mstar1

Watch your diet--it may give you a stomach ache

Yea I know, I thought it would have been great in the winter of '03 to get him too, but the more i see him up close (about 20 times ayear)and hear his interviews the more Im glad that the deal fell through. When Johnny"I'll never play for the Yankees" Damon signed he quoted ARod as saying that it would be good for Damon because, Jeter, ARod and Damon would all be reaching career milestones at the same time together and could go in the Hall together---nothing about winning championships-It was all about individual accomplishments---- which is the way he strikes me. That bugs me as being selfish and part of the game that doesnt really intrigue me all that much. It actually ticks me of at this point in my life. He is much more Wilt Chamberlain than Bill Russell. It was like watching that horrible crap about Bonds chasing Ruth a month or so ago. Everydamn day, Barry, Barry, Barry..you could hardly tell if the Giants won or lost in those reports and if he even had teammates... I dunno I'll get off my soapbox-I know it pulls in some people but its not for me. I know that they are pretty good, I think somewhere lost in all this, that I was trying to say is the point that money isnt necessarily the everything answer--- to every challenge

Thats being generous-the plane actually landed about 25 minutes lbefore game time, and Mirabelli (Beerabelly) got a State Police escort from Logan Airport to Fenway which took them an unheard of 13 minutes, Mirabelli, raced into the field about 3 minutes before game time and caught that night-(just an example of the front office in action). I caught a knuckleballer in high school-an impossible task-I Think Im still bruised, which since Im up late brings me to another point Ive been thinking about. for the last week or so-playing the game right. One of my favorite things about baseball is watching the play unfold on the field. The choreographed ballet of fielders moving into position after a double into the gap with runners on first and second is both beautiful to watch and intregal to the game. Players correctly assuming their defensive responsibilities - throwing to the correct base, hitting the cut-off man, backing up a base, talking to their teammates (cut 3rd), so many little things that come under the heading of playing the game right, and absolutely affect the run environment of the game, but are not measured by any available stat. Some players are spectacular at this with Derek Jeter maybe the best I've ever seen. ( See I dont hate all the Yankees) I know that he has limited range, especially on balls hit up the middle, but the guy is always in the correct position to take a cut off throw (lined up with the base), always throws to the right base, always is backing up a play when it is his responsibility, always talking to his teammates (I'm guessing about game situation, but that's just conjecture). On the other side of that coin are players that do not pay close attention to game situations. Second basemen that forget to cover 2nd on a ball hit to SS with a man on 1st, outfielders that miss the cut-off man, pitchers that don't cover first on a ground ball to the right side. These mistakes cost teams runs. In a game from last week, Mirabelli came to bat with runners on 1st and 2nd and 1 out. He hit a ball off the wall in left, Alfonso Soraino fielded it cleanly and threw to third, where he had no chance of a play. The throw allowed Mirabelli to go to second. If Soriano had thrown to 2nd, the large and slow Mirabelli would have had to stay at first. Dumb baseball. With runners on 2nd and 3rd the Nats played the infield in, and Alex Cora hit a ground ball just out of the reach of the Washington SS, Royce Clayton. Had Soriano thrown the ball to 2nd base and kept Mirabelli at first, then Clayton would have been playing back and he would have fielded the ball, perhaps turning an inning ending double play. Not throwing to the correct base - not playing the game right - cost the Nationals runs. The Sox went on to score 6 runs that inning. Human errors are part of baseball, but common sense fundamental playing the game right,that should be learned in AA,heck in little league, seems to me to be slowly eroding from more and more teams, or something they dont pay real close attention to. Playing the game right is part of the game that doesnt cost any extra, if the right players are chosen carefully, that translates in the long haul into wins

====I was writing while you were posting === welcome back btw-good to see you in these parts!---Great story about Larsen---Gates Brown was the only major leaguer I ever saw smoke on the field, quite a sight for an 11 year old, he wasnt throwing a perfect game in the world series at the time though, he was bullpen catching with a butt hanging from his mouth. I forget who was pitching.

