Ole!

Finally. 'Tis the season for rally wings, blue cheese, and some lucky New England brewed pumpkin ale. The Red Sox are in the playoffs...!

(Note: The rally pumpkin pictured above was skillfully carved by our friend Dan during Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS. It no longer exists -- we don't think -- but it is often evoked for good luck.)

Bill Simmons on Big Papi

Sad, but true.

Never trust a human with a pinstriped "How may I help you?" sign...

...an important life rule that these Yankees fans wish they had followed. My heart aches for the woman who flew all the way from Oregon for the game, left the stadium after being told by a Yankee employee that the game was off, and then was unable to re-enter when the game began at 9:20. The Yankees really know how to treat their most loyal fans.

Ellsbury Steals Home - The Video

How awesome was this? Before Jacoby Ellsbury stole home last night, I would have had a short list of nominees for the most exciting play in sports -- the inside the park homerun, the penalty shot, the alley-oop and the grand slam -- but wow, this steal of home just takes the cake:

Buckets of Rain

Here is a mind bender:
Five Major League Baseball schedulers walk into a conference room. They eat hot dogs and sip Starbucks. After much deliberation, it is decided the Tampa Bay Rays will oppose the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day. It will be a stunning rematch of the 2008 ALCS. Great. The Rays home is located in a warm, southern climate with a weatherproof, indoor venue. The Red Sox play in a northern city where spring weather is unpredictable, rain or snow is likely, and the average temperature on April 6th is 45 degrees. Where should the game be played?

Answer on Page 67.

Opening Day -- Take 2 -- Tuesday, 4:05 pm!

BTW - For fans of Phish (including my hubby), the band will be playing Fenway Park on May 31st, 2009. There is even a fun little Fenway video on the Phish website.

(Title borrowed from Bob Dylan without his permission.)

Outtakes from Photo Day

Thank you Cursed to First for pointing out this video of fantastic outtakes from Red Sox photo day. Dustin Pedroia wants YOU to run onto the field (naked). The video is pure fun. Trust me.

Nomar Could Retire (Boo)

It's too bad that Nomar Garciaparra is pondering retirement. Ken Rosenthal tells us that the Oakland A's are the only team interested in signing him. He would end his career on a better note if he could play one more injury-free season. Plus, if he signs with an American League team, he will (finally) get to play at Fenway Park one more time and get a well deserved ovation. The A's play at Fenway July 6th. Standing room tickets are still available for $25/$20.

On the subject of former Red Sox:

What is Manny thinking? He turned down a two-year $45 million offer from the Dodgers today. He is just waiting for spring training to end so he doesn't have to go.

Trot Nixon may play for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 if he can make the roster.

Yooooooooouk!

How could the thrill be gone when our first baseman looks like this?

(Photo from Boston.com)

Forty-two days 'til Opening Day!