Eurotrip: The Real Life Thing

Hey, it's the big guy!
(CEB II)

For those of you who have been waiting for something non-baseball related on Cloud 10, this is your lucky day ladies and gents! It's hard to keep off when the Sox have been playing the way they have. But since their 11 game win streak is over, I think it's about that time to show the variety I promised. In a week, I will be landing out in Copenhagen, ready to embark on Eurotrip Part Deux. Needless to say, I am pumped, for it will be another round of foreign casinos, sketchy hostels (hopefully nothing like part 1 though), and buying Cuban cigars at the 7-Eleven. The last trip brought me some memorable adventures through 6 different countries with a rock-star pace of 9 flights in 9 days. Even though the pace of this trip is less back-breaking, it won't stop me from taking in the experience fully. However, don't expect any adventures with soccer hooligans, fights with mimes, and excursions to Club Vandersexxx from this European explorer. However, I would like to go back to the Vatican again just so I can pull off being the Pope. Think about it. I would be all over the Italian papers as the Obama of the Catholic world (how do you say "Yes we can!" in Italian?). Anyway, the whole plan is to try avoid any of the story lines of the movie, while still pulling off the epic adventure.

In the words of Ace Ventura, "Do NOT, go in there!"
(CEB II)

The last trip I took included not seeing daylight in Scandinavia (self-influenced), spraying cologne on myself for 3 days to avoid the hostel showers (see image above, you'll understand), and a strange dude who was advertising his "spa and sauna" establishment. Since it was my first appearance in the European continent, it was a little bit of a fish out of water experience, but in a good way. Probably as good as the Celtics environment in actually helping Stephon Marbury. Not that I'm comparing myself to the let's just say "over-confident" Starbury, but everyone needs to put themselves out of their comfort zone once in a blue moon. It's the most effective way to stay adaptable in an ever-changing world. Now if you're thinking about me going to the Middle East anytime soon for the comfort zone thing, ummmm...........NO (however I'm open to Dubai in a few years)! Might not come back from that zone no matter how comfortable I get. This trip will have a newer feel in comparison to the last, for now I know more people who dwell on the land across the pond. Now, I will have a tour guide for most of the countries I roam, while at the same time, avoiding some of the aforementioned hostel sketchiness. But with all the good and the not so good, there is always something to gain. I feel that I live in the best country in the world, no doubt. However, it is beneficial to take excursions like this to view how people in other cultures carry out their lives, for they have a lot to offer us as well. For example, I wouldn't mind bringing over the afternoon nap system from Spain. Most importantly though, I can't wait to visit some of the friends that I have made out yonder. It's a great feeling to know that I have a widespread connection outside of tiny Hudson, MA, a key to any part of the globe. In the grand scheme of things, that is probably the most important part of a journey like this, connecting as a world citizen. Being a world citizen not only has to do with cultural connection, but having the awareness of the endless opportunities that surround and entice you. It's one of those moments where I am kind of blessed that I had been laid off, because I don't think I would have ever got 2.5 weeks from the previous jobs I've had to do something as cool as this. And besides, it's time for a vacation! I'll decide what it's actually for later.


Eurotrip II Country Itinerary
- Denmark
- Sweden
- England
- Spain
- Norway
- Netherlands (TBD)
- Austria

Bonus: Eurotrip 1 Montage

"Woo Hoo" - The 5.6.7.8's - Bomb The Twist, 1996
"Around The World - Daft Punk - Homework, 1997

Stealing Is A Good Thing, Really!

Jacoby on the run like the mayor, because he pretty much is.
(soxblog.mlblogs.com)

If for some reason you have been living in a cave for about the past 2 weeks, the Sox just had the BEST HOMESTAND EVER! How good? Winning all 9 games is good for starters. But it wasn't just the 1.000 winning percentage that made this version of home-cooking memorable. What made this group of games significant is that we obtained victories that seemed impossible 12 days ago. This all started with the 1st game of the Baltimore series when Brad Penny did his best to make me break the most expensive items in my room by allowing 7 runs in the 2nd inning. But an 8 ER performance from Penny couldn't halt the Sox, as they tallied 8 runs of their own off of Oriole 'ace' Jeremy Guthrie, thanks to performances by J. Bay, Drew, and Mikey Lowell, who could arguably be the MVP of not only the homestand, but the Sox so far in this young season. The 10-8 comeback was a statement to the rest of the league (and admittedly to myself) that the Sox offense can still be productive, sans ManRam and virtually without Ortiz. I'll put the Miguel Cabrera trade on hold. After pulling off a couple of close ones (6-4, and 2-1), the Crimson Hose then went on to pummel the O's in the 11 AM Patriots' Day special by a score of 12-1. This also put the Orioles series ERA to a number that closely resembles the price of buying 1 Fenway beer (7.59). A 30-14 tally in a 4 game series against a divisional foe wasn't too shabby, but it was only the beginning as the Sox were just breaking .500 for the season, ready to become the world-beaters they're predicted to become.

