines. I might even consider a move to Hartford, if that would make things easier.

Growing Pains.

Little Jonny Lester is growing up.

Jon Lester received the Hutch Award today in Seattle. The award goes to the major-leaguer who "best exemplifies the dedication to team, family, and community and exemplifies the honor, courage, and perseverance of the man the award...is named for, Seattle sports legend Fred Hutchison."

Lester and Hall of Famer, Tom Seaver (hence the title) spent the morning hanging out with the kiddos of the Hutch school--a K-12 school affiliated with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Lester who has generally been reticent about discussing his cancer he had this to say today:

"At first, I just wanted to come back and play, and don't ask me about it. I got frustrated at times, because it seemed like that's all I talked about, instead of baseball. Now it's to the point I'm talking about baseball more, and it's a little easier to answer those questions."

Awww. Baby's growing up.

Perhaps because he was in a room of people who had had similar experiences to his own, Lester also shared this story:

"Lester described his final day of treatment there, and as he was laying in bed, with all of the scans done and the results clean, the nurses came in and handed him a baseball that had been signed by the hospital staff members that had cared for him. "I've been pretty fortunate to collect a lot of memorabilia over the years, some pretty [good] names such as Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan. ... This ball, still, to this day, means more to me than any of those baseballs, jerseys or bats or cleats that I've received over the years," Lester said. "It still sits on my mantel, and it means more to me than anything in this world."

And this? (regarding his mother):

"The past two years I know have been very, very tough for her. She has been through a lot of crap from us, to say the least, and she's put up with a lot of sickness, a lot of moody days, and she's seen both of the men in her life go through something that I wouldn't wish on anybody."

There's some real maturity there.

Also, you'll be happy to know that Papa Lester is doing well.

Photo from the Seattle Times.

Signs of Spring.

It's almost here, chickens.

First: Truck Day has been scheduled for February 6.

Second: NESN has released it's spring training schedule. It starts with a half hour program "Red Sox Spring Break LIVE!" on February 12 and then six two-hour episodes of the same program on February 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, and 22. They also have eight spring training games and the first exhibition game in Queens.

Woot!

Regrets? I've Had a Few.

This is probably one of those things that I will regret doing the instant I press publish. I've been told that I have a mean streak and I try to keep it in check. I bite my tongue often enough. And even as I think this, it strikes me as unnecessarily mean; especially when it's in response to what is clearly a heartfelt and well-meant gesture.

Rocco Baldelli took out an ad in the St. Petersburg Times thanking the Tampa Bay fans for their support during the last nine years. He seems to have genuinely enjoyed his time in Florida and the experiences afforded to him by the Rays. (And the good people of Tampa Bay would probably never say anything like this.) But all I could think as I read his note was: "Wow. For a guy called Rocco, Baldelli sure has wicked girly handwriting."

Go ahead, stone me. I'll make it easy-Jehovah.

Aadios Aardsma.

David Aardsma, who was designated for assignment to make room for Mark Kotsay, has been traded to the Seattle Mariners for Fabian Williamson. I hope it works out for David. I've been in his corner since Amalie Benjamin used her prescience to declare that he would be DFA'd. Of course, she was off by ten months but no big deal.

Williamson is a baby pitcher (born 10/20/1988). He's a lefty with a solid curve ball, change-up and a well-located, deceptive high eighties fastball. He's also got good command for someone his age. In a few years he might prove to be an effective bullpen arm.

It's Not Exactly a Cadrillion.

Everyone cringes a little bit when Jonathan Papelbon starts running his mouth. Last spring he started in on money, saying that he "owed it to baseball" to rake in as much money as he could. He even told Tom Caron that he'd go play for the Pirates if they were the ones who gave him a fat contract. It was highly uncouth and not super popular. In an attempt to keep his closer's mouth shut Theo has agreed to give him $6.25 million for the year.

Javier Lopez, who I don't recall ever sticking his foot in his mouth, is also getting a nice payday. Miles ahead of Papelbon in intelligence and looks (but not on the same level of pitching ability), Javier will be receiving $1.35 million for his efforts this year.

Pitching Change.

David Pauley, who was kicked off the forty man to make room for John Smoltz, has been traded to the Orioles for Randor Bierd. Bierd throws a low-nineties fastball, a low eighties slider, and a Pedro-inspired low-eighties change-up. He's also got above-average control.