Helluva a way to run a second rate business. Im starting to finally learn at my advanced age that if you are going to make money that you have to spend money, sometimes alot of money to get the right tools to get the job done right. If you dont spend it, you are forever one step away from where you want to be, but if you do go out on a limb a bit the benefits can be exponential. Sometimes it doesnt even have to be all that much id you think about what you are doing. I think that that is Steinbrenners downfall really-- that he hasnt gotten yet-that some may try to emulate-- huge money for huge players---It never works, or at least never seems to--- baseball is not an individual sport but a team sport. It takes 25 ( and usually 40 or 50 over the course of a season) individual pieces of the puzzle with specific abilities to be able to pull off good team play. Someone like ARod may hit 45 HR's (38 of them when his team is up 9-2) and look great on paper, but without a LH relief specialist who can get that one guy out, the late inning pinch runner and defensive specialists, middle relievers and set up guys that can hold the line , solid utility guys, a good fourth and fifth starter, a closer you can count on--games will still be lost., no matter how much money is spent on a few marquee players. Many games are won or lost on smaller things Smarter teams ( imho) view the whole team together and put together all the necessary skill sets (or as many as is possible ) in order to compete on a high level and not as a series of individuals who might, maybe, hopefully, pull together, play over their head and make a miracle happen. The Red Sox went to great lengths earlier this year to get a back up catcher that could handle a knuckleball---definitely not as sexy a move as signing someone like Clemens but a cheap move that, the way things had been going may win them an extra five games this year just in non passed balls when Wakefield is pitching. To me it is just as much the small seemingly insignificant parts of the game that some dont pay all that much attention to that really make or break a team. Some teams that dont have Yankee money have had to look hard to analyze exactly what is important in order to remain competitive and have come up with some what may have been initially unexpected, solutions Its almost like watching well played chess, on which i am no expert but I would venture a guess great players dont view their boards as kings and queens only but know exactly how to get the absolute most out of their pawns as well. To a certain extent some teams have had to take that approach, but of course just like in any business there are those who are content to lay back, not do the hard work and receive a minimal reward, or have some hazy, disconnected nebulous, nonrealistic 'strategy" that just doesnt work, lack the organizational skills to make things happen, really dont care all that much and are willing to keep things as they are or just do things the way they"have always been done" Its hard to tell what motivates owners, and as much as all of them would like to win, unfortunately I dont think that it is necessarily way way up on the priority list for many of them except as some vague hope. Most of them still profit handsomely and maintain at least fairly well respected places in their communities as long as they dont completely destroy a team. I'd like to see MLbaseball require more of them, but I dont know how a mechanism could be put in place that could ensure that

Well no, the Yankees arent supposed to win every year, but if money were the only determining factor they certainly would as they so far outpay everybody else. I was trying to point out that I think there are a lot of other factors that can be played with by smart and shrewd business people to build toward fielding competitive teams on a more regular basis. Everybody cant win every year, but I do think that is in everyones scope to be able to field competitive and enjoyable teams to watch without spending $200mil+, if they keep their heads in the game, build from where they are, and play their game well outside the lines. Many of the weaker teams seem to make as many errors (whether of ommission or commision)in the front office as they do on the field. If you throw to the wrong base it costs you, but if you have gaping holes in your roster in hurts the whole organization worse I think that at least some of the AL superiority is that AL teams have had to learn how to do more with what they have available to them in order to compete and some have become fairly good at learning how to play the cards they are dealt extremely well and shrewdly turn them into winning hands, which in turn has given them enough financial reward where they can continue to build, grow and improve. So in a way it is a byproduct of Pope George but it is not just the money --but a readaptation of the entire approach and understanding of the facets of the whole game

