Memorial Day

You can't wear the flag like that

Nice long weekend. I've got the next week off work, so please expect more regular postings, including a recap on all the minor league stuff.

Before I get into the baseball stuff, I wanted to remind my readers (both of you) the meaning of Memorial Day. I didn't plan on thinking about it that much, but saw some special on CNN Presents about wounded American soldiers in Iraq. It got me thinking of the enourmous sacrifices that these people make... regardless of your feeling on this 'war', selfless humans who put themselves in the line of fire, and make the ultimate sacrifice, are worthy of some time and thoughts from the rest of us. Too often, the misguided Patriotism we see in the form of auto magnets fail miserably to provide any real meaning behind how fortunate we all are.... So while you're sitting around in the sunny backyard, surrounded by family and friends, getting sauced and enjoying the bounty of bbq-ed treats, its important to remember that there is someone JUST LIKE YOU who is shaking in their boots on the sand of some godforsaken middle eastern desert wasteland who probably doesn't want to be there and would give anything to be you at that moment.

OK, I'm off my soapbox. On to some fun stuff.

The MILF sacrificed herself and gave me a quickie on saturday night. She wasn't really in the mood, but I was 'in need.' Sadly, I'm out of KY lube and had to use that nasty Astroglide stuff. I've noticed a little Astroglide goes a loooong way, so I need to remember to apply less next time, its soooo smooth I can hardly feel anything.

How bout that Indy 500? If you can make it thru the first 450 miles, the rest of the race is thrilling. Fuck!

Sox Update: The Sox go into Toronto and lose 2 of 3 to a good Jays team. Maybe the Sox beat themselves. Friday Konerko homers, but Garcia has a bad outing... as does Politte and the Sox lose 8-2. Saturday Ozzie explodes after a 3-2 11 inning loss. The pitching, namely Contreras and McCarthy, was great, there was just no hitting, no hustle (other than Crede, who went 3 for 5. Sunday the Sox bounced back big, as Dye homers and 3 for 4. Mack also homered. The ailing Iguchi got the day off, and in his place, Cintron picked up 2 RBIs. Garland gave up 6 ER in 5 IP, but still got the win...

Big 4 game series at Cleveland begins today at The Jake.

The Sox trail the Tigers in the Central division by 2 and 1/2... Detroit is, by the way, impossibly, 20 games over .500... yes, 20 games... and its not even June 1st.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

update coming... I promise.

Baseball phrase of the day: ...is taking the holiday off.

Music: Got caught up on some hipster stuff over the weekend.. the Arctic Monkeys do nothing for me... but I enjoyed some Spoon, Hold Steady and Block Party.

Beer count: thursday - 2, friday - 2, saturday - 1. Sunday over to a friend's house for a traditional M-Day cookout, and had 3. It was a treat to drink good beer for once - I had a Moretti and two Red Stripes. I'm just about out of my Yuengling.

Potentially some big news forthcoming on a part-time baseball-related hobby... stay tuned.

I remember all those great Memorial Days I spent back at school in southern Ohio (all 4 of them , at least). Since I was from Chicago, and school ended in June, unlike everyone else, I never went home for the holiday - in two weeks I'd be home for 3 months. No thanks. So I spent a lot of time studying for finals and drinking. the town was deserted and that's how I imagined summer in Athens, which sadly, I never got to expereince. So laid back.... I wish I was there...

HNT #19

HNT #19

An off day - just what I needed to get caught up.

And softball got cancelled due to rain.

Sox Update: The Sox sweep the Oakland A's at home for the first time since 1987, at a time when Harold Baines, Greg Walker and Ozzie played for the palehose. Monday the sell out crowd cheered Frank Thomas, the greatest hitter in Sox history, as he hit two homers in his homecoming. Couldn't have been a better night, as the Sox still won 5-4, thanks to a Pablo Ozuna bunt single in the 10th. Said A's firstbaseman Nick Swisher ""It was just a perfect bunt. I mean, it was absolutely perfect." Like I said there is nothing this guy can't do. .

Tuesday, Konerko Dye and Thome homer in a 9-3 win. Vazquez again pitches just good enough for the win ( 6 IP, 3 ER on 6 hits, 4 walks, 3 Ks). sPod had 2 stolen bases.

