At What Price Fenway?

Boston Dirt Dogs
(BDD)

Try $165 for One Ticket, to One Game,
in the Bleachers on the Left-Field Wall

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH FOR RED SOX FANS, THE RED SOX
RAISE THE SECOND HIGHEST TICKET PRICES IN BASEBALL

Did You Know? The $130 Field Box Seat Cost Just $35 Back in 1999
More Good News: All Red Sox Scalping Partners, Holding Most of the Tickets Already, Are Expected to Hold Prices at Just 400% Over Face Value for 2010
Taking More Money from the Hard-Working Fans at Fenway Is the Way to Go. Sincerely, Gordon Gekko
This Just In ... Sox Brass Spin It To Win It

"More Crapola, If your lucky enough to get tickets at these prices, you are truly special. Most of us have to pay the 200-300% increased ticket prices passed on by the so called brokers. So much for the Fenway 'No Scalp Zone'. The scalping is done by the 'white collared' criminals." -- BiggestHank

Where Egos Dare

(BDD Photo Illustration / Jonathan Nathan)
(BDD Photo Illustration / Jonathan Nathan)

While the Patriots Were Beating the Colts,
Bill Belichick Turned into a Horse's Behind

Colts 35, Patriots 34: Read It and Weep
Pats Blow 17-Point 4th Quarter Lead
I Give the Call Two Thumbs Up. Sincerely, Grady Little

“We tried to win the game on that play. I thought we could have made that yard. I thought we had a good play. We completed it. I don’t know how we could not get a yard on that completion, but I guess we didn’t." -- Bill Belichick, looking for a yard when he needed two

Glasses Half Full

BDD_DM_glasses_111209.jpg
(Sanspo.com Photos / Daisuke's arrival in Japan)

We're Eyeing a Big Bounce Back for Daisuke in 2010

Look for Matsuzaka to Focus on Fitness This Offseason and Expect to
See Clear Improvement in Next Year's Numbers
Rob Bradford: Dice-API Discussions Begin for for New Offseason Regimen
Peter Abraham: The Matsuzaka Plan Takes Shape


Will It Be a December to Remember?

say.jpg
(BDD / The Sports Hatch.com Illustration)

The Buzz: Who's on the Hot Stove Radar?
The Latest: Sox Doing Due Diligence on Lackey
Wedding Bells for Buchholz and Clubine

Fair-Haired Roy?

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay pitching against the Red Sox
(Barry Chin / Boston Globe Staff)

The Halladay Shopping Season Has Begun
Are the Sox Looking for Roy to Be Their No. 1?

Daily News: Sox, Yanks Both Shopping for Roy Halladay
Globe 10.0: Should Sox Trade Beckett? | What Should Theo Do?
Sun: Trading Halladay Within Division Not a Problem for New Jays GM

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos: "If we get the right package, we'll make the trade. It would be awfully narrow thinking of me to turn down the best offer because of the fact it came from within our division. Now, if we had a strictly apples and apples offers for Halladay, one from Boston, one from another team, it would not be Boston. If we made a deal we owe it to our fans to obtain the best deal possible."

V
BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

... Is for Veteran

C You Later
Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

Varitek May Be Coming Back, But the Captain Is Surely Gone

Does Youkilis Have a Little Captain in Him? Pedroia?
Theo at GM Meetings: V-Mart to Be Full-Time Catcher
NESN.com: Varitek to Exercise Player Option, Will Return in Limited Role
Sox Re-Sign Wakefield for Two More Years

"There's a school of thought that says [Varitek] would be better with a bit more rest. If he does pick up the option, there would be an opportunity to rest more next year with Victor catching more." -- Theo on the catching change


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

A-Gon Baby Gone?

Red Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

Is Theo Finally Going to Get Serious
About Getting an Everyday Shortstop?

