Crossed Out Name

by Ryan

There was a parade in Philadelphia today that was kind of a big deal.

As a general rule I hate everything about that town. Great city, but the whole sports scene could disappear and it would make the world a better place in my opinion. As a Sabres fan we have reason to hate them, and everyone knows how Eagles fans have treated people over the years.

Still, I was pretty happy on Wednesday when they finally finished Game Five with a win. A likable team (remember the last time we talked about Chase Utley?), a desperate city, and a fan base that has always been behind their team. There is a lot more in common between Buffalo and a city like Philadelphia than we'd like to admit, and the major similarity is how passionate they are about their sports teams.

When it was all over I went to The700Level to check out what they had to say about the series. At the time all they had up was this post with a picture of Broad Street. Since it was very late and I was killing time I clicked through to a Flicker album that had a TON of photos from the entire playoff run.

Whenever a team wins a championship it is special, but seeing it through the eyes of someone experiencing it is exceptionally moving. It's the reason we read blogs, to get a fan's perspective of the game and relate in a way some writers can't professionally. There are a lot of really cool shots there, but what really got me was this one.

It's a picture of a man kissing a photograph of his father in the streets after the final out. While it sounds pretty creepy on paper, under the circumstances it's actually one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my time as a sports fan. That picture shows you so much about sports; the emotional baggage we carry as fans, and why we root so hard for our teams.

I've said it here before, but it's not just about the game. We root for teams because they mean more than just a group of players in matching uniforms. We root because of our fathers. Sometimes we root in spite of our fathers. We root for the places we live and the people we love, and in the end that matters much more than salary caps and free agency. When our teams lose we all lose, and when they win, an entire city wins.

I may hate everything about Philly, but today I'm happy for their fans. I'm happy for the city, and in a way that I admire they deserve it. Watching Philadelphia win after so long gives me that little bit of hope that someday Buffalo will get theirs. Year after year expansion franchises and fairweather cities get to celebrate, and still we wait. We've been hanging on for longer than Philadelphia, and as much as it means to them it can only mean more to us.




It's true in so, so many ways.

My Turn

by Ryan



"They always said Red Sox fans would care a little less after we climbed the mountain once or twice, that it wouldn't mean as much, that it couldn't possibly mean as much. That's not true. It will never be true. You either love sports or you don't." - Bill Simmons

No choke tonight

So it's Rays-Phillies in the Fall Classic.

Who ya got?

Tek says, "F--K YO COWBELL, MANG!"

At least that's what I assume he said. Maybe Rich will be able to tell us shortly.

Fresh Start

The Sox may lose tonight, but I'm going to look damn good watching it.



This will be interesting to say the least.

Drinking Jed Lowrie's Dirty Water

by Ryan



This kid is the real deal. But you already know that by now.

Beat LAA

One More Time

A Moment of Zen

by Ryan

Inbox
From: Rich
Oct. 4, 1:34 am

"Really, though... at what point in our lifetimes did the Sox become an unstoppable killing machine in October?"

---



It's never easy.

I know this because I've been there. We've all been there, I think. There are so many times I've been that person sitting lifeless in the stands I would need an extra set of hands to count them all. Seeing that picture brings a twinge of sympathy, a feeling that only comes with familiarity. What that guy was feeling has been with me before, and just looking at it brings back memories of the past.



Now it's different. I can't answer Rich's question, but the fact of the matter is that everything has changed over the last five years or so and I'm most certainly not complaining. The Red Sox, my team, has won two World Series, a division title, and become one of the premiere baseball teams in the league right before my eyes. Looking back at that Cubs fan makes me remember all those times they tried to kill me, and I can't help but appreciate what I've seen even more because of it.

That's the one thing you have to try really hard at, maintaining perspective on what you are experiencing. A lot of Red Sox fans that happen to be Patriots and Celtics fans have had a more difficult time doing this, and understandably so. Trust me, if you are from the Boston area and root for these teams you have every right to be a douchebag when it comes to your sports teams. Absolutely. But for the person who is a Sox fan from Buffalo and shoulders the burden of the Bills and Sabres, well, it's a lot harder to get the douche quotient up.

One thing I do know is that last night was pretty amazing. To see the Red Sox jump out to a huge lead and let it slip away wasn't uncommon, but the amount I wasn't freaking out was pretty unusual. I wasn't secure, I didn't know they would win, but for some reason I wasn't trying to chew my left arm off with worry. If this game took place in 2002 I would be typing with three fingers today.

