MLB FanHouse

Kevin Youkilis Is the Slumpbuster

Will Brinson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Media Watch

Energy drinks make America go round. They legally supplant our speed addiction when it's too hot (Coffee in the summer? No thanks) and when we're in public (Crystal meth at work? Meh.) And with, ahem, more potent means no longer available, many athletes are finding themselves involved with the brain and body fuels of today's society.

Kevin Youkilis is one of these athletes. Only his energy drink has the best double-meaning-riddled name of all time: SlumpBuster. Now, SlumpBuster is not specifically tailored to Youkilis, although this particular version is (you can see the regular version on MySpace). But, via Red Sox Monster, the online drink will premiere online Friday.

Jeff Brannon, SlumpBuster CEO, tells us that the drink will be available in the Northeast "later this quarter," but can be found online Friday at iFungo.com, an online baseball equipment shop.

Now, I haven't tried the drink (yet), but as an energy drink connoisseur, I can promise you I will. And here's the thing about awesome marketing coupled with celebrity endorsement: it works well. I'm not saying I would take a SlumpBuster over a Red Bull (again, yet) just because of the awesome name and Yooooouk, one of the most likable players in the league, on the can. But I am saying I'd certainly think about it.

Kevin Youkilis Is the Slumpbuster originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Lowell Can Hear You Now

Josh Alper — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Video

Even though Mike Lowell signed a contract that will pay him more than $12 million, he's still thrifty enough to pick up valuable electronics that others leave lying around. While a fan was following the flight of a foul ball at Fenway last night, Lowell helped himself to the guy's cell phone. Here's video evidence, courtesy of The Joy of Sox.

It's a bit of a long-range camera angle but, thankfully, a hardy soul used his camcorder to capture some irrefutable video evidence. There's another, close-up view after the jump.

According to a local Boston newscast Lowell returned the phone later and said it was just a prank. That's pretty funny but the whole thing would have been better if Lowell loaned it to Manny Ramirez to call whatever planet he's from.

(H/T Red Sox Monster)

Mike Lowell Can Hear You Now originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Intelligent Fun Courtesy of the Yankee-Red Sox Rivalry

Josh Alper — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, New York, Red Sox, Yankees, AL East, MLB Fans, The Word

One of my fondest wishes as a sports fan is that there can one day be a series between the Red Sox and Yankees that doesn't coincide with the beating of a fan of one team or the other. Especially when the beating occurs on the Fourth of July in front of the man's children.

Making it all the better, the genius squad that led the beatdown didn't even have any reason to believe that William Nestor, driving his family home from a fireworks display in Falmouth, Massachusetts, was a baseball fan, let alone a Yankee fan. Nestor was beaten with an aluminum bat because his car had New York plates.

"They were yelling, 'Yankees! Yankees!' and 'F - - - New York' " Nestor, 29, said. "When they saw the plates, they came at me.

"I didn't even know the Yankees and Red Sox were playing" this weekend, added Nestor, who's not a particularly big baseball fan.

Nestor is okay, thankfully, and police have arrested one man and charged him with assault. They are looking for his partner in crime.

At some point it would be awfully nice of Hank Steinbrenner and John Henry to make some kind of joint statement decrying this kind of behavior. While making sure to point out that plenty of people on both sides are prone to acting like idiots, the owners could make it clear that neither the Yankee Universe nor Red Sox Nation they are so fond of welcomes citizens of that sort.

More Intelligent Fun Courtesy of the Yankee-Red Sox Rivalry originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: They Were Once Friends

Mullet — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Angels, Cubs, Cardinals, St. Louis, Toronto

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Chicago Cubs (52-35) at St. Louis Cardinals (49-39) - 3:55 PM ET

It's sad to see a friendship go south as apparently the one between Tony La Russa and Jim Edmonds has now that Edmonds is with the Cubs and La Russa is playing ultra-sensitive. But in reality, La Russa and Edmonds are mere players in the larger war that is Cubs vs. Cardinals, with first place on the line and growing ever so further away from the Cardinals. Today, Kyle Lohse is going to have to continue his 2008 magic (remember when nobody wanted Lohse? Yeah, well now he's 10-2) against Ted Lilly.

