Hey America; chill out. Really, all this hooplah about the inauguration is kind of ridiculous, dont you think?
This is without a doubt, a significant day in the history of our country. We have come incredibly far and overcame huge obstacles since our days of slavery. This day should be celebrated as such. It is an important day because of his race. He has only been elected, and yet he has drawn comparisons to some of our greats; Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, FDR and JFK. Does anyone else see this as incredibly presumptuous? Especially for someone who has actually accomplished little more than writing two books about himself in his lifetime. He hasnt done anything yet. Obama has made great promises, but until he delivers for petes sake, DONT DRINK THE KOOLAID.
Blind faith is incredibly dangerous. It led to the elections of terrible leaders, including Hitler, in democracies. Blind faith not only got them elected, but allowed them to do terrible things without much resistance. So I ask of you, my fellow Americans, to constantly question everything our 44th President proposes. Don't succumb to the media who will make you believe that Obama is superhuman and capable of no wrong.
The expectancies of Obama are incredible. He will end wars, save countries from genocide, save our economy and environment from further turmoil. All this in four years. Obama himself is trying to downplay his superhuman abilities (after glorifying them during the election), as on sunday he was quoted in his speech: " I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States will endure." He began by promising the ambigous change, a tactful strategy because everyone had their idea of what change he would bring and would support such. Now he is merely hoping the United States will endure?? Thats more than a little scary. Barack has came to the stark realization that he is not capable of everything people thnk he will do.
Four years from now, if I am unhappy with the 'changes' that have occured, you better believe that I will be supporting a new candidte. And I really hope you do too. Medicoracy will not sufice, and I will not allow the media or anyother outlets to delay the progress that is destined for this country. Yes that is a big stick to carry, but obviously a large portion of the country believes that is doable.
To end on a good note:
Congrats President Obama! You have won over the American people and are now our 44th President. Please deliver on your promises, as your actions will always speak louder than ambiguous words. As I hope you will obtain help from all sides of the political spectrum, and maybe take some of McCains ideas into consideration. His slogan rings particularly true: Country First. I would ask that you please save our country from further turmoil first before trying to save the rest of the world.
Once again Congrats and Godspeed!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Busy Bosox
Over the past few days the red sox nation has seen a myriad of exciting signings in preparation for the 2009 season.
Lets start from the top:
New England native Rocco Baldelli was signed for the league minimum of $500k on a one year deal. Baldelli was a highly regarded prospect in the Rays system before being diagnosed with a disease which made him fatigued very easily and not able to play ever day. He will be the the 4th outfielder for the sox, backing up the core of Ellsbury, Bay and Drew. This seems to be a promising signing with much upside, especially considering the price.
John Smoltz (yes, that Smoltz) signed a one year $5mm salary with bonuses based on performance. Smoltz is considered to be one of the best post season pitchers in baseball history, which will help Bostons young and relatively inexperienced staff. He will be available in early May to join the team and could serve in a variety of roles, including starting, relief and long term relief.
Brad Penny also signed a one year contract with the bosox. He was the dodgers staff ace (ahead of Lowe) but faced injruy and shoulder problems last season. Penny took a $5.5mm offer with the potential for more based on performance. This is another big signing for the red sox. Once again this is a low risk, high upside signing
Takashi Saito also signed a one year deal with the sox. Saito was the Dodgers closer before facing injuries himself. Saito, a closer by nature, will likely serve in a set up role for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Once again, this is another low risk, high upside signing.
Finally, Mark Kotsay will rejoin the team for the 2009 season. He joined the red sox midway through last season, covering first base and right field. He provides further protection for the team.
The red sox GM Theo Epstein was quoted: "I think you'll see us now turn to players who we can take chances on, players who represent potential impact players. We still have some things going on."
It is clear that Theo is very happy with the team at its present state and is willing to take risks with high upside players. The rotation and bullpen are now stronger than ever and almost all positions are covered with backup roles in case of injuries.
A few rumors:
the red sox are in serious discussion with the D'Backs for young catcher Miguel Montero. It is believed a deal could be worked out not including Bucholz or Bowden.
Jason Bay is siad to be in talks for an extension of his contract. It ws orignially thought that he would test the FA waters for his first time, as he would be one of the best hitters on the market next season. Bay is currently signed at a meager $7.5mm per season.
Lets start from the top:
New England native Rocco Baldelli was signed for the league minimum of $500k on a one year deal. Baldelli was a highly regarded prospect in the Rays system before being diagnosed with a disease which made him fatigued very easily and not able to play ever day. He will be the the 4th outfielder for the sox, backing up the core of Ellsbury, Bay and Drew. This seems to be a promising signing with much upside, especially considering the price.