When that lead slipped way on Papelbon's watch I got worried. Sure, everyone did. I didn't know J.D. Drew was going yard in the ninth, but I still had a bit of confidence going into it. Yeah, F-Rod was out there. Yeah, the Angels have all the momentum in the world. Yeah, that stupid monkey was everywhere, but the Sox have been there before. This could be okay.

When Drew crushed that hanger, I knew it was over. It was right then that I realized what winning does to you. To know that Papelbon was going to shut the door and rip out another team's heart was amazing. Absolutely the best feeling in sports. I watched that last inning almost in disbelief of how sure I was that this game was over. Matthews kept fouling off pitches, but I knew Paps was going to get him.

There is a confidence that comes with success I can't explain. Those that have not experienced it deem it insufferable, and those that have despise it with jealous rage when they do not. Every sports fan wants to see their team win, but it isn't about the trophy in the end. When your team wins, players get that trophy, and you get that confident demeanor for the rest of your life. No matter what happens with the Red Sox from this point on, I will always know that Jonathan Papelbon was going to get three outs for me last night. Without a doubt in my mind, that game was over.

I am a practical person, and I realize that someday this will end. Papelbon will become Rivera in the desert and Pedroia will be Mighty Casey. One day I'm sure I will read a Buster Olney book about this team and nod to myself about its current sad state. However, I will know that it was absolutely worth it, and I'm going to enjoy the times I've had before it's too late.

I don't know when this is all going to end, but today I know this:

F#$k that rally monkey, man.

Surprisingly Good

by Ryan

It's very hard to write about someone else's writing, especially when you agree with what they say. That's pretty much the definition of redundancy. That being said, I think you should give the newest Bill Simmons E-Ticket piece a shot. If you are a Simmons fan or just a baseball fan, you should definitely check it out.

It's not perfect and really, really long, but I agree with a lot of what he says, and for the first time in years he seems to write with genuine passion for "The Game", so to speak. To be honest, it's just nice to see he's still human, even if he acts like a douche whenever he talks about Buffalo.

One Day Early

by Ryan

There is something about October that always gets to me. Maybe because my birthday is in October, or maybe because hockey is so close and because it is football season. Maybe, but more and more I think it is because of playoff baseball.



It's no secret around these parts what team I root for. I'm the guy that said I would name my first born Jacoby last year, and I still plan of going through with it. I'm the one that drove to another country to see them three times this year, and the one legitimately bummed out when I got the "sorry you haven't been selected" for playoff tickets to a ballpark seven hours away.

Being a non-traditional fan is hard, but I do put the time into it. I can't possibly watch every game, but following box scores and other blogs has become part of my sporting lifestyle. Knowing Pedrioa's OPS and Beckett's VORP doesn't compare to watching all 180+ games, but it does make me feel like a better fan for it. Because I only watch 30 or so Sox games a year, it's hard to post about them without getting the feeling I am missing something, which is why I usually refrain from doing so.

However, all that changes tomorrow. The playoffs are the time that I do get to see every game, and I can't tell you how excited I am about that. I never feel completely safe with my baseball team, and there's no way I can with Manny's bat missing and a few question marks on the mound, but I am excited about what could happen. Unlike most Sox fans a half decade ago, I no longer dread possible outcomes anymore because postseason baseball is just too much fun.

Yeah, fun, I can call it that now. Sure, it's frustrating and maddening and terrifying and makes you want to slam your head into a wall at times. But, the chills you get when a packed stadium knows that was strike three and roars before the umpire makes the call is something you just can't replicate anywhere else. The sights, sounds, and extraordinary pressure of playoff baseball is one of the best things in sports, and every October I can't help but get excited about it.

This year is even better, because once again the postseason starts one day early. The Chicago White Sox, already late to the party, won last day/night and forced a one game playoff with the Minnesota Twins. At 7:30 tonight, the White Sox and Twins take the field to break the tie. No home wins record, no runs per game, no team ERA. One of the best thing about baseball is that that there are no tiebreakers, just one more game.

Last year we were treated to a tiebreaker in the National League. Rich and I were so excited about it that we did a monstrous live blog that maybe six people read. But it didn't matter because like Rich said, there was absolutely no way we were missing that game.

