Saturday 1/29- Sunday 1/30

Missing Garces returns home

-Former Sox pitcher feared kidnapped, actually at a beach party bender

Virtual Waiting Room Soon to serve

Coffee & Krispy Kreme

Friday 1-28

Fenway expansion plan released

New Area to be called "The Pavilion"

Sox tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 for remaining games. Virtual waiting room to waste a lot of your time. Our advice: Don't bother trying for the popular weekend match ups and end up with nothing.  Go straight for the Monday, Tuesday games, or less desirable games for a sure bet then move on to the other games. If not you will may stare at the virtual waiting room screen for quite some time, possibly freeze your computer, or go completely insane.  You may even want to do something more productive like go plant a tree or visit a nursing home. Seriously though best of luck to all that will be trying to land tickets, be patient, and have a few brews ready to calm yourself down if necessary. 

* Do note that we got a few emails from RSN card carrying members that had no problems getting tickets during pre-sale today.

If you do get tickets, keep me in mind.  I make great company and would love to buy beers for the both of us.

*If anyone is interested we have 4 tickets for spring training game on March 4th.  We most likely cannot make it and will sell at face value to one of our readers.  Drop us a line sales@bornintoit.com  if interested.

It's In the Game!

Sorry Manny,Yesterday we gave props to Papi for making the cover of

 Nintendo's Pennant Chase Baseball. We didn't realize that the second half of our

 dynamic duo will also be gracing the cover of another baseball game, MVP

 Baseball 2005 by EA sports.  This one is due out March 1.

Thanks to Chris H. for pointing this out to us! Keep helping us out readers:)

Tim Wakefield, A decade in Sox

Tim Wakefield is entering his 11th season as a Red Sox!

If Jason Varitek is the captain of the Red Sox,Trot Nixon is the grit, Curt Schilling is the ace, Johnny Damon is the catalyst, and Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are the big boppers, Wakefield is simply the ambassador. He represents the organization with class -- always. - Ian Brown, 1/14  Article

Thursday 1-27

The Windup of the Battle for the Ball
 

1/28/2005
by Meagan Curtis

In the wake of World Series elation, and the enduring bliss that accompanied the Nation's victory over the Evil Empire, it is almost unthinkable that any battle remained left to be fought. We won the war! How could there still be a battle? But, there was. And what is even more shocking is that the battle was not between the Nation and our longstanding enemies; this was a civil war, happening within our Nation.

Like most battles, this one started because a man decide to prove that he had balls...or, a ball, actually. Just one. A very special ball. Not only was the ball very special to that man, but it was very special to millions of men. And so a battle ensued for the ownership of the ball.

This very special ball represents the ultimate climax of 86 years of unfulfilled desire. When the final crack of the bat echoed through the stadium in St. Louis, millions of people in Boston held their breath as our beloved closer, Keith Folke, grabbed the ball, ran towards first, and then decided to toss the ball to the guy who was already waiting there, ready to tag the base and end the 86 years of torment. As Doug Mientkiewicz easily got the final out the World Series, the Nation rejoiced that the ball was safely in his possession (miraculously, it didn't roll through his legs, bounce off his glove, or mysteriously turn into vapor, as many feared it would) and that we had actually won! Finally! And we all thanked Theo for getting a Golden-Glove first baseman who wouldn't squander our hopes and dreams.

While we all celebrated Doug's easy catch and easy out, Doug endorsed that age-old addage, "Finders keepers!" and decided that he was the rightful owner of the ball. But, like the ball in question, that idea didn't fly. The Red Sox organization declared that they were the rightful owners of the ball and asked Doug to give it back. He refused. Now, instead of fighting over who sucks more, A-Rod or Posada, the Nation has been quibbling over who should own the ball: he who caught it, or he who bought it.

Well, who did buy it? That's the first question. Since the Cardinals were the home team, they most likely provided the game balls, making them the owners. Let's also assume that the Cardinals did not want the ball. Why would they? So, who gets second dibs?