Boston Red Sox (52-37) at New York Yankees (45-42) - 3:55 PM ET

The Yankees held a team meeting after losing 7-0 to the Sox on Thursday. Afterward, Joe Girardi held the Yankees' feet to the fire in a team meeting. So what happens the next day? Sure, they lose again. Guess that whole team meeting thing didn't really work out. And they now have to answer to Hank Steinbrenner, who came out and said that the players have to "buck up".

Wait, that's it? No irrational statements or threats of death? Just a piece of intangible advice? Hank! It's like I don't even know you anymore.

Toronto Blue Jays (41-46) at L.A. Angels of Anaheim (52-34) - 9:05 PM ET

As the Blue Jays dangle one starter to acquire their third shortstop, another starter is about to hook up in a classic pitching duel. Roy Halladay pitched a shutout his last time out, and the man who leads all of baseball in innings pitched goes against John Lackey, who has an obscene ERA of 1.44 this season after going 5-0 in June. Lackey himself almost had a shutout on Sunday against Dodgers, going 8 and 2/3's of shutout ball.

Everyone else:

Pirates at Brewers 7:05 ET
Rangers at Orioles 7:05 ET
Mets at Phillies 7:05 ET
Athletics at White Sox 7:05 ET
Nationals at Reds 7:10 ET
Indians at Twins 7:10 ET
Astros at Braves 7:10 ET
Royals at Rays 7:10 ET
Marlins at Rockies 8:05 ET
Padres at Diamondbacks 8:10 ET
Dodgers at Giants 9:05 ET
Tigers at Mariners 10:10 ET

On Deck: They Were Once Friends originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ortiz Won't Call His Shot at Yankee Stadium

Matt Watson — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, New York, Red Sox, Yankees, AL East, MLB All-Star Game

It was announced back in May that David Ortiz would take part in an on-field promotion for State Farm Insurance in which he'd "call his shot" during the Home Run Derby. Considering the Derby is taking place at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees were up in arms about a Red Sox player riffing on a on a piece of storied Babe Ruth lore.

As luck would have it, Ortiz won't be participating in the Derby because of his wrist injury, but it's interesting to note that the Yankees would have gotten their way, nonetheless. Major League Baseball changed the format of the promotion, so instead of just one player calling his shot, both of the finalists from the eight-man field will have their chance.

Granted, there's still a good chance that the sluggers who do call their shot won't be wearing pinstripes (especially with Alex Rodriguez declining an invitation), but at least Yankees fans can rest assured some bum from the Sawx won't be descreating the old ballpark. Because, you know, some things (that may or may not have actually happened and took place 76 years ago at Wrigley Field!) are just sacred.

Ortiz Won't Call His Shot at Yankee Stadium originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry, Red Sox Fans, You're Actually Number Two Right Now

Josh Alper — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, Rays, MLB Fans, MLB Video, Tampa Bay

If you've watched either of Tampa's wins against the Red Sox this week, you've noticed that there are an awful lot of Sox fans at the games. That's great for the atmosphere because instead of a soulless dome, the Trop actually has a buzz and some intensity, but they've brought some of the other elements of fandom along with them. From Awful Announcing, via Red Sox Monster, comes a fan who epitomizes grace in the face of defeat.

Has there been some kind of mandate that announcers have to ignore someone flipping the bird? The Fox guys did the same thing with Kerry Wood this weekend. I realize it's unfortunate for the broadcast to pick it up but it's not the end of the world. As a citizen and baseball fan, the pink hat riles me up much more.

Sorry, Red Sox Fans, You're Actually Number Two Right Now originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Don't Screw With a Tired Manny

Nick Dallamora — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, The Dugout

Oh, Manny being Manny. Such a life it is to be a stupid Red Sox fan who doesn't care what one of their star players does as long as they put up consistent power numbers. Or, that is to say, to be a fan of Manny the baseball player and couldn't care less if he sold organs on the black market in his free time. He's never been an impressive human being off of the field, so why should this change anything? Granted, he seemed harmless before this past season, but who's trying to get him a bid for the Clemente this year? No one, because he's generally selfish and inattentive. Screw it, he's still my boy.