I'm really pulling for you Brad. I really am!
(CEB II)

The mini-series doubleheader against the Twins proved that even Mother Nature can't stop the Sox right now, she can only just halt them temporarily. With 3 homeruns (Nicky Green, Lowell, and Yoooukilis) and another stellar outing by Wake, the Sox coasted through the contest. Thankfully for the Twins, Mother Nature mercifully ended the 1st game in the 7th at a 10-1 deficit, possibly saving them pitching for Game 2. However, she should have kept the rain clouds for a few more hours longer. The second game brought a solid performance from SURPRIIIIIIIIIIISE, Brad Penny. Along with a 6 IP, 2 ER performance, the Sox were able to muster 7 runs on just 5 hits, showing the multi-faceted potential of the emerging Sox offense. 17 runs scored from the bats with a 1.69 ERA from the pitching staff showed that we had all cylinders going, making it a complete contrast from the 1st 8 games of the season. By sitting behind the dugout in both games, I felt like a big part of it all. It's just a phenomenal experience as a fan to be right there when a team has finally found their groove. The tough part, especially in baseball, is to keep reminding yourself that this is a looooooong season. I can pretty much stop describing this series, since I mostly summed it up in my doubleheader entry (starting.....now). All our efforts now had us in the chase against, you guessed it, the Blue Jays for the throne of the AL East. All in all, it was perfect timing for the arrival of the Evil Empire to Beantown. Could the Nation sustain this white-hot play? Stay tuned ladies and gents!

Can you find $82.5 million in this picture?
(CEB II)

Round 1 provided us with young pitchers Jon Lester and Joba Chamberlain not quite thriving, but surviving despite allowing 2 ER apiece. After an Okajima hiccup, the Red Sox were down 4-2 facing the great Rivera. With 1 out left to go in the 9th inning, Jason "Manny who?" Bay cranked a two-run dinger to send Fenway into a frenzy and to extra innings. I would like to think it had something to do with Dave Roberts throwing the first pitch the game before. Either way, that was the 12th blown save for Mariano against the Sox. As we know, the Yanks bullpen has been as automatic as the Nationals or the Cincinnati Bengals winning a game. If Rivera is less than a certainty, you know that Girardi's blood pressure starts rising exponentially with each out. Not good for a guy who is considered on the hot seat pretty much every minute in New York. Fast forward to the 11th when another candidate for Sox April MVP Kevin Youkilis blasted one over the Monstah to topple the Yanks. It proved that we could beat the Yanks in a close, late inning game, as well as me adding a proposal to call our alternate home jerseys "the Comeback Unis", even though I despise the "Hanging Sox" caps. I attended Round 2, expecting a pitchers duel between two former Marlin aces Beckett and Burnett. However by looking at the scoreboard, it ended up becoming somewhat of a rematch of Super Bowl XLII (I won't go further than that). Being down 6-0 early in the game didn't bother the Sox, as they clawed back with the help of a Jason Varitek grand slam, from the LEFT SIDE of all things. The Sox would score in every inning from the 4th on, but that didn't stop Robbie Cano and the Yanks from battling back. But in the end, it was Mikey Lowell and his 6 RBIs that won this great football.....errr baseball slugfest that produced the biggest comeback the Sox have had against the Yankees since 1968. Who would have known that Beckett-Burnett matchup would produce 10 IP, 18 H, 16 ER, 7 BB, 4 homers allowed and only 6 K's between the two of them? Then again, a Sox-Yanks matchup wouldn't be one if it wasn't 7 hours long (actually 4 hours, 21 minutes, the 6th longest 9 inning game in history). Round 3 had Yankee veteran stopper Andy Pettitte against young hurler Justin Masterson. The game was basically decided in the 5th inning in a 2-1 game, when the flashy Ellsbury stole home, exciting the Fenway faithful. Like, HE STOLE HOME! You could just see the shock and embarrassment on the Yanks' faces. You could even see Pettitte trying to mutter words of damage control to Posada, but it was too late. A couple of pitches later, JD Drew, who was completely flustered by Pettitte in the first two at-bats, pulled a ground rule double to make the game 4-1. The sudden impact of those two events just put the game away, the series away, and possibly solidified Ellsbury's candidacy for mayor (for now). What does this sweep mean? One, that the Red Sox are more ready and have more depth than the Yanks, even in a war of attrition like in Game 2. Another thing is that the Red Sox can produce runs in more creative ways, which alleviates some of the worries concerning the offense. Lastly, we saw that the sky is the limit in terms of the Sox farm system. Not only did we see that in the Ellsbury steal, but the 2 scoreless innings from Michael Bowden, in which he struck out Jeter and hot Robbie Cano in a pressure packed Sox-Yanks contest. Hey, it's only April, but this homestand has injected in me, an excitement for this 2009 Red Sox team that I hadn't received yet, and Smoltz hasn't even pitched. Who says stealing isn't good?