Wednesday was incredibily the Sox 6th sellout in a row. Buehrle pitched just well enough for the win, though the Sox almost gave it away. Jenks really looked his best of the season, closing it out - the A's looked completely baffled by his off-speed stuff.

Thrusday night, a good night for the Toronto ballet.

The Sox have the 2nd best record in baseball, but its only good enough for 2nd place in their division (ladder). How bout them Detroit Tigers? I knew they would be competetive, but the best record in baseball? c'mon...

As predicted, Boone Logan got sent down, though only to AAA, as Contreras came off the DL. 39 (yes 39) year old journeyman reliver Jeff Nelson got the call up. Montero was returned to Charlotte. Nelson got into the game on both tuesday and wednesday, throwing just one pitch in the latter (it went for a hit).

DOWN ON THE FARM:

No time to update this today. It will have to wait til the weekend.

Baseball phrase of the day: dirter n. a ground ball.

AFL Update: from My Girl Friday: The Cats got beaten by 102 points by Collingwood last week. As much as we ALL hate to admit, Collingwood, seems to be the real deal this year. But you didn't hear it from me.

Noble rot: Out to a fancy expensive dinner with the MILF on tuesday, we downed a bottle from New Zealand. I don't remember the name, so I guess that's not very helpful. But it was good, and fairly inexpensive.

Beer count - I'm not keeping count... about 2 each day...

Wild Weekend

wild times

Sox Update: A Crosstown series for the ages that truly was classic.
--Friday, the Sox take advantage of a bad outing from Maddux and win 6-1. Thome homers. Konerko goes 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs. Two-hitter complete game for Buehrle.
--Saturday was unforgettable. The sucker punch from Barrett to AJ and the ensuing brawl dominated the news, but it was Iguchi's 2 homers and 6 RBIs that was the real story. That and a strong outing for Garcia.
--Sunday, it appeared the sweep was in order. the Sox broke out the cool 1906 home unis. I can't second guess Ozzie's decision to take Contreras out of the game in the 8th - coming back from injury, having thrown nearly 100 pitches, there was no reason that with one out and a lefty coming to bat, that Cotts couldn't shut the door. We know what happened after that. What should've been a double play wasn't and the flood gates opened. Uribe's throw was wide right to first, but it looked to me like Konerko should've had it. Sox lose. Still, 2 out 3 ain't bad.

Frank Thomas, arguably the best player in Sox history, makes his homecoming to the southside tonight, in the uni of the Oakland A's. The fans will cheer, not boo!

The next 5 weeks are the real meat of the season for the Sox - not a pushover on the schedule until they travel to Pittsburgh at the end of June. Check it out:
--home vs Oakland (3)
--road vs Toronto (3) and Cleveland (4)
--back home vs Texas (3), Detroit (3) and Cleveland (3)
--(4) at Texas, (3) at Cincinnati
--(3) vs St. Louis at home, and a World Series rematch vs Houston (3) at home.

It will be real interesting to see how these games play out.

So sad about Barbaro. It was a tough piece of video to watch.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

System issues. I'll have to try to update later in the week.

Baseball phrase of the day: lumber man n. a player who is primarily a hitter.

Beer count: I lost count. Just 2 on friday. Three on saturday (the aforementioned Yuenglings), and at least a few more on sunday. What's a beer lover to do?

I've been carrying around some Balzac in my bag for more than a week, but just can't bring muself to read anything these days.

The MILF gave me some good, close, very passionate and intimate lovin on sunday night. I need more of that!

Yuengling

Since 1829

Ever heard of this beer?

About 2 years back, there was a great article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal discussing Pennsylvania's ancient liquor laws and their effect on the dynamics of the local beer industry. Apparently, these laws were created many years ago to allow local brewers to retain a disproportionate market share, at least when measured against other states. For example, in every other state in the USA, Bud and Miller control about 90% of the beer market. The other 10% would be a mix of imports (mostly Corona), major micros (like Sam Adams), and local micros (like Great Lakes, in Ohio). But in PA, the law has created a different sort of pie, a large slice (to the tune of about 25% if I recall the article correctly) of which is controled by Yuengling. Similiar sized market shares are held by both Bud and Miller, with the other 25% being the aforementioned mix, albeit it with more of a local twist. But to have a 3rd brewer dominate a large local market is unique - unheard of really - ... and in the minds of Bud and Miller, a bad thing, since they want their greedy hands on what thy feel is their divine right to those market shares.

