It's a Rockies vs. Red Sox World Series!

[Robyn1007]

I'm so excited! I'm not a huge baseball fan but Rocktober (what it's been nicknamed around here) has been infectious. My boss is a lifetime Red Sox fan but is also a Rockies fan since he's lived here for over 15 years. Talk about a dream series.

[ljt2r]

And I just became one of the world's biggest Rockies' fans. :( :( :(


I'm kinda glad the stress is over. Now I can go back to college football, where games have a proper end time and don't stress me out for days on end.

Laura :)

[mom2garret]

BOSTON BABY! BOSTON!
Congats! Good luck!
Jodi

[MKSquared]

And I just became one of the world's biggest Rockies' fans. :( :( :(


I'm kinda glad the stress is over. Now I can go back to college football, where games have a proper end time and don't stress me out for days on end.

Laura :)

Amen. Any team that can put up with "Manny Being Manny..." well, let's just say that I'll never cheer for them.

[MKSquared]

Talk about a dream series.

Because your boss likes both teams, it's a dream series? :confused: :rolleyes: (Yes, I'm incredibly disappointed right now, but I guess I'm confused why YOU call it a dream series? If it's any consolation, I'll be pulling for the Rockies.)

[RecipeGirl]

yayyyyyy BOSTON!!! DH and DS (and me too)- we're all excited for the Red Sox. It was an exciting series to watch against the Indians. DH was born and raised in New England and he still loves his Red Sox. He's praying that one of his buddies will call with an extra ticket to one of the games :D

My brother lives in Denver and has been behind the Rockies! I find it difficult to like the Rockies because they beat our Padres so badly this year. The Rockies have truly been playing well though. It's cool that it's their first appearance in a World Series. They must be excited.

Should be a great World Series to watch. FUN STUFF!! :)

[Peweh]

Ooh, Robyn, we may need to bet... some Sam Adams vs a local CO brew? or if you're a wine drinker, they actually make a "Manny Merlot" and a couple other Sox based wines...

[bobmark226]

Amen. Any team that can put up with "Manny Being Manny..." well, let's just say that I'll never cheer for them.

As one who was a Red Sox fan from early childhood (in a complete Yankee household, in the great Yankee era of the 40s and 50s), I have to admit that I've come to really loathe the current team and, probably more, their fans. (Has anyone told all those white Irish folks who wear a green B baseball cap that their team is not quite so white anymore? Trot Nixon is gone, people! And these aren't the Celtics!) Also, anyone note the mass outpouring of affection for Joe Torre on his badly managed "dismissal" vs. the hateful stuff you read from Sox fans on Francona almost daily on the Boston blogs and message boards?

This piece from yesterday's "Times" hits the nail on the head.

Bob

*********************************



October 21, 2007
Sports of The Times
Are the Red Sox Ready to Become the Yankees?
By WILLIAM C. RHODEN
BOSTON

Terry Francona, the even-tempered Boston Red Sox manager, was asked Friday about the departure of the Yankees’ Joe Torre, whom he considers a colleague and a friend.

“It’s unbelievable,” Francona said of Torre’s decision to reject the Yankees’ incentive-based offer to return as manager. “It’s almost like ‘The Bronx Is Burning.’ You’re watching something unfold that’s just unbelievable.”

Francona went on to say that any franchise had the right to do as it pleased for the good of the team.

“That’s the way it goes,” he said. “But to do it very publicly, which Joe had to endure, I think was difficult. I’m sure it was difficult, and I feel for him.”

The Red Sox, who trailed Cleveland by three games to one at one point in the American League Championship Series, have roared back to tie the series. They pummeled the Indians in Cleveland on Thursday, and routed them without mercy at Fenway Park last night, 12-2.

•

But even as the Red Sox were fighting for their playoff lives, their closest rivals, the Yankees, dominated the baseball headlines. The Yankees waited about 10 days after their season ended to make an offer to Torre, who had guided them to 12 consecutive playoff appearances.

For some Boston fans, the Yankees’ hogging of the spotlight is a frustrating signature of the rivalry. One way or another, New York always takes center stage, and that will seemingly never end.