This pic should replace the 'Hanging Sox' logo.
(cache.boston.com)

Another reason to dislike the Jonas Bros. (Hint, it's not Miley)
(cdn.buzznet.com)

Bonus: Papelbon Intro 4/25

Bonus: Sox - Yankees Montage 4/25

"Tessie" - Dropkick Murphys - Tessie EP, 2004

Mochaman's Fantasy Baseball Report
- Bubba Gump Shrimpz - 26-14-2 (1st, Steroid Freaks' Anonymous, 1.5 UP)
Good pitching + my offense is starting to get out of its collective slump. On the verge of a hot streak. Hoping for Josh Hamilton to step up this week.

- Mocha Sox - 10-18-2 (11th, Yahoo Public 38095, 7.5 GB)
Solid team with a few weak links including the closers (Lidge, Corpas, Valverde) all with ERA's over 5.50 and just running into hotter teams. With an offense that has Youk, Sizermore, and Loney, I still see good things.

- Firehawks - 12-18-0 (10th, Yahoo Public 162279, 8 GB)
Slow starts on both offense and pitching. Hamels, Beckett, and B.J Upton not playing to expectations so far. Could fall out of contention fast if all of these players keep slumping.

Front Row At Fenway + Doubleheader = Best Day Ever

Getting a friendlier version of the Papelbon stare.
(CEB II)

Two days ago, I was invited by my mom's best friend to go see an ordinary Sox game against the Minnesota Twins. She had obtained both sets of tickets of the two-game series from a friend of hers in response to a friendly favor. I'm always excited to go to a baseball game as is, but little did I know how even more pumped I'd be when I arrived at my seats that overcast night. We knew we were going to be real close on the 1st base side looking behind the Sox dugout, but how good you ask? When arriving at the seats, we we're behind the dugout looking for a row C. After some quick investigative work of Fenway's quirky layout, we realized that row C was the FRONT ROW DIRECTLY BEHIND THE DUGOUT! I mean, I'm still fanning myself down looking at the capitalized print. Literally behind the word 'SOX'. However, as soon as we settled, the rain crashed what was a joyous celebration. After about an hour, the Sox decided to call off the game. It was an obvious letdown at first (I MEAN, FRONT ROW!), but it set up two things: a situation where I can see 2 GAMES in that very location, and also to get my camera so I can share with you my moment in baseball heaven. I hope I can bring a level of enjoyment close to what I experienced yesterday.

Game 1 Montage

"They're Red Hot" - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik, 1991
"Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Alone in Iz World, 2001

Game 1 Moments (Start Time, 12:35 PM)

- My mom's friend's son (Roy) and I roll into the park 2 hours before the game starts. Let the madness begin!
- Basically roaming the park and seeing the entire Sox bullpen, Pedroia in a camo shirt (I swear I had a pic of that) and randomly Jeff Bailey, who just got called up.
- Getting relief pitcher Takashi Saito's attention and showing him that I was wearing his number (formerly Manny Ramirez's #24) on my custom Sox road jersey, followed by him smiling and giggling.
- Having Jon Lester wave at me, and toss be a ball. I would have caught it, but I would have felt bad snagging it from the 5 year old next to me.
- Having Papelbon look at me (sunglasses and all) for a classic photo.
- Getting Roy Jon Lester's autograph with help from a friendly Fenway fanatic with long arms.
- Catching a ball thrown by Pedroia, followed by me pointing and doing a, "you da man" chant with him smiling and pointing back. How many MVP's have smiled and pointed at you?
- Yelling Chris Carter's name real loudly while he was signing autographs, which would always get his attention and one of those, "Sup (do I know you?)" nods. He was probably the easiest player to faze, probably because he hasn't played in many professional games yet. Might explain why he got called down to AAA the next day. Maybe? Even a little?
- Seeing David Ortiz in the dugout and watching 9 year-olds scream like a bunch of tweenies when the Jonas Brothers come to town (I can't believe I mentioned The Jonas Brothers in my blog. Need a moment to recover)
- After the infield warm-ups in the top half of the 3rd inning, Youkilis throws an almost errant throw back to the dugout, which would have hit me. I was saved (miraculously perhaps?) by some player who gave a little extra extension and caught the ball. That was followed by a, "Oooooh damn. That was close!" look in my direction from Youk, which gave way to a 10 second exchange of laughter and smiles from the both of us while I said, "you owe me one." How many MVP caliber players almost killed you with a baseball? That would have been a bruise I would have maintained for life.

Game 2 Montage

"Surfin' Bird" - The Trashmen - Surfin' Bird, 1963
"Dirty Water" - The Standells - Dirty Water, 1966

Game 2 Moments (Start Time, 7:55 PM)
- Getting a chance to see the "Eco-Green" unis for Earth Day. Considering it happens once a year, and I happened to be close to it, not a bad deal.
- Having the game start with only a 45 minute delay after a rainstorm that soaked the city and ended Game 1. Then getting back to storm mode 5 minutes after the game ended. If that wasn't the baseball gods helping me, I don't know what it was.