Manny bolsters some stats after the jump

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to Red Sox Chat!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi papi
	OrtizItThisOne: Oh, hey Manny. What's up?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: nothen wana play candy planit
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /uproots clump of sod /jams sod in mouth
	MannyTheTorpedoes: mmmm gandy
	OrtizItThisOne: Sorry, Manny, I'm real busy. I've got to sign all these baseballs for the charity event tomorrow.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: fien then ur not alowed to eat yourr black lickorish /eats eye black stick
	KingOfPap: wo manny did u 4get 2 brush ur teeth 4 like a berzillion days
	MannyTheTorpedoes: no i ate a candy you wana play spies
	KingOfPap: k wat do spys do
	MannyTheTorpedoes: eat mud /eats mud
	KingOfPap: grosssss im not playin
	MannyTheTorpdoes: /furrows brow what a heck mang
	McTokenMick: Hey there Manny. Got ya a sec?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: 1... wate what comes aftur 1
	McTokenMick: UH, "times up"?
	MannyTheTorpedoes: no try +go get me a perpeler and some airplang peanuts% cuz im playin an i needa get serious
	McTokenMick: Aye, that ain't happenin' Manny.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: wel you butter get me like fiffy tigets for the game today cuz im not about to tell half my tea party they cant go cuz a you
	McTokenMick: That probably won't be happenin'. I don't think the Care Bears care much for baseball anyway.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: jus do yur job b head
	McTokenMick: Now I don't like that fever friend. You relax before I potato your bottle of whiskey.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: /shove
	Online Host McTokenMick has fallen to the ground
	McTokenMick: MANNY! Do NOT push people!
	MannyTheTorpedoes: i sory misser migtoken im jus grumpy i dint get a nap tuday
	McTokenMick: It's ok, lad. Just learn to control that temper.
	MannyTheTorpedoes: wana play cops n' robers /kicks prolate spheroid leather ball through goal
	McTokenMick: dor a lor a lie
	MannyTheTorpedoes: manny rugbying manny

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Dugout: Don't Screw With a Tired Manny originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Say It Ain't So: Dan Duquette Traded World Series Tickets For Favors

Eamonn Brennan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:20:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Police Blotter

If there is one thing you'll never convince me of, it's that the mayors of large cities in America would ever do anything borderline unethical. Like, for example: former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette and a former Pittsfield mayor would never have lent a favor to each other. Why, never! Never, say, sold a pair of World Series tickets for face value when the rest of the public was paying $2,000 for them (via SbB):

Duquette told investigators that he sold Ruberto the two tickets for $190 each because he wanted his minor league team, the Berkshire Dukes, to play at a city park, according to a statement made public today by the State Ethics Commission. "By selling the World Series tickets to Ruberto at face value, where the general public could only obtain such tickets at prices more than $50 over face value, Duquette provided something of substantial value to Ruberto for or because of official acts to be performed by Ruberto as mayor," the statement says.

Sheesh. That sounds terrible. Next thing you know, metropolitan tax dollars will be misappropriated and pilfered through corrupt local representatives, and baseball players will start using steroids. Our republic is doomed.

Say It Ain't So: Dan Duquette Traded World Series Tickets For Favors originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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George Costanza's Worst Nightmare Comes to Life Thanks to Manny Ramirez

Josh Alper — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East

I can't quite believe that this actually happened and wasn't a fever dream about a lost episode of Seinfeld but, over the weekend, Manny Ramirez attacked the Red Sox traveling secretary in Houston over the weekend. Sadly it was out of anger and not a killer Shawn Chacon impersonation.

The altercation began after Ramirez asked Jack McCormick for 16 tickets to Saturday night's game which is a lot more than usual on the day of the game. Cue chaos.

When McCormick cautioned Ramirez that he might not be able to fulfill his request, Ramirez responded by shouting: "Just do your job!"

