I hear this song at work sometimes, and I always have to pause and listen to the killer xylophone solo. And I wonder, does the guy have xylophone face? In concert, would he toss the mallets in the air like a real rock star?
Except just now I found out that it is not a xylophone, it is a marimba. Whatever, a marimba is pretty much a xylophone, but I now have to reorganize my thoughts about "Moonlight Feels Right".
12.27.2007
12.21.2007
in through the out door
Adam Bernero is GONE! The Pirates have collected him and now their bullpen is complete. Excelsior!
Boston's signed 2B Joe Thurston, SS Tony Granadillo, and SS Gil Velazquez. I know that I know at least two of these guys.
I also noticed that D'Angelo Jiminez had some action. A signing or something. I was at a spring training game once and on the lineup sheet he was listed as Jiminez D'Angelo. Sort of like Geronimo Gil being listed as Gil Geronimo, except not as cool.
I know you don't run into too many D'Angelos, but come on. That's just sloppy assholism.
More on the three infielders when I finish my shopping/slacking/eating.
Boston's signed 2B Joe Thurston, SS Tony Granadillo, and SS Gil Velazquez. I know that I know at least two of these guys.
I also noticed that D'Angelo Jiminez had some action. A signing or something. I was at a spring training game once and on the lineup sheet he was listed as Jiminez D'Angelo. Sort of like Geronimo Gil being listed as Gil Geronimo, except not as cool.
I know you don't run into too many D'Angelos, but come on. That's just sloppy assholism.
More on the three infielders when I finish my shopping/slacking/eating.
12.14.2007
Bobby Scales must find an apartment.

Scales led the team in triples with nine.
Kevin Cash faked me out and is returning to Bostucket. I was all for getting rid of Mirabelli but Dougie did not exactly get paid last year. So... looks like I may end up getting a double shot of Led Zeppelin at McCoy, since both Cash and Bailey used them for at-bat songs.
But, yeah, let's kill Doug Mirabelli.
Nobody beats a Bailey deal!

The Red Sox went and resigned him. I can't believe it. It has been a long time since I've seen a guy last this long in Pawtucket. I don't get it and I don't understand, but that's fine. I love Jeff Bailey.
One of the greatest baseball moments for me in 2007 is Jeff Bailey getting called up to play a weekend in... Chicago, was it? I don't know but he did end up hitting a home run and it was his sole production.
Welcome back, neighbor!
12.09.2007
He used to give his mother flowers and that.

He wasn't in Pawtucket long enough for me to really have an opinion or attachment. But good luck and all with those guys.
Also, bitchin' reliever Travis Hughes has been signed by the Yokohama BayStars to a one-year deal.
backstage at the Grammys








Xmas at McCoy

No Kapstein, but I did see Bob from Bob's Big Adventures and most of the staff.
I got a few free GA tickets. And have I told you this? In the 'players and personnel only' area, the halls are lined with meorabilia. Really great stuff, newspapers and plaques and trophies and posters. Like a little museum. If you haven't been to one of the off-season fan things, you really need to get on it.

Hot Stove Party should be in late January. It generally coincides with Boston's tickets going on sale (the remainder).
I'm going to Hartford... okay, WEST Hartford for a couple of days (work). If everyone could hold off on major moves until Wednesday, that'd be great. I love you.
Labor Day and last PawSox game of 2007.









12.08.2007
And they finished off the day by chucking mushballs to the last few fans.









12.07.2007
every day i'm hustling

So when a co-worker was headed for Atlanta, guess what I asked for? YES. And the Atlanta Braves program might be the best one I've ever gotten. Thick and glossy and well put together. And of course, they pose a set group of questions to guys on the team to maybe reveal a little bit about their personalities. These questions are kind of pointless and generic but really reveal the inner dullness of professional jocks.
Willie Harris. Remember him? 2006? Big bowl of Pawtucket with a dash of Boston? Good guy, nice to the kids? Small and fast? The anti-Dustan Mohr? Harris wound up on the Braves last year and really had a great time for himself, especially the night he went six for six with four singles, two triples, six RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base. And when he was asked what TV show he watched regularly, he replied:
"Sanford and Son. It's hilarious."
WOW. A man who appreciates the classics. Amid all the 'Seinfeld' and 'Friends' and 'American Idol' and 'Survivor' that his teammates chose, he picks the classic sitcom 'Sanford and Son'. And he's right... it IS hilarious. It also has probably one of the greatest TV themes of all time. I bust it out at work every now and then. My boss loves it.
Brockton Rox release 2008 schedule

