mstar1

I'll get that for you and add this one for good measure

Happy thanksgiving everyone! i'll be spending this one right at Arlo's place-- Yes- The very same place in the song Arlo does a big thankgiving Dinner "that cant be beat" every year--plays the song live---and just opens up to the community for a general good time. If you're one of those people who listens to the song every Thanksgiving like I do There I''ll be

What? No big Frank Howard fans, or Eddie Brinkman or Del Unser? I loved watching those old Senators--mostly because when they came into Fenway there was always a doubleheader scheduled! You werent all that far from the Orioles either-I would have loved to have an up close look of those Boog/Brooks/Frank Robby teams... It was 5 years ago today that the Red Sox franchise changed. I remember the Thanksgiving night that some guy claiming to be Curt Schilling came into the Red Sox chatroom while he was considering signing --he now claims that coming in there and seeing the activity and passion of the fans was the final thing that sealed the deal. Love him or hate him--that turned out well up until that point I had only known intense frustration as a Red Sox fan and thought that I would never ever see the Red Sox win a WS in my lifetime HERES a video from the day after he signed in 2003

Well-I'll be seeing Arlo Guthrie tomorrow and eating Turkey at the original "Alices Restaurant" which is in my neighborhood, which everyone should do at least once on a thanksgiving The times we are in remind me of old Arlo song..

hmmmm good call by your friend that year addicted me for life

Good questions all! Id be for keeping 'Tek for two years at a reduced salary and move him eventually into a longterm coaching position but his agent the baseball antichrist Scott Boras wants about 4 years 50million--which as much as I love the guy--and we really need his leadership ---I unfortunately dont see happening the way he has been tailing off the last few years.. Cash caught Wake pretty well last year but didnt hit much at all--I dont know his status--I like him but I doubt that he'd be an everyday player--maybe thats just me-- I read the scouting reports on Taylor Teagarden last winter and havent been able to get my mind off him--Of course he could fizzle but it sounds an awful lot like the Varitek we heard about when he was a minor leaguer coming up a dozen or so years ago...I'd love to at least give him a look see for a year if Tek does go elsewhere. I dont think Cora will be back he is like a statue in the field...also sorta stuck with Lugo in a bad contract for 2 more years at 18million, they'll either dump him for prospects like they did with Renteria (which eventually landed Coco) or platoon him with Lowrie I expect. I dont know about the batting order from day to day half the time --I liked Dustin in the two hole. of course Drew was great while he was there too. It sort of depends if Ellsbury starts getting on regularly Heres my preferred lineup for opening day: CF Ellsbury 2B Dustin 1B Texeira DH Papi 3B Youk LF Bay RF Drew C Teagarden SS Lowrie If the Sox do sign Texeira, either Youk or Mike Lowell become expendable. Id guess theyd trade Lowell--- maybe to the Dodgers who need a thirdbaseman--maybe they could pry Russell Martin from them somehow-(like take one their bad contract Ofers in the deal--or something) -which could also solve catching. Then Youk would move to third. I dunno---I wish Theo had one of those "what do you think-tell us your views " websites like Obama has

that one needs to be inlaid in gold somewhere, great point socks!--and it did set that environment and filtered through everything there--it was always about what can I get out of it--on a corporate level and sometimes on a personal level by the approach that was taught The whole attitude was wrong--a 'product' a sale, a scam----if as you say you are only a representative--an ambassador--then do as instructed--freely ye have recieved-freely give----by sharing in that attitude without a price tag you'll be cultivating the same 'freely give' attitude in those that choose to believe you. Churches all over the country/world flourish much more than TWI ever did or will without pricetags attached to the sermons and classes...

Music was --well-- IS--a huge part of my life. Many of the 'larger' questions that I had were initiated in my formative years by some of the huge epic style english bands that I listened to a lot at the time. I must've listened to Tulls Thick As A Brick and Passion Play about a billion times- trying to figure the meaning in the elusive lyrics as well as being carried away by the oddly framed musically timing. To ME at the time (I was Kid) it was an eye opening experience that opened a window and "painted a picture" of a way of looking at things that I had not experienced before--- Yes's "Tales Of Topographic Oceans" was another one I listened to alot, although not as much as Tull The Revealing Science Of God. I liked the big bombastic progressive bands to get ideas from , I had a girlfriend at the time who reinforced things by listening to Cat Stevens and stuff that had sort of a spiritual element but was a lot less pretentious