Sox Decline Option on Alex Gonzalez
Theo Fails to Make a Deal for Hardy
Economic Crisis Hits Home: First The Sox Don't Spend Manny's Salary Savings,
Now John Henry Cuts the Hedges
Good News: Sox Expected to Finish Within 10 Games of the Yankees in 2010

K-Hud for MVP

Chris Sessa holds a sign with a picture New York Yankees' Alex Rodriquez and Kate Hudson during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway celebrating their 27th World Series championship on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, in New York.
(AP)

Was There a Parade in New York Today Or Something?
OK, Fine, Congratulations to the New York Yankees
on Winning World Championship No. 27
... But You Owe It All to Kate Hudson

Take That Yankees: Sox Make the Move for Hermida... Tickets On Sale Soon

"This is the greatest event of my life. It's nine years in the making and we owe it to Kate Hudson." -- Chris Sessa, holding sign at the big parade today


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Johnny Damon points to fans from a City Hall window before the start of a ceremony celebrating the Yankees 27th World Series championship
(AP)

That's the Point


More Scenes from the Parade

BDD
(BDD Photo Illustration / Don. D.)

Yes, Virginia, You Can Buy the World Series!

New York Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner of the New York Yankees celebrates with the trophy after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Steinbrenners Get What They Paid For

The Globetrotters Win! THEEEEEEEEE GLOBETROTTERS WIN!
Japan's Hideki Matsui, The Indians' CC Sabathia, Texas Rangers' Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, Toronto's A.J. Burnett, and Boston's Johnny Damon Lead the Way
And For Just $423.5 Million in Long-Term Free-Agent Spending, And a Few Million More to Round Out the $206M Roster, You Too Can Be a World Champion
We Won 95 Games Last Year in a Very Competitive Division. Sincerely, Theo Epstein
We'll Always Have NASCAR, Yachts, and Real Estate! Sincerely, John Henry
And Where In the World Is Larry Lucchino While the Evil Empire Eats His Lunch?
At Least Tom Werner Put Out a New Hit Show with Kelsey Grammar... Oh, Nevermind
Playing the Role of an Over-matched Grady Little Tonight Will Be Charlie Manuel
Did The Phillies Know There Was a Game to Be Played Last Night? Just Awful
Theo's Got Numbers That Prove Alex Gonzalez is a Better Player Than Alex Rodriguez
The Royals Have Got to Be Feeling Good About Their Chances Next Season
And They Did It By Cracking the Shell of the Pitcher Formally Known As Pedro
The Movement Starts Here: Bring Back John Damon! Bring Back John Damon!
Oh The Things You Can Do With a Billion Dollar Stadium Full of Money Launderers
Read It And Weep: New York Post | Daily News | Newsday

"Hey Dirt Dogs... %$#! &%$! %$#! &$#! &%$#! &%! &%#! and %$#! &%$!"
-- E-mails from all the Yankee fans, apparently happy about winning title No. 27*


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

And Red Sox Fans Are Finally Going to Get Restless ...

"Theo, Tito, and John Henry (and mainly John Henry): Well, you got your work cut out for you now. You used to be BOLD, and no one has seen it in 5 years. The Yanks just out DID everyone here and you were left in their wake. Now, it's up to you to go out and be BOLD once again. Your NATION is requiring it of you. Failure will be on you and no one, especially you, should accept it. Be aggressive! Stand tall and do the most for your team. Find the right blend of excellence and personality and bring it to Boston. We can no longer depend on low risk high reward players like Smoltz. We all saw how (not) well he did this year. Go out and Get it!!!" -- Jack H., Red Sox Nation

The Impromptu Bostonian

Starting pitcher Pedro Martinez of the Philadelphia Phillies comes out of the game in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in Game Two of the 2009 MLB World Series against at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Getty Images / Chris McGrath)

Pedro Wants to Do It for Us Because He's One of Us

Pedro Before Game 6: 'I Am a Part of Boston'

Q. Would it amuse you to hear that every Red Sox fan is rooting for you to beat the Yankees?

PEDRO MARTINEZ: No, it wouldn't. It wouldn't surprise me at all. I know that they don't like the Yankees to win, not even in Nintendo games. (Laughter). And knowing that I am part of Boston, I consider myself a Bostonian, as well, too, I've been a Montrealer, a Bostonian, and now a New Yorker, and somehow I might become a Philadelphian now. But I've only been there for a short period. It's something that's a work in progress, and I'm pretty sure that every Boston fan out there can feel proud that I'm going to try to beat the Yankees, and I'm going to give just the same effort I always did for them. They're special fans, and they will always have my respect.