Doug claims that since he caught it, he owns it. He's going on the precedent that once a ball goes out of a park, the "whoever catches it" rule dictates ownership. But, who owns a ball that stays in the park? When a pitcher reaches a milestone, such pitching a perfect game, he is typically given the game ball. If the last out made with that ball was a little grounder to first, the first baseman does not keep the ball. It's given to the pitcher. The last player to possess the ball is not, according to precedent, the person who rightfully owns the ball. The ball would mean the most to the pitcher, and so the pitcher is the one who keeps it. Should that be the guideline for determining ownership?

If so, how could we possibly decide who would appreciate that ball more than anyone else? We couldn't. And therefore, it shouldn't be owned by any one person in particular; it should be owned by the Red Sox organization, to be shared with the players and fans.

Instead, the battle has ended in a compromise. Doug, after being dealt to the Mets, has agreed to let the Red Sox baby sit the ball for a year. It's nice that he's sharing, but it does seem like that's all he's doing: letting the other kids play with his toy for a year, at which point he will ask for it back, and we may throw a temper-tantrum. Would anyone in Boston actually be comfortable if that ball ends up in New York? Queens is certainly a better home for it than the Bronx, but still, it's close enough to enemy territory to make visions of ball-related curses dance through one's head. But hey, maybe by this time next year, the Sox will have another World Series winning ball in their possession. Maybe for once, we should combine the long-standing mantras of Red Sox Nation: "This is the year, and they'll do it next year!" And maybe it's time to add another saying to our ever-growning list: "Keep the faith, but not the ball, Doug."
 

Big Papi on Cover of Nintendo Game

Big Papi goes Big Time on cover of Nintendo Gamecube, Pennant Chase Baseball
Available in April 2005

Sox sign Japanese league, Denny Tomori

Sox sign sidearm right handed pitcher of Japanese league

Japanese league stats of Denny Tomori -stats

Doug to give ball back on loan for public exhibition

- Doug's wife lets go of his balls

(Just for a little while)

We have reached an arrangement with the Red Sox but we will wait for them to disclose the details," said Mientkiewicz's wife, Jodi, who said her husband was out fishing last night. "I will say I think the fans will be pleased with the outcome. It was a glorious season and we were thrilled to have been a part of it." 

Wednesday 1-26

Doug Mientkiewicz has been traded

-Sox trade Doug M. to Mets for 1B prospect

Tuesday 1-25

Delgado signs with Florida

-Mets, Orioles lose out on Carlos

Our Ace in the hole hopes for a couple of his own

Schilling squares off with Ray Romano, Brad Garett on Bravo's Celeb Poker

Tuesday 8:00 E.T. on Bravo Shilling Goes "All In"

Saturday/Sunday 22nd & 23rd

The Patriots Dynasty Continues

Patriots to face Eagles in Superbowl XXXIX

Dynasty one of all time greats?

Schilling & Arod getting it started already!

Trading jabs already

"I just hope he continues to talk about me and my teammates," the New York Yankees third baseman said Friday. "It's going to give us great motivation to beat him up in the future."

Schilling called it a "bush-league play" after Rodriguez was called out for interference in Game 6 of the AL championship series last October. A-Rod, trying to beat out an infield dribbler, slapped the ball away from pitcher Bronson Arroyo near first base.

"To me it was just odd, because I mean we beat him a couple of times during the year and he was crying on the bench," Rodriguez said of Schilling. " --- Article on Boston.com by Ron Blum

Arod crybaby dolls soon available!

Friday 1-21

Return of the Roger, For the tune of $18 Million

-Rocket man to pitch again in Houston, breaks salary record!

Wednesday 1-19

Want to be on T.V.?

M.L.B. Seeking devoted Red Sox fans to be in a commercial

 dedicated to the "I Live for This" theme.