An argument insued and Ramirez pushed McCormick, sending him to the ground.

The two men met later on and Ramirez apologized. The Red Sox announced that there wouldn't be any further disciplinary action. Wouldn't surprise me if McCormick got a nice envelope from John Henry to help him put the whole incident in the past. That seems a bit odd until you remember how much Manny means to the Red Sox, especially compared to the likes of Chacon.

Still, imagine any other workplace for a moment. If you asked someone beneath you in the organizational hierarchy for something and they said it might be a problem, would you escape disciplinary action if your response was to physically assault them? Especially if it came shortly after an incident with another co-worker? Probably not but, then, most of us can't hit like Ramirez either which is all that seems to matter.

(H/T Baseball Musings)

Player-Management Feuds

Manny Ramirez apologized Monday after a confrontation with traveling team secretary Jack McCormick, in which the slugger reportedly shoved him to the ground. Click through for more feuds between players and management.

Greg Trott. Getty Images

Shawn Chacon, left, was placed on waivers by the Astros last week following a physical confrontation with GM Ed Wade. "I lost my cool and I grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground," he told the Houston Chronicle. The pitcher was upset by the decision to move him from the starting rotation to the bullpen.

Getty Images | AP

Outspoken wide receiver Chad Johnson has repeatedly feuded with Cincinnati Bengals management. Johnson blasted the team for implying he was "selfish and a cancer" and asked for a trade, prompting head coach Marvin Lewis to reply "he is a Cincinnati Bengal for quite a while."

Tony Tribble, AP

NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmom, Teresa, feuded over Dale Jr.'s trademark No. 8 after his departure from DEI last season before the driver settled on using No. 88 in 2008.

Diane Bondareff, Nextel / AP

Manager John Gibbons, who was fired by the Blue Jays last week, routinely feuded with players during his time in Toronto. Gibbons reportedly challenged Shea Hillenbrand to a fight in July 2006 and had a shoving match with Ted Lilly after the pitcher refused to surrender the ball when he was removed from a game later that year.

Dave Sandford, Getty Images,Getty Images

Chicago Bulls rookie Joakim Noah, left, was benched for a game last season after a confrontation at practice with assistant coach Ron Adams before a game at Philadelphia. But his teammates voted to keep him benched for an additional game.

Gary Dineen, NBAE / Getty Images // Ned Dishman, NBAE / Getty Images

The scuffle wasn't the Bulls' first. In 2006, Ben Wallace, left, challenged ex-head coach Scott Skiles on a Bulls team rule forbidding headbands. Wallace was pulled from a game by the coach for defiantly wearing it during play.

D. Lippitt, Einstein, NBAE / Getty Images

Falcons star D'Angelo Hall, left, was one of the many Atlanta players who had issues with former coach Bobby Petrino. After Petrino bolted for a college gig with Arkansas at the end of last season, Hall said "I don't have any respect for him. He turned his back on the organization."

Harry How, Getty Images // Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

Former Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, right, had a tumultuous one-year stint with Miami, which included a locker room incident where Joey Porter, left, lambasted him and said he was "spineless."

George Gojkovich, Getty Images // Doug Benc, Getty Images

Emotional Dallas Cowboys star Terrell Owens, left, ripped former head coach Bill Parcells in 2006 over his use in the team's offense. "I was underutilized in the offense," Owens claimed. "A new coach can be good for the Cowboys."

Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

George Costanza's Worst Nightmare Comes to Life Thanks to Manny Ramirez originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Someone Needs a Reminder That Baseball's Just a Game

Josh Alper — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East

Whenever a major league team heads out on the road, they bring along quite an entourage. The Red Sox will have an even bigger group with them in Tampa this week. The players, coaches, trainers and media will be joined by security agents from Boston and the MLB offices in New York after several Red Sox players received threats in the mail.

According to sources, the Sox recently received a mailed threat, believed to be postmarked in Memphis, Tenn., which targeted black and Latin players, citing at least two by name. The named players have been informed about the threats and will likely have security accompaniment away from Tropicana Field, including at the team's hotel in St. Petersburg.