BDD - Mr. Punchy
(BDD Photo Illustration / Mr. Punchy)

Some Six Sense

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Mazz: For Pedro, Present Is a Gift from the Past
Shaughnessy: A Night at the Theater
Callahan: Pedro Is No Goat
Buckley: Can't Take Our Eyes Off Pedro

BDD / Mike Valerio
(BDD Photo Illustration / Mike Valerio )

Who's Your Editor?

New York Post
(11.4.09, New York Post back cover)

Speed Damon

Johnny Damon runs to third base chased down by Philadelphia Phillies Pedro Feliz during the ninth inning in Game 4 of the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series in Philadelphia, November 1, 2009
(Reuters)

Damon Leads the Way as Yankees Steal a Page
from the Red Sox Old Playbook

Was That Dave Roberts or Johnny Damon on the Basepaths?
New York 7, Philadelphia 4 | Yankees on the Verge of Winning Series

"I have never had a bigger hit." -- Alex Rodriguez, Mr. November (just awful)


David Ortiz Sure Doesn't Want to Talk About the Past, Or Look for Answers
Game 5: THEEEEEEEEEEE YANKEEEEEEEEES LOSE!!!!!!
Vote for Pedro to Find the Magic One More Time
In Case You Missed It: A-Rod's Really a Horse's Behind

Trick or Treat?

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

New York Back in the Driver's Seat

Bombers Bang 3 Homers to Take Series Lead
Sox Had Nice Weather for Golf Today


Happy Halloween

BDD Photo Illustration
(BDD Photo Illustration)

4 Years Ago, Theo Hit the Road

King of New York

Pedro Martinez #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies is heckled by fans as he comes out of the game in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in Game Two of the 2009 MLB World Series against at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
(Nick Laham/Getty Images)

10 Years From Now, Pedro Will Have You Believing
He Won the Game Last Night

Series Even... But It Was All About Pedro
Martinez Didn't Blow Up, Burnett Just Shut the Philly Offense Down
Matsui Cheap Shot Homer Latest Embarrassment for New Stadium
At Least A-Rod Is Stinking Up the Joint

“I know they really want to root for me. It’s just that I don’t play for the Yankees. They love the fact that I compete. I’m a New Yorker as well. If I was on the Yankees, I’d probably be like a king over here. But that’s not the case right now.” -- Pedro Martinez, a King among men

For Pete's Sake

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Red Sox Nation Will Be Behind the Phillies Tonight

Let's Hope Pedro Can Still Run His Fastball As Well As His Mouth

Priceless quotes from Pedro Martinez: I think in every aspect, the way you guys have used me and abused me since I've been coming to Dodger Stadium (sic), just because I wore actually a red uniform just like this one while playing for Boston, it's been like — I remember quotes in the paper, 'Here comes the man that New York loves to hate.' Man? None of you have probably ever eaten steak with me or rice and beans with me to understand what the man is about. You might say the player, the competitor, but the man? You guys have abused my name. You guys have said so many things, have written so many things...

I just compete. And yes, I will do whatever it takes to beat you. But I'm a human being after I take my clothes off. A lot of people can witness that any time, anywhere, any moment...

There was one time I remember when I was a free agent, there was talk that I might meet with Steinbrenner. One of your colleagues had me in the papers with horns and a tail, red horns and a tail. That's a sign of the devil. I'm a Christian man. I don't like those things. I take those things very serious...

I remember getting back to my dugout and seeing middle fingers. My mom, poor mom. I'm glad she's blessed by God because all those curses were, I mean, unbelievable...