Saturday January 22nd 8 a.m - 4 p.m. at Fenway Gate D

Clemens wants $22 Million

-Asking price before arbitration is $22 Million, highest ever

Highest single season pitchers salary was that of Pedro Martinez last season $17.5 Million

Millar V.S. Mientkiewicz

-Nice analysis of both players by Chris Snow of the Globe

Tuesday 1-18

Sox Ink Arroyo & Bellhorn, no need for arbitration

-Arroyo gets $1.85,  Bellhorn $2.75

Not much news around "The Nation" today

We figured we would take the day and give some props to our buddy D'Lowe

An Ode to D-Lowe (by Meagan Curtis)


Pitchers will come
And pitchers will go
But Fenway will miss
Our beloved D-Lowe

Tumultuous, yes
It has been, at best
Our affair with D-Lowe
Put our faith to the test

With D-Lowe on the mound
Worried minds did not rest
Some games -- he was perfect!
Others? Hard to digest!

We clung to each pitch
Which sometimes clung to each bat
We squirmed and we cursed
While some chewed on their hats

Eight years this went on
And from closer to starter
We cheered, then we cringed
And then cheered that much harder

Back in two thousand two
His best season had come
He got twenty-one wins
And was third for Cy Young!

But this pinacle year
Stands alone in Sox lore
He struggled all through
Two thousand and four

Though the Sox would go on
To post-season glory
His last two regular starts
Posed a sad end to his story

The D'Rays hit him hard
Five earned runs in two innings
He left the mound 'gainst the O's
When the game was just beginning

And for post-season play
He was shunned to the pen
Perhaps never starting
For Boston again

Then he pitched 'gainst the Angels
For one ALDS inning
His pitches were perfect
The Sox ended up winning!

But the mighty Yanks loomed
They weren't so angelic
Their potent bats threatened
To turn the Sox into relics

Then game 4 came along
And we knew we must win
Or the Yankees would triumph
(Who could take that again?!)

Terry said to D-Lowe
"You're the game 4 starter!
Just give it your all
But please, don't end up a martyr!"

And the pitches, they sank
But our hearts, they did not
D-Lowe pitched like a god
For his high-pressure start!

And when called on again
He knew just what to do
Our hopes raised cautiously
With each pitch that he threw

And we went on to win
On the back of D-Lowe
(With the help of some others
Who you all surely know)

And then came the World Series
Our D-Lowe was a hero
Pitching seven scoreless innings
The Cards' chances fell to zero!

But his wins did not keep
Him in red socks for long
Now he's off to L.A.
And it feels somewhat wrong

He'll be earning just half
What the Yankees will pay
Giambi to sit on a bench
While the other punks play

I will miss you, D-Lowe
(Although we've never met)
Your perfect game 'gainst the D'Rays
I will never forget

Thanks for the ups, downs,
And games that you won
So long, sweet Derek
It sure has been fun!

Saturday 1-15  Sunday 1-16

By David Ames david@bornintoit.com

THIS WEEKS AMSEY ANALYSIS   Playoffs Week 2 Patriots 20 Indianapolis 3 On to Pittsburgh…… -As soon as Mike Vandersmack, shank, jagt, opened his mouth mid-week last week, I knew the Patriots were going to win. I called up my online gaming agent and bet the balance on the Pats -1.5. An absolute no-brainer. Why do teams that are preparing for the Patriots insist on being stupid? Vanderjagt went to the aquarium, stood at the shark tank window and made faces, only 4 days before he, and his 45 other blue and white clad classmates were going to have to go swimming in that tank. They got the flesh ripped off of them in Foxboro yesterday. Full Analysis

Dave Ames is a freelance writer for Bornintoit.com he can be reached at david@bornintoit.com.

Drop him a line from time to time to comment on his analysis.

We must protect this house!

Patriots head to AFC Championship game

Show Indy why we are Champs

Patriots Shut Indy Up 20-3

Dillon- Stud    Brady- Stud    Belichick- Stud   Defense- Studly

Friday 1-14

How Many Ballparks have you been to?