- Watching a bunch of high-school kids snatch the seats next to me acting like they had just taken over the place (even getting two baseballs), then afterward getting threatened by half the section to have security called on them. The drop in swagger and the looks on the young'ns faces looked like a fan's version of the Walk of Shame.

- Being able to watch Brad Penny, live, and not curse like Tony Montana for his whole outing. Wow! Guinness Record people, I got one for ya!
- Getting (and keeping) my first ball from a Major League game at the tender age of 23. This happened after an unknown rolled the ball on top of the dugout. Using my reach and Spider-Man reflexes, I was able to snatch the ball, with red paint from the letters on the dugout scuffed on the ball. No other battle scars reported.
- Fenway sausages. Enough said.
- Being able to have the satisfaction of having one of the best days a baseball fan can ever have despite not having Mother Nature's cooperation. This will probably be my best Fenway experience, and I'm gonna be in the bleachers for the Beckett-Burnett Yankees game on Saturday. Stay tuned!

Bonus: Last Pitches of the Night

Marathon Madness

Yup. It's that packed!
(wickedlocal.com)

This afternoon, I headed down to downtown Wellesley to take in the atmosphere of the 113th Boston Marathon. I couldn't help but reminisce of the physical and mental journey I took last year when I ran the ultimate road race. It was a race that I had always wanted to do since my days as a high school trackie, however I never got the time or the courage to do it until last winter. I was quite impressed with the crowds today as well as the demographics of the runners that participated. It's not like those demographics didn't exist when I was running the race last year, but you're less likely to notice the beauty when you are dragging your legs toward Heartbreak Hill, focused on just making it to Beantown. I saw runners from Brazil, Italy, Poland, people running for all sorts of charitable causes, a man running in a full business suit, and last but not least, men running in full ballerina gear (never mind the many unecessary appearances of the Speedo). Meanwhile, I noticed a vendor that was selling a bunch of funky hats and random noisemakers, which made me think for a second that I had arrived at some sort of an athletic event/pimp convention (since when did leopard-print hats become popular in marathons?). Now that ladies and gents, is an afternoon of entertainment! When I look back, I do remember those 3.5 miles (about 5.5 km for all you internationals out there) in Wellesley as believe or not, the funnest part of the race! Think of it as having a sudden homefield advantage for about a half hour as you finally start seeing people you know, their cheers acting as noisy adrenaline. The biggest support was at Wellesley College, where the cheers rumbled the ground, making me unsure if my legs were gonna cave in half way through the race. It almost painfully ironic that those couple miles are just before the most treacherous point in the race, which is basically four miles of gradual ascent that has me grabbing an Advil container as I type. It was there off Abbott St. that I realized that I miss the experience. I actually regret not running it this year. Throughout all the cramps and sore feet from last year, trudging through the 3 week pasta/water diet, and by watching this year's class of endurance junkies this afternoon, I discovered the camaraderie and the aura that makes this race so great.

Map to glory.
(bostonmarathon.org)

Running the event was an astounding experience all together. I remember getting there at around 6 in the morning, taking in the chilly atmosphere of Main St. Hopkinton. I spent so long waiting in a bagel shop as I filled up on my last dose of carbs as I waited for my friend and running partner Nikita to arrive (a.k.a, "The Finishers"). I talked with many about the race and its history, and I saw how much people just enjoyed this race. I mean, you have to if you are going to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to evade road closures just to watch 25,000+ runners embark on 2-7 hour game of moving Monopoly, a combination of endurance with each mile marker giving you the same adrenaline boost as passing go (board game analogies might just work only for me, just saying). After my friend arrived, and after a brief bumping-into with former presidential candidate John Kerry, I began warming up with the mob of crazies who were just looking for that runners' high. Lining up before the race felt like any moment you start something grand, like the incline before the 1st drop on one of those mega roller coasters. Once I passed the starting line, it was game time as I started the timer on my iPod, listening to "Eye of the Tiger." The first 5 miles are fairly scenic, and the scent of barbecue acts as a subtle temptation. They're even people that will make their own scoreboards updating everyone of my only other concern of the day, the score of the 11 AM Sox game. The next 11 miles on Rt. 135 through Framingham, Natick, and through the screaming crowds of Wellesley is a cruise-control point as more and more fanatics pile to the barriers just to slap hands and to hand out a few citrus fruits. The simple fact that I still had the energy allowed me to play with the crowd, inventing hand shakes with strangers on the fly as well as doing a few Superman poses. Overall, the first 16 miles of the event feel like a training run with loads of fanfare. It was like I was a spectator myself, while at the same time in disbelief that I was actually doing this. You have to have fun in something like this, especially when you know the top finishers of the race have already finished and are probably having beers at the Cask 'n Flagon. Coincidentally around the 16 mile marker is Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which is probably the marathon's way of telling you, "Well, this is your last chance to stop and be saved. You don't know what's ahead of you. You sure you wanna do this? Really?" It was at that point of the race that I realized that the first half of the race was an awful teaser.

