Memory.

My college violin teacher was fond of saying that I had a mind like a sieve. It's not true; the vast majority of the time I was just pretending that I didn't know what he was talking about because he was just a horrible person and I hated him. I think he also thought that I was terribly stupid too, he would frequently follow up the mind like a sieve comment by asking  if I knew what a sieve was. Yes, you hideous old man, I know what a sieve is...But that's a traumatic story for another day.

Point: With the whole gang down at Foxwoods, I got to wondering if my new love had ever played in Norwich. It turns out, he did in 2008. Wait a minute! That was the year I headed down there for the Mike Lowell bobblehead, I wonder if I saw him play? Turning to Google for the date of the game, I did see Pablo play! And then my sieve-like mind yelled out: Catcher! And I was right! He did play catcher.

So take that jackass. Steel trap.

Confession.

I'll admit that I've been having a difficult time hyping myself up for this upcoming season. I've been bored and haven't been able to convince myself to care.

But anybody who gets this excited about a little bit of snow? I think I'm in love. I could watch for Pablo Sandoval.

Is This Thing On?

*Blows dust off keyboard*

Congratulations to Pedro, the best pitcher anyone alive has ever seen, on his hall of fame nomination. A Pedro start was an event in and of itself, a reason to tune in during the dark pre-2004 days. Says Pedro of his nomination:

Cada vez que alguien se sienta en mi pais como que necesita buscar fuerzas, que me miren a mi. Soy una señal de esperanza.
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) January 6, 2015

Every time someone from my country feels that they need to look for strength, they can look to me. I am a beacon of hope.  (Translation mine)

Who needs humility, when you're in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Old Socks.

Keith Fo-- I mean Kevin Cash has been hired to be the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays. Good for him.

Ryan Lavarnway has been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers and I hope that it works out for him.

And Andrew Miller has said pfft on being poor and signed a four year, $36 million deal with the devil-er...the Yankees. It's too bad but $9 million per year? For a reliever? I'm glad that my team isn't paying that. Obviously, we can't wish him well which is a shame because he seemed like a nice enough guy. Plus, once you put on blue pinstripes your soul oozes out of your ears when you go to sleep at night and that's a terrible fate for anyone really. May he fall in a hole over the winter and avoid that outcome.

Big To Do.

So Ben Cherington has gone out and signed Pablo Sandoval to play third base and Hanley Ramirez to play a sort of nebulous outfield, regardless of the fact that he already has too  many outfielders. It's difficult to judge the move without knowing how the whole thing shakes out but, as currently constituted, it makes for a very impressive lineup. Get some pitching and this could very well be a team to be reckoned with.

Here's what I want to know: How is Hanley Ramirez almost thirty-one years old? I don't remember growing older, when did they?

Also, Ben Cherington has a creepy smile.

Happy Birthday David!

 (Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America)

Let's all wish a very happy birthday to David Ortiz. Many happy returns to him.

Important Dates.

Some important dates to keep in mind to get you through the dark winter.

February 12--Truck Day
February 20--Pitchers and Catchers
February 21--First Workouts
February 25--Position Players
March 3--First Spring Training Game