Let's break this into two camps: Happy and Unhappy with the Bartolo Colon signing:
Happy: The Taco Bell in Kenmore Square. Taco Bell Inc have just revised their profit estimates upwards for the northeast. Anyone in Boston looking for work sumbit their resume.
Not so happy: The Sox clubhouse manager in charge of the post game food spread. He has just purchased a heavy duty workout belt for increased back support.
Happy: The Sox uniform manager. As Smedile astutely observed, finally, a player to fit into Rich "El Guapo" Garces' game trousers. (I still think they'll be a bit loose on Big Bartolo.)
Looks like this is a good signing as the Happys win 2-1.
For real, no real downside to this signing. If reports of a 1 million dollar salary are accurate, this is a low cost flyer on a player who two years ago won the Cy Young. Reports suggest he has a torn rotator cuff... best to monitor your optimism.
My hope? The Sox move him to the bullpen. Let him throw 50 hard innings this year, basically every other day. The toll on his shoulder would be lessened. Is the big guy willing in this role? I don't know but he likely wants to continue starting. I just think he'd be more effective this way, assuming his shoulder isn't able for starting.
And who's spot does he take in the rotation? I don't see who gets knocked out. Wakefield? I am all for the 6 starter model that Theo and Tito have embraced, in the event of trouble. But it sure looks like the rotation, as of today, is Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester, Buchholz, Wakefield. If Colon has anything left, he'd have to be in the pen, right? Wakefield isn't going back to the pen. The kids aren't either, unless Buchholz has a rotten spring. Lester? Not having a rotten spring. He's here to stay.
So tell Timlin to get the bullpen burritos on the bbq. Big Bartolo is hungry... let's hope he's hungry to pitch too!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Video of the stumpy guy crossing the finish line!
Here is a link to the Tokyo marathon website with the video of the kid crossing the finish line. I look strong! (I look wrecked, who am I kidding...)
http://www.ntv.co.jp/tokyomarathon/goalmovie/
http://www.ntv.co.jp/tokyomarathon/goalmovie/
Number 26446 is my "bib number." Enter this number into the box that says "search."
Then hit play. I'm on the left side of the screen in a white long sleeve top, black
shorts, and yellow sneakers. It might take a minute to load but it will
come up.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Another important message on Tokyo...
Not sure how I forgot this but a big well done and thank you to the big boy, Dave. He came flying home in 2 hours 52 minutes up in Tokyo. Back from a serious ankle surgery, he's only back training for about 4 months... and he still bangs it home in that time. Most impressive. A successful and enjoyable 2008 is in the cards and personal bests are sure to come.
And big thanks for all the help kid. My 6 emails per day asking questions like, "my ankle hurts: what do you think it is?", or, "which pace should I do this tempo run at: 4:15 or 4:14?" or even, "do you tie your shoes in a single knot? a double knot? help!" have never gone unanswered. A top class coach and brother in law... thanks Dave.
And big thanks for all the help kid. My 6 emails per day asking questions like, "my ankle hurts: what do you think it is?", or, "which pace should I do this tempo run at: 4:15 or 4:14?" or even, "do you tie your shoes in a single knot? a double knot? help!" have never gone unanswered. A top class coach and brother in law... thanks Dave.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tokyo marathon result-3:13
Ran the Tokyo marathon today, 17 February 2008. A beautiful city, a flat course, a cool (cold) day, blue skies, massive crowd support (about 2 million supporters), and of course support from Gillian, Olivia, Jen and Caitlin saw me beat my goal time and come home in a net time of either 3:12:59 or 3:13:00. Two minutes quicker than my goal time! I'm delighted...
I was consistent with my pace throughout the race and stuck with my plan of just easing into the race, although I went through my 5k goal time about 30 seconds quicker than projected. I just felt really good but didn't push the pace. Banked valuable seconds along the way and at about halfway had close to 1 minute 50 seconds stashed away. The thinking was to just keep this pace and see how I feel at 35. At 35, this bank had come down to about 1:30 but still, all was going better than planned.
Let's see how I feel at 40 was the thinking and pushed it slightly between 35-40. Still felt strong, even up the hills (small hills but still...) and while the legs started to get a little heavy, I had no signs of 'the wall'. Just kept blasting away.
From 40-42, pushed it and hammered it home. Chopped about 30 more seconds off and came home in either 3:12:59 or 3:13:00. Just so happy with this.
Seeing the girls out at 16, 25, and 36 was a massive help and they were great.
Off to drink a few well deserved Sapporos...