Best. Sight. Ever.
(www.dailyencouragement.net)

As you've probably heard before, this is where all the hills start, and where you pretty much lose what you've built up for energy. Great timing! The only thing that kept me from moving backwards was the highly energetic Boston College crowd, who seemingly were in Spring Break mode. I wonder how long you can last in a marathon after a beer pong tourney? Anyway, this is the part of the race where you would rather have no legs. To be honest, I couldn't tell you the difference between Heartbreak Hill and the other three hills on that 5 mile stretch. They ALL brought the pain. It is after this point where I swear gravity gets stronger. There must be some magnetic field at Brookline that just weighs everything down. I even tried waving in the cheers to get myself into it, but all the antics that got me through the 1st part of the race started to wear me down a lot more. I felt like I was pushing myself, but the mile markers got exponentially slower. But after a looooooooong downhill haul, I finally made it to the 26 mile mark (remember, the race is 26.2 miles) when I felt my hamstring click. After about 10 seconds of slowing down and pondering whether I should walk or crawl to the finish line, I decided I was well enough for one last sprint. After probably the longest 800 meter sprint in my life, I arrived at what arguably was the most satisfying and triumphant finish I've had in any athletic event I have ever participated in. Possibly one of the top accomplishments in my young life. I mean, I get tired after driving 26 miles. But running 26.2 in under my set goal of 4 hours (3 hours, 56 minutes, I think 47 seconds.....yeah, I think that's right) after not training/running competitively since high school made me regain my respect for running again. After I passed the finish line, they gave me a silver insulation cape, which I draped over myself like the superheroes I was impersonating a few hours earlier. While strolling with the caped masses on Boylston St. and realizing what I accomplished for myself and what others around me have accomplished on that afternoon, I felt like more than a superhero, more than average. Kinda cheesy, but think about it. Don't you think 26 miles is kryptonite to a lot of people?

Just For Fun: Can you spell last place?

(cdn.faniq.com)

Well I consider myself a huge baseball fan, but I was totally unaware that MLB had replaced the team in Washington and replaced them with the "Natinals." Really? Just when you think things can't get worse for a team that blew 3 save opportunities against the Marlins this past weekend. Luckily, probably nobody saw it because the "Natinals" only draw about 10 fans a game. However, they should seriously consider selling these jerseys on MLB.com.

1st Ever Gamecast On Cloud 10: Sox - A's

I decided it would be fun to let you into my mind in the heat of the moment during a baseball game. So, I going to do a "gamecast" entry on my blog, granting you access to my brain as I watch today's game. As you probably might guess, I'm a little less than satisfied about the start of the Sox season, however every game brings some kind of new hope, I mean we can't play under .300 for a whole year, right (still higher than Ortiz's average)? Still, I don't like that this is the worst start for us since '96, not exactly the good ole days in Beantown baseball (finished 85-77 that year). Tonight's game features starters Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Dana Eveland, who didn't have a good start against the Sox last year. Hoping for some good offense tonight in the Bay with a good start from Dice-K (Should make a demo tape with these rhymes.).

10:08 PM - Jacoby Ellsbury steps up to the plate, reminding me of his molasses-like start he's had to the season. Can't bunt the 1st pitch. Promptly grounds out (Here we go again?).

10:13 PM - After MVPedroia singled, Ortiz steps to the plate and grounds into the shift yet again. At least he worked a full count. I was talking to someone, and said to them that his record setting '06 season just killed his ability to hit the other way. Now I'm afraid he's becoming a pull hitter with no power. 2 down.

10:15 PM - Kevin Youkilis (AKA, the only guy who has hit for us this week) comes through again for the Sox, hitting a 1-2 breaking ball up the middle. 1-0 Sox!

10:16 PM - JD Drew goes opposite field for a double (should be doing more often for $14 million a year) and drives in Youkilis, who scores from 1st. 2-0 Sox, we need this, especially for the dramatic tightrope act that is coming to the mound tonight for us.

10:20 PM - After a Bay walk, Lowell drives an 0-1 Eveland pitch up the middle. 3-0 Sox. Has there been anytime this season we've got 4 hits in an inning? Since when did Manny get back here (wishful thinking)?

10:23 PM - Captain 'Tek walks, and Oaktown already has someone in the bullpen. I'm kinda liking where this game is going.

10:25 PM - Good ole Nick Green strikes out to end the inning, although Eveland has to be close to 40 pitches now. I just hope we haven't used up all of our offense this inning.

10:29 PM - Now steps the Dice Man, baseball's version of Houdini, who promptly allows a base hit. (Hmm, thinking of a good over/under number for his walks tonight. I'll be optimistic and guess 3.)

