What an interesting start to the season.  This time last year we were talking about Manny and his antics.  Now we have Beckett under the microscope with that throw at Abreau.  I still am not sure how I feel about that.  Everything happened so quickly.  I will side with my boy and say that it wasn't intentional.  Shouldn't have asked for time so late.  That's about it on that.  Good luck on that appeal.  We're all pullin' for ya.

Dice-K is hurt ("fatigued"), Lowrie is hurt.  Injuries to start the season off to add to the already long list we have seemed to accrue.  Does this worry me?  Nope.  I kind of expected something to go wrong with Dice-K after the WBC performance that he had.  I just wish that he was as spot-on for us as he was for his country.  Just my personal feelings.  I still think that we have an awesome bullpen.  Masterson pitched incredibly last night.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, he's good no matter where he's put.  Lester looked shaky the other day.  He looked shaky his first start as well.  Just getting the early season jitters worked out.  There is still plenty of baseball to be played.

Our bats are suffering again unable to wake up.  Our second best starter is at a .320 with Youk (.500) just above him.  Saying that our bats need to wake up is an understatement.  We're leaving runners stranded unable to make anything of the opportunities.  Still, very early in the season and we WILL wake up and get to work.  Just like we did last year. 

Wakefield vs. Anderson in about an hour.  I'm looking forward to this one.  Masterson found their weak spots last night and I'm sure Wake will do the same today.  I hope Beckett wins this appeal and doesn't have to miss a start.  I also hope Dice-K works out this "fatigue" and comes out stronger than ever.  We need him to.  Maybe some home brew will help our boys out.  Seemed to work for us last year, right? 

We may be 2-6 so far, but keep in mind that we've played mostly road games (1-4 on the road).  Keep the Faith.  That's the best we can offer them.  Stick by our boys of summer.  I know things will work out well in the end.  I believe this whole-heartedly.  I hope the rest of you are enjoying the season and keeping your fingers crossed.  There's still plenty of baseball to be played. 

GO SOX!!
RSM-RLF

Comments

	I agree about the injuries. If someone goes down, let him rest and get better. Fill the spot with someone who is healthy and can seize the opportunity to excell. What happened to Alex Cora? Pie 04/15/2009 4:31 PM
mr.pieface

	^5 04/15/2009 3:30 PM
MONSTAH

	I think this time last year we were counting down to Manny's 500th homerun. It was much later in the season that his antics became an issue. 04/15/2009 2:55 PM
Believe ..

	Faith-on!!! Go Red Sox!!! We will overcome and be 1,000,000,000 times better. 04/15/2009 2:54 PM
Jed-RSM

	it aint over till our fat ladies sing lol 04/15/2009 2:42 PM
rockyrho..

With Opening Day just four days away, I am going to go ahead and throw my predictions in there.  For conversation sake, and to open up a healthy, baseball related debate.

There is no doubt that the AL East is a baseball power-house for this upcoming season.  We will be going to battle against two teams who will give us a run for our money, as we will for them.  Rays and Skanks.  With the type of season Longoria had with Tampa last year, there is no doubt that he will pose a decent threat to our powerful pitching squad.   Then there's Mark Teixeira.  Enough said on that one.  The Skanks other addition poses no threat in my eyes.  CC SaFATia will do nothing but be on and off the DL.

Something that excites me to look at is the projected rotation and lineup.  (Rotation) : Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester, Brad Penny and Tim Wakefield.  What's exciting about it?  Our bullpen.  Jonathan Papelbon could be the best closer in baseball.  He finished last season saving 41 games, while pitching to a 2.34 ERA. 

Then we have added Takashi Saito to help set-up and maybe take some of the pressure off of one of our starters.  Then, of course, Ramon Ramirez was also a nice pickup from the right-hand side.

Righties Manny Delcarmen and Justin Masterson and left-handed specialist Javier Lopez round out one of the deepest bullpens in the league.