Meanwhile, Pauley's roommate, Charlie Zink, has decided to hold off on becoming a full-time architect (or possibly architecture student) for at least another year. Zink, who was DFA'd to make room for Rocco Baldelli, has re-signed with the Red Sox.

Sniff.

Coco Crisp along with Willie Bloomquist, Mike Jacobs, and Krazy Kyle made an appearance at the Kansas City Royals Fan Fest yesterday. He says he's finally gotten back to being healthy which can only mean good things are in his future.

I'm happy for Covelli. I am.

Intrigue.

Jason Varitek has requested a meeting with the Sox brass in Atlanta. John Henry has flown down there to oblige him. What could it all mean?

I really would prefer if they had a catcher rather than a cardboard cut-out behind the plate but I'm not sure that Jason Varitek is the right answer. He is an answer and he might ultimately prove to be the best answer available but re-signing Varitek at a rate close to anything that he wanted (money and years) isn't likely to be the correct answer to the problem. Still, they're not a group that panics and makes rash decisions.

Meanwhile, Jarrod Saltalamacchia hasn't really hit in the majors, strikes out too much, can't seem to throw anyone out, and has issues blocking the plate. Miguel Montero is better defensively, doesn't strike out as often, but otherwise doesn't have much of a bat. And poor Georgie K. down in Pawtucket isn't likely to get much of a chance.

I suspect that the likely outcome of the meeting will be Varitek's return to Boston. But who knows?

Could This Be His Year?

Last year Jacoby Ellsbury lost out on the Harry Glickman Professional Athlete of the Year Award at the Oregon Sports Awards to Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers. He gets a chance to rectify that on February 8 as he has, once again, been nominated for the award.

His competition this year?

Kevin Boss, NY Giants

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers

Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

Nick Symmonds, Track and Field

Good luck to Jacoby!

Homeboy Honored.

Words Unlimited, an organization of Rhode Island sports writers, casters, and publicists, will hold their Sports Awards Banquet at the airport Radisson in Warwick on February 15. Their story of the year? Rhode Islanders who made it to the 2008 World Series: Rocco Baldelli, Dan Wheeler, and Davy Lopes (Phillies' first base coach.) Congratulations to him. Also being honored is Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson as Men's Sports Coach of the Year. Congratulations to him too.

Youk's Payday.

Kevin Youkilis has reportedly agreed to a 4 year contract worth more than $40 million. If true, it's certainly good news.

Tickets! Who Needs Tickets?

A trip to a mall this weekend might have you coming home with more than your standard purchases. It seems that the Red Sox are planning on keeping their sell-out streak alive in a tough economy by aggressively marketing their tickets. A series of television and radio spots starting on Sunday and a ticket caravan on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

The tour will be making stops in each of the New England states and passing out 1000 vouchers for a guaranteed spot in the virtual waiting room line. Besides the vouchers, they'll be handing out pocket schedules and souvenirs to calm the unruly masses as they wait. And at each stop you'll have the opportunity to register for an opening day drawing that includes a tour, being allowed to watch batting practice, and four tickets to opening day against the Rays.

The schedule:

Connecticut (January 17):

West Farms Mall, West Hartford (11:00 am)

Crystal Mall, Waterford (3:00 pm)

Maine (January 19):

L.L. Beane Flagship Store, Freeport (10:00 am)

Massachusetts (January 18):

Holyoke Mall, Holyoke (12:00 pm)

New Hampshire (January 18):

Mall of New Hampshire, Manchester (12:00 pm)

Pheasant Lane Mall, Nashua (4:00 pm)

Rhode Island (January 17):

Warwick Mall, Warwick (10:00 am)

Vermont (January 19):

University Mall, South Burlington (10:00 am)

Diamond Run Mall, Rutland (4:00 pm)

They will also be passing out vouchers in the greater Boston area on January 22, with actual locations being revealed at a later time.

If you're serious about getting a voucher it seems like it might be worth the effort to drive down to Rhode Island or up to Maine. Each state has 1000 vouchers but RI and ME only have one stop.

And if that doesn't work, the virtual waiting room will be open for business on January 24.

Father Knows Best.

Proviso: I don't pretend to be proficient in Spanish translation. If I was being generous, I might consider myself competent. In other words, I could be completely wrong about this. Fair warning. I really just wanted to put the picture up--I can see Mikey in Dr. Papa Lowell.

Primera Hora, a Puerto Rican tabloid-like newspaper (think NY Post), interviewed Mike Lowell's dad about the possibility of Mike playing for team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. If you'll recall, before becoming a dentist Dr. Lowell was a pitcher of some renown for the Puerto Rican national team in the 1960s and 1970s.