I don't know if you realize this, but because of you guys in some ways, I might be at times the most influential player that ever stepped in Yankee Stadium... I have all the respect in the world for the way they enjoy being fans. Sometimes they might be giving you the middle finger, just like they will be cursing you and telling you what color underwear you're wearing... (a far cry from the quotes we hear at Fenway from the dullards that Theo has assembled in the post-2004 era)


Ut Oh! Ut Oh! ...

BDD - NYY Globetrotters
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Utley, Lee Are in Another World for Phillies
Globetrotters Go Down in Rare Defeat
A-Roid, Sabathia Can't Get It Done On the Big Stage

World Series Game 1: Philadelphia 6, Store-Bought All-Stars 1
Phil Sheridan: Lee a Cool Customer in Phillies Debut
That's 0-for-8 with 5 K's for the Half a Billion Dollar Heart of the Yankees' Order
This Just In: Yanks Look Old, Bullpen Not As Great As Advertised
Crime Watch: Woman Arrested for Trying to Trade Sex for Series Tickets

Yankee Fans Fold Like Cheap Suits, Too: "As the game went on, it got quieter." -- Phils' star Chase Utley

Green Light
BDD / Mike Briggs illustration

Here We Go Celtics, Here We Go
The Green Get the Ball Rolling in Cleveland Tonight

Starring KG as Batman, Sheed as Dr. Doom, Ray as the Green Arrow,
Paul as Superman, Perk as the Hulk, and Rondo as Spiderman
Updates from Cleveland Tonight
Saturday Night's Not Alright for Fighting:
Big Dummy Will Now Be Known As Glen
Did We Get Rondo'd?

This Just In
BDD Photo Illustration
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Steve Phillips Lands Role in Mad Men, Season 4

Phillips Joins the Gang at Sterling Cooper as
Roger Sterling's Long Lust Brother Steve

"I think he'll fit right in here. Somebody get him a secretary." -- Don Draper


Mo Bad Decisions ...

Phillips signed Mo Vaughn in 2001
(Photo: New York Daily News / Warga)

Trading for the Hit Dog in 2001

NY Post: Phillips, Gal Pal Fired from ESPN
The Move That Killed Phillips's Other Career
It's Called MLB Network, Call Anytime. Sincerely, Harold Reynolds

Let's Go Phillies!

Starting pitcher Pedro Martinez of the Philadelphia Phillies is in the World Series.
(Harry How / Getty Images)

Sloppy Angels Surrender at The Stadium
Yep, That's the Team that Swept Your Red Sox

ALCS Game 6: New York 5, Anaheim 2
Steinbrenner Traveling All-Stars to Play in World Series Exhibition
Washed-Up Johnny Damon Leads Yankees to Series
Just 4 Years After Getting Booted Out of Boston

Kazmir Does a Fantastic Chuck Knoblauch Imitation in the Field
Gaffes Galore for Anaheim
Somewhere on the Planet Today, Theo Epstein Is Defending
J.D. Drew's Contract a Little Too Strongly

Will It Be Deja Vu All Over Again in the Big Apple?

Boston Dirt Dogs graphic / Kent Jones
(Boston Dirt Dogs graphic / Kent Jones)

Things Are Going to Get Tight for A-Rod and Company
on Saturday Night

Torii Hunter: 'All the Pressure is On the Yankees'
NY Daily News: Girardi Should Be Fired if Yankees Lose to Angels
OC Register: How Can the Angels Win in New York?


Sox Fans Catch Playoff Fever

BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Lackey Exit Leaves McCarver Speechless
The Guy on the Rocks in Anaheim
Phillies: Bring on the Yankees | Steve Phillips Saga

Meanwhile, Pedro votes for the Yankees: "I'm not instigating anything, so guys, get it right: I respect the Yankees, I love the Yankees, but I would love to beat them as much as I look forward to playing them," " -- 10.23.09, New York Post

It's Always Funny in Philadelphia

A young boy holds up a sign referring to Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez during Game 5 of the National League Championship baseball series against the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, in Philadelphia.
(Reuters)