So, ever since I read that article, and as a huge beer drinker, I wanted to taste what all the fuss was about. On saturday, I acquired an entire case of Yuengling Lager, not an easy feat since the beer is sold only in about 10 states, all of which lie far to the east. My conclusion is that it is good cheap beer (about $15 a case). Its got some flavor and taste, much more so than Miller or Bud. I drank 3 while watching the Cub-Sox game- not a real Chicago thing to do (guess I should've been drinking Old Style, or at least my Special Ex).

I hope Yuengling keeps up the good fight!

HNT #18

HNT #18

A day late... but better late than never.

An update to follow. Today. I promise.

Just

hip

blah.

My posts are turning into weekly affairs. Sorry bout that. I'll try to be more regular.

Sox Update: The Sox go into the Suncoast Dome and lose 2 of 3 to a tough Devil Rays team. On tuesday, niether McCarthy nor Logan had it together. I'm wondering if it isn't time for ol' Boone to begin looking for an apartment in Birmingham. sPod had 3 SB, bringing him to 14 on the year. Win on wednesday behind Dye who was 3 for 3 with a homer. Despite being hit on the hand, Garland pitched just well enough to get the win. On thursday, Vazquez was missing his marks in the losing effort. Iguchi and Dye homer.

In case no one noticed, AJ is close to breaking Rick Cerone's ML record for errorless games by a catcher.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

Charlotte (AAA):
--5/13 Owens 3 for 5; Fields HR
--5/14 Fields 5 for 5 with 2 HRs and 3 RBIs
--5/15 Haeger gets back at it - no runs and 6 K, just 4 hits in 6 IP. He did walk 6...
--5/16 Phillips pitches 8 scoreless innings
--5/17 Young 4 for 5; Rogo HR, 3 RBIs; Randolph 6 IP 7 Ks just 3 ER.

Birmingham (AA):
--5/14 Schnurstetin 2-4, HR 3 RBIs
--5/15 Nanita HR, 3 RBIs; Schnurstein struck out 4 times
--5/17 Broadway has his poorest outing of the season - 7 ER and no Ks in 4 IP

Winston-Salem (High A):
--nothing to report. Seriously, its been a boring 5 days for the Hog.

Kannapolis (Low A):
--5/15 no errors in a 3-2 loss
--5/16 no errors in a 4-2 win. Hollis 2-4, 2 RBIs; Roberts HR
--5/17 old habits die hard - 3 errors in a 8-0 loss. But don't blame the D in this one. Sabo yields 4 ER on 5 hits and 2 walks in just 1/3rd of an inning pitched.

Baseball phrase of the day: bases drunk n.adj. bases loaded

Music: my new kitchen radio is constantly tuned to the jazz on WDCB. I hope those NPR fucks at WBEZ fall off the pier.

Old Tyme Movie Review: Hostel (2005). Really scary. Gruesome. And lots of sexy Euro-nudity.

Noble Rot: Vhino (or is it vino?) Verde. A light sparking wine from Northern Portugal that is best served chilled, and at its finest when drunk young, outside on a sunny summer day. And since its low in alcohol, you can have more than a few glasses. Pairs well with lighter dishes, noshes, seafood and most pasta.

Beer count: monday, tuesday and wednesday, one each day. Two on thursday.

Softball this week on the muddy fields of Grant Park. It was fun and we won. I went 2 for 3 with a run scored, but who's counting? I made some great, albeit it, lucky plays at third. I must be the world's only left-handed thirdbaseman. Another game tonight. One that I will probably have to miss due to a family comittment. One game next week, then two the week after that. Can't wait to get the cool unis for both squads.

With the Chicago Derby, known more famously as the Crosstown Classic, coming up this weekend, I thought it might be a good time to revisit my beer nuts recipe:

12 oz. beer (I use Special Export or Old Style)
1/3rd of cup of coarse (Kosher) salt
12 oz SHELLED, raw (unsalted, unroasted) peanuts

--Combine the beer, salt and 1 cup of water in medium sized pot.
--Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
--Remove pan from heat and add peanuts.
--Set aside to soak for 30 minutes.
--Drain.
--Heat oven to 325 degrees.
--Spread nuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
--Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once
--Turn oven off, leave nuts in the oven for 3 hours.
--Store overnight.