Says Dr. Papa Lowell of seeing his son play:

"Yo espero poder viajar a Puerto Rico en marzo. Esa es una de las ilusiones mas grandes que tengo, poder ver a mi hijo jugar por Puerto Rico y que viva lo que yo tambien vivi. Todo va a depender de lo que diga Boston, pero el se esta preparando como si fuera a jugar."

Roughly:

"I hope to be able to travel to Puerto Rico in March. One of my biggest dreams is to see my son play for Puerto Rico like I did. It all depends on what Boston says, but he is preparing as if he was going to play."

Also, Dr. Papa Lowell has a different take on Mike's level of recuperation than Theo's cagey response to questions of Lowell's health at the BBWA dinner. Essentially, Theo said Mike was pretty much coming along nicely but there had been some setbacks and that he probably would be game ready by the start of the season. Says Dr. Papa Lowell:

"Si por Mike fuera, ya estuviera corriendo, recogiendo roletas y bateando. El esta bien ansioso por recuperarse porque de verdad que quiere jugar, pero Boston lo lleva bien suave."

Roughly:

"If Mike were to go, he's already running, fielding and batting. He's eager to be better, because honestly, he wants to play but Boston is taking a cautious approach to his rehab."

I'm torn about Mike Lowell playing in the WBC. Part of me hopes that they let him play because it's his Dad's dream but if he rushes back he might re-injure himself and that would not be a good thing-not for Mike and not for the team.

[Aside: There are a lot of accent marks that I left out of the Spanish bits. Try as I might, I can't get them to go in properly. Sra. Fox would be very disappointed in me.]

Win a Date with Jim Rice.

In honor of Jim Rice being called to Cooperstown on July 26, RCN will be holding a Jim Rice appreciation contest. The winner will receive two plane tickets to Florida, two nights in a hotel, tickets to a spring training game and lunch with Jim Rice. The contest is open to all and can be entered by sending a self-addressed (and since the winner will be telephoned--phone number listed) postcard before the end of February to:

Attn: RCN - Jim Rice Spring Training Contest
956 Massachusetts Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476

Big.

I don't know if Jim Rice deserves to be in the Hall of Fame but my father will be pleased. I don't remember Rice as a player. To me Jim Rice was just a name on the pennant that I've had--well, I was going to say forever but since 1986 is probably a good guess; part Daddy's little girl, I memorized the names after he bought it for me. In my mind Rice will always be associated with Spike Owen and Marc Sullivan.

Whether it's deserved or not is, obviously, debatable--it wouldn't have taken him fifteen years if it wasn't. It's not a travesty that he got in and it wouldn't have been a miscarriage of justice if he hadn't. Regardless, congratulations to Jim Rice on his entrance to the Hall of Fame!

And just so you don't think I'm a total slob (given how filthy it looks in the photo), after hanging on my bedroom wall until I graduated from college, it now lives in the coat closet. It's felt, or something, I don't think I can clean it.

Sweetness and Light.

Justin Masterson is a freakin' peach. That's all there is to it-he's absolutely adorable. He's a giant who looks like he's twelve, he's very humble and very probably the nicest person anyone would ever meet. Anywhere.

He possesses a beatific smile, which he uses liberally. He, and it, is infectious. He has the power to brighten anyone's day and he isn't afraid to use it, even on umpires. I don't remember which game it was during the playoffs (I am fairly certain it was against the Angels) but there was a spectacular play behind him and Masterson turned to the umpire and said some version of "Did you see that?" and the umpire walks away kind of nodding and laughing.

He's a goof who starts off interviews with "Oh my goodness."

Asked Masterson about the Sea Dogs dinner:

"It's hard to believe I'm the guest of honor. Why would people want to see me?"

Answer: Adorability.

At the end of last season, Masterson did an interview with Baseball Prospectus. This probably sounds saccharine but it's very sweet.

Said Masterson about what he'd learned since spring training:

"Coming here—I think the most fun I've had in baseball is being here in the major leagues, because these guys are great. Everyone wants to win, because that's what it's all about, and no matter what your differences are, you come together, but this is probably the most fun I've ever had in a year. It's been challenging, but it's been a lot of fun."

Awwww.

A Trip to the Dime Store.