Money is part of the equation but imo its not the only factor, or teams like Oakland and Minnesota wouldnt be perpetual contenders. Dont get me wrong it definitely helps, but for all the money that Steinbrenner has spent since 2000, what does he have to show for it besides playoff appearances? He does have a collection of future hall of famers but that doesnt necessarily translate into championship Teams I think that there are (or at least can be) creative ways around spending huge amounts of money to build a winning team. The Marlins did it in '03 mostly by having young players with strong skills that hadnt yet reached the age where they could demand large paychecks. Oakland and Minnesota also do it year after year by (as we used to say) thinking outside the nine dots. A lot of teams still seem to be stuck in the mindset of having one or two or three "stars' or charismatic players that fans will pay to see and a cast of semi adequate players to fill in the lineup, with little thought seeming to go into building the complete 25 cogs, the background organization or fan base support that are necessary (imo) to form a winning team. Big names can help, but alot of the smaller pieces of the puzzle arent all that expensive comparatively, and the long range benefits are worth it Money helps dont get me wrong, any product is going to be better if you invest wisely in it, but it is not the end in itself --- otherwise the Yankees would win every year. Attention to the subtle nuances of the game, honest assessment of weakness and addressing them is critical in fielding a team and in business. It takes all 25 and the entire support cast that figures out how to do it. Some teams just dont seem to do that, or to pay attention and assess the business end of things either where improvements could be made that make putting those 25 on the field possible I was surprised recently when traveling how few teams (even in very large cities) have a TV network which is a source of large revenue and 'outreach' for the RS and Yanks that is poured back into the entire system. In these days when there is a cable station for everything,( The Aquarium Channel!?!) it doesnt seem like that tall of an order to put in place, especially in cities/regions that have millions of people that are potential paying 'consumers'. A lot of cities dont seem to have worked at developing a fan base either, which just doesnt happen automatically because a team is fielded. I dunno --it bugs me when I see a game where the stands are half filled-It makes me think that someone, somewhere just isnt doing their homework. i dunno Im ranting I guess and getting way off the mark, I'll get off it. Boston has history which is a draw, but it is not nearly as big as many other cities that complain--It has taken some smart management to put all the multipronged pieces together to make the team competitive, as a business and most importantly as a team. It didnt happen by accident --it took a lot of years. I think other teams could benefit by taking a more comprehensive approach to baseball and the business end damn friday afternoons- and FWIW Tom--Gabe's back

Well damn -that looks interesting but I dont get the Science Channel. That would be interesting if they kept it fairly simple for me. I go to another board that has a bunch of the uber stathead geeks on it -but 3/4 of the time honestly ,i'll be damned if I know what they are talking about. Stats have advanced so much in the last few years that with some of these guys you need a doctorate from MIT to follow along..every day they seem to come up with some new one ...they sound good on paper, ----many of them make sense to me, others fly right over my head ...let us know how it is. I would be curious to know how many teams use this approach--and would wonder if this could also is part of the reason that the AL-NL is going the way that it has. I know that the AL has a lot of Bill James/sabermetric disciples, but I dont know about the NL. One beauty of a game tonight ----Sox beat the Mets, for number 12 in a row. I cant remember too many times in past years the Red Sox would win in the eighth on a bunt single, stolen base, sacrifice, and a sacrifice fly, then lights out relief and great defense....that used to be called National League baseball

Thats been my view for quite awhile-- i dont participate in any groups but I know of plenty that have changed minor things but still operate and teach basically the same way. The usually pride themselves on how they are different and have 'grown' --but to my eyes and ears they are exactly the same

hahaha--i dont think Bronson is stoned (but what do i know)-He is a rocker wannabee and not a too bad guitarist and singer --he has a few albums out, and genuinely seems to love what he is doing. He was in a band the last few years and sometimes played on days that he wasnt pitching and usually did 3 or 4 fundraisers a year playing with other players and Peter Gammons (who is a pretty good guitarist himself) occassionally. ( Get well soon gammo) I always liked Bronson as one of the underated guys who almost always came in and got the job done, especially in the clutch whether in long relief or as the sox 4th or 5th starter--- He knows how to pitch, great curveball. He is softspoken, but definitely on the flakey side which more or less was a side effect of being on the 2004 "Idiots. '. I'll try to dig up a picture of him in his blond cornrows--When he first showed up at the park with them, Terry Francona said it was the only time in his life he was glad he was bald. He lead the team in quality starts last year. I was sad to see him go, not just because he was a good pitcher with good stuff who was ready to break through, but because he was agenuinely likable guy and character who was enjoyable to watch on a day to day basis who did a lot of good in the community. Good luck to him in Cinncinati-- Over here the big news of the day is the return of Pedro Martinez--who is in town for the first time with the Mets. There was an amazing video tribute to him at Fenway yesterday and a long warm standing O. He is going tonight, its the top story on every station. It's good to see him coming home, but its all business after 7:05 when the Sox go for their 11th in a row. Errorless baseball for 15 games goes a long way heres Bronson with his cornrows:

