Two days ago, I was in the car listening to the radio, and very briefly they said that Tiger Woods, the PGA superstar, had been in a serious car accident. At first I was sad because I like Tiger and thought it would change golf forever. I got home and the first thing I did was turn on ESPN. They said that he hit a fire hydrant and then a tree in his neighbor’s yard and had a serious injury with face lacerations. They just kept repeating that story waiting for more news to come in. The media was pretty lame about it. Finally they got news that he was released from the hospital and could play in his own Chevron Tournament.  When the story wasn’t clear, the news seemed to want to make it more than it was.  Perhaps a story that Tiger Woods was in a fender bender would not have attracted as many viewers. Now that Tiger Woods said he doesn’t want to talk about the accident lets see if the media will leave him alone–probably not. It is amazing how the media can make a story out of nothing.

During the General Managers’ Meetings in Chicago this week, Theo Epstein met with John Lacky a great pitcher, on the Angeles. So I am guessing that we have interest in him. In 2009 he left the season with a 3.83 ERA, with eleven wins and eight losses. If we get him he would be a huge boost to our pitching staff. Its great Lacky is so passionate about the game.You always see him coming off the field yelling encouragement or other stuff. The big thing that the Red Sox need is pitching. If we get him he wouldn’t be our first pitcher he would be a very solid third or fourth guy.

]]> http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/sox-show-interest-in-lacky/feed/ 0 ianpapelbon http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/varitek-is-returning/ http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/varitek-is-returning/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:02:56 +0000 Ian http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/?p=1111 ]]>

I am happy Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million player option to stay with the Red Sox. He will be returning in the 2010 season as a captain back up catcher for the first time. .He is such a faithful red sock, if he went it would be sad to see him go. In 2009 he finished the season with a .209 AVG and fifty one RBI’S. He is pretty good on defense though.In 2009 he had a .997 FPTC and three errors. Victor Martinz is much better at hitting here is proof. In 2009 Martinez had 108 RBI’S. They are very comparable in defense Martinez has a .992 FPCT and 3 errors. So Veritek wont get much playing time.

Victor Martinez has been amazing since the Red Sox got him on August 1, 2009. When he first got the news that he was traded to Boston, he had mixed feelings because he was loyal to the Indians for seven straight years and he was planning to retire there.  On the other hand, he was excited to be on a team that had a chance to play in October.  In fact, if we get to October, it may be because of him.  Victor is hitting .329 with five bombs and 16 RBI’S with the Red Sox.  On defense, Victor has been very flexible, playing first base and catcher, and allowing some of the other Red Sox players to rest and heal.  He has not only been great  to have on the field he has been great in the dugout.  He has an enthusiastic attitude, and he and  David Ortiz have become good friends. It has been great to have Victor on our team and he likes it here too.

Although I am mad at Michael Vick because he abused dogs, I also think that he deserves a second chance. He was very apologetic and he regretted what he did. For example, Vick said, “The first day I walked into prison and they slammed that door, I knew the magnitude of the decisions that I made and the poor judgment and what I, you know, allowed to happen to the animals.” Now that he served his time in prison people should forgive him or at least allow him to redeem himself.

When you see Michael Vick on the field he is fun to watch. He is electric. He is a very good player.  For example, in 2006 Vick had 20 touchdowns and he ran 2,474 yards, both were records in his NFL career. Now that he is on a football team, I hope he focuses on football and the fans will allow him to do that.   More important, let’s all hope that Michael finds a way to redeem himself as a good person.

Michael Vick 60 Minutes

I am disappointed that David Ortiz may have taken a performance-enhancing substance.  According to the latest leak, Big Papi’s name is reportedly on the list of players who were tested (supposedly anonymously) in 2003 and whose results came back positive.  Even if the leak can be trusted, there is much that we do not know, including whether the substance was even banned from Major League Baseball at the time. I and many other Red Sox fans would have less respect for Ortiz if suspicions are confirmed that he used a banned substance.  I think David has to start getting information and start talking to the media about what actually happened. With regard to the 2003 list, I agree with Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen who recently said:  “Get that stupid list out.”  I can’t believe all these names are coming out from a list that should have been destroyed. Let’s just get it over with and stop this Chinese water torture!

I am thrilled that the Red Sox got Victor Martinez, the switch-hitting catcher-first baseman from the Cleveland Indians, in exchange for Justin Masterson, the right-handed pitcher from the Boston Red Sox, and two other minor league prospects. In 2009, Victor has 15 long balls and 67 runs batted. Justin  has a 4.50 ERA and has a 3-3 record in 2009. Victor is coming to a much better team in the Sox. The Sox have a 59-42 record. The Indians have a 42-60 record. I think with that move the Sox will go deep in the post-season.  In any case, I think Boston will benefit more from the trade than the Tribe.

Victor Martinez Tribute

]]> http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/victor-martinez-is-coming-to-boston/feed/ 0 ianpapelbon http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/ryan-howard-vs-albert-pujoles/ http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/ryan-howard-vs-albert-pujoles/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:13:14 +0000 Ian http://ianonsports.wordpress.com/?p=1019 ]]>

I think Albert Pujoles or Ryan Howard will win home run derby. Albert has 32 home runs so far this season and is on track for 64. Howard has 22 long balls and is on track for 44. The way this season is going, I think Pujoles will win the home run derby. Even though last season Albert got 37 long balls, and Howard got 48. it looks like a close competition I am rooting for Albert Pujoles.

It would be great if the Red Sox could get the All-Star pitcher Roy Halladay. This year roy has a 2.79 ERA and a record of 10-2.  Over his lifetime, he’s pitched 43 complete major league games. The Toronto Blue Jays‘ GM said they’d listen to offers for Halladay. The Jays are in the same division as Boston, and Toronto would be letting him go to a division rival, but that really doesn’t matter because the Sox have so many good prospects to exchange for Halladay. I don’t think Roy would use his veto power because he wants to play in October, and there is a sellout almost every game at Fenway.  The Yankees can’t get him because all the money they have already spent in the off season. There is a good chance that the Sox could get Halladay at the trading deadline.

To hear Curt Schilling’s perspective on Halladay and the Sox, click on the link below.

Curt in the Car

Kevin Youkilis, and Mark Teixira are two very similar players. Youk is hitting .314, with 14 home runs and 47 RBI’s. Teixira is hitting .278, with 20 dingers and 60 RBI’s. In April, Kevin  missed 13 games with an oblique injury. Even though Youk missed 13 games, I think that Mark deserves to play in the all-star game more than Youkilis. The numbers prove it. Youk is still a great player and should definitely make the all star game, but not as a starter.