10:31 PM - Houdini walks Sox hero Orlando Cabrera on five pitches. Not so optimistic on my over/under now. Now steps Jason Giambi, member of the Sox Killer All Star Team (hmmm, good idea for a future entry). It just doesn't matter if he's slumping or not, he just always has our number, I MEAN ALWAYS. He was the guy on the Yankees that when he came up, I just grabbed the remote, because something bad's gonna happen.

10:33 PM - Giambi flies out to the warning track (exhale). 1st & 3rd, 1 out.

10:36 PM - Matt Holliday doubles to left-center, scoring 2. Houdini can't escape this one. Just when we give him probably the best outburst we can give him, the Dice Man makes this game interesting again. Reminds me that I need to get a blood pressure monitor.

10:39 PM - Jack Cust bloops one into center, tie ball game (thinking of a good place to throw this laptop now, EEEEEERRRRRRRGH!).

10:40 PM - Here comes our old hero Nomar to the plate. Interesting that both OC and Nomar, the shortstops of the '04 season are on the same team now. I wonder what Sox banter they talk about? I wonder if OC just bombards him with how magical that season was 5 years ago, as Nomar just sits at his locker, doing some kind of OCD thing so he doesn't have to listen. Just thinking happy thoughts now, I need them.

10:41 PM - Dice-K promptly walks Nomah! Over/under = not good. My mood = not good.

10:45 PM - After a lineout by Suzuki, good ole Travis Buck singles a 2-2 pitch to right. 4-3 A's. Masterson warming. Uh-oh!

10:47 PM - Mark Ellis gets an infield single. 5-3 A's. Orsillo and Remy are now talking about how the WBC may have affected Baseball's Houdini. Can't help but agree at this point, as he's throwing 89 MPH fastballs.

10:48 PM - Inning is mercifully over! Just crushed an empty Coke can to take out some aggression. I mean, really Dice-K, really?????? Guess starting pitching might not be our bread and butter this year either. Wild inning.

10:51 PM - Bobby Crosby takes Nomar's place at 3B. I find myself not shocked for some reason. May have sprained his wrist on that BB, you never know with him.

10:55 PM - After a 40 pitch 1st, Eveland gets a 1-2-3 inning against the 1st 3 batters in the Sox order. On top of that, it looked liked Dice-K just walked in the clubhouse (bad back, bad oblique??). I might need a shot of 151 now.

10:57 PM - Masterson now steps for a long-relief appearance in the bottom of the 2nd. Induces a grounder to Nick Green. Ladies and gents, your 2009 Boston Red Sox (falling apart at the seams by the minute)!

11:02 PM - Masterson achieves a 1-2-3 inning (phew!). Turns out Garciaparra is out of the game with with tightness in his calf. I just think he's not made of flesh and bone like other human beings. Whats up with him? Nothing like a little Mia Hamm to soften you up. Gives me an idea for another entry, the Paper Mache All-Stars! Still up for revision.

11:08 PM - After a Youk walk, Holliday makes a dramatic grab after almost misjudging the wind. Throws Youk out at 1st after he slips off the bag getting back. Worst. Luck. Ever. (Sigh)

11:13 PM - After a Bay double, Old Man Lowell grounds out to 3rd base to end the top-half of the 3rd. There must be a way to instantly get Prozac online, I mean anywhere (it's only game 8, it's only game 8, it's only game 8.....).

11:19 PM - Masterson gets another 1-2-3 inning, striking out 2. Still 5-3 A's (Note: The Sox high for runs this regular season is 5, and haven't scored more than that since scoring 9 in a Spring Training game against the Mets almost 2 weeks ago). Still in it I guess.

11:24 PM - Ellsbury gets on by a Crosby error. I guess it's something to go along with a .179 average and an OBP sinking below .250. Hoping for some flash.

11:27 PM - Flash happened as Ellsbury stole a base, however we strand another runner at second as MVPedroia grounds out. (Sigh again)

11:31 PM - Masterson gives up his first hit. Afraid of possibly losing some late-night viewers, NESN immediately turns to a sideline report with Heidi Watney. Brief story about Beckett's interview on a 6 game suspension he received in the incident against the Angels. Said that he "wasn't in a hugging mood" at the time. Feel somewhat the same way now. Well, OK, I've changed my mood. After all, I just saw Heidi Watney.

11:39 PM - Masterson is in trouble for the 1st time as old friend OC singles, and JD Drew lets the ball slip by him, leaving runners at 2nd and 3rd with Sox Killer Giambi up (in prayer position).

11:42 PM - BIG K FOR MASTERSON! (....and exhale). Time to pump myself with more caffeine. I need it right now, I swear. 3-4-5 hitters coming up. LET'S GO!!!!!

11:45 PM - Ortiz grounds out weakly to the pitcher. 1 out. The RemDawg now mentions that he is 3/18 on the road trip. Chucky = not a happy camper, who is also thinking of Miguel Cabrera trade right now.