The Boston Herald reports that there's a suspect, believed to be from Baltimore and now living in Memphis, and that the FBI and local police are also involved. Added security was not with the team in Houston over the weekend, indicating that their may be something specific about the trip to play the Rays. It is not believed to have anything to do with the team's hostilities with the Tampa nine, which is the only thing about this that makes you feel good about society.

It's so heartening to be reminded that there are still people who have problems with baseball players because of their skin color or where they come from. The threats are probably just the work of a sad man but better to take them seriously all the same.

Someone Needs a Reminder That Baseball's Just a Game originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Ramirez Gets Letters From His High Five Victims

Eamonn Brennan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East

Manny Ramirez's sprawling catch and leaping high-five from a few weeks back was awesome for a number of reasons. One: It was the perfect summation of Manny Ramirez's career, his startling success twinged with childlike strangeness. Two: He, like, high-fived a dude. In the middle of a play. Three: No one even cared. People have finally come to grips with Manny.

The story just got another dose of awesome: Ramirez received a letter from the high-fivee, who confirmed his All-Star vote for Manny:

The message wasn't unlike many of the others, stating that the Red Sox fan was planning on voting for the left fielder on the American League ballot. Dunning, however, explained that he felt somewhat obligated to cast his vote. "It said, 'Thank you for putting me on ESPN,' " Ramirez said before last night's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park.

See, this is what's great about Manny. Even with a normal, generic quote like that, he seems as happy as a child that just got a letter from one of his idols -- not the other way around. Awww. Isn't that cute?

Manny Ramirez Gets Letters From His High Five Victims originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coping With the Oncoming Red Sox-a-thon

Eamonn Brennan — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Media Watch

Here's a fun fact I didn't know until just now: The Boston Red Sox are ~~preparing to play~~ currently playing four nationally televised games in the next five days. That's the sort of ubiquitous national TV presence enjoyed by only a few franchises in modern sports, and the kind of thing that's really going to annoy people sick of seeing the word "Boston" (or "New England") pixelated every time they flip over to the game.

Then again, Rob Iracane at Walkoff Walk has a really good point this morning. Maybe the next five days won't be so bad after all:

Do you feel tired by the incessant praise given to the Red Sox? So do I, but that's why I've stopped watching SportsCenter on a regular basis. Still, the team is so well-assembled and it performs on such a high level that it's almost impossible not to give them their due respect. And if you hate the team so much, why wouldn't you want to watch to see them possibly lose?

This is something I think is crucial to modern fandom: the ability to turn off the forced periphery (SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, etc.) and totally filter one's experience. If you don't want to read or hear about how awesome the Red Sox are, you don't have to. You can still watch the games and appreciate the baseball for what it is. Without Trey Wingo telling you every four minutes why Red Sox are awesome, that could make for a far more positive experience.

Or you could say screw it and ignore the Red Sox altogether. It's your choice; that's the point.

Coping With the Oncoming Red Sox-a-thon originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cut Schilling Could Throw In January

Eamonn Brennan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:51:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Injuries

After spring-training melodrama and a seemingly dire shoulder injury on his plate, it seems people have started to seriously write off Curt Schilling. The Hall of Fame discussions are everywhere. Schilling is talking about how he "might have thrown his last pitch forever." It's not looking good.

Ah, but! If the miracle of modern medicine has taught us one thing repeatedly, it's that very rich athletes can sometimes get miraculous medical care. Schilling's surgery went well, and he could be throwing as soon as January:

"This really is a best case scenario," Morgan said by cell phone after the 1-hour, 45-minute procedure. "He wants to pitch one more year if it's structurally possible with the type of surgery that went on," Morgan said. "My answer is: It is structurally possible if all goes well with the healing process, and I don't have control over that."

As he stands right now, Schilling is a borderline Hall of Famer (his K numbers are ridiculous; his win total, not as much). With another year of plus-average pitching underneath him -- and another World Series win for a team willing to have him as a fourth starter -- his case would be almost undeniable. Either way, it would be a major shock to see him pitching next season. Like, more shocking than if I came up with a funny kicker to end this blog post instead of just rambling on about nothing really and just typing stream-of-consciousness nonsense until I slowly lose everyone's attention. See?