John Smoltz (yes, that Smoltz) signed a one year $5mm salary with bonuses based on performance. Smoltz is considered to be one of the best post season pitchers in baseball history, which will help Bostons young and relatively inexperienced staff. He will be available in early May to join the team and could serve in a variety of roles, including starting, relief and long term relief.
Brad Penny also signed a one year contract with the bosox. He was the dodgers staff ace (ahead of Lowe) but faced injruy and shoulder problems last season. Penny took a $5.5mm offer with the potential for more based on performance. This is another big signing for the red sox. Once again this is a low risk, high upside signing
Takashi Saito also signed a one year deal with the sox. Saito was the Dodgers closer before facing injuries himself. Saito, a closer by nature, will likely serve in a set up role for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Once again, this is another low risk, high upside signing.
Finally, Mark Kotsay will rejoin the team for the 2009 season. He joined the red sox midway through last season, covering first base and right field. He provides further protection for the team.
The red sox GM Theo Epstein was quoted: "I think you'll see us now turn to players who we can take chances on, players who represent potential impact players. We still have some things going on."
It is clear that Theo is very happy with the team at its present state and is willing to take risks with high upside players. The rotation and bullpen are now stronger than ever and almost all positions are covered with backup roles in case of injuries.
A few rumors:
the red sox are in serious discussion with the D'Backs for young catcher Miguel Montero. It is believed a deal could be worked out not including Bucholz or Bowden.
Jason Bay is siad to be in talks for an extension of his contract. It ws orignially thought that he would test the FA waters for his first time, as he would be one of the best hitters on the market next season. Bay is currently signed at a meager $7.5mm per season.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I will be leaving tomorrow morning for the sunshine state, escaping the bleak and dreary North East. I will not have access to a computer or internet and will not be updating my blog.
If I have piqued your interest in any of my posts I have compiled a list of a few websites to keep updated on Sports, Politics, and other grumblings. Also, please check out my buddies blog, an inspiration for mine and very well written. It can be found here: http://www.jeremydstanley.com/
For my baseball info, I frequent www.mlbtraderumors.com Not everything posted comes to pass, as it is a rumor mill. But they are generally one of the first sites to update on confirmed FA signings and compile interesting articles from many of the top sports sites, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
I encourage all my readers (however few you are) to check out radio talkshow host Glenn Beck. His latest novel, The Christmas Sweater, is very moving and a refreshing read for the holiday season. Glenn has a program on Fox News, and also has a blogsite with links to many political articles and opinions. Hs site is found at www.glennbeck.com
If you get really bored, try checking out www.digg.com. Digg is a compilation of internet articles and news on a variety of topics. The popular articles are dugg and move to the top of the page, while those with little substance can be buried to the bottom. I often find news appears on sites such as Digg hours before TV or other media coverage begins. There are also many smaller stories that would never make maintream media but are nonetheless an interesting read.
And finally, if you feel really down on life, try checking www.4chan.org. The messed up souls on this site are sure to instantly make you feel better about yourself knowing that you have some sort of social life...
If I have piqued your interest in any of my posts I have compiled a list of a few websites to keep updated on Sports, Politics, and other grumblings. Also, please check out my buddies blog, an inspiration for mine and very well written. It can be found here: http://www.jeremydstanley.com/
For my baseball info, I frequent www.mlbtraderumors.com Not everything posted comes to pass, as it is a rumor mill. But they are generally one of the first sites to update on confirmed FA signings and compile interesting articles from many of the top sports sites, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
I encourage all my readers (however few you are) to check out radio talkshow host Glenn Beck. His latest novel, The Christmas Sweater, is very moving and a refreshing read for the holiday season. Glenn has a program on Fox News, and also has a blogsite with links to many political articles and opinions. Hs site is found at www.glennbeck.com
If you get really bored, try checking out www.digg.com. Digg is a compilation of internet articles and news on a variety of topics. The popular articles are dugg and move to the top of the page, while those with little substance can be buried to the bottom. I often find news appears on sites such as Digg hours before TV or other media coverage begins. There are also many smaller stories that would never make maintream media but are nonetheless an interesting read.
And finally, if you feel really down on life, try checking www.4chan.org. The messed up souls on this site are sure to instantly make you feel better about yourself knowing that you have some sort of social life...
MLB's Free Agent signings
If you have not been following the numerous signings of MLB's top free agents, you have been missing quite a bit lately.
The yankees went forward with their game plan on putting a better team on the field in 2009 after a dismal 2008 season. They were the first to make a splash in the FA pool, signing CC Sabbathia to a 7 year $161 million contract with a $9.5mm signing bonus. Sabbathia had an incredible second half of the 2008 season. Lets not forget his poor first half before being traded however. CC is a dominant picther who is unproven in the post-season. Overall he was a great pickup for a team that desperately needed picthing.
