Blogging on Meds

Manny Ramirez with Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 2003); Manny Ramirez, Jr. (b. 1995) not pictured

I know that my bloggers in crime who are Red Sox fans will have far more eloquence and gravitas than I could possibly provide on this subject, but it’s been a fun fucking 7.5 years watching Manny be Manny with the Red Sox.  As of this afternoon, Manny is a Dodger, Andy LaRoche is a Pirate (ouch) and Jason Bay is the luckiest guy in Pittsburgh as he’s headed for the Sox, the first time he’s ever been on a winning team.

As one of the last members of the Red Sox to have been acquired by Dan Duquette, it’s really worth mentioning how much Boston is indebted to the Duke.  The man was responsible for Manny, Pedro, Nomar, Varitek, D-Lowe, Damon, Youkilis, and (most importantly) Carl Everett, AND he was smart enough to let go of Mo Vaughn.  Yet all he gets remembered for is not re-signing pre-HGH Roger Clemens after he had four pretty mediocre seasons.  He scored amazing trades like getting Pedro from the Expos for Carl Pavano and Tony Armas, and getting Varitek and Lowe for freakin’ Heathcliff Slocumb.  He even drafted Gary Sheffield (for the Brewers).  Yet he’s out of Major League Baseball forever.

Theo looks better on TV, but there’s no doubt in my mind who is most responsible for the Sox’ breakthrough.

Here’s to you, Mr. Duquette.

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Terry Hates the Yankees
Winter depression lifting: I’m watching the Red Sox on ESPN right now with Sean McDoungah calling the play by play. I miss him as Jerry Remy’s wingman. As much as I love Don Orsillo, Sean’s funnier and sharper.

Wake-y’s on the mound and Nomar—in Dodger blue—is at bat and looking to the dugout, right at Joe Torre? Dodgers’ owner Frank McCourt is from Boston and he still hired Torre. That’s treasonous. Derek Lowe’s on the mound for the Dodgers. It’s bizarro 2004. Gammons is live from a field box. Jacoby just made a sparkling catch. Maybe I was caught in a World Series glow, but man I didn’t realize how much I missed this game.

Jack Curry checked in with Terry Francona yest:

Was Francona tired of the Yankees and the rivalry and everything about it? No way. When he was asked if he envied Torre because he was managing in a less stressful environment, Francona clarified how he felt about trying to outdo the Yankees.

“I love this,” Francona said. “You can downplay the New York stuff all you want. You can’t downplay it. It’s real. It’s great.”

Jacoby! By Jim Davis, Globe.

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