Cut Schilling Could Throw In January originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Oakland A's Wouldn't Mind Getting Paid

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:24:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Oakland, Red Sox, Athletics, MLB Biz

Remember all those moons ago when the baseball season kicked off in Japan? The Red Sox and Athletics played that two game series a week before the regular season started for everybody else, the Japanese crowds loved it, and the baseball players begrudgingly went along. It was all peaches and cream!

Well, not exactly. After all, the whole thing was nearly cancelled when the Red Sox refused to make the trip if their coaching staff wasn't paid the same $40,000 that every player on both the teams were supposed to get for playing in the series. Thankfully, the whole thing was resolved, and the games were played.

There's still one tiny problem, though, because according to Oakland's Huston Street, the A's still haven't gotten paid yet.

Street, the team's player representative, said he was told by an official in his most-recent conversation with the major-league office that the checks won't be issued until the beginning of July. The players were under the impression that the money would arrive months sooner, and Street even recruited help from the A's brass to expedite a response from MLB.

"When you're talking about thousands of dollars, the guys expect me to know what's going on, and I take a lot of pride in it," Street said. "I'm sure it's frustrating for a guy who isn't in the majors anymore and is waiting on the check, instead of a guy who is in my (financial) position."

Nobody on the Red Sox has said anything on the subject, so I'm not sure whether they've been paid or not, but I'm guessing they're in the same boat. If not, well, then Bud Selig would have some serious explaining to do.

I'm sure Bud has a pretty good reason for not paying the players yet, though, as he probably found a really good deal on some baby blood and he had to dip into the MLB coffers for it. That stuff is expensive you know, but oh so sweet.

The Oakland A's Wouldn't Mind Getting Paid originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interleague Baseball is Boring: Diamondbacks-Red Sox Live Blog

Jon Bois — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Phoenix, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, MLB Live Blogging, The Dugout

Baseball is America's pastime, but had our forefathers enjoyed the modern conveniences of clocks, ball pumps, or haste, this pastime may well have been basketball or football. Instead, they had wood, leather, and a rudderless disposition. Baseball is Boring is a series of live blogs for folks who need irony and self-awareness to get through a game.

Check out Jonathan Papelbon up there. What are screams but angry yawns?

When first instituted a decade ago, interleague baseball was fun. Before 1997, the only regular-season interleague baseball existed as fan fiction in my Trapper Keeper, and usually involved Bo Jackson catching a line drive from Barry Larkin and running up a wall to high-five the black guy from DC Talk. But today, the interleague thrill is gone. Proponents of the rule argue that they allow fans to see teams and players they otherwise wouldn't at the ballpark, but I don't live in a baseball city, and those people can go fly a kite.

Diamondbacks and Red Sox, at Fenway, after the jump.THE ESSENTIALS
The Diamondbacks (39-37) start Dan Haren (7-4, 3.26 ERA).
The Red Sox (47-31) start Josh Beckett (7-4, 3.87 ERA).

ANALYSIS
Pop open a third bottle of bubbly.
Yeah, and I take that bottle of champagne,
Go into the kitchen, stand in front of the kitchen window,
And I take all my clothes off, take that bottle of champagne,
And I pour it on my head, feel it cascade through my hair,
And across my chest, and the phone rings.
And it's my mother.
And she says "HI HONEY HOW'S BOSTON?"

- "The Ice of Boston", The Dismemberment Plan

PREDICTION
Red Sox 5, Diamondbacks 4.

QUICK NOTE ABOUT THIS LIVE BLOG
From here forth, my banal and worthless commentary can be read in the box below. It updates much like a one-way instant messenger conversation does, which means you do not need to keep refreshing the page. Feel free to comment in the box at the bottom -- if your sentiment is funny or poorly-informed enough, I may just post it in the blog. Enjoy!

Interleague Baseball is Boring: Diamondbacks-Red Sox Live Blog originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Should Curt Schilling Be in the Hall of Fame?