Technical difficulities. Please stand by... 

Laying in bed on a rainy sunday

Coffee, a chocolate crossiant and the sunday paper would complete this picture

Something I wish I could do...

I'm finally beyond the bug, and ready to play some catch up on the blog.

Sox Update: There has not been much to write about during these first two games up in Minnesota, the Sox having dropped both and being outscored 18-5. On friday, Ozuna was the lone offensive highlight, going 2 for 4. Garland got shelled. Saturday, sPods continued on the road to .300, going 2 for 5 (he's now at .273). AJ was 3 for 4. Vazquez's ugly line (7 ER in 5 2/3rds IP) is particularly disturbing to me because I've got him on my fantasy team.

At 23-12, the Sox cling to a half game lead over the Tigers.

Tonight's contest at the rollerdome is the ESPN sunday night game. this season, I don't think they still have that local music/baseball feature on this program. Too bad, tonight might have been Westerberg.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

My last post on the Sox minor league system being all the way back on May 5th, I'm going to do a weekly round-up:

Charlotte (AAA):
--on May 6th, in the first half of a DH, Rogo homered; Phillips got 6K in 6 IP. In the nightcap, Randolph - 5 IP, 5 Ks, 5 walks.
--5/8, Velandia and Gonzalez each struck out 3 times; Redding 7 IP, 5 Ks, 5 BB, 2 ER
--5/9, Blakely struck out 4 times; Tracey 6 2/3rds IP, 6 Ks
--5/11, Velandia hit a grand slam; Blakely and Fields each homered
--5/12, Fields and Young homer; Stewart 2 for 3, 2 RBIs.

Birmingham (AA):
--5/6, Rodriguez gets roughed up 11 ER in just over 5 IP
--5/7 Sasser 2 for 3, HR, 3 RBIs, Collaro 2 for 4; Liotta 4 IP 7 ER; Tucker 2 IP, 6 ER
--5/8, Smith stuck out 4 times; Broadway pitched a sweet complete game shutout, allowing just 4 hits with no walks and 7 Ks.
--5/9, Collaro 2 for 4, HR; Lumsden 5 2/3rds IP, 6 ER, gave up 4 homers.
--5/10, Myers, Smith Schnurstein, Collaro and Molina gets 2 hits each; Malone 5 IP, 6 K, 2 ER.
--5/11, Smith 2 for 3, HR; Rodriguez has another poor outing - 6 IP, 3 ER.
--5/12, Liotta pitched well enough to win - 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 Ks - but gets the loss.
--5/13, Smith walked 3 times, Amador struck out 4 times. Another great outing for Broadway - 6 IP, no runs (though he did yield 7 hits), 5 Ks, 3 walks.

Winston- Salem (High A):
--5/6, Torres 5 IP, 9 Ks.
--5/9 Hernandez 4 Ks in 2 IP of relief.
--5/10 Hansen 2 for 2 with 2 walks; Egbert 7 IP, 10 Ks.
--5/12, Torres 2 IP, 6 ER, 5 walks.
--5/13, Hansen 3 for 4, HR

Kannapolis (Low A):
--5/5, they had 5 errors, but had 14 innings in which to do it. Still won 8-5. Perez 5 K in 3 IP.
--5/6, just 1 E in a 12-7 loss. Ricks 2 for 4, HR, 4 RBIs; Rote 5 IP, 9 ER.
--5/7, no E in 5-3 loss.
--5/8, 3 E in a 10-1 loss.
--5/9, 0 E in a 3-2 win.
--5/10, despite 2 E won 7-3. Orlando and Roberts were each 3 for 5. Sanchez homered.
--5/11, 4 E in a 16-2 beating. Rote 3 ER in 4 IP, 5 K, 3 walks.
--5/12, 3 E in an 8-3 loss. Hernandez 3 for 3.
--5/13, 1 E in 6-3 loss. Cortes 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 Ks.
SEASON ERROR TOTAL: I count 70 in 36 games, with 2B Whealy leading the way - 11 in 21 games.

Baseball phrease of the day: bill n. a game in the schedule.