I was consistent with my pace throughout the race and stuck with my plan of just easing into the race, although I went through my 5k goal time about 30 seconds quicker than projected. I just felt really good but didn't push the pace. Banked valuable seconds along the way and at about halfway had close to 1 minute 50 seconds stashed away. The thinking was to just keep this pace and see how I feel at 35. At 35, this bank had come down to about 1:30 but still, all was going better than planned.
Let's see how I feel at 40 was the thinking and pushed it slightly between 35-40. Still felt strong, even up the hills (small hills but still...) and while the legs started to get a little heavy, I had no signs of 'the wall'. Just kept blasting away.
From 40-42, pushed it and hammered it home. Chopped about 30 more seconds off and came home in either 3:12:59 or 3:13:00. Just so happy with this.
Seeing the girls out at 16, 25, and 36 was a massive help and they were great.
Off to drink a few well deserved Sapporos...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Roger Clemens vs Brian McNamee
If Pettite is such a good friend, why would he lie? I don't buy that he "misremembered" as Clemens suggested. And Roger's wife took an HGH shot and Roger was aware of it. That sure sounds like a household that believes in the "better living by pharmaceuticals" motto. And McNamee gave her the shot!
It's a circus. Clemens used and he should just come clean. It's time for players and teams to come out and say, "it was a different time, we all messed up, we knew and turned a blind eye, and now want the game to be clean." Responsibility should be shared.
It's a circus. Clemens used and he should just come clean. It's time for players and teams to come out and say, "it was a different time, we all messed up, we knew and turned a blind eye, and now want the game to be clean." Responsibility should be shared.
From Osaka Japan...
Arrived in Osaka on Wednesday night after what felt like a quick 10 hour flight. It's a big sprawling city... visited Osaka castle, a beautiful, old structure.
Went out for a 25 minute run with Dave, covered about 5k, very comfortable. We ran up the hill home in fast 20 second bursts, did that 4-5 times. Very comfortable and provided more confidence.
The cold I've picked up has lingered however and worked it's way down into my lungs. A bit of a cough has started up. Will take it very easy today, relax until the train ride up to Tokyo. Lots of fluids and healthy foods could push this cold right out. I'll be fine. Looking forward to Tokyo and Sunday.
Went out for a 25 minute run with Dave, covered about 5k, very comfortable. We ran up the hill home in fast 20 second bursts, did that 4-5 times. Very comfortable and provided more confidence.
The cold I've picked up has lingered however and worked it's way down into my lungs. A bit of a cough has started up. Will take it very easy today, relax until the train ride up to Tokyo. Lots of fluids and healthy foods could push this cold right out. I'll be fine. Looking forward to Tokyo and Sunday.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ready for marathon number 2, Japanese style...
Tuesday here and just 5 days out now. Had a strong, long-ish run on Sunday, perhaps went a bit too hard but no worries. Took Monday off and when started feeling a bit like I've got a sore throat and cold, took Tuesday off as well (now that's tapering!) I think the cold will be a mild one... Had a massage at Jackie's tonight. Will get out for an easy run tomorrow prior to the flight.
Looks like it will be cold up in Tokyo but a guy from Boston... can't complain about the cold. Between 34 and 44 Farenheit, 1-7 celsius... wow, that is cold. But will be bundled up and once we get started running, I think the cool dry air will be a big bonus.
The race plan is to relax, try and enjoy, ease into the first 5k and work up to goal marathon pace. I've found that I'm a slow starter (go figure) and that my best longer runs and races have come when I've eased into the race. So that's the strategy. If goal pace is 4:37 per k, probably average 4:45-4:50 for the first 5 then pick it up. All subject to change though as the first 5 appear slightly downhill. So maybe I'll be quicker. But the advice I've gotten from Kanser, Blue Dog, and the rest: Don't go out too fast, don't go out too fast, don't go out too fast. I'll listen...
Very excited about the race and feel pretty proud of the journey to get here. A solid, organized 16 weeks of training. I'm lighter and stronger than I was for Canberra in April. Gillian, my beautiful wife, has been so supportive. Patient, wise, caring (especially after those runs), a source of good advice (she's been through this battle herself)... out there cycling with me on the long runs... special stuff that I'll always remember. Thanks my croi...
The hotel appears to have an Italian joint in it... nice for the carbo load. Plus heaps of rice and noodles, we'll be stocked with glycogen.
And thanks to the Big Boy Kanser for the help, as always. The kid is strong and I know he's going to crush it. Inspiring stuff from the kid. Back from ankle surgery and has a pb in mind in just 5 months. Rumors of HGH use are rampant in the local running community. How does he do it!!! I'll probably beat him to the finish line still, a solid effort....Well done kid.
