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Old 03-22-2004, 01:02 AM   #1
AZTarHeel
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WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

Well, I did it again.

I just got back from the box office, shelling out big bucks for my 2004 Boston Red Sox season tickets. Yeah, I know – this is my 40th year of buying seats in section 100. Call me a glutton for punishment.

For the past four decades, my wife and I have gone to through the springs and summers thinking this would be THE year. Then every October, we’re crying in our suds like pouting kids. Such is life if you’re a part of the Red Sox Nation.

We’ve been punched in the gut countless times it seems: The 1967 Series when the Cardinals battered a weary Jim Lonborg in Game 7. The ’75 Series and Joe Morgan’s blooper in the top of the ninth. The ’86 Series and Bill Buckner and stranding 14 men on base in Game 6. And of course last year’s ALCS against the Evil Empire. Grady Little leaving Pedro in too long. Having the World Series logo painted on the Fenway grass prematurely. And Aaron Boone – you know what nickname we have for him!! – hitting that 11th inning home run off Tim Wakefield in Game 7. Uggg.

I think the Boston Globe summed it best when they called last season’s ouster the most gut-wrenching of them all. As columnist Bob Ryan said: “The Red Sox always play in the big games, but they never wind up pouring the champagne. Would it spoil some vast eternal plan if the Red Sox could win one?”

Amen to that.

Well, I’ve decided that this is it for me. I’m giving Boston one more chance to win the big one – to shake this curse of the Bambino if you will – or I’m out. If we don’t win it all in 2004 – and I’m not just talking about the AL Pennant here – I’m jumping ship. I’m writing off this franchise, never going back to the Fens and leaving behind the game of baseball altogether!!

OK, you know I can never do that. I’ve invested way too much of my life in this team. I bleed Red Sox colors as do my kids and now my grandkids.

But it sure would be nice to savor the champagne for a change…
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Old 03-22-2004, 01:07 AM   #2
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Memo to All Red Sox Staff
From: Theo Epstein, general manager
Re: The A-Rod Rumors


February 15, 2004 * 8 a.m.

Dear staff, I just want to confirm to all of you that the rumors you are hearing are true. It looks as though the deal to bring Alex Rodriquez from Texas to the New York Yankees is going to happen. Here is a clip I downloaded off the Web last night around midnight from MLB.com:

NEW YORK (MLB.com) – After a winter of heavy speculation that Alex Rodriguez would wind up playing for the Boston Red Sox, the reigning American League MVP may finally be traded after all -- to the New York Yankees.

According to highly placed sources and published reports, the Yankees and Texas Rangers have "an agreement in principle" that will bring Rodriguez, 28, to the Bronx in exchange for second baseman Alfonso Soriano and a minor-league pitcher.

"It's about flexibility," Texas general manager John Hart told the Associated Press on Saturday night, addressing why the Rangers would make the deal. "We're trading the best player in the game and we're getting tremendous financial flexibility."

The Yankees have not verified the report. But the general managers for both teams released statements earlier Saturday confirming trade talks were ongoing.

"Without going into specifics, I can acknowledge that trade discussions are taking place with the Texas Rangers," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said in a statement. "In fairness to all parties involved, I can't comment further at this time."


Pretty disgusting, eh? But it’s no time for a pity party. Let them have A-Rod. I still believe we made some vital moves in the off-season to bring an AL pennant and a World Championship to Bean Town, plus we’ve got a great base already here.

Let it be known that ownership has a commitment to WIN AT ALMOST ANY COST this season. In other words, Mr. Henry, Mr.Werner and Mr. Lucchino have noted to me that a championship is their ultimate goal for our club RIGHT NOW and that they will do everything within their powers to reach that goal.

So remember – steady as she goes here the next few days. This will be tough in the public relations department for awhile – let me handle that part – but we’ve still got a better pitching staff and I think a better overall team than the boys from the Bronx. And I don’t think we will want in the hunger department when we open Spring Training in a few weeks in Fort Myers. I look forward to working with each of you in the season ahead.

Theo
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Old 03-22-2004, 01:10 AM   #3
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Optimism surrounds '04 Sox
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Not a cloud could be found here on the eve of the official reporting date for Red Sox pitchers and catchers.

