How do I love you, Sox? Let me count the ways

A second Sox championship in 4 years wipes away all the little disappointments of the 2007 season: The free agent signings that didn't quite work out, the injuries that seemed to undermine a swan-song season for Schilling, and the power outage in the middle of the lineup (manny and ortiz just didn't seem to have that home run swagger this year).

Anyhow, my top ten list for the 2007 Sox:

10. Julio Lugo, J.D. Drew, Daisuke Matsuzaka: None of these guys quite measured up to the preseason hopes that accompanied their signings. Lugo couldn't get his average up to respectable levels. Drew's power disappeared, and his average was pretty disappointing (but he did play a full season for once!). And Daisuke's early season promise faded as the rigors of a long season took its toll on him. All these guys are going to be with the team (barring a trade) for a few years, and all of them have better years ahead of them. The good new: Gutty performances in the playoffs erased any regular season disappointments, and take the pressure of them for next year. I'm feeling pretty confident that all of them will improve in 2008.

9. Curt Schilling. He's a an old man, out of shape, losing his fastball. But he managed to put together a good run down the strech in the regular season and he won a few big games in the playoffs. He got a quick hook in Game 2 of the series, robbing him of a an opportunity to go out in style Fenway, but he still got a solid ovation, he got his second ring, and he probably made himself a borderline Hall of Famer with his 3 wins in this year's playoffs. He'll be pitching somewhere else in 2008, and good luck to him. He did his job and the Sox have 2 chamiponships as a result. Thank you, Curt!

8. The emergence of Josh Beckett. Josh has had moments of greatness. Some really big moments.... such as his 2003 World Series MVP performance against the Yanks. But until 2007, Beckett had never put together a full season of ace-level performance. Either injuries, slumps or gopheritis (see 2006) had kept him from emerging as a top 10 pitcher in the league. He's got my imaginary vote for the Cy Young this year. He owned the competition in the playoffs. Yeah, he won 20 in the regular season, but he took it to another level in the playoffs. He's done that twice now. It's clear that Beckett likes the big stage and he isn't scared at all. He's no Pedro, but he's definitely capable of being Roger Clemens, minus the oafish, mercenary BS.

7. Dustin Pedroia: This kid's swing is just too big. Too big. It's painful to watch him hit because it always looks like the bat is going to fly out of his hands on every swing. But for some reason he gets the job done. I was so disappointed when the Sox let Dave Eckstein slip through their fingers 6 or 7 years ago because it was obvious that the kid had the ability to put together 4 or 5 solid years as a middle-infielder. Pedroia reminds a lot of people of Eckstein, only Dustin is a lot more talented. He reminds me of a shorter Marty Barrett. Solid defense, excellent number 2 hitter. And he's with us for at least another 5 years. His postseason home runs this year showed everyone that he's solid under pressure. What a gamer!

6. Hideki Okajima: The Japanese afterthought. No one expected much from him in 2007. It's been said over and over, he was signed to be Daisuke's caddy. Well after that home run surrendered to John Buck in his first MLB appearance, he turned it on. Hitters never figured out his crazy delivery and he was a rock for us all year. He wilted in the final game against Colorado, but he was real tired. Here's hoping he can be half as good next year. If he is, the Sox will have a great bullpen again.

6. David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez: Both of them had off years in 2007 but both of them inspired confidence in fans and teammates in the playoffs. Just having them in the lineup made things easier for everyone else. Opposing pitchers had to fear them, and that took the focus off the other guys in the lineup. These guys will be hard to replace when they finally move on. We probably have one more year with them in the middle of the Sox lineup. Here's hoping Theo can find a way to transition to the future when these guys are finally broken up.