Josh Alper — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Hall of Fame

The news that Curt Schilling needs shoulder surgery that will certainly end his season and possibly his career does not come as much of a surprise. He's 41, after all, and has battled arm problems for some time now. If retirement is next for Schilling, it gives rise to what will be an interesting annual discussion starting in five years time. Is Curt Schilling worthy of the Hall of Fame?

The negative side of the argument will center on the fact that Schilling will finish with just 216 wins in his career. That's less than guys who haven't been able to get in like Bert Blyleven and Tommy John and guys like Joe Neikro and Frank Tanana who never even got a sniff from voters. There's also been some discussion of his troubled relationships with some writers but that's about it on the negative side of the ledger.

The latter shouldn't matter if you're judging a player on his on-field merits and the former should be an afterthought when you look at the entirety of his career. When you eliminate active players and relievers, Schilling's got the fourth best strikeout/9IP and the second best strikeout/walk ratio of all time. His ERA+ is 127, same as Tom Seaver, and, once you eliminate turn of the century guys, right alongside most other Hall of Fame starters.

The wins are going to be a big deal for some people but if you prefer Mike Mussina, say, then what weight do you have to give Schilling's incredible postseason performances? As you may have guessed from the previous paragraph I think he's a Hall of Famer even without them. When you mix them in along with his status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, though, the case against Schilling becomes harder to see.

I think Schilling's candidacy will become a referendum on wins, much as contemporary sluggers will have theirs become litmus tests on the value of prodigious home run totals. If voters factor in all the peripheral stats, postseason glories, injuries and quality of teams he pitched for, I think Schilling will eventually find his way into Cooperstown.

Should Curt Schilling Be in the Hall of Fame? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Welcome Home, Jerry Manuel

Josh Alper — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Atlanta, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, Red Sox, Mariners, Braves, Mets, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Milwaukee

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Seattle Mariners (26-49) at New York Mets (37-37) - 7:10 PM ET

It's a great pitching matchup - Felix Hernandez vs. Johan Santana - but that's not why this game leads off our list of Monday baseball. No, it's because Jerry Manuel will be managing his first home game at Shea Stadium since taking over for Willie Randolph. The nature of that dismissal has been debated to death in New York since then but it will still be interesting to see how the hometown faithful react in their first look at the team since Black early Tuesday morning. Manuel's fertilizer comments, which seem like little more than a tabloid trying to make a stink where none exists, could also play a role in how he's greeted. If Santana pitches well, and no reason he shouldn't against the Mariners, it should all end up as a lovefest by the end of the night.

Arizona Diamondbacks (39-37) at Boston Red Sox (47-31) - 7:05 PM ET

Just what the slumping Diamondbacks don't need to snap their bats to life, a trip to Fenway and Josh Beckett staring them in the face. They've scored more than three runs just once in their last nine games and scored but six runs while getting swept by the Twins over the weekend. Luckily have Dan Haren throwing for them tonight. The Diamondbacks have won his last four starts but it's easy to see that streak coming to an end if their hitters don't start pulling their weight.

Milwaukee Brewers (41-34) at Atlanta Braves (38-39) - 7:10 PM ET

The latest round in the battle for the eternal soul of Milwaukee baseball sees the two combatants heading in very different directions. The Braves have lost 10 of their last 16 while the Brewers have saved their season with a 21-10 since the middle of May. Ben Sheets has been a big part of the recent good play. He's 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his last six starts. His chances of extending that run get a boost with word that Chipper Jones will miss a third straight start thanks to injured quadriceps.

Everyone else:

Angels at Nationals - 7:10 PM ET
Rockies at Royals - 8:10 PM ET

On Deck: Welcome Home, Jerry Manuel originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Lou Piniella is a Godfather

Jon Bois — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:20:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Chicago, Red Sox, Cubs, The Dugout

I have a tradition. Every Sunday, I grab some coffee, sit in front of my computer, and read about retired infielder and current Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan. Sometimes I'll pore through his stats and realize I completely forgot that he hit .328 one year. Other days, I'll check to see whether the value of his rookie card has topped a nickel.