I dont know about the highlighters trick, someone told me to try ArmorAll (the spray stuff you put on vinyl dashboards) a few years ago and that stuff has been working great for me

There was amountain of rules--the last class i ran i was given a booklet called the Class Instructors Guide or some such thing, which pretty much told you exactly what had to be done every step of the way, How to dress, how to act,what to say, what to have for props, the lighting and appearance of the space...How not to answer any questions, how long the break was...pretty much every move.. yea-- they sure thought us how to think for ourselves...

Its always damn near impossiblr for me to face the winter without baseball-- i have seriously considered moving to the Carribean for the winter months to be near some good games. Tough break for Billy Ballgame---i wish him well ---he really is one of the good ones-- as far as Grady goes----good luck! i hope he stays on top of things--he was famous for consistantly bringing in relievers 2 or 3 batters too late, never mind his "innovative' moves that apparently came from missing his morning meds, that baffled everyone...but if they are pulling together, playing exciting and are fun to watch-----then there is not much to beef about

good to see he is back in form---back in the day there was a tangible electricity, an excitement, around him that swept through the park and built as he walked to the plate-that i dont ever recall seeing or feeling from another player, where you knew something exciting was going to happen or at the least couldvery well happen. He's streaky, and when he is on--that first pitch is being hit hard somewhere and his defense can be dazzling......Im really glad to hear that he is back being the gifted one that he is....sux about Mueller though...I havent heard any murmuring about Grady from your corner -so Im assuming---but its still early..... The sox have quietly put together about 8 in a row with a cast of thousands pitching staff....

Sounds good ! I was distraught however when I heard that Bill Mueller's surgery wasnt working and that he may have to retire...do you have any updates on that?, all I have is rumors .....dang I miss watching Nomar...why cant we get guys like that?!

Are all those pucks and basketballs and soccer balls done yet ?

I found THIS very detailed description of a parade at the opening of the ?Erie Canal? on November 3, 1825 The parade is grouped together by trades, the Morocco dressers and finishers are mentioned as being grouped in with the Tanners and Curriers and gives some various descriptions of "working of skins and leather', with the Moroccan finishers "finishing skins of various colors'. It doesnt give alot but I also suspect they were working on shoes, as other parts of the shoemaking trade are mentioned in that part of the article (setting of soles by the tanners)probably ( I am guessing) they were the artisans that 'dressed' it up and 'finished' it off to make them actually appear, wear and fit as a finished and elegant shoe... Morrocan was apparently the top quality stuff -hence the name Here's a story from 1845 where the princess wears fine moroccan shoes instead of a crown. It sounds like a very highly skilled craft to me

I'll echo Tom's good luck. I am one of the lucky ones who has a family who had at least one person in most generations for the last 380 years that wrote things down and by some bizarre quirk of fate it all has made its way to me over the years with only a few holes to fill on a few sides. It has always been an incredible gift to me when the pieces come together I find new things and my ancestors become living and real people. Best of Luck in your search, imo it is a great thing to pursue and well worth all the effort

Its good to see the pics of old Weir(d)s beach..i havent been up there in about 10 years when i set up a booth in my friends yard which is directly across from the beach in the first Photo. I made about 2 or 3 months wages that week, but it was way too many people and a wee bit too crazy for me-so I go up to the lakes during more peaceful times, usually over near the Ossippee area or visit my sister in the Whites now. Sorry to hear about the crashes--its one of the downers of every year that I guess goes with the territory--They have signs to watch out for motorcyclists as far south as the Mass Pike

..but if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house , he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel I Timothy Somewhere from memory at least it works for the unemployment and irresponsible part of the equation