Music: In an effort to combat the seemingly endless rainy season here on the South side, I've let Martin Denny's Quiet Village/Enchanted Sea take me away to a paradise in the South Pacific. Also been giving that new Death Cab For Cutie a listen. Not too bad...

Olde Tyme Movie review: The Times of Harvey Milk (1984). An Oscar-winning documentary, I saw this fine film for the first in a film class in college back in about 1989. I was surprised Netflix had it and wanted to see it again. After all this time, even as a very straight male, it still had an impact on me. What a story. Apparently another Milk movie is in the works, set for a 2007 release. Also, if you're in the market for the best folk song ever written on Harvey Milk (there have been several) for my money, the best one, by far, is Steve Zarate 's 'The Ballad of Harvey Milk.' Try to steal it, however, as the album its on, 'Homecoming' is horrible.

Beer count - hard to believe, but I haven't had a drink in a week. Having a horrid stomach virus will do that to ya. Not sure when I'll get back to it. Maybe tonight. I honestly I cannot remember the last time I went a whole week without at least one beer.

I had to put my conditioning program on hold all of last week. I'm back at it on monday. I also have at least two softball games next week, though from a sunday point-of-view, it looks like my game on tuesday might be rained out.

I know what I'm going to give the MILF for mother's day... the usual deep tissue massage, chocolate, and some alkiehall. Hopefully that will lead to a little lovin. Lord knows, I needs it.

HNT #17

Oh, God!!!!

Sox Update: Haeger definately did not have the knuckler working on wednesday night- 4 1/3rd IP, 5 ER, 5 walks, just 2 Ks. This is why I hate knuckleballers - its either feast or famine, either they got it goin on, or they get shelled. Every time they go out there its like Forrest Gump's box o' chocolates - 'you never know what you gonna git.' On the offensive side, Anderson did hit a key homer. Well, it was key at the time. A 12-5 loss, but the Sox cling to a 2/12 game lead over the Tigers.

Minor league update and other features will have to wait for another day. I have to get back on the job.

Softball started last week, and I had a good game. Looks like tonight's game will be a wash out.

Enhancements

real?

You'll notice a few enhancements to this blog.

First and foremost, I encourage you to click on the link at right for some 'cool music while you read.'

I've also added some links, the best of which is, I think, the hilarious blog from Jack Keefe.

More to come...

Vintage Mats Videos

Just found this link to some super rare vintage Replacements videos on YouTube.

Check out the high-quality stuff from the 7th Street Entry circa 1981. Tommy looks fresh outta junior high. They also look surprisingly sober.

To see how far they've slid, or how much they've grown, check out these audio files I picked up off Stosh's blog (which he lifted from Jim Rome):

Interview with Tommy Part 1

"Message To the Boys"

Interview with Tommy Part 2

The best and saddest part of this is when Tommy talks about what a good time the 80s were to be young and stupid and how lucky they all were to survive it, "oh, except for my brother Bob (Stinson, the band's original guitarist who died of an overdose)".

Then, Tommy goes on to talk about the NBA playoffs.

Sad. Sad. Sad.

You can also hear a sample of the 'new' Westererg, I mean, Replacements, song, 'Pool & Dive' here.

One thing you can also do at the Rhino records site is watch the great amazing hilarious video from 1986 for 'Bastards of Young'. Hands down, best most artistic video ever. Don't miss it.

Tavern review: Venice Cafe

Halloween at Venice, a few years back

Its been far too long since I've done a tavern review, so here is one I've been saving.

Venice Cafe, across the street for the Sears Tower, at 250 South Wacker, isn't technically on the south side, its in the Loop. Its also more a restaurant than a traditional tavern. But for the past 8 years, its been one of my favorite spots. Often, when I have pals in from out of town, I suggest Venice.

Sadly, it appears that the original location on Wacker will be closing its doors for good on May 12th, and moving into the Sears Tower, level one. It just won't be the same.

Venice is a lunch-only spot, and its not open on the weekends. Lunch begins early (about 10:30 for the traders) and served only til about 2. serving pasta, pizza (both Chicago and NY style), calzones, and some great daily specials. The soups are notably good and are served with a great homade onion roll (you get the roll with the pasta, too).

The place comes alive after 5, when cheap beers and very powerful mixed drinks are available in the bar. Its a popular after-work spot, due not only to the cheap beers and potent mixed drinks, but also the FREE PIZZA. Yes, FREE! And on fridays, they have nearly a dozen varieties. I've also seen them give away free wings and bruchetta.