And thanks to nice messages from Mom, Uncle Em, Debbie, Geraldine, and friends. Will update from Japan.
Looks like it will be cold up in Tokyo but a guy from Boston... can't complain about the cold. Between 34 and 44 Farenheit, 1-7 celsius... wow, that is cold. But will be bundled up and once we get started running, I think the cool dry air will be a big bonus.
The race plan is to relax, try and enjoy, ease into the first 5k and work up to goal marathon pace. I've found that I'm a slow starter (go figure) and that my best longer runs and races have come when I've eased into the race. So that's the strategy. If goal pace is 4:37 per k, probably average 4:45-4:50 for the first 5 then pick it up. All subject to change though as the first 5 appear slightly downhill. So maybe I'll be quicker. But the advice I've gotten from Kanser, Blue Dog, and the rest: Don't go out too fast, don't go out too fast, don't go out too fast. I'll listen...
Very excited about the race and feel pretty proud of the journey to get here. A solid, organized 16 weeks of training. I'm lighter and stronger than I was for Canberra in April. Gillian, my beautiful wife, has been so supportive. Patient, wise, caring (especially after those runs), a source of good advice (she's been through this battle herself)... out there cycling with me on the long runs... special stuff that I'll always remember. Thanks my croi...
The hotel appears to have an Italian joint in it... nice for the carbo load. Plus heaps of rice and noodles, we'll be stocked with glycogen.
And thanks to the Big Boy Kanser for the help, as always. The kid is strong and I know he's going to crush it. Inspiring stuff from the kid. Back from ankle surgery and has a pb in mind in just 5 months. Rumors of HGH use are rampant in the local running community. How does he do it!!! I'll probably beat him to the finish line still, a solid effort....Well done kid.
And thanks to nice messages from Mom, Uncle Em, Debbie, Geraldine, and friends. Will update from Japan.
Friday, February 8, 2008
8 days from Tokyo now...
And went out for a 9k run today. After yesterday's day off and no running since Thursday morning (today is Saturday), plus a massage on Thursday evening, I was curious to see how I'd go. To quote Mr. Ice Cube... Today was a good day (and I didn't have to use my AK..). The zip in my legs was very unusual. I literally had to fight to keep my pace down. The plan was to do 2k easy (5.20 per k), 4.5 at about marathon pace, then another 2.5 easy home. Felt like I was crawling going slow and ran at marathon pace without really increasing my breath. A good sign 8 days out...
Lots of coaches and experts say that during your taper, you begin to get that zip back as all of your hard work settles into healed, healthy legs. During the Canberra taper, I didn't get to experience this as I had a back muscle pull that literally kept me from any running from day 10 to day 4 prior to the run. When I did run, it was more a ginger, careful trot, ensuring my back didn't slip again. So today was great, very enjoyable, and brought me some confidence that the taper is working and perhaps I'm peaking for the big day.
Got out to watch the Big Boy Kanser do his 10k on the track. As his official lap counter, I was encouraged to shout obscenities, degrade him, and act disgusted with his performance, which I took the liberty of doing... And still got thanks at the end! Great job. For real though, the kid looked very strong last night. Zipping around the track in 85 second laps and finished in a strong 35.19. He chopped 50 seconds from last Saturday's 10k! This tells me he is ready to roll for next Sunday, end of story.
Had a good strategy discussion with the Big Boy as well. I think we're both quietly confident that we are capable of our goals and pb times. We agreed that going out comfortably is how we'll start, settle in, get warmed up in the 4 degree (36 Farenheit) starting temperature, then let the cooler temps and strength we've gained take over and drive us on. We've trained hard and are prepared for a great day.
Lastly, a Roger Clemens update: What a mess... now Clemens' wife is accused of using HGH, his former trainer has the actual syringes that he claims to have injected Roger with (see Monica Lewinsky), and Roger's attorney says McNamee is crazy. I'm on record as believing Roger did it, that McNamee has every reason to tell the truth and Clemens has every reason to lie. Guilty til proven innocent? Maybe but I can also use my eyes, logic, and instinct to make a call. He used.
Lots of coaches and experts say that during your taper, you begin to get that zip back as all of your hard work settles into healed, healthy legs. During the Canberra taper, I didn't get to experience this as I had a back muscle pull that literally kept me from any running from day 10 to day 4 prior to the run. When I did run, it was more a ginger, careful trot, ensuring my back didn't slip again. So today was great, very enjoyable, and brought me some confidence that the taper is working and perhaps I'm peaking for the big day.