The Can-Am has had a travelling team the past few years. A team without a home ballpark. So where do they... I mean, how can you... I don't know. They managed. But this year there will not be a travelling team. Remember the Ottawa Lynx (Internatonal League)? Their vacated ballpark will now be home to the Can-Am's second Canadian ballclub. I think they're unnamed so far. Good luck to the new people!
The eight teams this year are:
1. Brockton
2. New Ottawa team
3. Worcester Tornados
4. Nashua Pride
5. Atlantic City Surf
6. New Jersey Jackals
7. Sussex SkyHawks
8. Les Quebec Capitales
No North Shore Spirit? What the hay? I swear I remember driving up to Lynn a couple of years ago...
In other news, I think it would be wicked fun to go to a Can-Am game in Atlantic City.
Last things last, the 2008 Granite State Baseball Dinner that I can't stop babbling about has added yet another superstar guest. I wish I could make you guess. I'll give you a hint: not a pitcher. Never played for the Devil Rays. Southern man.
Give up? Okay, it's Jim Rice. I can't believe it.
12.03.2007
Tim Bausher is tenacious.
Have you ever heard of the Berkshire Black Bears? No? I haven't either, but when former Quakertown Blazer Tim Bausher was released by the Mariners back in '03, he wound up playing for them. That's what happens sometimes, you play in an independent league if you've otherwise got nothing going on.
Independent leagues seldom get scouted, so if you're a former big leaguer who has hit a tough spot, you need to stay in touch. Call and let them know, hey, if you ever need a guy... I read about that somewhere. Tim Bausher played one game with the Black Bears and had his contract purchased by Milwaukee. Eventually, he made his way to Pawtucket.
So what happened after Pawtucket '06? The Reds, then the Rockies, who cut him after spring training camp. He wound up back in the Can-Am League, pitching for the Nashua Pride. The Royals bought him out of there in June of '07, stuck him on their AAA team where he sucked, then released him. Bausher returned to the Nashua Pride. No word on his plans for the future, but good luck!
Bausher alleges that his good friend Marc Deschenes said he'd also be interested in re-joining the Nashua Pride. They should also probably call up Mike Lockwood and Jim Buckley.
"Oh I forgot to mention I went to college with Tim Bauser in Kutztown. Cool guy. He was in one of my science classes and I hung out with him at a few parties. We started the same year and man is he tall. I met him freshman year and I thought he was a senior. He must have been 6'5 210 freshman year."
Man, is he tall!
Independent leagues seldom get scouted, so if you're a former big leaguer who has hit a tough spot, you need to stay in touch. Call and let them know, hey, if you ever need a guy... I read about that somewhere. Tim Bausher played one game with the Black Bears and had his contract purchased by Milwaukee. Eventually, he made his way to Pawtucket.
So what happened after Pawtucket '06? The Reds, then the Rockies, who cut him after spring training camp. He wound up back in the Can-Am League, pitching for the Nashua Pride. The Royals bought him out of there in June of '07, stuck him on their AAA team where he sucked, then released him. Bausher returned to the Nashua Pride. No word on his plans for the future, but good luck!
Bausher alleges that his good friend Marc Deschenes said he'd also be interested in re-joining the Nashua Pride. They should also probably call up Mike Lockwood and Jim Buckley.
"Oh I forgot to mention I went to college with Tim Bauser in Kutztown. Cool guy. He was in one of my science classes and I hung out with him at a few parties. We started the same year and man is he tall. I met him freshman year and I thought he was a senior. He must have been 6'5 210 freshman year."
Man, is he tall!
December 8th

I can't deny my excitement over Johan "JS" Santana. I mean... I love him. And not just because he's a great pitcher! Okay, it's pretty much only because of the Cy Young caliber pitching. But still. Santana in Boston and Katy bar the door.
At some point I'll do the "Most Fascinating Baseball Experiences of 2007 Alive As Experienced By Baseball Heavy". I don't want to give too much away, but don't be surprised if "Johan Santana Pitches Complete Game Shutout at Shea" is number one. Because that was awesome.
Also, Pawtucket Red Sox tickets go on sale on Saturday. I can't wait. I may wear a Santa Claus hat.
Welcome to the Ocean State, Jon Van Every!

I barely remember Van Halen from this summer, but during one Bisons visit to McCoy he doubled and homered. In the same game, Kevin Cash played third base because Alex Prieto got ejected. Oh, minor league baseball!
All of this makes me wonder a few things:
1. Will Brandon Moss start the year in Pawtucket? Will he still play right field or is he now permanently a first baseman?
2. Ellsbury: Gone for good? The Twins have D. Lemon Young. Who else is a Minnesota outfielder? Cuddyer? No, the other guy. Damn, my memory's bad.
3. Who else played outfield in Pawtucket last year?
a) David Murphy, deceased.
b) Jeff Bailey, occasionally.
c) Michael Tucker, on good days.
d) Junior Spivey?
4. Junior Spivey!
There will be a player or two in Pawtucket on Saturday, so if Van Every's there I'll see what I can find out. If Kapstein is there, I'll give him a prayer card and shake his hand.
11.29.2007
Manchester Fisher Cats: Hard at Work