Our lineup will pose a continued threat to our opponents.   Jacoby Ellsbury,  Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie then Jason Varitek.  Keeping our speed up front with power in the middle seems to be our winning formula.

Now onto my prediction.  I predict that we will take it all the way to the World Series.  Our opponent?  The New York Mets.  We will beat them this time around.   Jason Varitek will continue to get his power numbers up and John Smoltz will be healthy enough to record at least four wins (if they allow him to pitch enough). 

Age and injuries could be a concern, but the Sox should be deep enough to overcome that. Still, anything but a postseason appearance would be a disappointment.

GO SOX!!
RSM - RLF

Comments

	Smoltz I bet will be back in MAY! This Sox team is built for a long run season. Setbacks with primary position players is always a concern.However, the Red Sox have so many options - and in several areas too (ok, not catching) It will be VERY hard to keep up with the sox this year. In saying that, here are my predictions for the AL East 2009 1. Boston + 7.5 2. Tampa -7.5 3. NY -11.5 4 Toronto -15 5. Baltimore -21.5 ...View More...View Less 04/05/2009 6:50 PM
Howdawg

	not even out of the gate and predictions for the year, already! I LOVE it!!! LGRS!!!! 04/04/2009 6:36 PM
Scoobs

	I really hope for 100+ wins. I think that with our opposition, we're looking more toward 94 wins while taking the AL East by 3 games. 04/03/2009 1:49 PM
BoSox Ho..

	RLF4LIFE!!! 04/02/2009 10:25 PM
Southsta..

	GreatBlog Bro Jesse and as always SPOT ON, can't wait til monday I got the heebie jeebies, need my sox fix, GO SOX !!!!#1 04/02/2009 6:21 PM
DARKHALF..

	LOVE YOUR WAY OF THINKING BROTHAH! AND I SEE SMOLTZY AS HAVING 4 WINS ALSO.......IN THE POST SEASON! AND BEST OF ALL.....GETTIN A RING ON THAT FINGER! SOX IN '09....... 04/02/2009 5:55 PM
Irish Wh..

	Hooli, how many overall wins? 04/02/2009 2:25 PM
Cali

	Yes. Just four. Keep in mind that I am an avid Smoltz optimist. If they will allow him to pitch enough, four. I also said "at least". 04/02/2009 2:15 PM
BoSox Ho..

	four wins ?????? 04/02/2009 2:11 PM
Just Jer

Every single one of my blogs talks about the Red Sox.  I typically do not contribute to blogs that are non-Sox related.  But this is just a bunch of crap.

Somebody just got deleted for "talking crap" about the new beta site.  I'm all for giving it a chance.  I really am.  But what is fair?  I went under the "members" section of the beta site to see who all is over there right now.  I saw three Yankees fans who had membership who also have memberships on this all-Sox site.  Their accounts are still here.  Why are they even allowed membership to a site that is titled "SAWXHEADS.com : WHERE RED SOX FANS COME TO PLAY"?  Yet, a Red Sox fan who had an opinion (which is what the beta admin was asking for) got deleted?!  What is fair about that?

Somebody who contributed, time and time again, blogs related to the Red Sox.  Somebody who was invited to the beta test in order to get opinions.   

Not only that, but I'm also seeing a lot of "take this to the forums".  Where was that advice when people posted never ending blogs about Manny or A-Roid*?  I guess it has to be a personal blow in order to make anything happen around here. 

I'm still all for giving the new site a shot.  I think it will be a good change of pace allowing outsiders to give honest, good advice on various teams.   Why delete somebody who has been active on this site since day one?  Is it the "RSM" next to his display name?  Let's be honest here.  Don't discriminate just because of three letters. 

These deleting games are getting old.

Bring back Jester.  Long live RSM! 

GO SOX!!!!

Comments

	BRING BACK JESTER!!!! SO FOOLISH... 04/05/2009 1:56 AM
~RSM~ BO..

	thanks..rlf 03/31/2009 8:43 PM
RSMâ„..

	passes out the chapstick 03/31/2009 7:45 PM
Peasant

	as much as it pains me...I am with ya Mary! LMAO But his decoder ring was lost in the fire... 03/31/2009 6:57 PM
K Dub-Fe..