The waitresses are hot. And by hot, I mean Playboy model hot. So, tip well.

They have a new location at 500 West Monroe where they apparently serve breakfast.

Tonight, Tonight

Knucklerballer Charlie Haeger gets the call-up from Charlotte and will start tonight's game against the defending AL West Champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Haeger's stats this season has been impressive - in 6 games started, 40 IP, he's 3-0, striking out 31, walking 20, and allowing just 3 ER.

So Jose Contreras, and his recent multi-gajillion contract, go on the 15-day DL with "an irritation of the sciatic nerve causing pain in his right hamstring."

If this injury to the Sox current ace goes longer than a week or so, look for McCarthy to step in...

Infected

In my preperation for the coming Bush-created bird flu pandemic, I've been conducting my own, non-voluntary test of a stomach virus, which has knocked me on my ass.

So, please stand by, and I'll be back in a few days...maybe.

Watch this space

Busy all weekend - update coming soon.

Ready or not

lil anime fer ya

...here comes the weekend.. and its a big one for me. More on that later.

Sox Update: Contreras gets the win in a 4-1 rout of the Mariners. He's now 16-2 since the All-Star Game last year. Estaban who? Iguchi had 3 hits, Thome homered and drove in 3. Sox are now 11-3 at home, and maintain just a game and half lead over the Tigers.

DOWN ON THE FARM:

Charlotte (AAA): wednesday was an off day. Thursday, the Knights extended their winning streak to 9 (and 15 of 16), when Hager had the knuckler goin on and beat Louisville, 8-3. Haeger struck out 8 in 5 IP and gets the win. Fields and Rogo had 3 hits apiece, including a homer each. Sweeney also homered.

Birmingham (AA): Wednesday, the Barons lost 5-4 to Jville in 10. Smith homered. Broadway gave up 2 ER and 3 walks in 4 and 2/3rd IP. He struck out 4. The Barons bounce back on thursday with a 7-6 win over Jville. Smith was 3 for 3. Lumsden is just good enough to get the win.

Winston-Salem (High A): wednesday was a 6-4 Hog victory over the Keys of Fredrick. Hansen hit a grand slam. Day struck out 6 in 3 IP of relief. Thursday was a 5-2 loss to those same Keys from Fredrick. De Los Santos had 3 hits. Smith homered. Welker struck out all 3 times to the plate. Egbert gives up 5 ER in 5 2/3rds IP, striking out 5.

Kannapolis (very low A): Wednesday not even 2 Intimidator error can stop the offensive assulat, and itts a rare Kannapolis win, 6-2. Acosta goes 3 for 4. Roberts and Allen homer. The Intimidators also comitted 2 errors on thursday, this time losing 8-6 to Savannah. Orlando and Whealy homer. N. Rodriguez lost this one, giving up 5 ER in the 1st inning before being yanked.

Baseball phrase of the day: dope book n. a book containing baseball records and statistics.

Beer count: Wednesday - 4 (I was at the game), thursday -1.

Sticking to the workout program, though I am skipping lifting friday. I'll do saturday instead.

I just can't bear to pick up Walden and read it on the train. I opt for sleep instead. I've heard a few people say that Life of Pi is good. I dunno. I just don't feel like reading much these days.

HNT #16

HNT #16

Twilight on the South Side

I wish I had walked out to this ramp a few minutes earlier to take a shot of the sunset.

Mies Impact

Say 'Mies'

Mies van der Rohe's most famous work - and argueably the 20th century's most influentuial architecture- on the campus of IIT is just 3 blocks east of Sox Park. These windows in the upper deck represent the impact his work had on structure.

Attention to detail

old logos and attention to detail are everywhere

Commerating the Sox of the 1940s?

Wall mural near Section 516.

These are scattered throughout the upper deck and cover the Sox entire history. Very nicely done.

Still a good view

a bit further away

The view from Section 520

Crede at the bat

Pablo's Day

one for the ages

I guess I picked a good game to go to... as many of you know from reading this blog over the past few years, my favorite Sox player is jack-of-all trades utility Dominican, Pablo Ozuna. On wednesday night, the 31-year old Ozuna showed why he is such a valuable player - in the bottom of the 9th, with two outs, he hit his first ever major league homer to tie the game. Then in the 11th, he stretched a sure single into a double and scored when the next batter, Uribe, got a hit. The Sox take one that was definately lost and turn it into the most exciting win of the season.