5. Jonathan Papelbon: No runs in the postseason. This guy gave up no runs in October. That is just big balls. This kid is now the top closer in baseball in my book, and that's not just a homer talking. Really, it isn't. He's got to grow some facial hair in order to take it up a notch. I just can't take that glare seriously without a badass beard or handlebar mustache. But then again, I don't have to face his 98 mph fastball. I guess he can keep shaving if he wants. Who am I to argue. I love the fact that this kid is homegrown. I love it!

4. Kevin Youkilis: He just fouls off pitches. I love how he does that. He is such a professional hitter. When Bill Mueller moved on, Youkilis became the official biggest pain in the ass in the Sox lineup. He doesn't have the raw ability of Manny or Ortiz. And he doesn't have Lowell's natural skills. But he is just so damn good at recognizing pitches and setting himself up for the pitch he wants. And he's become a gold glove firstbaseman without us noticing. I've been a big fan of Youk since he was drafted out of the University of Cincinatti about 5 years ago. From day one with the Lowell Spinners I just knew this kid was going to be a solid hitter in the majors. It's been fun watching him establish himself. He doesn't have enough power to be a top firstbaseman in the MLB, but I love having him on this team, all the same.

3. Mike Lowell: He is just such a gentleman. He had such a fantastic season. And he had a fantastic postseason. He does it so quietly, you don't notice it. I mean, when they gave him the MVP for the Series I was shocked. But then they reviewed his performance, and I realized, oh yeah, he deserves it. But the fact that you can easily miss how good he is... that's what I love about him. He doesn't strut. He doesn't beat his chest. He just wins. He's like Paul O'Neill without the temper... which makes him my favorite player. I hope they get him to sign a 2-year contract. I don't want A-Rod!

2. Jacoby Ellsbury: This kid hits over .400 in the WS, won the country a free taco, has a WS ring, and he's still going to be a rookie next year. Is anyone else excited about him? :) I love Jacoby. He just seems to get it done. He's got so much talent, he's just a great story. Everybody is going out to buy Ellsbury jerseys. Problem is, you can't find them yet. Here's a kid who's going to be hitting .320 every year with 110 runs and 40 SB. The Sox have never had a player like that in the last half century. I just can't wait to watch him next year.

1. Terry Francona: Even after leading the Sox to the title in 2004 there were still people complaining about him. This guy will never get the respect he deserves. Two titles in 4 years. Yeah, he's got a talented roster, but how many managers could integrate rookies like Pedroia, Ellsbury, Daisuke, Okajima, and Delcarmen into a team that wins a World Series? He overmanaged a little bit in the playoffs, giving his starting pitchers a real quick hook, but that's just nitpicking at this point. He did a great job. He has the best playoff winning percentage of any manager in baseball history with more thn 20 games managed. That is something that has gone largely unnoticed by people. I don't even know the number he wears on his jersey, since he never seems to wear one, but I hope they retire his number some day. He deserves it.

Stay the Course

These past few days, pundits and flacks and political appointees and even George W. Bush have been arguing endlessly about whether Bush has abandoned the rhetoric of "stay the course" in Iraq. Has he decided to stop saying it? How long has it been since he said it. How often did he say it before he stopped saying it?

How sad. We've grown so accustomed to being fed empty rhetoric and inspid catchphrases by our leaders, that when someone like Bush bumps a jingo like "stay the course" everyone gets into a cyclonic frenzy arguing about what it means, how long it's benen since he last used it, how often, etc., etc. But really, does this idiots decsion to stop using "stay the course" signify anything? No, not at all. There are no changes in policy. There are no changes in the administration's fear-mongering tactics. Nothing has changed, dozens of Amercians continue to die every month in Iraq. Nothing has changed. Our leaders lack the policitcal courage to do what needs to be done. That's the real story. And so, we the public are subjected on MSNBC, CNN, Fox and the rest, wringing there hands over "stay the course." Screw "stay the course." Who cares what Bush says. No matter what he says, it's bullshit. Bush remains and idiot. He remains a puppet of his corporate patrons. And we remain royally screwed.