Philly Fans Shower Manny With Some Brotherly Love
The LA Media, Too

We Told You So Los Angeles...
Dodger Finally Meet the Lollygagging, Lazy Fielding, Mail It In Manny
Playoff Baseball's No Big Deal When You Can Shower, Shop, and Eat Sushi...
And Guess Who's Coming Back in Blue for $20 Million Next Year?
T.J. Simers: Squandering Everything, Just to End Up the Same as '08
Plaschke: Dodger Didn't Have What It Takes

"His awful second half of the season ended in an array of wild swings and jeers Wednesday, beginning in the fifth inning with the Dodgers still trailing just 6-3. With runners on first and second and facing new pitcher Chad Durbin, Ramirez bounced a ball in front of home plate, and he did not seem to run particularly hard, as he was easily thrown out to end the inning. And here came the Philly chants . . . 'You take steroids,' they screamed. 'Take a shower,' they howled.

Ramirez hit .263 in this series with one extra-base hit and countless blown opportunities, and talk about faith. The Dodgers must spend the winter praying that Ramirez relearns to hit with an untainted body. Ramirez could opt out of his $20-million contract, but he won't, because nobody will give him anything close to that sort of money, so both parties are stuck with each other." -- 10.22.09, Bill Plaschke, LA Times

"The latest Ramirez fiasco, while much ado about nothing except for those insisting he be a cheerleader, demonstrates what a polarizing figure Ramirez has become now that he can't be depended on to hit like his resume suggests. It's so easy to condemn him for taking a shower after leaving Game 4, most sports fans unable to imagine anyone not watching such an exciting game -- let alone one of the competitors. But it's just like the wife, who couldn't understand why Jeffrey Dahmer ate people, having to be reminded she could never think like Dahmer." -- 10.22.09, T.J. Simers, LA Times

5 Years Ago Tonight

JD_10.20_gett.jpg
(Getty Images File)

The Sox Got World Serious in the Bronx
And Brought Down the House That Ruth Built

The Real Championship Was Won When Johnny Damon Broke the Back of the New York Yankees in Game 7 to Complete the Greatest Comeback in Baseball History
Boston 10, New York 3: Damon Grand Slam, 2-Run HR; D-Lowe One Hit Ball
Sox Watched 'Miracle on Ice' Before Game, D-Lowe Talked to Jim Craig
That Little Romp Over the Cardinals Was Just Icing on the Cake
Even Pedro and Schill Played Grab-Ass After the Shock Heard 'Round the World

Pedro and Schill
(Barry Chin / Globe File)

Chad Finn: Happy Anniversary


Spitgate Update

Debunking the Debunked Inconclusive Images...
New Photos Confirm What Went Down on the Mound

Boston Dirt Dogs
(Seinfeld Images)

Rivera Remains Cleared of All Wrongdoing,
But Keep Your Eye on Him Anyway...

Enter Spitman

More Cheating from Bronx Bombers?
Rivera Spits Before Pitch

Will Mariano Be Banned from the Game? Out of the Hall of Fame?
And Is Papelbon Now the Greatest Closer Ever?
Update: MLB Reviews the Tapes and Clears Yankee Closer
(We're Sure Yankee Bob Watson Was Involved with That One)
This Just In: Balloon Boy's Father Insists Mo's Spit Ball Was No Hoax

Grady Girardi

Manager Joe Girardi of the New York Yankees looks on during the Nation Anthem prior to the start of Game Three of the ALCS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Angel Stadium on October 19, 2009 in Anaheim, California.
(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

A Manager's Trip to the Mound Trips Up the
George Steinbrenner Traveling All-Stars

Anaheim 5, New York 4 | Angels Outlast Yankees
And Now the Angels Think They're Back in the Series
Good Thing Johnny Was All Done After the 2005 Season...
Too Bad the Sox Can't Find Bench Players Like Howie Kendrick
That's Just Bobby Abreu Being Manny on the Basepaths
Why Are We Subjected to Scott Boras (and Pat Sajak) Behind the Plate?
NY Post: What the Hell? | Lupica: Girardi Manages to Give One Away
This Just In: Manny Ramirez a Non-Factor for the Dodgers