Today, though, was the most eventful Magaday yet! I learned that he and Lou Piniella are cousins, and that Piniella is his godfather! I celebrated my discovery by treating myself to a two-Pop-Tart dinner (I usually have just one).

This evening's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	OnlineHost Welcome to Family Barbecue Chat!
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
	MAGADETH: I'm your cousin! You're my godfather!
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: WHICH ONE
	MAGADETH: Both!
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: /opens bottle of Stroh's with teeth
	MAGADETH: Those twist off.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: HOW IN GOD'S GRAY EARTH AM I YOUR COUSIN AND YOUR GODFATHER
	MAGADETH: Beats me. Apparently you sponsored me at my baptism. That's how you become a godparent.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: HOW OLD ARE YOU
	MAGADETH: I'm 45.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: AND I'M /peeks into garage, counts sixty-four jagged tallies on wall 64
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: THAT'S OLDER THAN GOD THEY DIDN'T HAVE BAPTISMS BEFORE GOD I CLAIM SHENANIGANS
	MAGADETH: Well, it's true.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: DAVE MAGADAN DAVE DAMN MAGADAN DO I HAVE ANY OTHER OBSCURE 1980S BASEBALL PLAYER BASTARD GOD-CHILDREN I DON'T KNOW ABOUT
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: AM I ABOUT TO BE ACCOSTED BY, LIKE, PAT TABLER OR GUS POLIDOR OR SOMEBODY
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO BE A GODDAD
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: COME ON I'LL TEACH YOU HOW TO RIDE A GODBIKE
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: LET'S GO GODFISHING LET'S PUT SOME GODBAIT ON A GODHOOK AND CATCH A GODCOD
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: GOD
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: /stomps into garage, picks up jagged rock, crudely etches twenty more tallies into wall
	MAGADETH: Well, uh...well, I'm a coach for the Red Sox now. Maybe you could give me some pointers?
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: YELL A LOT AND WEAR A HAT
	MAGADETH: That really works?
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: EITHER THAT OR WE'RE ALL IN THE MATRIX AND THE CUBS DON'T REALLY HAVE A +9 MILLION RUN DIFFERENTIAL
	MAGADETH: Thanks, Godfather.
	PiniellaOnTheDonkey: IF YOU'LL EXCUSE ME I'M GOING TO PUT AN ORANGE IN MY MOUTH AND CHASE AROUND A SMALL CHILD
	OnlineHost Welcome to Red Sox Batting Practice Chat!
	MAGADETH: /adjusts hat
	MAGADETH: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, CAPITAL LETTERS CAPITAL LETTERS
	MannyTheTorpedoes: manny hearing maggy

Photos link to player info. WordUpThome.com Photo Credit: Getty, Creative Commons

The Dugout: Lou Piniella is a Godfather originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C's Gone Wild: Celtics Celebrate at Fenway

Randy Kim — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Boston, Red Sox

Here's video of the Celtics being honored at Fenway Park on Friday night. Highlights include: the entire team running from the centerfield wall to the pitcher's mound; Paul Pierce throwing out the first pitch; the first pitch going high; Jason Veritek not being able to catch the first pitch; and Brian Scalabrine pounding his chest to celebrate said first wild pitch.

And at some point, apparently Pierce slid into second base ... Without the aid of a wheelchair if you're keeping score at home.

C's Gone Wild: Celtics Celebrate at Fenway originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Living in the 90's Week at MLB FanHouse

Will Brinson — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Video

Understandably, there are countless "just as good at singing as the original Milli Vanilli" jokes available in this video. But I'm too stunned at watching Jonathan Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen, dressed as Rob and Fab in the Boston Red Sox newest rain delay video, singing "Blame It on the Rain" to really make with the funny.

As Brian Powell put it, maybe Papelbon has a little too much crazy in him. (Re: Living in the 90's: Kevin Millar is Killing Your Brain Like a Poisonous Mushroom ... Deadly! When I play a dope ... okay, I'll stop.)

H/T: Sox and Dawgs

It's Living in the 90's Week at MLB FanHouse originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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