Reporters versus propagandists

This interview is a prime example of what's wrong with American news media today, in particular cable news, and most particularly Fox "News."

In this clip you will see Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City, Utah, being "interviewed" by the hosts of Fox & Friends, Fox News' morning news/talk show.

Mayor Anderson was due to lead a large protest against President George W. Bush, who was coming to Salt Lake City to speak to the American Legion (and to headline a fundraiser for Sen. Orrin Hatch, where 1,000 Republicans payed $500-a-plate to be in the same dining room as the president. So, yes, he came to speak to the American Legion, but he also raised $500,000 for the campaign of Orrin Hatch.)

In any case, in the clip above you will see the interviewees, particularly Ms. E.D. White, attack the mayor's position rather than interview him.

And this is what I want to emphasize: In TV news, many interviewers, such as the ones in the above clip, have been, for years now, leading off questions with phrases like "Some would say..." and "Many people believe..." Phrases like those disgust me as a journalist. They have no place in a real interview because they are nothing more devices used to by a reporter to either disguise his or her own bias, or to create an equal and opposing position to stand in opposition to the interviewee's position, without actually having to find someone to give voice to that opposing position. This is yellow journalism.

Fox asks the mayor: "Some people are saying it's the mayor's job is to welcome the president to the city, not attack him. Some people are saying you're embarassing Salt Lake City. What do you say to them?"

To who? The Republican PR operative who distributed today's talking points to Roger Ailes?

A real journlist would politely ask: "What role should a mayor play when the president visits his city?" That's a real question. That's a question you would ask of someone whom you expect to speak to again professionally.

As this clip roles on, the "reporters" abandon any pretense of journalistic integrity. They closet he interview by engaging in a direct argument with the mayor. This is shameful behavior. It's too bad Fox News has no interest in journalistic ethics.

He's My Papi

David Ortiz makes me feel like a kid again. Why? Because he fills me with hope every time he steps to the plate. And what does that make him? A hero? And hero is something I haven't known since I was a child.

David Ortiz is an unstoppable force. When he steps to the plate with the game on the line, Boston Red Sox fans know that, more likely than not, he is going to win the game with a big hit. It might be a home run. It might be a game ending single. No matter.

The game will be on the line. Two outs. The terrified pitcher sees Ortiz step to the plate. He looks and sees Manny Ramirez on deck, weaiting for his turn at the plate, and the pitcher knows he has to make a stand against Ortiz or the floodgates will probably fly open. So he throws the best pitches he can wring out of his arm. And maybe he gets two strikes on Ortiz. Doesn't matter. Ortiz is just getting warmed up. With two strikes, Ortiz pokes a ball to centerfield. The outfielders stop chasing the ball. They realize the game is already over. The runner on base is already crossing home, and Ortiz has flipped his helmet, ready to celebrate.

This was the scene that unfolded before me Monday night while I sweated away at the gym with the tv on the Sox game. The game looked lost, but Ortiz changed fate.

Ortiz has been doing this for a few years now, and it doesn't get old. It's hard to get excited about every game of the 162-game season, but whenever Ortiz comes to the plate in late inning situation with the game tied or the Sox behind, even the most jaded fan is giddy with excitement. Is there anyone in Boston who doesn't have trouble containing himself when this situation comes up. Ortiz is on a history run of clutch hitting, going back to the 2004 World Series run.

He redeemed us then, and he's keeping the dream alive now. Let the good times role on.

Time to testify

Today is June 19. In a little more than a week the Major League Baseball season will be halfway over, and Jonathan Papelbon, rookie closer for the Boston Red Sox has only given up one run all season. One run. His ERA is 0.25. He is on his way to one of the greatest single season performances by a relief pitcher in history. Let's compare him to some of the greats.

First, look at Dennis Eckersly's greatest season as a closer. In 1990, Eck gave up 9 runs in 73 1/3 innings for an ERA of 0.61. He recorded 48 saves and surrendered 0.61 walks and hits per innings pitched. That is a great season.