Bless You Seth Its those supposed "sane ones" who are out of their minds. Don't let them get to you! find your own pace and tell em all to buzz off I'll be pulling for you

Ive been on my own road trip -but I see the Red Sox are fading-the annual June swoon is probably coming right up.......... I got this in my email from the local sort of new agey retreat center yesterday-If any of you guys want to go or are feeling paricularly spertchal Spaceman was always one of my favorite characters Baseball and the World: A Weekend with Bill Lee Bill "Spaceman" Lee Jun 16-18, 2006 More Info: http://www.rowecenter.org/ Bill Lee pitched in the Majors for fourteen years and still loves the game. He wants baseball to go international, so the world series would be the World Series, for real. He wants double-headers on Sunday, nickel hot dogs and beers, no astro-turf or domed stadiums, and no designated hitters. Bill is a philosopher, a storyteller, and a coach, and he identifies with Yossarian in Catch 22. The movie of Bill’s life, when it comes out, is going to be called either Farewell to Arm or Oh, Fastball, Where Art Thou? He has a lot to say, and will say it to us when we gather to be with him, but most of our time will be outside, playing ball and having fun. We’re not sure what will happen if 35-50 people get together for a weekend, but we want to find out. After hearing stories and getting to know each other on Friday night, on Saturday we will wake up, stretch, eat breakfast, and head outside to play ball. We will break into groups, learning the fundamentals of each position. Baseball is a science as well as a game, and Bill has been studying it all his life. He knows a lot about health, about bodies, and how to take care of them. He knows that gravity is the enemy, which is why he is so funny, but also why he likes to be in the water. Floating fights gravity He wanted to be a Zen Buddhist, but it is hard if you start out as a Catholic, and when hating the Yankees is part of your life, it’s hard to be too spiritual. Like all as most good leftists, dislike for Yankees and Republicans go hand-in-hand, as they are both ruining our beloved planet and have nothing to do with being conservative. Despite hating the Yankees, he has a philosophy of sport that puts friendship way ahead of competition. There is a right way to conduct yourself on the field, and it is tied in with respecting your opponent. He knows how to coach kids, and how to coach problem kids; coaching and storytelling are two of the ways he identifies himself these days. He is delighted that people seem to want to hear what he has to say. By taking care of himself, he is able to keep playing, and he’s looking forward to playing baseball with his four grandchildren pretty soon. We are looking forward to his visit and hope you will join us. Bill “Spaceman” Lee pitched for the Boston Red Sox from 1969 to 1979 and the Montreal Expos from 1980 to 1982. Bruce Dancis called Lee, “Baseball’s all-time best Bolshevik anarchist pot-smoking hippie environmentalist New Age hurler.” The Ace from Space wrote the autobiographical The Wrong Stuff and Have Glove, Will Travel, and The Little Red (Sox) Book: A Revisionist Red Sox History. When asked why he thought this book was worthy of a Nobel Prize in Literature, Bill said, “It combines the tragedy of MacBeth with the frivolity of Where’s Waldo. It is longer than Hemingway and more fantastic than Harry Potter.” The 1988 presidential candidate for the Rhinoceros Party, he’s been called “the most subversive man ever to play baseball,” by David King. Intensely competitive, his attitude on the field was pure business; he was respected by fellow players and is one of the most popular players in Red Sox history. After the majors, he’s continued to play anywhere he could find a game, barnstorming like a modern Satchel Paige, including Cuba, where friends shot the documentary film Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey. Another video, High and Outside, is also coming out soon. Lee says, “Baseball is the belly-button of our society. Straighten out baseball and you straighten out the rest of the world,” and “You should enter a ballpark the way you enter a church.”

I dont know if he is an imbecile but I can say he brought new fright to his generation

Uh ...wrong ...if you have even the most basic reading skills you'd see over and over that you have people thinking 'annoying' Hello! Is anyone home?

Thank you for pontificating- Perhaps we could all chip in and get you one of those pointy hats, your holiness. btw-if anyone is still interested in the subject of the thread , this is a perfect, artios, hand in a glove example of the exact wrong way to build interfaith dialogue.