RIP - Mel Parnell

Well, Mel Parnell died yesterday. If you're not of my generation or older, you won't know him, possibly won't even recognize the name. But in the 40's and 50's he was one of the best lefties in the game. He threw one no-hitter and was an All-Star twice. His career ERA was in the mid-3's, and his best year was 1949, when he was 25-7, and led the AL in wins, ERA (2.77), complete games (27)(not a misprint--pitch counts didn't exist then--hurlers threw--period!) and innings (295 1/3)(again, no typo). No Cy Young for all of this, or any year, as they didn't have the award then. What was really amazing was his record at Fenway. A lefthander, he didn't have the usual problems most southpaws did with the short left field and the Monster. His career record at the Fens was 70-30, an awesome .700 winning percentage! Overall career stats were 123-75, which, at ,621 wasn't too shabby either!
I enjoyed watching him and extend this site's condolences to his family and friends.

Spring Training & A Wedding

Well, Spring Training is now only a week away, 2-19. Also, it was just announced that two of Boston's biggest sports are getting closer together. The Sox' Yoooouuuukkk is engaged to marry Tom Brady's sister. Congratulations!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, according to a 'confidential source', the new Sox manager is Bobby Valentine. Pretty good choice in my humble opinion. More as it comes.

AL MVP

No, it wasn't either of the Sox prime candidates. Even though both Gonzo and Jake had world class seasons, neither of them won the award. Rather it was Detroit's starting pitcher and newly minted Cy Young winner, Verlander, who won the honor. However, Jake came in a not too distant second. He had an awesome season on his return from last year's injury-deleted season, becoming a 30-30 man, hitting over .300 and getting over 100 ribbies. Verlander is a reasonable choice as he won the pitcher's triple crown or most wins, lowest ERA and most K's for the season. He also tossed a no-hitter, and it is clearly the case the Tigers don't win their division without his season. So, he becomes the first starter to win both awards since the Rocket did so with the Sox in 1986. He also is just the second pitcher to collect Rookie of the Year, MVP and the Cy in his career.

The Laser's Redirected!

According to a bulletin from the Globe, Papelbon has agreed to terms with the Phillies. Hate to see him go, but wish him all the best. He was a major part of the Sox successes in the later years of the past decade, including most notably 2007.

Lackey's Out foe 2012!

Just released by the Globe: Lackey's having elbow surgery and will be out for the entire 2012 season. No info on exactly what's being done.

The Press Owes Terry (& Sox) An Apology!

As I sit here watching the Cards battle the Brewers in the background, I'm moved to write because I think that someone--anyone!!--has to say something about the absolute disgusting BULLSHIT that is being thrown about and on Terry now that the season's over & he has gone. Maybe you've seen/heard some/all of the crap that's being heaped upon the guy that got us not only the first Series win in 86 years, but also a second just three years later--the guy who got the Sox more wins than anyone else in MLB over his time in the Hub than any other team other than the Stripes. He's now alleged to have been "distracted" (the polite term) by, take your choice pain meds he takes for his knee or his alleged marital problems (I didn't know he had any marital issues and why should I? It's NONE OF MY BUSINESS!--or anyone else's!It's got nothing to do with the Sox! It's strictly his own personal business!! Period--end of sentence--no new paragraph!!). Forget the fact that the meds were not a recent thing, but also existed when the Sox, under his excellent guidance, were leading the league with the best AL record and the 2d best in all MLB! No commentary then--because it wasn't "news". I've got news for all of you assholes in the press/media. It's still not news. It's personal! I can tell you what knee pain is like because I've had both knees cut on and have arthritis in both knees. Fortunately, I can usually get by without meds, but when/if they're necessary, I use them and don't have to worry that some ink stained wretch will claim I'm 'distracted' due to the effects of the meds. Terry deserves the same courtesy--unless you media assholes don't understand the meaning of the word. However, if you don't, look it up in Webster's. It's right there--courtesy. Look it up--assuming you have the brains to be able to read the definition!
As for some of the other crap making the rounds, pitchers drinking beer and eating chicken during games when they are not playing that day, a big WHO CARES? If they're not playing that day, what the f--- difference does it make. It's certainly not going to affect their performance--because they're NOT PLAYING THAT DAY!
Terry Francona is by far the best manager the Hose had had in my 68 years, has accomplished more than all of the others in the period, and deserves better than this cheap sensationalism that you are heaping upon him. I'm sorry he's left the Sox. I worry that he may go to a team the Sox will have to face. I wish him well--and don't care how many meds he's taking or what the status of his marriage is.