A few updates about the Blue Jays AA team:
1. New uniforms! Still that really lovely, dark and deep emerald, but new silver accents. Redesigned logo. In all likelihood, I would never have noticed.
2. New manager! Gary Cathcart, who has a moustache and beard. It is his tenth year as a coach of some sort. He's originally from New Bedford and now resides in Bedford, NH. Hey, I'm from New England and I currently reside in England! That's not funny.
3. Remember the Granite State baseball dinner I mentioned five years ago? It's been announced that Don Orsillo is hosting. I. Am. Going. DO and Pat Hentgen? Two great tastes that taste great together!
4. My check cleared for my $20 parking fine that I got in Manchester. I feel as though I was ticketed in error, but what? I'm going to court in New Hampshire to contest it? I barely attend court in RI!
Finally, some stuff is starting to happen!
Miscellaneous International League
Sometime Rochester Red Wing SP Matt Garza has been traded for Tampa Bay's Delmon Young. I'm guessing Young will be their big league center fielder, which is nice for him. I know he threw a bat a couple of years ago, but give the man another chance. he was young, he needed the money!
Twins SS Jason Bartlett will also enjoy the several fine gentleman's clubs in the TB area. That is some amped up handsomery for the Rays!
PawSox third baseman Ed Rogers has been signed by the Nationals. I really liked Ed Rogers, although he was no kind of star. He is listed as a "PR" on the Yahoo! transactions page. Not INF, but PR. Get 'em, Ed.
Twins SS Jason Bartlett will also enjoy the several fine gentleman's clubs in the TB area. That is some amped up handsomery for the Rays!
PawSox third baseman Ed Rogers has been signed by the Nationals. I really liked Ed Rogers, although he was no kind of star. He is listed as a "PR" on the Yahoo! transactions page. Not INF, but PR. Get 'em, Ed.
Xmas at McCoy

So the Pawtucket Christmas party is December 8th. Since it's for the kids, I'll be borrowing one to get in. I should be ashamed.
I do have a "special" "invitation" to get in early and meet the new people. Plus Ron Johnson and Santa Paws. Santa Paws appears to be just regular Paws but with a Santa hat on. I could be wrong though. There is no Santa Sox... yet.
Food. Games. Amateur photography. Free tickets! A commemorative holiday pennent! Free issues of Baseball America!
Still not as good as the Hot Stove Party, but I will be there.
New Coaches in Rhode Island
How about the Rhode Island Red Sox?
I've discovered somewhat tardily that Pawtucket has two new coaches. They are pitching coach Rich Sauveur and hitting coach Santa Paws.
Wait, no, the new hitting coach is Russ Morman. Santa Paws is the new director of concessions.
Rich Sauveur holds the record for most teams pitched for without a win. Sauveur was the pitching coach for the Hunstville Stars (AA MIL) for the past three seasons and has also worked with the Brockton Rox (Can-Am).
Russ "Shocker" Morman comes to us (me) from Portland. That's so nice, he got promoted! Here's to a stronger PawSox offense!
I've discovered somewhat tardily that Pawtucket has two new coaches. They are pitching coach Rich Sauveur and hitting coach Santa Paws.
Wait, no, the new hitting coach is Russ Morman. Santa Paws is the new director of concessions.
Rich Sauveur holds the record for most teams pitched for without a win. Sauveur was the pitching coach for the Hunstville Stars (AA MIL) for the past three seasons and has also worked with the Brockton Rox (Can-Am).
Russ "Shocker" Morman comes to us (me) from Portland. That's so nice, he got promoted! Here's to a stronger PawSox offense!
11.24.2007
I thought there'd be equations on the wall and shit.

Providence player Xavier scored a career-high amount of points. Providence made a lot of 3-point shots. There was a lummoxy chap name of Hall who came in later in the game. I'm learning!
There's now a possibility that I'm going to the PC v. BC at the... center. Arena. In Boston. December first! YEAH!!!
In other news, Peter Pan Records? Where you play the record and read along with the accompanying storybook and turn the page at the sound of the bell. I remember! God damn, I'm aging.
wake me up when you're through being cool
No one... NO ONE told me about Torii Hunter being signed by the Angels. Five years? FIVE?
That takes care of that. Fenway prioritah game: the Angels. I looked at the tentative schedule last night and I noticed the last homestand is against New York. So much for that idea.
Of course, I could go to Anaheim in 2008. That would be awesome. I could do a JetHwaks/Angels excursion.
In other news, Joe Kennedy. When I read that he'd died, I thought it must have been some other Joe Kennedy. An old-timey Joe Kennedy from black and white baseball. But no, it was the blonde kid who was on the Devil rays.
Pawtucket's Christmas party should be coming up. Player most likely to be there: Dusty Brown.
That takes care of that. Fenway prioritah game: the Angels. I looked at the tentative schedule last night and I noticed the last homestand is against New York. So much for that idea.
Of course, I could go to Anaheim in 2008. That would be awesome. I could do a JetHwaks/Angels excursion.
In other news, Joe Kennedy. When I read that he'd died, I thought it must have been some other Joe Kennedy. An old-timey Joe Kennedy from black and white baseball. But no, it was the blonde kid who was on the Devil rays.
Pawtucket's Christmas party should be coming up. Player most likely to be there: Dusty Brown.
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