Sunshine filled the air with cozy warmth. In a way the conditions were fitting, considering the aura of optimism surrounding the 2004 Red Sox.

The argument can be made that this is the deepest and most talent-laden squad the Red Sox have sent to Spring Training since 1978, when such players as Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans, Carlton Fisk, Luis Tiant and Dennis Eckersley roamed the grounds.

Incidentally, that group won 99 games but lost a one-game playoff to the Yankees and finished second in the AL East.

More than a quarter-century later, this group -- hoping for a happier ending -- will be represented by such players as Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Curt Schilling, Manny Ramirez, Jason Varitek, Derek Lowe and Keith Foulke.

As Red Sox owner John W. Henry said earlier this week, "Let the games begin."

When last we saw the Red Sox, they were walking off the Yankee Stadium sod after the most gut-wrenching of losses in Game 7 of the ALCS. The 2003 Sox stole hearts in New England for much of the season, "Cowboying up" for 95 wins and inventing every type of comeback win imaginable before it came to that crashing halt in the Bronx.

The talent is certainly there for the Sox to take that next step and get to the World Series for the first time in 18 years.
Aside from the fact that the bulk of the 2003 team is back, this group has Schilling to slot in behind Martinez and Foulke to serve as the elite closer last year's group could only dream of.

"I think the guys here are focused on one thing, that's winning," said general manager Theo Epstein during Thursday's pre-Spring Training media briefing. "We really do have a hungry club. All the players who were on last year's club left hungry. They want to take care of some unfinished business from last year. And then the new additions are here for one thing: They're here to win a World Series."

Make no mistake about it, anticipation is indeed in the air as this Sox team reports to camp.

"I think this year we kind of feel like we're anxious to show what we have," said Epstein. "We like our club a lot. We came within five outs of the World Series last year. I think in the off-season we've made our club a little bit better balanced, a little deeper. That should serve us well this year. Our pitching staff is probably the biggest difference."

Last edited by AZTarHeel; 03-22-2004 at 01:13 AM.
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Old 03-22-2004, 01:17 AM   #4
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EDITOR’S NOTE:

OK, I guess everyone can tell where this dynasty thread is going. I’m an NL guy when it comes to baseball and follow the Florida Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks as my teams (yes, I was a Marlins fan back in the mid-1990s before they won their first championship and “inherited” Arizona when I moved to the Grand Canyon State in 2000). Anyway, I played two games with the D-backs with the new CBLCardinals 1.3 rosters and was kind of bored.

Then it hit me – I followed the Hot Stove “Arms Race” between the Red Sox and Yanks all winter with great interest and amazement, why not jump into the middle of it! So I reloaded my roster set – a great one by the way and one that was pretty generous to the Sox – and decided to start over, playing the role of Theo Epstein and new manager Terry Francona. I was pleased when I signed up to take the manager’s job in Boston to see the owner listed as “Horror (Uncontrollable)” and to see his expectations of “Win it all in 2004!” Perfect.

So, here we go. I plan to play out all the games, so the dynasty will hopefully keep pace with the real season ahead (it will be interesting to see what things mirror each other and what things are completely different).

I do plan a “win at all costs” mentality but the game has me strapped somewhat in the cash department. I had hoped to go after Urbina as another relief pitcher/closer (or as trade bait) but I had like $9,000 left over after hiring all my scouts and coaches. Oh well. Even better. Trading is set on “Hard” and “Favor prospects.” Game challenge is average.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the thread and I hope I can keep pace with the real season, playing out 160+ games. Feedback is definitely welcome, good or bad. I’m more of a storyteller rather than a stats-only poster, so I hope everyone enjoys that part. The article above did appear on MLB.com and I take no credit for that – but it fit great into my story, eh?…

Here goes… Will Beantown be pouring champagne when it’s all over? Or just crying in its suds…
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Old 03-22-2004, 01:47 AM   #5
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Very cool
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Old 03-22-2004, 02:11 AM   #6
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Hey, Tarheel...I wanted to PM you something regarding the Sox and the dynasty I'm penning (very slowly, however), but I guess you disabled that, huh?
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Old 03-22-2004, 02:41 AM   #7
AZTarHeel
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Quote:
Originally posted by InRepair
Hey, Tarheel...I wanted to PM you something regarding the Sox and the dynasty I'm penning (very slowly, however), but I guess you disabled that, huh?
Try now... sorry about that...