Papelbon is on pace to give up just 2 runs this year. His WHIP is 0.64, slightly higher than Eck's in 1990. He's recorded 22 saves. Papelbon is just as dominant as Eckersly was in 1990 but even more difficult to score upon.

Then there's Hoyt Wilhelm. Wilhelm was a great reliever for a lot of years. His best year in terms of ERA was 1967, when he was 44 years old!!! His ERA was 1.31. He gave up 13 earned runs that year in 89 innings. He gave up 8 unearned runs as well. His WHIP was 1.03, a lot less dominant than Eck and Papelbon. So even in his best season, Wilhelm didn't dominate as much as Papelbon and Eckersly did.

Then there was Rick "Goose" Gossage. Hs best ERA came in 1981 when he posted a mark of 0.77. He gave up just 4 earned runs that year and recorded a WHIP of 0.77. He had 20 saves that year and only pitched 46 2/3 innings due to the players strike and injury. Though Gossage was indeed dominant and he gave up just 2 more runs than Papelbon is projected to give up, the shortened season should be weighted against him. Chances are, had he pitched a full season he would have given up 2 or 3 more runs. He did give up 2 unearned runs that year, making it 6 runs to Papelbon's 1. Papelbon clearly is more dominant than Gossage in his finest season.

Then there is Rollie Fingers. His finest season also came in 1981, when he posted an ERA of 1.04 and a WHIP of 0.87. He gave up just nine total runs that year in 78 innings and earned 28 saves. Dominant, but not quite what Papelbon is on pace to do.

The most dominant season by a reliever in the last 15 years was Eric Gagne's 2003 season when he posted a 1.20 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP. He recorded 55 saves and gave up just 11 earned runs in 82 1/3 innings. His WHIP is on par with Papelbon's season, but he gave up more runs, due mostly to 5 home runs. Gagne was as dominant as Papelbon, but not flawless. Papelbon beats Gagne's best season.

John Smoltz's 2002 season was nearly as good as Gagne's 2003. Indeed his ERA was lower. An ERA of 1.12 and a WHIP of 0.87. 55 saves and just 8 earned runs in 64 1/3 innings. Dominant, but not as good as Papelbon.

Of the top 100 all time saves leaders in baseball, no other pitcher has posted an ERA of less. than 1.00. Papelbon is clearly having the most dominant season by a relief pitcher in recent memory.

Of course the season is still young. Anything could happen, but right now it's time to give Papelbon his due.

Five years later

It took five years, but justice was finally served today. Kenneth "Kenny Boy" Lay was convicted for his part in the fraudulent destruction of Enron.

It seems like a long time ago, but before 9-11 this was really big news. And everyone was wondering, just how much influence did Ken Lay and Enron have over the Dick Cheney energy task force that shaped this country's energy policy.

Your remember the original Bush energy policy, don't you? The policy that was instituted before Bush stood in front of TV cameras and told us we were addicted to oil? Before that, the administration's policy was to consume, drill, consume, and drill. Cheney, when asked about whether conservation should be a part of the country's energy policy, sneered and said that's a "personal virtue."

And when asked during press briefing about America's out-of-control energy consumption, Press Secretary Ari Fleischer uttered these memorable words:

Q Is one of the problems with this, and the entire energy field, American lifestyles? Does the president believe that, given the amount of energy Americans consume per capita, how much it exceeds any other citizen in any other country in the world, does the President believe we need to correct our lifestyles to address the energy problem?

MR. FLEISCHER: That's a big no. The President believes that it's an American way of life, and that it should be the goal of policy makers to protect the American way of life. The American way of life is a blessed one. And we have a bounty of resources in this country. What we need to do is make certain that we're able to get those resources in an efficient way, in a way that also emphasizes protecting the environment and conservation, into the hands of consumers so they can make the choices that they want to make as they live their lives day to day.