Oh, but it can. The best way for Boston to vanquish the Yankees is to become more like the Yankees. For the first time in a long time, the Red Sox are in position to make the transformation. Boston can become the new New York.

The door is open for the Red Sox, with a rich baseball tradition and a high payroll, to replace the Yankees as the team the nation loves to hate. The question is whether the Red Sox, after years of being the object of sympathy and even pity, can adjust to being despised.

With the Yankees’ empire in decline, the implications for Boston are significant and perhaps terrifying. The Red Sox could sign Alex Rodriguez, and he and pitcher Josh Beckett could be anchors of a Boston dynasty.

The possibility is there for the spending: no more just missing the brass ring, but rather grabbing that ring season after season. But does Red Sox Nation really want to do this?

Vince Lombardi’s exhortation that winning is the only thing, in retrospect, has caused unimaginable heartache and blues. It sounds good but is probably antithetical to inner peace.

Look around. The pursuit of winning has tempted some of us to break rules, tear moral fiber, take performance-enhancing drugs and jettison a manager who failed to lead his team past the first playoff round for three consecutive years.

I would ask Boston fans whether they really want to see their team do this. Do they want a franchise whose ethos is that winning titles is the only thing?

For years, there was a sympathetic fascination with the Red Sox and their hapless pursuit of their first championship since 1918. They were the frustrated coyote in pursuit of the roadrunner Yankees. In 2004, the coyote finally caught the roadrunner, conquered the challenge and won the World Series. Someone asked Francona about expectations in New York and in Boston.

“Theo and I have talked about this a lot lately,” he said, referring to Theo Epstein, the Red Sox’ general manager. “Because of the money that’s spent and all the passion that’s been — I’ve only been here four years. I know it started before I got here, but things have gotten a little bit skewed around here, and sometimes the big fight for me, and I’m sure Theo is involved in that, too, is not losing sight of what’s important, what’s meaningful to you.”

Francona added: “Being a part of what we’re doing, I absolutely love, and I really love who I’m doing it with. But it is a fight sometimes to keep the perspective. I mean, we’re sitting at 101 wins, and people don’t seem to be very happy very much of the time. So again, that is a little perplexing, but that’s the way it is.”

Boston is only three years removed from a World Series championship, leaving the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians as the last two karmic hostages.

Boston may or may not be ready to take the leap and become baseball’s Attila by treating the off-season like a shopping spree, snapping up the best free agents, assembling all-star teams and beginning the season with a “World Series or bust” mentality. Winning is a chasm that is not always what it seems; winning is the monster that never allows one to rest.

“We have a clearly stated goal of trying to win 95 games or more every year, recognizing that that should get us into the postseason,” Epstein said. “Eight teams make the postseason ever year, you have a 12 ½ percent chance of winning the World Series if you get in; so our goal is try to get in as often as we can.”

The Red Sox find themselves at the threshold of possibility: of being perennial champions who reach the World Series every couple of years, occasionally winning back-to-back championships.

The question is whether the franchise is walking through an open door or stepping into an abyss.

E-mail: wcr@nytimes.com

[Robyn1007]

Because your boss likes both teams, it's a dream series? :confused: :rolleyes: (Yes, I'm incredibly disappointed right now, but I guess I'm confused why YOU call it a dream series? If it's any consolation, I'll be pulling for the Rockies.)

I meant for him it's a dream series. Sorry I wasn't more clear. I didn't mean to imply it's a dream series for everyone.

[ljt2r]

Amen. Any team that can put up with "Manny Being Manny..." well, let's just say that I'll never cheer for them.

Oddle Manny is the only thing I like about Boston--well maybe that and the fact that Papelbon is willing to dance like a loon on camera. I find Manny pretty inoffensive. It's the fans and the organization that I have grown to hate. $51 million just to speak to Dice K? Really? How on earth is that not horrible for pro baseball? I lived in Boston for a while and for a very long time they were my second favorite team. But I agree--they are becoming the Yankees. And I hate the Yankees.