The Bird was great--and fun--but he lasted all of one year if I remember right. I dont know where they'd put him in the rotation, but you can usually count on needing at least 8 guys over the course of a season--some are bound to be off, some may get injured for a period..If there is no opening he could be the long relief /spot starter guy for a while if necessary with Masterson going into the rotation until something opens up. He could work on his adjustments from out there Then you also have to wonder if Tim Wakefield will be coming back--He's a marvel, but he's getting up there in age--He could stick around til he is 50 but you never know what he may be thinking---I dont know if you heard about the 16 year old Girl in Japan who signed a professional baseball contract last week breaking the gender barrier- she credits her inspiration as----Tim Wakefield---apparently she throws a great knuckler. I dunno of course but with Masterson, Buchholz, Bowden and now Tazawa as young arms, i think that one of them may be dangled in front of the Texans for either Saltalamacchia or Teagarden Tomorrow is the 5 year anniversary of Theo's famous Thanksgiving at the Schillings, which was a big part of the new Red Sox era. I wonder who he'll be sharing drumsticks and cranberry sauce with tomorrow...Teixiera? CC? AJ Burnett?

I also think that the fee was a setup to get people in the mode of shelling out their dollars from the very beginning. At "graduation" of course you then had to subscribe to The Way Mag, Sunday Night Tapes and start paying for the Intermediate Class. After that the infinite number of classes, advances, books you were expected to buy and volunteer to do the work for was bred in.... and o yea--dont forget to "abundantly share". Looking back to my waydaze-Its amazing how many poverty level people who barely could survive were being fleeced by this mechanism in the name of God. A very high percentage of the people I knew at the time who were getting involved were minimum wage workers with limited skills who were constantly in some state of transition. While looking for hope what they found was someone attempting to take what little that they had

It depends on how much they pay him and how long they control him I would think. If they do offer him 6mil-which i heard--that would rule out any minor league adjustment--they'll be expecting hime to contribute right away. Thats way more than Lester, Masterson, Buchholz and Papelbon make--Combined If its 2, 3 or 4 years for $6 they may consider it then. The Sox sometime keep a miilion $ starter rehab project in AAA, like last year with Bartolo Colon, as insurance when a starter goes down. If they keep him at least for that role and hang onto him for a period of time as well it could be worth it. Besides a glut of good young pitchers are always good to have around as bargaining chips. (Im thinking one of the Texas catchers) One Dicek already drives me crazy (3-2, 3-2, 3-2, bases loaded--Geisha knows what I mean) I like him but I dont know if I could handle that type of game twice a week. EDIT: Since I have no real baseball to watch this time of year I dug up this video of him. His stuff looks pretty good but its hard to tell what kind of league it is, judging by the age of the players I'd guess its similar to AA or AAA I also just found THIS ARTICLE that google translated. Its tough to make out some of it although I love the way he refers to Daisuke as "The Presence Above The Clouds"---Just wait til he meets Lester and Beckett

I hear they offered him 6 million a year for two years, which seems like a lot for a 22 year old--especially with the amount of Latin talent out there for cheaper--- but at least there is no posting fee. Bleacher Report on parallel lines, with so many international players these days, what does a catcher or pitching coach say to someone that doesnt speak english when they go to the mound?

I just saw that a few minutes before I came here--Some of you may know that I work at a homeless shelter-although the boy himself is unforgettable--dont forget his wish or his message---There are hungry and homeless people somewhere right in your town and its getting very cold out there. Most agencys and nonprofits that work with the homeless have had their funding slashed and donations cutback due to the economy when the need is the greatest. Remember the homeless--whether individuals or agencies that help them --this winter. If you dont know where to give, I 'll offer a shameless plug for my place HERE, as I know it will go to good use and I also know that we sorely need it to help people make it through the winter

Its not all that bad --Ive been questioning my sanity working OUTSIDE for the past two days--The first day reached a high of 8 degrees (and windy too) where I am--. But we'll be having a veritable heatwave today at 39--its regular swimming weather! -- Bring shorts!! :)

I remember that drumbeat Lifted mentioned -and sometime still hear it in my dreams. I was home sick from school that day with a cold and fever. I had just had some soup. My Ma was vacuuming and I was sitting in the big brown chair, As The World Turns was on the black and white TV with the rabbit ears when it was interrupted with a "special bulletin". The info was sketchy at first -it might have been Frank McGee who initially announced it but I cant be sure. I do know I saw Walter Cronkite cry that day when he gave the official announcement that the President had died I didnt know all the implications at the time but life changed on a dime, for 3 or 4 days .the family was glued to the TV. I saw Oswald shot live, the Lying in State, The Funeral procession with the riderless horse and the beat of those drums, and the lighting of the eternal flame. I was 8