The second major signing was also made by the Yankees. Pitcher AJ Burnett signed a five year $82.5mm contract. 2008 was Burnetts strongest year, going 18-10, with 221 IP, and an ERA just over 4. I was not entirely sold on this signing. A valid number 2 or 3 starter, Burnett was not deserving of that kind of money. He had a very solid 2008, but that was his first season with over 200 IP and he is considered to be a high injury risk. He also posted an ERA over 4 in his best season and lacks post season experience. However, desperate times deserve desperate measures and it was a necessary move for a lacking NY rotation.
The 3rd major signing was by, you guessed it, the Yankees. Mark Teixiera, an all star caliber first basemen with an excellent bat and fielding signed an 8 year $180mm contract. Few sources pegged NY as the likely destination for the slugger, as the battle was mostly between the Red Sox, Nationals, and angels. Reports have the Nationals paying more money over a longer duration, however Teixiera wanted to win so he signed with NY.
These three signings makes a total of $420 million committed to FA's, and 3 type A FA's signed. No team in previous history has signed more than 1 let alone 3. If you are unfamiliar with this terminology, I suggest looking up the Elias rankings and their efect on draft picks. The Yankees will be sacrificing multiple draft picks for these signings, which may put a further damper on their already lowly farm system.
Other signings include Pat Burrell to the Rays. This marks a significant progress in this organization, which went from a sub .500 low market team to a WS contender in just one year. Burell signed for 2 years and $16mm, a bargain at that price. Pat's bat is his main strength, and he is likely to be used in a DH role, replacing Cliff Floyd.
Also recently signed is Jason Giambi with a 1 year $8 mm deal to the Oakland A's and a 3 yr $30mm for Milton Bradley (not the game company).
The biggest name left on the market is LF Manny Ramirez. Know primarily for his bat, Ramirez is known for his clubhouse issues and not always giving his all. He did perfrom exceptionaly well after being moved from the Red Sox to the Dodgers at the tail end of last season.
The yankees went forward with their game plan on putting a better team on the field in 2009 after a dismal 2008 season. They were the first to make a splash in the FA pool, signing CC Sabbathia to a 7 year $161 million contract with a $9.5mm signing bonus. Sabbathia had an incredible second half of the 2008 season. Lets not forget his poor first half before being traded however. CC is a dominant picther who is unproven in the post-season. Overall he was a great pickup for a team that desperately needed picthing.
The second major signing was also made by the Yankees. Pitcher AJ Burnett signed a five year $82.5mm contract. 2008 was Burnetts strongest year, going 18-10, with 221 IP, and an ERA just over 4. I was not entirely sold on this signing. A valid number 2 or 3 starter, Burnett was not deserving of that kind of money. He had a very solid 2008, but that was his first season with over 200 IP and he is considered to be a high injury risk. He also posted an ERA over 4 in his best season and lacks post season experience. However, desperate times deserve desperate measures and it was a necessary move for a lacking NY rotation.
The 3rd major signing was by, you guessed it, the Yankees. Mark Teixiera, an all star caliber first basemen with an excellent bat and fielding signed an 8 year $180mm contract. Few sources pegged NY as the likely destination for the slugger, as the battle was mostly between the Red Sox, Nationals, and angels. Reports have the Nationals paying more money over a longer duration, however Teixiera wanted to win so he signed with NY.
These three signings makes a total of $420 million committed to FA's, and 3 type A FA's signed. No team in previous history has signed more than 1 let alone 3. If you are unfamiliar with this terminology, I suggest looking up the Elias rankings and their efect on draft picks. The Yankees will be sacrificing multiple draft picks for these signings, which may put a further damper on their already lowly farm system.
Other signings include Pat Burrell to the Rays. This marks a significant progress in this organization, which went from a sub .500 low market team to a WS contender in just one year. Burell signed for 2 years and $16mm, a bargain at that price. Pat's bat is his main strength, and he is likely to be used in a DH role, replacing Cliff Floyd.
Also recently signed is Jason Giambi with a 1 year $8 mm deal to the Oakland A's and a 3 yr $30mm for Milton Bradley (not the game company).
The biggest name left on the market is LF Manny Ramirez. Know primarily for his bat, Ramirez is known for his clubhouse issues and not always giving his all. He did perfrom exceptionaly well after being moved from the Red Sox to the Dodgers at the tail end of last season.
My jersey curse??
This may sound a little funny, but I think i have a curse.
Every time I buy a jersey, something bad happens to that team or player...