For, you see, George W. Bush was good buddies with the energy industry. So why would he act against their interests?

And Kenny Boy Lay and George W. Bush were good buddies, as these 40 individual pieces of correspondance of between them would seem to indicate.

They exchanged gifts, invitations to Broadway plays, and most of all, Kenny Boy funneled lots of cash to GWB. As you can see, individual employees of Enron donated $77,000 to Bush during the 2000 election cycle, including about $3,000 from Ken and his wife Laura personally. But Ken didn’t stop there. He not only got his employees to give tens of thousands of dollars to George, he also was a Bush-Cheney Pioneer (which meant he raised at least $100,000 for the campaign. Sources say he raised a total of $550,000 for Bush over the years.

And that fundraising bought Lay access and influence in the Bush White house:

When Kenneth L. Lay, for example, a 2000 Pioneer and then-chairman of Enron Corp., was a member of the Energy Department transition team, he sent White House personnel director Clay Johnson III a list of eight persons he recommended for appointment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Two were named to the five-member commission.

When it came to shaping this country's energy policy, Lay and Enron had a seat at the table every step of the way. And now the country is in the grip of a national energy crisis, thanks in part to the fact that the president allowed a now-convicted felon have a big piece of the pie. After all, the energy bill it creates was nothing but a wishlist for the energy industry. Heck, if that previous site is to be believed, even Iraq was a part of the wish list.

So now, Kenny Boy is officially a convicted felon. He won't be sentenced until Sept. 11, of all days. Hopefully he won't skip town before the sentencing. Has he surrendered his passport yet? I think he keeps it hidden behind that painting Bush gave him as a Christmas gift about 8 years ago.

Was it the hookers or the cash?

Porter Goss resigned as director of the CIA today. No reason for his resignation was given. In the press opp at the White house with Goss and Bush, the president offered no schedule for Goss' departure, or for the naming of his replacement. Any day now, the public will probably learn that Goss was quitting ahead of a major sex and bribery scandal.

Obviously, the White House is doing some form of damage control. If this was well planned, they would have had a replacement in mind already. Some bad news is coming.

Bill Kristol, normally a satanic apologist for the White House, actually had a rare moment of candor on Fox News earlier today when he speculated that some bad news was coming and that's why Goass was suddenly leaving. He even alluded to some rumors that so far have been largely confined to blogs and some print media.

For you see, rumors are swirling that Goss is one of a handful of past and current congressmen who shared in the spoils and largesse of disgraced Calif. congressman Duke Cunningham who pleaded guilty to taking bribes from defense contractor while he sat on the defense appropriations subcommittee.

Those rumors are that the FBI is investigating several past and current congressmen. The investigation is looking at defense contractors Brent Wilkes, the founder of ADCS Inc., and Mitchell Wade, the founder of MZM Inc., who supposedly held poker games at the Watergate and Westin Grand hotels in DC with Cunningham and others. Those games also included free limo rides and free prostitutes. So, sex, gambling, and cash were being thrown around for congressmen who were willing to spend defense department dollars on superfluous contractors. MZM and ADCS specialized in software for defense intelligence.

And according to Harper's Weekly a former congressman who now holds a "powerful intelligence post" was one of those who is now under investigation. Who else could that be but Goss? His hand-picked number three guy, Dusty Foggo, is under investigation for corruption and bribery within the same circle of corrupt scum.

Of course the White House is already trying to spin it, even though there's nothing that will stop the tsunami of bad press that will hit when Goss's corruption hits the news. Chris Wallace, a shameless Fox News shill, reported the following breaking news: Wallace said he talked to a "top White House official" - Tony Snow, I'm sure - who said that Goss's resignation was part of Josh Bolten's ongoing White House shake up. That's just bull. A CIA director shouldn't be part of a staff shake up. He's not a part of the cabinet or a part of the White House staff. Goss is the head of an important government agency.