More on the game later, including pictures from yours truly. But its late and I must rest.

Splitting two

Are those for me?

In 2005, I was only able to make it out to Sox Park twice. I'll only go if I don't have to pay (much) for tickets. I've already got plans in the works to double that figure this season, consistent with my miserly ways. Its my way of sticking it to the man. That man being Reinsdorf. Anyways, my first trip out there is Wednesday night vs Seattle. Look for the 'Southside Adventures' pre-game gathering at Cal's, followed by an in-game party at the Bullpen Bar. Watch this space for pictures (maybe) later in the week.

Sox Update: The Sox split a 2-game series against the Native Americans at the Jake in Cleveburg. I watched most of monday's game, and thought Vazquez pitched pretty well. Not sure what was wrong with McCarthy. But the day belonged to sPods, who was 4 for 5 with 3 runs and 4 stolen bases (tying a franchise record, no small feat for a 100-year old club). He's still batting just .263, but he's been hot lately. Konerko homered and drove in 3. Ozuna even got in the act with a SB. Thome's had an RBI in his homecoming. Jenks held it together, barely, at the end...

Tuesday afternoon it appeared the Sox may have spent a few hours too many in the Flats on monday night, losing badly, 7-1.. and it wasn't that close. Buehrle imploded in the 1st and it was downhill from there. I didn't see it, but it sounds like Widger got hurt pretty bad (head injuries are never good). Dye's sore calf acted up again and he had to be pulled i nthe 3rd. Beyond that, there was some good news - Crede was 3 for 5, Mack 2 for 4. And Logan struck out 5 in just over 2 IP.

The Sox are still 18-8, a half game in front of Detroit, who are, surprisingly, the 2nd best team in the AL right now, though you wouldn't know it from reading the NY Times, Sports Illustrated or the Wall Street Journal, or watching ESPN. If their east coast media bias is any indication, the Red Sox and Yankees are still tops. I say FUCK 'EM!

DOWN ON THE FARM:

Charlotte (AAA): Monday, beat Buffalo 6-2. Young homers. Redding goes the distance and earns the win. Tuesday the Knight extend their win streak to 8 with a 4-0 win over Buffalo. In 7IP, Tracey strikes out 6 and gives up just 1 hit. Charlotte has now won 15 of their last 17.

Birmingham (AA): Monday was an off day. Tuesday, beat Jville 3-1. Getz had an RBI, Collaro was 0 for 2.

Winston-Salem (High A): Monday was a 7-4 win vs Fredrick. Cook homered. Moat gets the win, pitching 5 scoreless innings and striking out 4. Tuesday lost to Fredrick 5-4. Kelly hit a 3-run homer.

Kannapolis (Low A... and falling): The result from Sunday is finally in, and as usual, it ain't pretty - the Intimidators commit 2 errors in a 7-5 loss to Charleston. Those two errors were the difference, however, as five Kannapolis pitchers yield 5 ER. Roberts was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles. Monday, just one error in an uneventful, but now expected, 1-0 loss. Tuesday 2 more errors lead to 2 more unearned runs, and the Intimidators lose 3-2 in 12. Ricks was 3 for 5 with a double, but also had one of the two errors. In 6 IP D. Rodriguez struck out 10 and gave up just 3 hits.

Baseball phrase of the day: teaser n. an especially deceptive pitcher.

Noble Rot: a lot of people make fun of the fact that I like jug wine. To some (OK, most) it tastes like lighter fluid. To me, its a good cheap way of getting my daily does of grape juice. My favorite 'gallono' vintage is Carlo Rossi's Paisano. Its a light red that goes well with everything from pasta to chocolate. I like to drink mine slightly chilled, and drop an ince cube in the glass to take that 'edge' off... just $8 a gallon at the local outlets....

Beer count; monday - 2, tuesday - 2.

I was still too tired from sanding drywall to work out on monday, and my ass dragged all day. I ran a mile or so on tuesday morning. I have to get it together, softball begins this friday under the glare of the suburban ball field lights.