	Jesterwood was deleted? That's it -- I'm out of here. Who's with me? (Cue Animal House music). So, can I use his cool RSM secret decoder ring until he comes back? 03/31/2009 6:15 PM
Maryland..

	Rafe says that nobody was deleted...but apparently we don't believe that? LMAO 03/31/2009 4:51 PM
K Dub-Fe..

	JESTERWOOD WAS DELETED! 03/31/2009 4:28 PM
Irish Wh..

	I don't think anyone was deleted for talking bad about the new site - if that was the case, there'd be alot more people deleted. 03/31/2009 4:20 PM
KatieMB

	Who got deleted? We haven't deleted anything... Send me a note and let me know. 03/31/2009 2:47 PM
Rafe And..

	THERE IS A "FREE" SITE THAT IS IN THE MAKING RIGHT NOW FOR ALL SOX FANS AND "ONLY" SOX FANS! MY EMAIL IS WHITEYWIZARD420@HOTMAIL.COM! SEND ME AN EMAIL FOR AN INVITE! 03/31/2009 2:10 PM
Irish Wh..

	I am pretty sure that this isn's a "charitable organization" that Rafe purchased...he purchased it with the intention of making money (novel concept). Would you dump a lot of your own time and money into something (that is your personal BUSINESS) and not try to make it profitable? Everyone can still be fans on Sawxheads...again, NOTHING HAS CHANGED!! Is the site going to change? YES! But it isn't going to happen today so people need to relax a bit. Rafe is a good "owner" and ALWAYS asks our opinions and keeps us in the loop...there are other sites out there that don't give a damn what the consumers think and just do things...you all should have enough FAITH (that is what RSN is all about, right) that Rafe will do it right and appease both his own wallet and us die hard fans...cut the guy some slack...he's only trying to make a living, and after all isn't that what the American Dream is all about??? ...View More...View Less 03/31/2009 1:52 PM
K Dub-Fe..

	love to see people sell out their "fandome" for the almighty dollar....(insert sarcaism) 03/31/2009 1:44 PM
Peasant

	love to see people sell out their "fandome" for the almighty dollar....(insert sarcaism) 03/31/2009 1:44 PM
Peasant

	This all went down with Whitey as well...I guess that people need to learn what the TOS is for the site. Whitey "bombed" other peoples blogs and got banned...It was clearly explained that "bombing" (aka: spamming) and personal attacks are the two main things that will get people booted from the site...now, I don't know what happened with Jester but if he did either of those things then he has no one to blame but himself...if there is more to it and there has been an injustice then I agree with your outrage. As for the Yankee fans taking part on our Sox site, I have come to the realization that you can't stop everyone you don't like from joining...it is the internet, there are no restrictions. We have Yankee fans on this site as it is now, and there is no way for Rafe to impliment something that will screen for "Yankee fans" and keep them away. Now, if said Yankee fans are causing problems (just like a Red Sox fan that personally attacks someone or spams) THEN something can be done and the IP addy can be blocked and that "problem" can be dealt with. I do find it humorous that some Sox fans get on here and tell Rafe that "we want no yankee fans on here"...that isn't possible my friends. As for "taking the beta talk to the forums", why not? Manny and A-Rod are baseball related and were hot topics that people LOVED to blog (and argue) about. The beta site is just a test and Rafe wanted to keep it semi-quiet...it got blown out of purportion and people were talking about it waaaay too much and there was a lot of negativity about THE SITE on the front page. Now, let me ask you, if this was YOUR BUSINESS and you were trying to make money with it..would you want to come in here and see people just SLAMMING it? That isn't good for business...where as heated discussion about the sport that this site is dedicated to could draw in new people who want in on the debate. Once again, people know the TOS when they sign up and if they break the TOS they deserve what they get...did Jester do that, I have no idea, but if he did...he should have known better. Just my 2 cents! ...View More...View Less 03/31/2009 1:07 PM
K Dub-Fe..

