Entries Tagged 'Papelbon' ↓

The Sox are on their way. As the start of the regular season goes, it seemed like such a strange, non-regular-season-opener. In fact, with these first four games at such an odd time it feels as though Toronto will be more like the season’s beginning.

Dice-K is 1-0 after a terrific performance last night (I would still love to see him reach the 8th inning) and Paps has his second save in three games. Not a bad start.

HEY. The game is at 3:35 today, so let’s try to stay focused on that whole … job… THAT WAS A STRIKE… ahem.

You know… I am not completely sure if Paps being bonkers is good or bad outside of the actual diamond, but he’s certainly convinced himself he’s “the” elite closer. His ranting this week has put myself and a number of my closest friends off and set in motion the “he better be damn good this year if he expects to talk a game like that”.

He agreed on a contract that doubles his salary to roughly $775,000.

Good luck in arbitration next year, Paps. Glad you’re on our side, but wowza… shut up a little.

PEDROIA AND BECKETT AND EVEN J.D. AND OMG.

The Sox aren’t headed anywhere. They have home field advantage to play the opening game Wednesday night at Fenway Park in the 2007 World Series.

The ALCS was all about the home crowd. If you succumb to the notion of visiting teams during any regular season game that the home crowd is nice, but “we don’t need it”, then you’re fooling yourself. The crowd may not be as electric as they are in the post season, but they’re behind the team; especially in good times.

Beckett is the MVP, deservedly so, but the rest of the team including J.D. Drew, Lugo and the defensive skills of  Coco Crisp were enough to go against the other team with the best record in baseball. The difference? Boston won one more game. That’s it. What separated the entire season is one game. How amazing is it, then, that the Red Sox found themselves in the World Series based on the fact that they won the season series against Cleveland. If it had been the other way around and Cleveland was working with home field advantage, would they be headed to the Fall Classic?

Dice-K had a gutsy first three innings. Unfortunately, that’s all I can say about that specific performance. What irks me and others is the perceived lack of intensity. I believe inside he’s intense and he’s serious about winning. How else do you accomplish the level of success he’s had? You don’t. Interestingly enough, J. D. Drew shows the same perceived lack of intensity. Yes. He wants to win. Yes. He plays hard when he’s trying. But, unlike Dice-K, Drew’s intensity is measured by his bat. A pitcher has the chance for 10 strikeouts or be shown on camera pumping their fist about 100 times during a game. A fielder gets to show off if  a) the ball is hit to them or b) they get into a position where they can perform at the plate in a meaningful situation. Go back and watch J. D. Drew on any tape of any game he’s been in and you’ll see that other than when he’s at the plate, the man is playing hard. It doesn’t make me any more of a fan, but it does make me take a breath and think about his season.

Ellsbury will be a star (if he isn’t already).

Pedroia made himself heard last night and shoved a big, fat “FACE” smackdown to anyone who doubted his ability. Good for him. I’m not the tallest guy either and I can certainly appreciate where he is and what he’s been able to do.

Papelbon got his first-ever six out save AND his first-ever post season save. That dude is really good. Wow. He can dance anytime, anyplace so long as he pitches like that for us until he’s lost the gas in his tank. He will be a Hall of Famer.

And now… we wait. They need the rest. They’re tired and they’re happy. They’ll actually relax a little before the media day and the onslaught of public scrutiny hits them one more time before they get a short off-season. Let’s just hope the World Series sends them off to that short rest with a big smile.

Visual Activity (day job) was lucky enough to be asked to get involved with a fantastic organization named C2 Mission. We developed a logo for the book Pitching with the Papelbons and helped them get their e-commerce up and running. The book is for sale online for $14.95, with proceeds to go to benefit the C2 Mission.

Please take the chance to purchase a copy of this book and support the organization in their efforts to assist children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis.

About the Book:

Follow young Jonathan, Joshua and Jeremy Papelbon, three very talented pitchers who learn a great lesson as they embrace success!

For more information / links to news articles, go to the main Web site: http://www.pitchingwiththepapelbons.com

Thanks in advance for your support!

- Keith

Thank you Melvin Mora! I never thought I’d say those words.

Congratulations to the Sox!! WOOOOOO!! Oh… and Pap… put some pants on.