Here is a very cool site by two people that strive to visit every ballpark.

My question is where did these folks get the time and money to do this.

Must be nice!

Digitalballparks.com

How sweet it is to not be Jason Giambi

"The real punishment for steroid cheats in baseball is not 10 days' worth of lost pay or 20 days of lost pay or even a whole season. The real punishment is this: They test positive from now on, they turn into Jason Giambi." Mike Lupica Daily News -Full Article

The Juice is so uncool nowadays!

When I was in high school (about 10 years ago) and then college the juice was widespread. Everyone was doing it, football players, baseball, wrestlers, weightlifters, your son, your nephew, maybe even your daughter.  What athletes strived for was to be the biggest, best, fastest, #1, and it wasn't completely frowned on by many to use steroids to get to that level. In fact it was sort of just on the hush hush. Everyone knew it wasn't the best thing for your health but hey smoking is bad, driving fast is dangerous, even using your cell phone isn't good for your health anymore. Young people need more then that to lay off something. It needs to be frowned upon by your peers.  You need to be looked at as a cheat, and a dirty rotten scoundrel, somebody in a classification all by themselves.  Steroids need to fall into a category that teenagers and college kids dread to be labeled as - "uncool".  The worst possible thing a young person can feel growing up is to be an outsider. Something like steroids needs to be put in that classification. The current exposure to the juice is about 10 years overdue.  Sports, The Government, Parents, Kids, You, and Me need to do our part to make the juice as uncool as possible. Because that is just what it is, uncool!

Thursday 1-13

Fenway Park

You have to Love it & Hate it at the same time

Your thoughts on the future of Fenway Park

Please make note. This website will be more interactive in 2005.

Please join our message board to be involved in discussions through the year. 

We would love to hear from you!

Schilling is Thrilling

-Curt may be ready to pitch opener in NYC against Big Unit

Read My Lips "No More Juicing"

-Commish and union to agree on new steriod policy

But is it enough?

10 Day Suspension for first offense

Four strikes & your out for the season

Best case is that it involves more random testing and players fear exposure.

Wednesday 1-12

Hats off To Derek Lowe

Derek Lowe goes out a champion!

Not much going on today for Sox news so far so I wanted to take a minute to tip my hat to Derek Lowe and say "Thank You".  Thanks for an impressive 70-55 career winning percentage with the Red Sox. Thanks for being that sort of goofy guy that we often booed but we always had a lot of love for. Thanks for your 42 save season, your 21 game winning season, and most of all for helping bring home a championship in 2004.

We all know D'Lowe wasn't afraid to rub elbows at the local establishments and had a reputation for enjoying the nightlife but hey why not he is a young successful guy.  My Mom is a flight attendant for Delta Airlines and has worked the Red Sox charter on occasion so she knows the players behind the scenes.  She said that Derek was one of the most down to earth guys on the team, very polite & friendly, and had a great sense of humor. Don't let the "head case" picture that the media had portrayed about Derek be the picture you keep of him over time.  Derek won us a championship and should be forever respected and adored by Sox fans.

Good luck to Derek on the west coast!

By David Ames david@bornintoit.com

THIS WEEKS AMSEY ANALYSIS Playoffs Week 1 10) New NFL Rule; If it hits 4 PM and there is still 7:30 to go in the game, the network loses its right to air commercials for the rest of the game. Next new rule, If FOX continues to put that stupid arrow on the field stating ‘2nd and 3’ then they should automatically forfeit their right to air games, and turn it back over to NBC. (Hmmmm, maybe that’s not such a good idea). Nevertheless, the arrow has to go along with the blue line of scrimmage. Its made for idiots football on CBS and FOX. As I said last week, if you don’t know where the line of scrimmage is, AND you need an arrow to tell you who has the ball and the direction that the team is going, then just flip the channel to Lifetime for Women, snuggle up with your girlfriend and crack open your Zima.- The full Analysis

Tuesday 1-11

Randy "hothead" Johnson can't handle the pressure

already. Gets physical with CBS2 camera man.

