Opening Day at Fenway

Hey Dad --

As you know it's April and that means only one thing (other than being only three weeks away from my due date). Baseball season is back in full swing! Which in turn means I can finally get back to spending my afternoons at Fat Faced Fenners watching the Red Sox (ideally) beat whoever they're playing that day. And today, the home opener, they faced that thorn that knocked them out of the '08 playoffs - The Tampa Bay Rays.

As always it was a noteworthy game. Josh Beckett struck out 10 over seven innings and only gave up one run. Dustin Pedroia proved once again why he was named MVP last season and knocked one into the monster seats in his first at bat. And Jason Varitek, the Captain himself, proved why keeping him around for two more years was the right move - he hit a ball that stayed just fair around Pesky's Pole and widened the Sox's lead.

Sure there were a couple tense moments, like when Beckett had to throw close to 40 pitches to get out of the 3rd inning. Or when Hideki Okajima came in for the 8th and proceeded to hit and walk the first two batters he faced. But thankfully Justin Masterson replaced him and stopped the bleeding. Then for the final inning, my favorite pitcher, Jonathan Papelbon, stepped on the mound, faced three men, and got them all out.

Can't wait for round two tomorrow.

XO

Jenn

Hasta La Vista, Baby--Peter

Well, today Schill made it official. After 20 seasons, he's retiring. Curt Schilling came to the Sox bringing new hope to an end to 'The Curse'. In 2004, he led the Sox to a successful conclusion of that goal, defeating the Yankees in the famous 0-3 comeback for the AL pennant and then helping finish off the Cards four zip in the Series for the Sox first World Championship in 86 years--all with a freshly surgically repaired ankle leaking blood through his sock. He stuck around to help duplicate the Championship in 2007, which, as it turned out, was his final season of action.

While some will question his credentials for the Hall (he only has 216 wins), it is clear that his post-season record is unmatched by anyone. A W-L of 11-2 with an .846winning percentage in post season play, he is at the top of the list in MLB history. Add in his 3116 K's career-wise, and he is a valid candidate for the HOF, if not first ballot, then certainly within a few years of eligibility. One other thing--like all true winners, he never shrank from the task handed him. He always wanted the ball when the going was the toughest--like all true champions.

We won't forget you, Curt.

Youk's Staying!!--Peter

Well, the news is out! Kevin Youkilis and the Sox have agreed to a four year deal worth $41 Million. There's also a potential 5th year as a club option for an additional $13 Mill. Yes!!

Red Sox Re-Sign Dusty

That's right. The little big man has a new contract with the Sox.

Our favorite team signed the second baseman for a nice $40.5 mil for a healthy six years. The breakdown is as follows: Pedroia will get $1.5 million next season, $3.5 million in 2010, $5.5 million in 2011, $8 million in 2012, $10 million in 2013, and $10 million in 2014. He also received a $1.5 million signing bonus. So, if you do the math, that means Pedroia will continue wearing red until he's at least 32.

Coming off a season in which Pedroia hit .326 with 17 homers and 83 RBIs and became the first American League second baseman to win the MVP award since Nellie Fox in 1959, it's no surprise the Sox made the deal they did. And as a first step in setting up the 09 season, I'd say Theo is definitely on the right track.

(And if you want to help commemorate Dusty's spectacular season, The Remy Report has made a T-shirt just for the occasion. Here's the web address if you're interested: http://theremyreport.innuity.com/store.html)

Now the only real question that still remains is what's going to happen with Varitek. And with negotiations kicking off in Las Vegas this week, we may have an answer to that question sooner rather than later.

Sox Out of Cereal Business--Peter

Well, two days in a row in the off-season! Yesterday, the MVP. Today, the Sox left the cereal business. They traded Coco Crisp to KC for an apparently good setup reliever, Ramon Ramirez, even up. Looking at Ramirez' stats other than the one year he was injured, he looks pretty good. Great opponents BA, especially against right handed batters. Also a great change that behaves like a splitter, as well as a better than average curve and fast ball.

Hate to see Coco go, particularly after this last season, but this will both free up some dollars for the free agent market and, hopefully, force Ellsbury into more consistency with the stick.

Coco was a great guy for the three years he was in the Fens. maybe not quite as good as the Hose had hoped when they signed him to replace Damon, but 20 steals a year for three years, great fielding, and a .270-.280 BA ain't bad. Good luck Coco--Welcome Ramon.

MVP DUSTY!!!!--Peter

Well, here it is! Another off-season VIP. That's both Very Important Pronouncement and Very Important Person. Just announced--Dustin Pedroia is the American League MVP for 2008. Well deserved and many congratulations for Dusty! Let's see now: two years in the Bigs and a Rookie of the Year and an MVP. What's next?

Ding Dong the Witch is Dead - Jenn

Dad and I promised to keep you faithful Sox fans informed of any and all goings ons during the offseason. So as promised here's your first bit of GREAT NEWS.

No, we still haven't signed Jason Varitek and the rumors swirling around a Lowell trade are still swirling. But the news came out today that MIKE TIMLIN WILL NOT BE BACK!

Here's what Epstein said he told Mike Timlin at the end of the season: "we came to a mutual understanding that Boston probably wouldn't be the best fit for him. By the way what a career that guy had. I think he was my first free-agent signing."

And a collective sigh of relief escapes Red Sox fans everywhere. (At least it escaped my lips.) I don't dispute the career Timlin's had and he did help the Sox win their first World Series in 86 years. But as I've said numerous times this past season, there comes a point when it's time to hang up your spikes. I'm glad Epstein and Timlin have finally realizes that point is now.

Anyway, I thought that tid bit deserved a little blog space. When more comes out about Varitek or Lowell or CC Sabathia, I or Dad will let you know. For now... Go Pats!