[MKSquared]

OK -- you got me there. If I wanted to hang out with any group of athletes, I think I'd like to hang out with Boston's bullpen. And be seated next to Papelbon. But Manny, inoffensive? Ick. In Game 5, I thought the commentator said it best: "That's the longest RBI single in baseball history." He strolled to first, just 24 hours after his fist-pumping trot around the bases that brought the Sox within 4. I'm glad he's not with Cleveland anymore.

[ljt2r]

OK -- you got me there. If I wanted to hang out with any group of athletes, I think I'd like to hang out with Boston's bullpen. And be seated next to Papelbon. But Manny, inoffensive? Ick. In Game 5, I thought the commentator said it best: "That's the longest RBI single in baseball history." He strolled to first, just 24 hours after his fist-pumping trot around the bases that brought the Sox within 4. I'm glad he's not with Cleveland anymore.

I guess I don't regard him as bright enough to bother me. :o :o When he was in Cleveland we had seats about 30 feet (or something) from where he played, and my aunt (who teaches school and sees her fair share of ADD kids) once remarked he seemed like he had ADD, always fidgeting in the outfield. He just seems like idget. He did tick me off when he pointed after (allegedly) throwing Kenny Lofton out.

Besides, when you pay for talent like that, well then you have to put up with what you get. :p And they got Manny, the only Boston Red Sox player who is actually (let's just admit it) a Yankees fan!

I don't know why he doesn't bug me, he just doesn't. :)

[Terrie53]

A great final game with the Indians last night, even though it was a late one!! How come it started so late, anyway?? 8pm? I thought I was in California and it was 5pm. But I'm in Baltimore and it started so late!! It was so hard to get up this morning because I had to watch the entire game (cuz it was so good) and I got to bed after midnight. Okay, I'm done! I'm good now!

It should be a great match between the Red Sox and the Rockies. Very exciting stuff is what the world series should be made of and I think we are in for a great one. I, personally, can't wait!!!

[mgs]

And I just became one of the world's biggest Rockies' fans. :( :( :(


I'm kinda glad the stress is over. Now I can go back to college football, where games have a proper end time and don't stress me out for days on end.

Laura :)

LOL you took the words right out of my mouth. After mourning I finally decided to open this thread. I am more looking forward to college basketball, though. But college football is fine.

Meg

[ljt2r]

LOL you took the words right out of my mouth. After mourning I finally decided to open this thread. I am more looking forward to college basketball, though. But college football is fine.

Meg

Yes I had a realization this past October--I really prefer single game elimination tournaments. DH (who is NOT a sports fan) has been pretty aggravated this past 2 weeks--he can't imagine that I would be happy enough if we won the whole thing to offset the umpteen billion hours of stress over it all. And you can say you find out who is better over 5-7 games, but I don't buy it. Cleveland was 2-1 at home, Boston was 3-1 at home--shocking. :rolleyes: Which is not to say I have sour grapes over the home field advantage, it is just to say that because someone HAS to have home game advantage, I really don't see the advantage to stretching it out over that long. In light of all that, college basketball obviously does it best, but at heart I am a football person. And Michigan won on Saturday, so my weekend wasn't all bad sports-wise. :)

[syzygy]

Mayors Make Bets On World Series

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper announced a friendly wager Tuesday on the Boston Red Sox/Colorado Rockies World Series match up.

The first game in the best of seven series takes place Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Fenway Park. "There is no doubt that the infamous curse has been broken here in Boston, and the Boston Red Sox will continue their legacy of triumph with the defeat of the Colorado Rockies," Menino said.

If Boston wins the World Series, Hickenlooper will send these Colorado products to Boston to be served at a charity of Menino's choice:

*100 Quiznos sandwiches
*100 cups of Celestial Seasonings teas
*100 servings of Great Western Tortilla Chips
*100 servings on Epic Valley Salsa
*100 scoops Liks Rocky Road ice cream[/CENTER]

If the unthinkable should occur and Colorado wins, Menino will send some of Boston's finest products to Denver to be served to a charity of Hickenlooper's choice:

*100 cups Legal Seafoods New England Clam Chowder
*100 cups Dunkin' Donuts coffee
*100 Dunkin' Donuts Boston Creme donuts
*100 "Curse Reversed" ice cream bars from Brigham's Ice Cream
*12 pints "Boston You're My Home" ice cream from Brigham's Ice Cream

[Robyn1007]

The senators and governors are getting in on the action as well...