"Don't get in my face, and don't talk back to me, all right." -R.J.

Monday 1-10

Johnson's starts off on wrong foot with NY media

-Get physical with CBS2 camera man just doing his job

Welcome to NYC you cracker.. Can't handle a camera while you go to the Doc's office?

Wait until you have to come to Boston.

The Curse of the Boston Terrier (Jason Nash)

There is still a curse that has yet to be broken!

*Needs Sound, may take a min to load but well worth it!

Derek Lowe, Signs 4 Year Deal With L.A.

-D'Lowe now a Dodger

Mets on wild spending spree agree to terms with Beltran

-Mets spend $119 over 7 years on Beltran

+Beltran to New York, but not to Yankees, Can't complain

Friday 1-7

Who's Line Ball Is it Anyway?

-Baseball wants final out ball back, Doug M. Says It's his

"I know this ball has a lot of sentimental value," he said. "I hope I don't have to use it for the money. It would be cool if we have kids someday to have it stay in our family for a long time. But I can be bought. I'm thinking, there's four years at Florida State for one of my kids. At least. - 1/7 Shaughnessy Story

-Doug Defends himself, Says it was all in good fun.

Username Mbrowndog put up transcript on popular Red Sox Message Board, SOSH

Curt, Hurt but may be ready for opener

Theo was on WEEI  and mentioned that it is still a possibility

Curt could be ready for opening day

Thursday 1-6

Pedro Says He Will Arrive To Spring Training Early

"I will arrive at spring training on Feb. 17"

Pete trying to impress the new boss already.  It is also rumored that he will have a fresh pot of coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts available in the dugout for those interested.

Yankee "Fame & Fortune" may just be "Yankee Fame"

-Yanks finances may not be as glorious as one might think

Wednesday 1-5

Wally will soon have to share spotlight with other mascots

-Mascot Wally's going to have to share his world

Pesky the Pirate?  The Bleacher Creature?

 Expect new mascots at the park next season Wally.

Seattle Signs Pokey Reese

Pokeymon finds a home in seattle, good luck!

Yankees opting out of Beltran Sweepstakes?

-NY Times reports the Yankees are not interested in Beltran

Trophy On Tour

In a moment of what he called "irrational exuberance" after the Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, team president Larry Lucchino pledged to take the trophy to each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

The trophy has already traveled more than 20,000 miles and been shown in 10 different states and in the Dominican Republic. - ESPN ARTICLE

Tuesday 1-4

Wade Boggs In Hall of Fame

-Boggs & Sandberg get the nod

Monday 1-3

Who will be our first baseman in 2005?

-Ian Browne says Theo told Millar & Mientkiewicz

 that one of them would likely be traded before spring training

"The essence of the matter is that the Red Sox have two first basemen who should be starters in Millar and Doug Mientkiewicz. Both players have expressed their desire to be everyday players. GM Theo Epstein has told both players that one of them is likely to be traded before Spring Training. Whether that player is Millar or Mientkiewicz remains to be seen. They both bring unique things to the table.

Millar has a clutch bat and enthusiastic personality, and has been the team's regular first baseman the last two years, so he might have the inside track on staying. But Mientkiewicz has an elite glove, one of the best in the game, so the Red Sox really can't lose either way." _ Ian Browne MLB.COM

Selig says "yes" to Johnson deal

-Yankees have until Thursday to reach agreement on extension

Anaheim Angels Change their Name

-Now Called "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim"

Sox Ready to Do It Again in 2005?

Yankees try to finalize deal with Johnson this week. Most Yankee fools think this is the nail in the coffin already. It's a long season and 2004 proved that anything can happen!

Reviews of Red Sox Movies, Books in 2004

Faithful, Still We Believe, MLB Video, NESN Video, Etc... Have An Opinion on any of the Red Sox Media Releases from 2004? Let us know what ones you like best!

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