It's just different kind of stuff against those hitters. We have all the matchups and all the scouting reports and we felt [Aceves] was a better matchup for us." -- Joe Girardi... will be on the hook if NY blows the series

Angels in Harlem

BDD - NYY Globetrotters
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Globetrotters Grab Games 1 and 2 as the Quest for a
Store-Bought Championship Continues for New York

Saturday: Globetrotters 4, Washington Generals 3
Generals Throw It Away
Friday: Globetrotters 4, Washington Generals 1
Meadowlark Lemon Hits Everything for Eight Innings
Curly Neal, Goose Tatum, and Sweet Lou Dunbar Take Care of Offense
More Good Ideas from MLB: Schedule Too Many Meaningless Summer Games
So You Can Play the Most Important Ones in Winter Conditions

Why Can't We Get Pedros Like That?

Pedro Martinez reacts after getting Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp to fly out and end the sixth inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship baseball series Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(AP)

Phillies Got a Pedey Like It's 1999
Martinez Dominates Manny, Dodgers

Dodgers-Phillies Box
Pedro Comes Out, 5 Pitchers Blow the Phillies Win
Ut-Oh, Pedro Win By the Boards After Chase Utley Air Mailer Brings in Run
Martinez No-Hitter Broken Up in Third Inning, But He Still Completely Owns Manny
Never Take Pedro Out of a Playoff Game. Sincerely Grady Little
Theo Went Re-tread Shopping, and All We Got Was the
Shell of John "I Love Pitching in St. Louis But Loved Boston's Contract" Smoltz
Speaking of Bob Lobel, Catch Him on Sports Legends New England
Saturday at 6 p.m. on MyTV New England

Balloon Boy Part 2?

In this image rendered from video and released by KMGH-TV in Denver, a hot-air balloon is seen over Colorado, near Fort Collins. Larimer County sheriff's spokeswoman Eloise Campanella says the device, which is shaped like a flying saucer, has the potential to rise to 10,000 feet.
(BDD Photo Illustration)

No, It's Just Theo Launching the Annual Search for
The Next Great Red Sox Shortstop

... It's Been Whichever Way the Wind Blows Since Nomar Left Town

Pedro! Manny! Johnny!

New York Yankees Johnny Damon protects himself from the rain during practice at Yankee Stadium in New York, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. The Yankees will play the Los Angeles Angels in Game 1 of the American League Championship baseball series starting on Friday.
(Getty and AP Images)

... It's Great to Be Watching the Sox in the Playoffs!
... Oh, Wait a Minute

Old Friends Pedro and Manny Set to Square Off in LA
Johnny-Could-Come-Back and the Yankees Host Anaheim at 8

Blame Cake is Done

BDD -- 2009 Blame Cake
(BDD Photo Illustration)

Just Add the Finger-Pointing Frosting ...


BDD - Blame Cake Frosting
(BDD Photo Illustration)

And Grab a Piece ...

John Henry and His Big Brass Band... need deeper pockets and less Pocket Money (see Teixeira, Mark and say goodbye to the pennant), NASCAR, boats, weddings at Fenway, real estate, doing voiceovers for commercials, and allowing most tickets to wind up on their aftermarket at 400 percent markups to fans. Oh and they've created a corporate canned environment at Fenway where we saw the smallest standing room crowd in years for Game 3, and the bigwigs in the seats are so bored they can barely muster up the energy to chant "Let's Go Red Sox" until the fat lady starts singing. And after the debacle of making the players wear Hanging Sox Hats, they really need to consider cashing out and selling the team, because they've completely sold out.

In Theo We Bust... As the GM continues to morph into Dan Duquette, the Sox are suddenly looking like an old Dan Duquette team. The revolving door at shortstop continues to haunt the franchise. Yes, $103 million forked over for Matsuzaka could have been better spent, same for Drew. Bay is no Manny, sorry. Caught sleeping at the wheel with new 'Tek deal. Major misread on John Smoltz (see Gagne, Eric), and Julio Lugo and his sunk cost were shipped out of Boston a day too soon. Good thing he doesn't let the fans influence him... except when it comes to overpaying for Mike Lowell.