11:51 PM - After two singles, Bay steps up and hits a liner off Eveland's glove. Giambi makes a stellar play on his errant throw, while staying on the bag long enough to get the out. But a run came in. 5-4.

11:53 PM - Crosby's just having a tough day after he has a Lowell rocket go right off him, allowing enough time for Drew to score. Eveland gets yanked by Bob Geren after 4 2/3 innings. Ladies and gents, IT'S TIED!

11:56 PM - 'Tek strikes out again (surprise!) as the side is retired. It's a 5-all game. Still shaking in my socks for the bottom half with Holliday leading off at the midnight hour.

12:04 AM - Well, I made it to the next day believe or not. Masterson pulls off another 1-2-3 inning, striking out 2, bringing his line up to 60 pitches, 6 K's, and no runs allowed in 4 IP. Does he start if the Dice Man goes on the DL? Stay tuned. We're only going into the 6th?

12:10 AM - Oakland's Andrew Bailey gets a quick 1-2-3 inning and gets the A's back in the batters box. Now seeing some Bruins playoff commercials. "Do you believe"?

12:11 AM - Manny Delcarmen now enters the game in place of Masterson. I'm hear my heart beat now. Is that a good thing?

12:15 AM - 3 batters, two singles for Oaktown heading to the top of the order. (Heart getting louder, louder, louder). I realize that Delcarmen had a decent year last year, but he always gives me the same remote control reflex that Giambi gives me sometimes. Speaking of, he's on double deck. I'm hanging on for you guys.

12:21 AM - ............aaaaaand I'm alive. Delcarmen gets out of a jam just before getting to Giambino. I just did something that may have resembled a dance.

12:25 AM - The Big Man (Ortiz) walks to lead off the inning with the white-hot Youkilis up. Meanwhile, I notice that one of the closers on my fantasy team is blowing a save to the bottom part of the lineup. Nothing's easy in baseball.

12:27 AM - Like I said, double play on the Sox, Chad Qualls facing Albert Pujols with the bases loaded and a 1 run lead. God help me.

12:30 AM - Good news and bad. Good is that Drew is on from a Giambino error. Bad, Pujols won the battle, blown save. Not starting off well on pitching in fantasy this week I guess.

12:33 AM - Guess Geren had enough of Bailey after a walk to Bay. Here comes Santiago Casilla. Also just learned that the 1st inning had a combined 83 pitches. Pitchers duel, huh? In other somewhat good news, Mr. Qualls got out of the inning against St. Louey with the game tied at 6 (I think I just spasmed and threw my phone).

12:35 AM - Lowell pops out in the infield, stranding two in the 7th. Not exactly taking big strides to win the game here.

12:40 AM - The Giambino walks to lead off the inning after Delcarmen arguably struck him out on two different pitches in the at bat. Never like it when the umpire's ego starts to determine the game. Here comes more of the meat with Holliday.

12:42 AM - HOLLIDAY STRIKES OUT! OK, I'm good for the next 30 seconds.

12:44 AM -CUST STRIKES OUT! That might not be a surprise, considering he broke the AL record last year with 197. 2 down.

12:46 AM - Base hit by Bobby Crosby. Looks like Francona is going to make the move to Ramon Ramirez, who is dominant against righties. Delcarmen's outing hangs in the balance. So does my sanity.

12:50 AM - Phew! Kurt Suzuki flies out to Drew in right-center, almost creating a collision of epic proportions. Looking for something that could be used as a voodoo/good luck charm for the offense. Oh, wait. Varitek is leading off? Nevermind.

12:57 AM - After outs by Varitek (probably shouldn't have to tell you), and Carter, Ellsbury screams a single to center, racing towards 1st and towards the Mendoza line. It's action time!

12:59 AM -.........I meant action time for the A's as 2B Mark Ellis makes a diving play in foul territory after Pedroia swung at an awful pitch. Running out of time as we head to the bottom of the 8th. It's crunch time, and it's late........I think I'm entering Simon Cowell mode.

1:02 AM - Ramirez walks the lefty Buck to start the inning. Did Francona say he was confident with him against lefites? Just checking.

1:06 AM - Clutch K by Ramirez against Ellis. Lefty Ryan Sweeney coming up. One on, One out.

1:09 AM - DOUBLE PLAY! 3-4-5 hitters coming up in the top of the 9th. C'MON BIG MAN (envisioning 2004, feeling feng shui)!

1:13 AM - Ortiz strikes out against Russ Springer. This is reminding me of Game 7 of the ALCS with my friend PMac telling me on AIM how much of a non-factor he's become. Don't want to, but starting to realize it more and more (trying to get Teixeira, Manny off my mind).

1:18 AM - After a Youk popout, Drew continues his $70 million dollar journey by getting his third hit of the day. J-Bay Bay steps up to the plate, a homerun away from being my favourite Canadian.

1:22 AM -After a lengthy battle, J-Bay Bay strikes out as the bullpens from both teams continue their scoreless battle. Still not able to overcome that 5 run brick-barrier (envisioning that Bruins commercial, "Do you believe?" over and over). Thinking that Okajima is coming in for the bottom half.