Perhaps believing in the more dire second couplet "Find a penny, let it lay, and you will have bad luck all day" of the "Find a penny, pick it up..." poem, the Sox have officially picked up Brad Penny. I don't know. For the same reason I wouldn't have picked up A.J. Burnett or Josh Beckett, I wouldn't have touched him. Of course, I was mostly wrong about Beckett. Hopefully, I'm wrong about Penny too.

In more bargain basement pitcher shopping news, the Sox have also picked up Penny's former and future teammate from the Dodgers, Takashi Saito. Saito was good in 2006 and fabulous in 2007. An elbow ligament injury (some sources say it was sprained, some say it was partially torn) put the kibosh on his 2008 campaign from July 16 to September 13. If he can be healthy, then it's a fabulous pick-up.

Having said that repeatedly over the past week or so is a little nerve-wracking. This practice of filling out the roster with members of the walking wounded is worrisome. Chances are that some of these guys won't pan out. But *fingers crossed* in Theo we trust. Right?

The Jimmy Fund Goes International.

Sort of. Yesterday, Hideki Okajima visited the pediatric unit of St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo with the goal of spreading a smile. He had previously arranged a screening of the baseball-themed anime flick Major: Yūjō no Winning Shot for the hospital patients and their families. Here's the thing: This is a first-run movie, it was released last month. It's hard to imagine an American movie distributor allowing a baseball player to hold a private showing of a brand new film even if it was for cancer kids. Oki played catch, signed baseballs, and offered encouragement to the kiddos. Said Oki:

"I'm going to try my best again this year, so I want you all to try hard as well."

Say it with me: Awww.

Ducks in a Row.

It seems that Mark Kotsay is on his way back to Boston. He has agreed, short of a physical and the hashing out of details, to return as the back-up first baseman/extra outfielder. He'll make $1.5 million plus incentives.

I like the idea. Offensively, he's not that hot but he does add nice depth. And given my weakness for centerfielders, I do like having an overabundance of them. I think it was against LA in the ALDS he made a fabulous sliding catch on a foul ball; it was shocking.

Neither Young Nor Restless.

I used to watch The Young and The Restless a lot as a kid. The woman who babysat for my siblings and I would watch Y & R and then switch over to ABC for General Hospital and All My Children. I have no idea why but I liked All My Children best. That said, I haven't watched a soap opera in the longest time.

The same does not hold true for Jim Rice. Jim Ed told the Herald that he was a big Y & R fan:

"But I never miss ‘The Young and the Restless’ and I’m not going to start now. I’ve been watching it for 25 years. When I was playing for the Red Sox we met some of the cast one day in Oakland. They were playing a softball game at the ballpark. Two or three of them were big Red Sox fans. I met the cast later on in Anaheim. I started watching the show and I was hooked."

And his favorite plot line (pictured above)?

"Miss Chancellor’s coming back. She’s this billionaire on the show. She had a lookalike that they buried, and everyone thinks it’s her. But it’s not. It’s all incredible stuff.”

Word.

Announcement.

According to my brother's Wii, I can throw a fastball at ninety-six miles per hour. Since this would almost certainly hold up to real life conditions, I have decided to forgo my career in favor of becoming a pitcher. I feel that I have learned enough from various baseball video games to overcome my lack of actual experience and am expecting an offer any day now.

And here's another thing in a long line of things that Dustin Pedroia likely doesn't shut up about. He has been tapped to be the coverboy for the newest edition of MLB: The Show.

The interview with ESPN talks mostly about different aspects of the video game but Pedroia seems unable to give a boring interview.

Regarding the epic-ness of this endorsement deal:

"I've had some signing deals, but this is the one that's just so fun. I can't wait to walk into a store and see a game with me on the cover."

What, Dustin's Training Facility wasn't fun? And what about the new one? Helping kids learn to save money isn't fun?

On how to get him out:

"I play a lot of Rock Band, but all my friends, they play a lot of the baseball game. And I'll be honest, when I played them last year, they really put a whooping on me. I'm not very good. The slow curve ball followed by a high fast ball just messes me up every time."

Even when he tries to be humble and self-effacing it comes off as hilarious. I seem to remember that at one of the charity auctions they held last year, though, the prize that Dustin offered was the opportunity to play Guitar Hero with him.

He also claims to be good at the drums:

"I'm getting pretty good on the drums..."

But having seen his rhythmic ability in his dancing, I'm going to call hubris on that one.

On being in the minor leagues:

"But I remember some pretty funny moments from back in the minors as I was working my way up. They used to have this character who would run up to the first base coach, eat him, then spit him out."