My first jersey was of Teddy Bruschi, a LB for the Pats. He was one of my favorite players, always making the big plays and hitting the other team hard. Two weeks after I bought the jersey Bruschi had a stroke. He missed significant playing time, and was arguably never the same since.
My second jersey was a David Ortiz batting practice jersey that was given to me as a christmas present last year. Ortiz was my favorite sox player, and it was a tossup between his jersey or Mannys. I still think I bought the better one ;). In the 2008 season, Ortiz missed playing time due to a bum wrist and was not close to being the masher he was before his injury. He average was up, but his iconic launching of the long ball was down, and so were his rbi's.
My thrid jersey was of Kevein Garnett, a forward for the Celtics. I got this jersey just a few weeks ago, and now the celtics are on a skid, losing 5 of their last 7 after having the best start in NBA history.
So maybe I should stop buying jerseys for a while and root for the Bruins?
Every time I buy a jersey, something bad happens to that team or player...
My first jersey was of Teddy Bruschi, a LB for the Pats. He was one of my favorite players, always making the big plays and hitting the other team hard. Two weeks after I bought the jersey Bruschi had a stroke. He missed significant playing time, and was arguably never the same since.
My second jersey was a David Ortiz batting practice jersey that was given to me as a christmas present last year. Ortiz was my favorite sox player, and it was a tossup between his jersey or Mannys. I still think I bought the better one ;). In the 2008 season, Ortiz missed playing time due to a bum wrist and was not close to being the masher he was before his injury. He average was up, but his iconic launching of the long ball was down, and so were his rbi's.
My thrid jersey was of Kevein Garnett, a forward for the Celtics. I got this jersey just a few weeks ago, and now the celtics are on a skid, losing 5 of their last 7 after having the best start in NBA history.
So maybe I should stop buying jerseys for a while and root for the Bruins?
The birth
As many of you know, my mind wanders alot. I rarely say what I am thinking, and I usually regret this. I stated this blog to capture some of my random thoughts. So here goes...
So last night I lied awake in my bed, unable to sleep, I reflected on the presidential election. As many of you know I was quite outspoken in favor of my candidate, John McCain. I won't lie, I was upset and perturbed that he lost to someone whom I felt very unfit to lead our country. But finally it is time to move on. I am ready to put past me all the useless banter, facts and character flaws that I so readily passed judgment on. My prejudice finally must subside, as I will accept this man as our 44th President. More than I president, I hope. A leader going forward and facing some of the most tumultuous time periods in the history of our beautiful country. My approval rating for Obama and his administration stands at 100%. Just because I didnt believe he will be able to effectively slove this countries issues, doesnt mean I do not want him to. If he is able to turn our country around into the promising and fulfilling land it used to be, I am more than willing to accept Barack as the best president in our history. However, I am not willing to pass any such judgement until I see results.
I must admit, however, that I am very disturbed by the media attention and the overall obsessiveness that many people seem to have over Obama. It may be cynical, but I rarely trust a polictician on words alone. He or She must prove themselves worthy of candidacy. What is scary to me is the iconic image that the media has formed of this man that has accomplished little else other than writing 2 books about himself. The media frenzy is aboslutely ludricous. The other day I truned on the tv to see an entire segment on the Obama children going to school. Really, does anyone care?? Well the media does. Clearly the media wants to have sex with this man!
So last night I lied awake in my bed, unable to sleep, I reflected on the presidential election. As many of you know I was quite outspoken in favor of my candidate, John McCain. I won't lie, I was upset and perturbed that he lost to someone whom I felt very unfit to lead our country. But finally it is time to move on. I am ready to put past me all the useless banter, facts and character flaws that I so readily passed judgment on. My prejudice finally must subside, as I will accept this man as our 44th President. More than I president, I hope. A leader going forward and facing some of the most tumultuous time periods in the history of our beautiful country. My approval rating for Obama and his administration stands at 100%. Just because I didnt believe he will be able to effectively slove this countries issues, doesnt mean I do not want him to. If he is able to turn our country around into the promising and fulfilling land it used to be, I am more than willing to accept Barack as the best president in our history. However, I am not willing to pass any such judgement until I see results.
I must admit, however, that I am very disturbed by the media attention and the overall obsessiveness that many people seem to have over Obama. It may be cynical, but I rarely trust a polictician on words alone. He or She must prove themselves worthy of candidacy. What is scary to me is the iconic image that the media has formed of this man that has accomplished little else other than writing 2 books about himself. The media frenzy is aboslutely ludricous. The other day I truned on the tv to see an entire segment on the Obama children going to school. Really, does anyone care?? Well the media does. Clearly the media wants to have sex with this man!
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