	Agreed. 03/31/2009 12:56 PM
Barefoot..

There is a lot to talk about right now as far as the Sox are concerned.  We have injury updates, pitchers excelling early and underdogs making their comebacks.

First things first.  The "new" site.  Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference.  Some of the best breakdowns of the Sox have been made by outsiders.  There was much complaining about people not talking about baseball, so Sawxheads responded with Trufan.com.  I didn't like it at first because of the simple fact that I'm protective over my Sox.  I don't want non-Sox fans raining on our parade.  That won't happen.  I actually think it will invite a lot of positive attention.  Sure, Yankees fans will bash us.  But we will also bash them too.  Trufan.com won't provoke that.  They've already flooded this site a time or two.  Nothing we can do to stop that.  Just stay true to the Sox and nothing will bring us down.  Besides, if you only want to see Sox related material on the new version, you can.  It's your choice.  I say give it a shot.  It's still brand new and needs tweaking (as Rafe pointed out).  Be patient.  Talking baseball is fun.  Isn't that why we're all here?

Anyway.  Onto the Sox.  Looks as though Country will get that call to start against the Rays on the sixth.  He's been solid during ST and seems to have his finesse back.   Lester will get the nod for the second game of the season.  Masterson will be moved to the pen and (if they feel he's ready) Penny may just be ready to fill that 5th spot.  I'm really hoping that he is.  I'm excited to see what he has left in that arm.  I feel that the decision they made with Masterson is a really good call.  As far as development goes, it suits him just fine.  He does well adjusting to pretty much any pitching environment and I think he'll do awesome as a middle reliever.  We need somebody as solid as him backing up our strong starters.  It's good to have a multi-tasking pitcher at your disposal just in case something happens.  If Penny is unable to start,  Buchholz will likely make that debut. 

Speaking of injuries, Lugo seems to be coming along well with his rehab.  I'm excited to see Lowrie start come opening day.  I truly feel that he's the best candidate defensively.  Lugo still has my support, and I do wish him a speedy recovery, but I am leaning more toward Lowrie on this one.  Lugo may be ready to return as early as our second homestand but was reported to miss at least nine games. 

Jason Varitek has been coming along nicely thus far.  Now, I hate to say I told you so but.... I told you so.  Don't lose Faith in Tek.  So far he has come out strong and consistent.  It may just be ST, but it's showing us something promising.  Keep believing that he will carry this into the regular season.  I've seen incredible things thus far.  Speaking of comebacks; how about Chip Ambres?  Gave us a 10th inning win over the Reds with that three-run shot.  That was pretty incredible.   Our depth is shining through time and time again. 

Now onto a little bit of old news.  I haven't been able to get on the internet for long this past week but I wanted to share my excitement about this.  You all know how much I appreciate John Smoltz and encourage his quick recovery, right?  Well that session he had just made me even more eager.  He threw 40 pitches (fastballs) at about 65-70% intensity.  The exciting part?  He wanted to keep throwing.  Which means he's feeling strong.   I read that he felt that he had taken the wrong approach to the session by wanting more.  Whatever, Smoltzie.  You know what you can do.  You've been pitching long enough.

So don't fret about this new site.  The Sox aren't going anywhere.  The site is expanding and trying out something new and more promising.  The answer to your Sawxheads blues is the Boston Red Sox.  Stick by them.  They aren't changing!

GO SOX!!!!
RSM - RLF

Comments

	I just dont like that other teams fans can access our personal communications and blogs 03/30/2009 2:26 PM
RSMâ„..

	"The Sox aren't going anywhere. The site is expanding and trying out something new and more promising. The answer to your Sawxheads blues is the Boston Red Sox. Stick by them. They aren't changing" 03/30/2009 2:25 PM
RSMâ„..