1:29 AM - Okajima has retired two, including the dreaded Giambino. But it doen't get any better as Okajima faces off against Matt Holliday. Images of Game 3 of the 2007 World Series are coming back (get 'em out, get 'em out!).

1:32 AM - HE STRUUUCK HIM OUT! Okajima gets a 1-2-3 inning as Holliday questions the umpire for basically every call he made in that at bat (That Bruins commercial is on again. Good omen?). Free baseball for everybody as we go to extras.

1:36 AM - After a Lowell strikeout (courtesy of Brad Ziegler), Varitek pulls of a 4 pitch walk (hallelujah!). It's Gil Velazquez time!

1:38 AM - .........or not. On a 2-1 count, Velazquez grounds out hard to the Giambino. At least the hit and run was on. It's time for Jacoby to be a hero.

1:40 AM - Ellsbury walks. The Oakland pitching coach runs out, probably to calm down Ziegler as he is probably as incensed as Holliday right now. MVPedroia is up.

1:41 AM - Bobby Crosby strikes again, as he loses a Pedroia infield chopper in the lights. Bases loaded. Here comes Papi (quiet sarcastic cheers).

1:43 AM - ERRRRRRRRRRRRGH! After a 2-0 count, Papi hits a pop-up to second base, getting Ziegler out of a jam. Simply disappointing.

1:50 AM - Just as Bobby Crosby was about to redeem himself, Pedroia makes a super diving catch up the middle. YEAH! I'm actually starting to feel the urgency from the Sox to win this game. Then comes a 4 pitch walk by Okajima. 2 out.

1:51 AM - STRIKE 3! Okajima pitches another fine inning, bringing the Sox bullpen to a line of 9 IP, 3 BB, 5 hits 0 R, and 12 K's. 4 ,5, and 6 up for the Sox in the 11th. (Just realized that Dice-K got under the number of walks I predicted for him tonight in a cruel bit of irony. Only 1 IP, but still worth a trip to Vegas!)

1:59 AM - After outs by Youk and Drew, Bay gets on with a single. However, The Hip Heard 'Round Boston comes up to the plate and strikes out looking. I can't take watching this offense anymore.

2:02 AM - Papelbon has just entered the game, impacting both my Red Sox, and my paid-fantasy team, the Bubba Gump Shrimpz. Yeah, the team that just had Chad Qualls blow a 2 run save. EYES WIIIIIDE OPEN for this one! Especially remembering Papelbon's last outing.

2:08 AM - After a Mark Ellis flyball to left, and a Howie Kendrick like at-bat by Ryan Sweeney, Papelbon escapes with a lineout to Lowell. 2 out (inhale................ then exhale).

2:10 AM - OC's OUT! Paps came through for both Sox and Shrimp Nation! Bullpen line: 10 IP, 3 BB, 5 hits 0 R, and 12 K's. Now time for a rally with the 8, 9, and 1 guys due up for the Sox (what's this salty discharge coming from my eyes?).

2:14 AM - Sean Gallagher (insert watermelon-smashing joke here) strikes out Varitek looking. Miguel Montero be aware! Your flight to Boston may come sooner than later (and I'll pay for it).

2:15 AM - Ryan Sweeney robs Ellsbury of possibly a triple to end another 1,2,3 inning by the A's bullpen. I can officially call this a marathon game because the duration of this game has passed my time in the Boston Marathon by about 10 minutes. Javier Lopez is out from the bullpen to face the Giambino (remote in my hand).

2:21 AM - Giambi walks, sending Holliday to the plate against Lopez. Something tells me this is a bad idea, a real baaaaaaaad idea.

2:23 AM - Holliday grounds out, but the game-winning run is on 2nd with 1 out. Javier Lopez, the Nation turns its lonely eyes to you (woo, woo, woo).

2:25 AM - Another BB for Lopez on a lefty. This time to Cust. The righty Crosby AGAIN will have a chance to redeem himself. Really not liking this.

2:27 AM - ANOTHER DAMN WALK! Bases loaded and one out, pretty much accepting defeat at this point as Javier Lopez can't even put it over the plate this inning.

2:30 AM - HUUUUUUUUUGE strikeout by Lopez with a good snag by 'Tek on the foul tip. Victim: Kurt Suzuki.

2:31 AM - Game. Over. The hero, the scraggly Travis Buck, who hit a high chopper up the middle and JUST beat out a Pedroia throw. Oakland rejoices while the Nation endures another painful loss in a young season that doesn't seem to get any better. Something tells me that I should worry about this team now, like really worry. But I will try to avoid those urges (key word, try). With an imminent trip to the DL for Dice-K, and the Sox sinking to 4 games under .500, I can't help but think of last year's Tigers right now. I just can't. Well, it's 2:30, you know what that means, time to listen to the BS Report on ESPN.com. Good night, errr morning folks!