I can't even begin to fathom what this could possibly mean. Although a second reading of the quote does reveal that the word is 'character' not 'catcher'. So a mascot, maybe? It doesn't actually sound funny, unless you're like seven-years-old. Although a catcher who attempted to cannibalize his first base coach with every base hit and the first base coach's reaction to the encounter would be amusing.

This one cracked me up. On which character he played as growing up:

"I was a Giants fan, so I always wanted to be Barry Bonds. I know it's a little different, me saying that and being a small second baseman, but I always wanted to be Bonds and try to hit long bombs like he did."

Stop laughing. He's not going to like it if you laugh at him.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm.

I know that all teams have idiotic, inarticulate fans. Fans who talk/type just to hear/see themselves talk/type. And I know that the folks who post on the MLB boards are only slightly above the people who bother with the Fox Sports boards. If it seems that the Yankees have more than their fair share of moronic fans, then well that might just be bias on my part. Generally, it's not an idiocy worth noting. Generally. But this (from the comment section of the John Smoltz article):

"Ha! Yanks shop at Macy's. Sawx shop at Wal-Mart."

is beyond perplexing.

Let's just start by ignoring the fact that Smoltz has never been a "Wal-Mart" pitcher. [Aside: I would say he's at least a Filene's pitcher.] Macy's is the highest-end store this person could think of? Really? Macy's? Really? If you stick to just department stores both Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom offer a better product than Macy's. Hell, within Federated you've got the chichi Bloomingdale's. It boggles. It really does.

But Wait! There's More.

John Smoltz is apparently willing to become this season's Bartolo Colon. After spending twenty years in Atlanta, Smoltz will likely sign with the Sox as early as tomorrow afternoon. It will be strange to see him in anything other than a Braves uniform. The Sox do meet the Braves in Interleague this season--three games at Fenway (June 19-21) and three games at Atlanta (June 26-28)--which would make it even stranger.

After pitching 200+ innings in the previous three seasons, Smoltz had surgery on his right labrum on June 10 of last year. They don't expect him to be ready to play again until next June. He wants to be a starter but he did close for the Braves from 2001-2004. If he can return to form, wow.

And you thought Theo was sulking in his bedroom like a sullen teenager after missing out on Teixeira, Nirvana on the stereo, practicing CMaj-amin-FMaj-GMaj(7)-CMaj and GMaj-emin-CMaj-DMaj(7)-GMaj for Saturday. Didn't you?

Also, Smoltz's son is the spitting image of him--in profile anyway. There's little call for a Maury Show appearance with that nose leading the way.

The Great Gabbo Speaks.

According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox are thisclose to signing Rocco Baldelli. The announcement is expected tomorrow at the BBWA dinner. No word on what kind of deal it might be, though. If he can be healthy, then this is a really great signing. He offers a good right-handed bat with power and a solid defense. He doesn't walk a ton but he used to have pretty good speed. He will, also, not offer Youkilis any competition in the facial hair department as this:

was a poor decision.

As a local boy he's got that angle going for him (though I seem to recall that during one of the series the Rays played at Fenway last season he said that he was not a Sox fan growing up and that he didn't want to talk about it.) And as a human interest story, his might be right up there with Jon Lester. His presence might take some of the pressure off Lester to be THE KID WHO SURVIVED CANCER AND WENT ON TO BECOME A DOMINANT PITCHER. When they go on the road the two of them could have a little sideshow. Step right up! Come see the pitcher who's lymph nodes went haywire and the outfielder who is easily fatigued! It could be a goldmine.

But salud, Rocco!

Dinner Dates.

Justin Masterson has a busy off-season, or he's in Boston for the weekend and that's why he scheduled so many appearances. On January 9, he'll be at the Portland Seadogs Hot Stove Dinner up in Maine. The money raised goes to Strike Out Cancer in Kids. Tickets are $50 but they come with a photo of Happy. On January 10, he'll be at the Jimmy Fund's New Stars for Young Stars event. On January 11, he'll be at the car show. And on January 12, he'll sleep.


Meanwhile down in North Carolina, Terry Francona will be the featured speaker at UNC's First Pitch Dinner on January 31. The event will be held at The Carolina Club on the University of North Carolina's campus. Tickets are $75.

Adventures with Jerry.

Jerry Remy is not the adventurous sort. He seems to be a bit of a homebody; only having seen the sights of Tokyo after being pulled by his ear. He won't leave his hotel room but he'll visit Worcester? (Kidding. I have nothing against Worcester.) Jerry Remy will be attending a meet-and-greet dinner at the St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester on January 15. Tickets are $30.