I'd like to see teams at least attempt to bring salaries down to a reasonable level. Its tough with guys like Boras out there (asking Barry Zito money for Derek Lowe and Posada money for Varitek) but every year it seems there is some team like the Rays that somehow pull together a winner without spending astronomic money. I know the Red Sox have been lowering there total salaries for a few years and are but at the same time feel compelled to stay competitive with The Yankees. The book on Billy Beane, "Moneyball" was a good way to beat the system, but everyone gets wise to the metrics so they seem to be ever changing.. .... ...on that 700 Billion--It just boggles the mind...what boggles it even more is that it just seems to disappear and there is nothing ever to show for it. If it were my 700Billion Id put the 10million unemployed to work making 50K a year making all sorts of things we need--they'd work, get out of debt, keep their houses, stimulate the economy from the ground up and at the end we'd have something.....and Id still have 200Billion leftover

HERE'S 10 churches that I'd go to at least once, if only to take in the architecture

:biglaugh: Its been a long time since I had one of those dreams. maybe i need a new agent :)

Yup 16 degrees in the Berkshires today-- Lots of sox hats, jackets and sweatshirts as I was out and about today but I dont think I saw a single Patriots thing all day long.-It is sort of strange in a way but I have to say baseball generally runs much deeper in these parts (I have my 1781 hat around here somewhere!) -In some parts of the country football is religion--I know people who love the Pats--(i was a season ticket holder for about 3 years in the 70's) but even then it rarely seems to really grab people and pull them in for a lifetime like the Sox do. The Patriots are like the minority religion around here--sort of like the Mormons or something. Ive also been hearing some rumors about Lugo, mostly for Dontrelle Willis since the Tigers need ...., but I cant see trading one bad contract for another one. If Willis could lower his BB rate he might regain who he was, but it has been steadily declining for about 3 years although an extra starter is always good to have around. I think it would be interesting to keep him around as the utility infielder replacing Cora. With Coco gone the speed would be nice to keep to complement Ellsbury....I dont know how amenable Theo would be to paying a utility guy $10million a year though. In my book thats a little steep for apart time job Lots of rumors circulating about A.J. Burnett as well ....mmm m mm :)

Im a fan and I have all sorts of things around, balls, shirts, hats, ticket stubs, photos, a seat even a piece of the monster but sometimes marketing just goes a step too far.

Ive loved Tull for a long time since i first saw them in the very early 70's as it is you have me revisiting my mid 70's british folk rocky stuff that I had a huge fixation on at the time and havent heard in way too long. Right at this moment Im listening to some old Steeleye Span Thomas The Rhymer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h44ZIsB374c All Around My Hat

I'll definitely miss Coco, When Ellsbury didnt develop as fast as everyone though he was going to, it certainly was nice to have Crisp as the fourth outfielder-he had some hot streaks this year that sparked the team--and never mind his fielding--I still think he should have gotten a gold glove in 07. I can understand the dilemma, there are only so may peak years in someones career and of course they want to play everyday during that time. As much as I'd like to see him stay, its only fair to him because he'd still be a part timer here. Im not familiar with Ramirez but his numbers look sick -- It could be a crazy good back end of the bullpen if he pans out, probably as Papelbons setup guy along with Okajima--and Masterson could either move into the rotation (?) or if he stayed in the pen ==they'd have an awesome four guy lock down in place EDIT: I responded before I actually read your article ( early- no coffee yet) After going back it basically says the same things I just wrote -sorry for the repeat --Although its good to see Theo and I are on the same page --Great Minds and all that---

Thanks Dooj--I love that period of Tull-always have- Moths http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J43k7lUetA8 Solstice Bells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_AeCk7MBqs

DP age 4 :) Yea he is a great kid , he has been so much fun to watch. We're very very lucky to live in such a great baseball time in Boston. 'll let the little big man express my sentiment-

I knew you'd be in here Geisha! :) In two years-Rookie of The Year, a World Series Ring, a Gold Glove and now a Most Valuable Player not too shabby for a Mighty Mite. I love those who fight against the odds --at every level from Little League on up they'd say he would never make it---now someones going to have to invent a whole new level for him--because somehow he just keeps proving all the skeptics wrong