Got out to watch the Big Boy Kanser do his 10k on the track. As his official lap counter, I was encouraged to shout obscenities, degrade him, and act disgusted with his performance, which I took the liberty of doing... And still got thanks at the end! Great job. For real though, the kid looked very strong last night. Zipping around the track in 85 second laps and finished in a strong 35.19. He chopped 50 seconds from last Saturday's 10k! This tells me he is ready to roll for next Sunday, end of story.
Had a good strategy discussion with the Big Boy as well. I think we're both quietly confident that we are capable of our goals and pb times. We agreed that going out comfortably is how we'll start, settle in, get warmed up in the 4 degree (36 Farenheit) starting temperature, then let the cooler temps and strength we've gained take over and drive us on. We've trained hard and are prepared for a great day.
Lastly, a Roger Clemens update: What a mess... now Clemens' wife is accused of using HGH, his former trainer has the actual syringes that he claims to have injected Roger with (see Monica Lewinsky), and Roger's attorney says McNamee is crazy. I'm on record as believing Roger did it, that McNamee has every reason to tell the truth and Clemens has every reason to lie. Guilty til proven innocent? Maybe but I can also use my eyes, logic, and instinct to make a call. He used.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I'm optimistic...
The Red Sox are in the news, and it's not just that Saturday is Boston holiday "Truck Day", the day the equipment truck leaves Fenway for Ft Myers, Florida. Is Truck Day a holiday in other cities? Speaking with my co-pilot on this, Mike Smedile, and he thinks no. I agree:
Look, the biggest issue with this injury to Schilling's shoulder is not the production we'll miss from the Big Guy. The issue here is depth: The missing 6th starter in the Sox rotation. Theo likes to stockpile starters and let the rotation sort itself out through attrition. Last year's rotation to start the season was: Beckett, Schilling, Wakefield, Daisuske, and Tavarez (with Lester rehabbing and nearly ready, plus Bucholz starting to enter the picture.) Lester became a factor, Bucholz contributed, and Joshua was fresh come playoff time. The 6th starter approach makes sense.
Regarding the guaranteed 8 million due to Schill, I'm with Rob Neyer on this one: The Sox don't get a penny back from him (Got to love the guaranteed contract...) Insurance? Maybe. I don't know the ins and outs here but I'd think that if he didn't pitch at all this year, the Sox would be able to claim from their insurance policy on his deal.
Granted, this makes Francona's job of filling out the lineup card every 5th day that much easier. No potential controversies surrounding Bucholz starting the season in the minors. Barring another injury between now and opening day, you'd think we'd enter the season with a roation of Beckett, Matsusaka, Wakefield, Lester, and Bucholz, with Tavarez on point as the "6th starter." Is this a title winning rotation? Yes, it can be. BUT, Daisuke has got to elevate his game this year. I'm on record that he will, that his ERA will improve, that the August/September fade we saw last season will be a thing of the past. And the pups will have to continue to grow up, become big dogs, pitch 180-200 innings, and win ballgames. I'm optimistic.
And this could further drive a deal for pitcher involving Crisp or Ellsbury (not sure why Ellsbury's name is being bandied about in trade talks. Probably just a negotiating tactic that lessens the perceived "need" to deal Crisp. I want to watch Ellsbury lurk, roam, and smoothly navigate the contours of the Fenway centerfield, plus watch him run the bases like a jackrabbit on the loose.) If I'm Jon Daniels from Texas or another GM, I'm calling Theo and offering up a lesser starter for one of these CFs. Bottom line, a deal for a pitcher WILL happen within the next 6 weeks.
Wait a second: Didn't we just pass on a deal for a top starter that could have involved one of the above mentioned CFs, a minor league shortstop (Lowrie,) and a minor league starter (Masterson). Oh, to be able to rewind the clock 6 days... Anyone got a spare time machine kicking around?
For real, I was a card carrying member of the Acquire Johan Santana club ever since his name was first dropped. Ask Smedile, ask Gillian, ask Mr Molesworth here in Sydney (in other words, not just an emotional reaction to the Schilling injury.) While this was a fun deal to ponder (not in a position of need, sort of a "win win" scenario), we all should take a position, right? I'm guilty: I wanted the Sox to push an offer of Crisp/Ellsbury, Lowrie, and Masterson, get it done, then pony up the 22 million per year. Fine. I said it. Smedile and I kicked this around and he was of the position that this was bad for the game, that it's just another case of the rich getting richer, he didn't want to fork over 22 million per year since that cash could be used for other prodctive players, that we didn't NEED this guy, and that he wanted to watch the kids grow up (Mike: Ever the socialist, nurturing type...) As always, an astute position from the big guy. So call me the greedy, capitalist, poor parenting type: But I wanted Johan in Boston. It would improve the ballclub. Like former GM Lou Gorman would say, it's about the ballclub. After all, like Willie McGee, what are we going to do with Johan Santana? Hey, the sun will rise, the sun will set, and I'll have lunch.