Enjoying your dynasty a lot... take your time -- it's good work...
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Old 03-22-2004, 03:27 AM   #8
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Boston sets its 25-man roster

The Red Sox prepare to break camp in Fort Myers and head back to Bean Town for what fans, players and management alike hope will be a World Series season. Here’s the 25-man roster manager Terry Francona has settled on at this point.

First off, the men on the mound:

PITCHERS
Starters
1) RHP Pedro Martinez
2) RHP Curt Schilling
3) RHP Byung-hun Kim
4) RHP Derek Lowe
5) RHP Tim Wakefield

Relief
· RHP Bronson Arroyo
· LHP Alan Embree
· RHP Mike Timlin
· RHP Scott Williamson
· RHP Ramiro Mendoza

Closer
· RHP Keith Foulke

Analysis: The front-line starters are obviously among the best in the game, but Martinez and Schilling aren’t getting any younger. Can Schilling recreate the dynamic duo magic he had in Arizona with Randy Johnson?

Kim is a mystery but looks ready to have a breakout year as a starter. Lowe also looks solid, but Wakefield looks inconsistent. His knuckleball will either be nasty or create nasty results for the “Bawstins”…

Will having just one lefty on the staff be a detriment? Keith Foulke was a tremendous pickup… Timlin and Williamson should anchor the bullpen… Theo Epstein went after U. Urbina but didn't have enough cash on hand to sign him. Urbina went to Seattle instead...

Pitchers in the Minors:
Anastacio Martinez: He’s the only SP listed in AAA right now breaking camp, and he’s only a two-star guy. Injuries to the starting rotation could devastate this team’s chances.

The relief in AAA doesn’t look too sharp either (2 ½ stars is the best). Abe Alvarez, 21, is a 4-star starter in AA right now. Jon Papelbon, 23, is a reliever in Single A worth keeping an eye on. The Sox could be trading some of their top prospects for pitching if injuries hit or starters don’t cut it…

Next up: The position players…

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Old 03-22-2004, 04:35 PM   #9
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Im gonna be reading this. I usually dont read good teams but it seems interesting.
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Old 03-22-2004, 08:03 PM   #10
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Having lived in Boston, they're my AL team (I know it seems weird, but the Mets and Red Sox have a common enemy).

I'll be glued to this one.
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Old 03-22-2004, 08:31 PM   #11
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You're in Arizona, you root for the Mets AND the Red Sox....boy, the Yankees losing that Series to the D'Backs must have been heaven for you.
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Old 03-23-2004, 05:37 PM   #12
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Boston sets its 25-man roster, continued...

Here’s the rest of the Boston Red Sox 25-man roster. Introducing the position players:

CATCHERS
C – Jason Varitek, Doug Mirabelli

INFIELDERS
1B – David Ortiz (L), Kevin Millar
2B – Pokey Reese
3B – Bill Mueller (S), Mark Bellhorn (S)
SS – Nomar Garciaparra, Tony Womack (L)

OUTFIELDERS
LF – Manny Ramirez, Ellis Burks
CF – Johnny Damon (L)
RF – Trot Nixon (L), Gabe Kapler (RF)

Analysis: a pretty solid group up and down the lineup… should get plenty of hits this season… definitely a long-ball threat... Damon is a speedy lead-off man with good pop in his pat… Pokey doesn’t have a ton left in his bat but is solid on defense… there is some drop off when you go to the bench with guys like Bellhorn, Mirabelli and Kapler…

Question marks: How will Nomar respond playing in Boston after the "almost" trade during the A-Rod talks? What will Boston do if a few regulars get hurt since there is very little star power in the AAA or AA system? How will the team respond to its new manager, Francona?

PROBABLE BATTING ORDER:
Vs. RHP + DH:
Damon (L)
Mueller (S)
Ramirez
Ortiz (L)
Nixon (L)
Burks (designated hitter)
Garciaparra
Varitek (S)
Reese

Vs. LHP + DH
Damon (L)
Millar
Ramirez
Burks (DH)
Garciaparra
Mueller (S)
Mirabelli
Nikon (L)
Reese
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Old 03-23-2004, 06:02 PM   #13
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The Boston Globe • March 30, 2004

Yanks, D-Rays set to throw out first pitch in Tokyo

No matter what happens tonight between the Yankees and Devil Rays in Japan, the Boston Red Sox will begin the season behind in the AL East standings.