DENVER (AP) - It's beef versus seafood in the traditional World Series bets between governors and senators from Colorado and Massachusetts.

The mayors of Denver and Boston also threw in a smorgasbord of treats made in their respective states.

The Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox open the Series Wednesday at Fenway Park.

Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar of Colorado are wagering Colorado-raised beef; Massachusetts Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry are countering with New England clam chowder and lobster rolls.

The senators who lose the bet will donate the grub to a charity chosen by the senators who win.

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is wagering a box of beef and buffalo steaks. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's wager hadn't been announced.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper wagered sub sandwiches, herbal tea, tortilla chips, salsa and ice cream against Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's clam chowder, coffee, doughnuts and ice cream sandwiches.

The winning mayor will serve the treats at a charity of his choice.

[Robyn1007]

Ooh, Robyn, we may need to bet... some Sam Adams vs a local CO brew? or if you're a wine drinker, they actually make a "Manny Merlot" and a couple other Sox based wines...

I drink both beer and wine and I'll take that bet! :D

[Peweh]

I drink both beer and wine and I'll take that bet! :D

YOU'RE ON! There is Manny Being Merlot, Schilling Schardonnay, and Wakefield Caberknuckle... one bottle each for you, McGeiger & Milo! Meanwhile I will look forward to sipping some Fat Tire.... LOL!

[Robyn1007]

Ha! There are much better brews around than Fat Tire so I'll find a good selection (although I doubt I'll need to since we're gonna win!). :p :D

[Peweh]

Ha! There are much better brews around than Fat Tire so I'll find a good selection (although I doubt I'll need to since we're gonna win!). :p :D

I trust your judgment; do you need me to send you some bubble wrap? I know I won't need it... :D

[Davey]

I believe Tim Wakefield will not be pitching. That will hurt Boston tremendously. And, let's see if Beckett can avenge his worst game this year.

[LaraW]

I'd like to get in on a friendly wager if anyone is interested.

[sararosalie]

Mayors Make Bets On World Series

*100 cups Legal Seafoods New England Clam Chowder




Ohmy, I would do quite a bit to get my hands on some Legal Seafoods NE Clam Chowder...I would do even more for some from the Old Salt in Hampton, NH.

Go Sox, but maybe more than that Go Chowder!

:D

Okay, back to your thread. Sorry for the drooly hijack.

[HRJ]

I'd like to get in on a friendly wager if anyone is interested.

Lara, I'll send you a PM later today -- I'm not much of a beer/wine gal, but I'm thinking maybe something our kids could enjoy, too, like local baked goods?

Helene

[LaraW]

Lara, I'll send you a PM later today -- I'm not much of a beer/wine gal, but I'm thinking maybe something our kids could enjoy, too, like local baked goods?

Helene

Do you think Victor would like a Rockies shirt? :D :D :p

(whether he likes it is probably immaterial since it'd get confiscated at the front door! :p )

[Angelsfan]

Even though the Angels are not involved, I still love baseball so I am SO annoyed and jealous.....that all my friends will be at happy hour watching the game (it starts at 5:30 in CA) and I'll be at "back to school night :mad: ." This always happens! While I enjoy meeting my student's parents, I'd rather be drinking wine, eating greasy food, and watching Game #1 with my friends!!

Now if the Angels were in it, I would definitely be coming down with a mysterious illness right about now :D !

Have fun watching the game everyone (Go Rockies!)

-Heather

[Jalapeno]

Go Sox!!!!!

[Hammster]

I hope with all that's going on in So Cal, the media outlets can break away for awhile to show the Series. I'm ready for an extended break from the coverage and enjoy something else for a bit.
Go Rockies!!