Lastly, 9 days until the marathon now... Can't wait to let the stored energy spill out all over the streets of Tokyo. I'm finding this tapering to be challenging, balancing the fear of not doing enough with the fear of having done too much... A weird thought after training so hard for 16 weeks. I trust I'm playing this just right though, following Coach Kane's lead, and looking to power through 42.195k come 17 Feb... Bring it on. As The Big Baby Dan said: Sub 3.20 or bust...
Look, the biggest issue with this injury to Schilling's shoulder is not the production we'll miss from the Big Guy. The issue here is depth: The missing 6th starter in the Sox rotation. Theo likes to stockpile starters and let the rotation sort itself out through attrition. Last year's rotation to start the season was: Beckett, Schilling, Wakefield, Daisuske, and Tavarez (with Lester rehabbing and nearly ready, plus Bucholz starting to enter the picture.) Lester became a factor, Bucholz contributed, and Joshua was fresh come playoff time. The 6th starter approach makes sense.
Regarding the guaranteed 8 million due to Schill, I'm with Rob Neyer on this one: The Sox don't get a penny back from him (Got to love the guaranteed contract...) Insurance? Maybe. I don't know the ins and outs here but I'd think that if he didn't pitch at all this year, the Sox would be able to claim from their insurance policy on his deal.
Granted, this makes Francona's job of filling out the lineup card every 5th day that much easier. No potential controversies surrounding Bucholz starting the season in the minors. Barring another injury between now and opening day, you'd think we'd enter the season with a roation of Beckett, Matsusaka, Wakefield, Lester, and Bucholz, with Tavarez on point as the "6th starter." Is this a title winning rotation? Yes, it can be. BUT, Daisuke has got to elevate his game this year. I'm on record that he will, that his ERA will improve, that the August/September fade we saw last season will be a thing of the past. And the pups will have to continue to grow up, become big dogs, pitch 180-200 innings, and win ballgames. I'm optimistic.
And this could further drive a deal for pitcher involving Crisp or Ellsbury (not sure why Ellsbury's name is being bandied about in trade talks. Probably just a negotiating tactic that lessens the perceived "need" to deal Crisp. I want to watch Ellsbury lurk, roam, and smoothly navigate the contours of the Fenway centerfield, plus watch him run the bases like a jackrabbit on the loose.) If I'm Jon Daniels from Texas or another GM, I'm calling Theo and offering up a lesser starter for one of these CFs. Bottom line, a deal for a pitcher WILL happen within the next 6 weeks.
Wait a second: Didn't we just pass on a deal for a top starter that could have involved one of the above mentioned CFs, a minor league shortstop (Lowrie,) and a minor league starter (Masterson). Oh, to be able to rewind the clock 6 days... Anyone got a spare time machine kicking around?
For real, I was a card carrying member of the Acquire Johan Santana club ever since his name was first dropped. Ask Smedile, ask Gillian, ask Mr Molesworth here in Sydney (in other words, not just an emotional reaction to the Schilling injury.) While this was a fun deal to ponder (not in a position of need, sort of a "win win" scenario), we all should take a position, right? I'm guilty: I wanted the Sox to push an offer of Crisp/Ellsbury, Lowrie, and Masterson, get it done, then pony up the 22 million per year. Fine. I said it. Smedile and I kicked this around and he was of the position that this was bad for the game, that it's just another case of the rich getting richer, he didn't want to fork over 22 million per year since that cash could be used for other prodctive players, that we didn't NEED this guy, and that he wanted to watch the kids grow up (Mike: Ever the socialist, nurturing type...) As always, an astute position from the big guy. So call me the greedy, capitalist, poor parenting type: But I wanted Johan in Boston. It would improve the ballclub. Like former GM Lou Gorman would say, it's about the ballclub. After all, like Willie McGee, what are we going to do with Johan Santana? Hey, the sun will rise, the sun will set, and I'll have lunch.
Lastly, 9 days until the marathon now... Can't wait to let the stored energy spill out all over the streets of Tokyo. I'm finding this tapering to be challenging, balancing the fear of not doing enough with the fear of having done too much... A weird thought after training so hard for 16 weeks. I trust I'm playing this just right though, following Coach Kane's lead, and looking to power through 42.195k come 17 Feb... Bring it on. As The Big Baby Dan said: Sub 3.20 or bust...
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