Both New York and Tampa Bay play in the Red Sox’s division. The two teams are playing a special two-game series in Tokyo to kick off the 2004 campaign a week before everyone else.

A worst-case scenario for Boston fans? A sweep by the Bronx Bombers, putting the Sox two games behind before they even throw out the first pitch April 4 at Baltimore.

New York owner George Steinbrenner already stoked this fire in a news conference earlier in the week:

"We plan on taking the division lead in Japan and keeping it all the way through September and October," he said with a sly smile (probably facing toward Boston).

The Bo-Sox will play four in Camden Yards to start the season before coming back to Fenway for the April 9 home opener against Toronto. After another set with the Orioles, the Red Sox will meet the Yankees in a long-awaited four-game series.

Fox has already put the first Boston-New York meeting in its prime time TV slot.
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Old 03-23-2004, 08:58 PM   #14
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A-Rod's 16th inning HR lifts Yanks

March 31, 2004

A-Rod’s first hit in pinstripes ended a marathon season opener last night in Japan.

Rodriguez, traded from Texas to New York in February, hit a two-run homer in the top of the 16th inning to lift the Yankees to a 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

A-Rod didn’t start the game, complaining of stomach flu after “eating too much sushi” the night before. But he surely finished it strong, hitting a bomb 410 feet that had the 42,715 fans in Tokyo on their feet for more than a minute in applause.

“Boy that felt good,” Rodriguez said afterward. “I’m just glad to help the team get a win. And glad that sushi didn't keep me out the entire night."

Tampa scored a run in the bottom of the ninth on a sac fly by former Yankee Tino Martinez to tie it 2-2. The Yanks scored one run in the top of the 11th but the Rays answered in the bottom half. The two teams failed to muster anything in the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th frames. A-Rod finally blew the game open with his two-run blast in the 16th.

Derek Jeter finished with three hits, including a solo home run to lead off the game. Gary Sheffield also had three hits. Paul Quantrill got the win in the game that featured 13 different pitchers...

"If this game is a precursor to the 2004 season, I can't wait to see how things are going to turn out," commissioner Bud Selig said afterward, bowing awkwardly to the Japanese press.

(photo courtesy of MLB.com)
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Old 03-23-2004, 09:41 PM   #15
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Sheffield homers twice, drives home 8 (!!) as Yankees improve to 2-0

April 1, 2005

Not to be outdone by A-Rod, new Yankee pickup Gary Sheffield played the role of hero in game two of the season last night in Tokyo.

Sheffield, who came to New York from Atlanta, went 5-for-6 with two home runs and an amazing 8 RBIs as the Yankees beat Tampa Bay 13-9 in the second game of the Japan series. New York will head back to the states with a very pleasing 2-0 record and plenty of momentum heading into the first full month of the season. The D-Rays are in a familiar spot at the bottom of the AL East.

Other stars from last night’s game: Kenny Lofton went 3-for-6 from his leadoff spot. Alex Rodriguez, making his first start at third base, had another home run and played error free ball in his new position. Jason Giambi was 3-for-5 with five runs scored. Derek Jeter had a home run – a two-run shot.

Kevin Brown got his first win in pinstripes, though he did give up six hits and four earned runs…

(It could be another long season in Boston, eh?… sigh…)
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Old 03-23-2004, 10:46 PM   #16
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Old 03-23-2004, 10:48 PM   #17
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Whats this all about? Yankeefanatic?
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Old 03-23-2004, 10:57 PM   #18
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I think it's code for:

If you're going to shell out big money for power, your team will be slow and will be run over in the standings...or it could have been simply clicking along the bottom row of the smilies.

Regardless, nice idea AZTarHeel - good luck taking the team to the Series.
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Old 03-23-2004, 10:58 PM   #19
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HaHa
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Old 03-23-2004, 11:01 PM   #20
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This is the only good team Dynasty i've ever read
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