I can't tell you we will do it again. Hey, maybe we will; but I will tell you that there is absolutely no way any of us miss tonight's game. (Unless you are Yankees fans like Jon and Chris, I'm sure they have are having a good cry over Buster Olney or something...)

You don't need Dane Cook to get excited about the playoffs, but he did read his line right: there is only one October, and so very few Octobers have 32 days.

Tek and the New Kids

by Ryan


A view from our seats, where we watched the Sox squeak past the Jays 4-3. You don't want to hear me break down a baseball game, so here are some thoughts and a few pictures to pass the time.



See that seat up in the corner? That will cost you $110 bucks on December 7th. Wait, let me get a bit closer.



Yeah, great seat.

- I've never seen that many metrosexual men in one place. I think Skydome doubled for a trendy dance club on Friday. Was Die Mannequin performing somewhere I wasn't aware of?



- Yeah, Papi did a lot of that yesterday. Between that and the huge base running gaffe he didn't have a very good game.

- So its bases loaded with two outs in the eighth, and up comes Varitek. The know it all Jays fan behind me says they should lift Tek for a pinch hitter. I guess as far as most people are concerned that would be a good option, but Francona lets him hit. He grounds into a fielders choice and the run scores. It's 4-3, and here comes Papelbon.



But here's where Varitek is so important. Paps give up a weak hit and misplays it, and the leadoff runner is suddenly on second.



Varitek comes out and settles Papelbon down. Remember that if they lift Tek for a pinch hitter it's Kevin Cash out here talking to Papelbon. Now I don't know what would have happened if Tek doesn't hit, so maybe a few more runs would have scored. Maybe if Varitek isn't even on the team their runs per game would increase and make them a more productive team.

However, what Varitek's true value is what happened last night. He went out and calmed Papelbon down at least three times, and worked through the inning. The game ended with the runner on third and the huge error avoided. A loss last night puts any chance for the AL East title in serious doubt, but Tek came through on both ends despite a bad year statistically.

Situations like this are what makes me think Varitek will be re-signed after this season, even with declining offensive production. The leadership and rapport with his pitchers is something you won't be able to get back with a bigger bat.

- It is more than possible to tailgate outside of Skydome, just be careful to watch out for people begging for change.

- Also, it took forever to get home, but not becuase of ballpark traffic. New Kids on the Block had a concert at the ACC. Yeah, that seems about right.

Sox in Toronto Series: Game Three

by Ryan


I know Fridays are usually pretty busy around here, but I'm actually heading up North to see the Sox one last time at SkyDome. The division is still within reach, and hopefully it will be a good time.

You may see a few things up later on, but expect a ton of posts this weekend. Raiders game, the Leafs on Monday, suddenly we have things to talk about.



Be back soon.

Please Tell Me it Was a Curve...

"Stupid F#$kin' Cubs Game..."

Read This

Maybe this will hold you over until I wake up today. I love everything about that story.

Shutting the Door

by Ryan




Michael Kay sounded so sad tonight, and that makes me so, so happy.

That is all.

Listen to the Kid

Also, Pudge for Farnsworth straight up? Are you kidding?

Rochester Night

By Chris

Last night I took a trip down the 490, through rain and flooded highway to Rochester. A friend of my dad's invited me, my dad and my brother to a feast at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (soooo good) and a Rochester Red Wings game. Unfortunately Francisco Liriano had thrown a seven-inning, four hit, 10 strikeout gem the night before in a 13-0 win over Toledo. So we had to settle for a pitching match-up of Rochester's Philip Humber and Toledo's Anastacio Martinez.

We were also treated to a Howie Clark sighting in right field.

I had never been to a game at Frontier Field but I was pleasantly surprised. It's a simple little minor league park that reminded me of a combination of Jacobs Field (not Progessive Field) in terms of how the concourse was set up and Camden Yards in Baltimore (mainly because there was a lot of brick).

The game was decent. Rochester took a 9-0 lead going into the eighth in large part to a six-run fourth inning. Rochester lead-off man Jason Pridie belted two homers.

But the fun really didn't start until the eighth inning when Danny Graves came in to pitch. Danny Graves, the two-time Bison and former Reds closer who saved 41 games in 2004 and probably helped your fantasy team on its way to a championship.

Graves opened the eighth inning by throwing a ball. Nine balls actually. It was like watching Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn but without the velocity. Graves hit the first batter. Then he walked the second batter. Then he hit the third batter.

With bases loaded, he gave up a single, scoring one run. Then he walked the next batter. Then the skipper came out and took the ball away.