A Testy David Ortiz... If you thought his early season performance sunk the Sox from the get-go, it was nothing compared to the shameful, 10-days-too-late, lame vitamins-and-supplements press conference in Yankee Stadium with a disheveled Michael Weiner by his side. But his real "careless" crime was letting some sketch slap his name on a bad Framingham restaurant in his quest not to leave one marketing dollar on the table.

Captain Feels the Crunch... We won't be fooled again... but if you're Theo Epstein, you were fooled again by Scott Boras and Jason Varitek (remember when he wanted a Posada contract?). What will we do without his annual clutch hit and empty cliches.... errr leadership... after every game? How will Josh Beckett manage to implode without him? And can we put the 'C' in a time capsule, never to be worn externally by anyone ever?

Jon Papelbon, a.k.a. Trade Bait... When you only pitch 60 innings in a season, you've got to be ready to go in October, not ready to go home. The Idiots act was natural, Paps' on camera performances seem forced. Cinco Ocho? Who gives themselves a nickname? And is he still focused on breaking the bank for closers based on that phony save stat? Daniel Bard, the real Nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Josh Bad Boy Beckett... Just didn't locate his pitches... just didn't execute tonight.... ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz..... enough. Something's wrong here. The staff "ace" just isn't one of the elite starters in baseball anymore. Can we re-do the Hanley Ramirez trade now?

Daisuke Matsuzaka... is just laughing his ass off all the way to the bank. And it's our dime. But he'll be ready for the next time... Team Japan calls his name.

Globe: Now is the Fall of Our Discontent | Eric Wilbur: Group Therapy
Danny Picard: Moving Boston Forward
Survey: What Should the Sox Do?

Halos and Goodbye

Red Sox vs. Angels, Game 3 ALDS, Fenway Park Sox Dustin Pedroia heads for the dugout after making the last out of a 7-6 loss to the Angels. The Angels won the ALDS with a ninth inning rally.
(Stan Grossfield / Globe Staff)

The Angels Are Shipping Up to the ALCS
While the Sox Just Keep Slipping

Mazz: Are Sox on the Slide? | Updates from Fenway Goodbye on Monday


Ghost in the Machine

Calvin Schiraldi and Jonathan Papelbon
(Jim Davis / Globe Staff | Boston Globe File)

Stinko Ocho Channels Schiraldi at Fenway

Papelblown, Papelbum, Papelgone Baby Gone
Pride and Broom for Angels | Rally Chimps 7, Really Chumps 6
In the End, We Could Have Used Daniel Bard's 2 No-Hit Innings
Was That Schiraldi's Ghost Exiting Through the Open Door in Center Field?
Papelbon Not Ready for Prime Time (Why?)... But He's Still Got a Show on Cable
Aren't You Vlad Tito Decided to Walk the Not-So-Dangerous Torii Hunter?
No Worries for John Henry... He's Got 11 Other Businesses to Focus On
Maybe Theo Just Needs a Bigger Budget with More Sunk Cost Money to Spend...
At Least David Ortiz Will Stop Yapping About How Great His Season Turned Out
Jason Bay Is a Nice Little Player, But Is He The Guy to Break the Bank On?
Really Jon Lester? You Were Surprised By the Booing of Papelbon? Really?
This Just In... Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Pedro Martinez... Still Playin'
Party Like It's 1995: Mo Vaughn, Jose Canseco, Meet David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis
We'll Give Youk a Mulligan... Because He'll Probably Freak Out If We Don't
New at 11: Boring Team with No Identity Starts Winter Early
Seriously Tito? Jed Lowrie with the Season on the Line?
Bright Side: Just 4 Months Until Truck Day!