Dougie's Going Soft in His Retirement.

When Doug Mirabelli was forced into retirement last spring it was a sad day; not because it was a shame to lose him as a catcher but because of his folk hero status. Mirabelli inspired so much brilliance in someone that the rest of us were left, at least, thinking "Dougie's going deep!" every time he stepped up to the plate. The rock star like reception that he received when he emerged from the dugout to get his ring last April is proof enough of the affection that people had for him.

So what has retirement held for Dougie? He's been quietly spending time with his family in Traverse City, Michigan. Yesterday, however, Mirabelli emerged from his fortress of solitude to hold a baseball clinic at the local YMCA. Dougie spent the day teaching thirty kids between the ages of eight and twelve how to pitch and catch. Apparently considering a position change, Curtis Granderson shrunk, changed his race, and then fully kitted himself out to get lessons from Dougie.

And if you have a former Red Sox player on hand why resist the urge to ask said player about the Yankees? No need to be creative--it's expected. So when the intrepid reporter asked Dougie about the Yankees spending he replied thusly:

"It doesn't surprise me, it's the Yankees. Has that ever been different for them to do? There's such a fear factor between the Yankees and Red Sox of what the other guy is going to do. I think the Yankees have really fallen into a trap of worrying about what the other people are doing, as compared to what's most important to their team sometimes. I think the Red Sox over the course of the last eight years or so have really proven they can pass up on guys. It seems like their plan for the future is a little more in depth than the Yankees."

But it's not all 'no work and all play' for our Dougie. He still followed baseball last season (though if memory serves, he was back in Boston during the summer and said that he hadn't seen any of Wake's starts.)

"I like to take a look at it and it's interesting to me. I had a good time when I was doing it, but I can separate myself from it now."

Good for Doug.

Medical Miracle.

When Mike Lowell went under the knife back in October there was some concern that he wouldn't have enough time to fully recover before spring training got under way. I believe that there was some speculation that he might not be ready until May. It turns out that that may have been an extremely pessimistic view.

The promoter of the Puerto Rican team for the WBC seems to have taken the optimistic track:

"El promotor anunció que el antesalista Mike Lowell confirmó su disponibilidad para participar."

Leaning heavily on my, admittedly rusty, high school Spanish:

"The promoter announced that third baseman* Mike Lowell had confirmed his availability to play."

Good news, if true.

*I have no idea what 'antesalista' means but third baseman seems like a pretty good guess. Baseball positions just didn't come up very often in class. I have sussed out that 'lanzador' is pitcher, 'receptor' is catcher, and 'jardinero' is outfielder. Though, I suppose it could mean "Ignore everything else I just said. I'm lying." But that seems unlikely.

The Way We Were.

Admittedly, I wasn't as excited about the MLB network as some people. I'd watched the preview with Haze and a very old looking Harold Reynolds but I kind of tucked it into the back of my mind as something to check out if there was nothing else on. It wasn't going to be appointment television.

Tonight, though, I watched the 2004 World Series highlights show. I hadn't seen those games since 2004 and in that time I must have romanticized them and glossed over their awfulness. I didn't remember them being that bad. Back then I'd driven home the sixty-ish miles from school each day to watch the series with my Dad. We'd watched the first three games together but my Dad bailed on game four in the second or third inning, too nervous to watch. I stuck it out but kept repeating to myself, mantra-like: "They don't have to win this game. The don't have to win this game." And the final out? I guess that was one of the times when time stands still. I distinctly remember sitting on the floor of the den and having the mantra change to: "Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God." followed by "He's going to throw the ball into the stands. This whole thing is going to come unraveled." It seemed too quick when I just saw it.

Yet somehow I didn't expect those games to still have the emotional impact that they did. But with the interviews of Curt, Pedro, Millar--I might even be able to hug Johnny Damon right now. Michael came home shortly after the program ended and I was still walking around with a big goofy smile on my face. Excerpt from ensuing conversation:

Michael: Hey! What are you so happy about?

Me: The Red Sox won the 2004 World Series.

Michael [looking confused]: OK?

The point? There is a point to this ramble. The program started with the ALCS which, even knowing the glorious outcome, was still gut-wrenching. If you're up to it (and who wouldn't want to watch a Yankee beat down, especially one that comes at the hands of the reviled Curt Schilling), game 6 of that ALCS will be shown for free at MLB.com/Live tomorrow at 11am.