Seventeen pitches. Four strikes. No outs.

Toledo would score a total of six runs in the inning, but Graves was already in the dug out by then.

It made me wonder what happened to this guy? One minute he's on top of the world a two-time All-Star, saving 41 games for a major league club and the next season, he has a rough start, flips off a fan and he's stuck in the minors for three years. Then his game goes to hell and you wonder if he'll ever get a sniff of the bigs again.

Rochester ended up holding off the Mud Hen assault and won 9-6. We headed back to Dinosaur and got a rack of ribs to go. Man that stuff is good.

Wow

by Ryan

There are a lot of good things coming out of Tropicana Field these days. The Rays are an exciting team and have the division lead; and even as a Sox fan I appreciate the talent on the roster. However, I have to agree with Fire Joe Morgan and say that this is f$%king stupid.



This is Dr. Stat, who fills fans' minds with "useless information" and makes them incapable of enjoying the wonderful game of baseball.

Look at that nerd, with his big glasses and pocket calculator, ready to compute someone's on base percentage in a jiffy. What a poor excuse for a baseball fan, the kind that knows what VORP is.

Did you know that Evan Longoria's OPS is .890? Wait, that doesn't matter, because Evan Longoria looks like a baseball player, so he must be pretty good.

In other news, we are the second result when you google "Swoopy Nipples", so that must count for something.

I See Monsters

by Ryan

So Rich and I decided to take in another Bisons game, just because it seemed like a good idea. We meet at rookie camp to watch Luke Adam impress once again, and after that it kind of turned into, "Hey, let's go to Buffalo." So, uh, we did.

It all seemed nice and orderly, with a little bit of fog rolling into the city just as the first pitch was tossed. There was a big crowd on hand to watch future superstar Shelly Duncan grin and weakly ground out to third for the Yankees; which is something he seems fond of doing at the major league level as well.



It started like this. Nothing awful, but very... creepy with respect to atmosphere. (I'll be holding off on the "eerie/Erie" jokes tonight) It certainly wasn't your prototypical "baseball weather", even in a town that gets games snowed out early in the season. Still, it wasn't anything catastrophic, and you could, well, see at the time.

Then this happened:



I'll be honest, it was worse than this. The camera on my phone makes everything seem further away than it really is, including the Silent Hill fog rolling into the city. I half expected Jeff Karstens to morph into a zombie and start feasting on Morgan Ensberg's flesh. No, really, he's on the Bisons. (I know, right?)

The fog was a minor distraction to say the least, and things got dicey when they announced the fireworks display was canceled. (Note to self: don't ever tell a group of people they can't blow s$%t up, it never ends well.) The announcer, who must have been sweating bullets at this point, promised two makeup fireworks shows, and a free ticket to either of those games. I forget the two dates, I was too busy loading my shotgun and helping Rich find a shovel to beat back the undead with.

Meanwhile, the Bisons clung to a one run lead they manufactured with a Duncan-aided triple and a sac fly, all produced well before Dunn Tire Park resembled a Civil War battlefield. Conditions continued to get worse, but no one on seemed to be concerned with the visibility issues.

Suddenly it was the 8th inning and the outfielders were giving the universal "iunno" signal with every fly ball. USRT has a much better summary of what happens next (complete with press passes!), but let me conclude by showing you this:



This is what it looked like behind the plate, just seconds before the game was called.

Yes, in hindsight it probably should have been called. However, it certainly wasn't handled properly by the umpires, who should have pulled the teams off in the 8th when things got really bad. If they were hinging on the Bisons closer finishing the job (to be fair, he was one strike away), well, they shouldn't have the entire game resting on the hope that he keeps the ball on the infield.

Just a crazy way to end a crazy night in Buffalo. Hey, that's what happens when you build a ballpark on the ocean.

Home Sweet Home

See those little flags underneath the "Fenway Park" sign? Today another one gets added to the collection. It's pretty hard not to get excited about it, even though it's happening a few hundred miles away.

It's hard to believe it has been almost six months since Jonathan Papelbon leaped from the mound in Colorado and celebrated a World Series win. That image is going to be on my desktop for a long time, and I doubt it will ever leave my memory.

I'm sure Jon and Chris are getting sick of these Red Sox posts, but if you see someone around town today grinning from ear to ear, you may have found this blogger in the flesh. Or, you know, some crazy homeless guy. It's a toss up, really...