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

BDD -- Jonathan Nathan
(BDD Photo Illustration / Jonathan Nathan)

Anaheimlich Maneuver
The Boston Red Sox lost Game 2 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium
(Globe, Getty, and Wire Photos)

Sox Are Left Toast. 7th Heaven for Halos

Down Town | Not Your Father's Angels 4 Wild Card Champions 1
So Much for the Ace in the Hole, Beckett Can't Get Out of 7th
At Least He's Getting Beat By the Erick Aybars of the World
This Is Just Nuts Being Up 2-0. Sincerely, Torii Hunter
And That's 4 More Hits For the Home Team In Case You Lost Count
Robbie Wants to Cano... Whatever Happened to Dustin Pedroia?
Is David .000rtiz Still Asking Around For Apologies Because He Can Still Do It?
Postseason Memories... We'll Always Have That Victor Martinez RBI
Jason Bay... The Price Goes Down Every Day. Sincerely, Matt Holliday
So When Does Lopez Live Come On? Frank TV Wants to Know ...
This Just In: Twins Robbed By Blind Ump in Bronx
Mike L.000well Checking In ... J.D. Who?
Blame It On Pizzuti

"We want it. I mean, I can't say we want it more than those guys, but we definitely want it. I'm pretty sure they want it, too. It's just not working out for them. We've just got to keep putting the pressure on them and stay hungry. You've got to kick somebody when they're down, and that's what we're doing." -- Angels outfielder Torii Hunter playing the role of Kevin Millar


BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons
(BDD / James MacLeod Cartoons)

Orange County Registers ...

A fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim holds a sign in support during Game Two of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Angel Stadium on October 9, 2009 in Anaheim, California.
(Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images)

Not In Our Bandbox!


Fan-ning the Flames ...

A fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim holds up a sign for the rally monkey during Game Two of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium on October 9, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The Angels won the game 4-1.
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)

Only Chumps Get Beat By Chimps


Fred Flintstone Was Rockin' The House
That Thundersticks Built

A fan holds a sign before the MLB American League Division Series playoff baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Boston Red Sox in Anaheim, California October 9, 2009
(Reuters)

Just What We Need, A Team Out to Break a Curse
And Nice Job As Always on the Noon Start Time Tomorrow MLB

Torii Spelling Trouble for Lester, Sox

Torii Hunter of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run as starting pitcher Jon Lester #31 and catcher Victor Martinez #41 of the Boston Red Sox look on in the fifth inning of Game One of the ALDS during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Angel Stadium
(Jim Davis / Boston Globe Staff)

Sox Drop Game 1, Offense Horrific

Anaheim 5, Boston Zero | Lester Not All That Impressive
If You're Still Counting, That Was 4 Singles for Your Wild Card Champions
Good Thing Theo Epstein Doesn't Care About RBIs At All... Whew....
Can We Get the Always Angry Kevin Youkilis Back?
So Goes Jacoby, So Go the Sox... Nowhere
Can't Get No Relief: Hey Ramon Ramirez... You're Not in Kansas City Anymore
Is David Ortiz Taking All his Vitamins and Supplements?
Adding Insults to Injury: Getting Shut Down by Really Old Friend Darren Oliver
And Having to Look at Scott Boras's Godawful Mug Behind the Plate
No Show City: And Whatever Happened to Red Sox Nation West Coast?
And the Angels 10th Player Award Goes to... CB Bucknor
We're Not Feeling Well After Tonight Either, Tito
Nice to See 3 Errors to Boot

"Four singles and three errors isn't going to win too many ballgames, so you tip your hat a little bit. But I think we can be better." -- Jason Bay... making us confident for Game 2... sort of...


Can You CB Now?

BDD_blind-bucknor_DG.jpg
(BDD Photo Illustration / Dario Guzman)
BDD is a feature of Boston.com. The site is not produced by the Boston Globe sports dept.

Boston Globe:

Johnson in line for promotion > Rules of free agency > Bay, Sox continue talks > Francona speaks > Ortiz complains again

Boston Herald:

Sox eye Boras quartet > World Series DVD just $2,229 > Bay reaches open market

ProJo:

Red Sox call up Johnson > Nick Green doesn't expect to be back > Sox claim Manuel from Seattle > Ortiz getting ready

New York Post:

No rush for Roy > Pettitte hits market > Red Sox ask for medical records on FA relievers Gonzalez, Soriano
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