	Much respect brother. Very sane comments about this site and the new version. Couldn't have said it betterm, glad you did. Sox look great, very optimistic. I think Smoltz will do well here. The core is back and they WILL come to play hard-every game. Keep blogging-great job! 03/29/2009 6:30 PM
Joe Sox ..

	I can't believe I will get to see Lester pitch again, 3rd time! WOOOO! 03/28/2009 11:17 PM
Kyliegirl

	Yup .. :+) 03/28/2009 10:10 PM
PsychoSo..

	Hey Rocky, did you not see the first paragraph of this blog? 03/28/2009 7:49 PM
BeanTown..

	tHANKS FOR THE SOX TALK 03/28/2009 5:39 PM
rockyrho..

	I NEVER EVER EVER lost faith in Tek. (Sorry, had to add that.) (: 03/28/2009 4:39 PM
BeanTown..

"We Believed"

As Red Sox fans, we have had a lot of miracles occur within just one decade.  2007 was incredible with Beckett, Papi, Youk, Bay, Pedey, Paps and Manny heroics.  This blog isn't about 2007 though.  It's about that magical season of 2004.  Images and memories that will forever be burned into our minds, never to be forgotten.  The end of a curse, then end of a wait and a soothing of our souls.  The type of tears that were shed were not those of sorrow and heart break.  They were the tears that have been dormant for over eight decades.  Tears of joy, excitement, relief and euphoria. 

That final out of the 2004 World Series will never leave my mind.  The events that took place during the ALCS left us all on the edge of our seats.  Standing in the stands of Fenway for hours on end.  14 inning games, blood, sweat and tears.  Big Papi came up for us BIG numerous times.  He will forever be "The Magic Man".  He gave us our first glimpse of hope and a reason to hang on just a little longer.  The way my heart skipped a beat when he blasted that homer in game four, then again in game five.  Then the single to drive in the already legendary Dave Roberts in the same game.  Keeping our hopes alive yet again.  Taking the series back to the Bronx.

The bloody sock, the face full of leather, "the steal", "the out" and countless other memories and visuals.  I thank the 2004 Red Sox for giving us a reason to believe.  A reason to run rampant in the streets of Boston, hug the fans who have had waited 60+ years for that day to come. 

I will never forget my reaction when we took the series from New York.  I knew that the battle was over and that we were well on our way to win the war.  After coming that far, there was no way that we couldn't win.  Keep the Faith.  I couldn't even cry.  I was in shock and felt too much joy.  Those feelings that had remained dormant for so long weren't sure how they wanted to be expressed or if it was just a false alarm.  My emotions definitely found their way out once the final out was made to crown our beloved Sox "World Champions".  Tears and laughter.  An abundance of cheering and screaming "WE DID IT!!".  We did it.  Finally.  The curse was broken.  Big Papi becoming immortal in the eyes of a Nation.  Having an entire team to thank for making our dreams a reality.  Bill Mueller, Dave Roberts, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon, Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Kevin Millar, Johnny Damon, Bronson Arroyo, Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe, Keith Foulke, Pokey Reese, Mark Bellhorn, Mike Timlin and Tim Wakefield.  A band of brothers that would leave a lasting impression on the city of Boston.  Those are the men who made it happen.

The sounds of "Dirty Water" and "Sweet Caroline" and "Tessie" blasting from the speakers.  Songs that, no matter how much we listen to them, never get sick of hearing because it reminds us all of a moment in history.  The greatest comeback in sports history and accomplishing the impossible.  

I haven't been able to stop thinking about 2004 all day.  I even spent the day watching the ALCS on iTunes on my computer while watching the WBC on the tube.  So many great memories and I consider myself lucky to have been able to experience it.  We remained faithful to our team and it's incredible history.  Never forgetting the legends of the Sox who just missed it.  The teams of 1967, 1975, 1986 and 2003.  This is something that will stick with us forever and beyond the grave.  When we are standing at the gates of Heaven getting the chance to shake the hands of the men who barely missed it. 

So as this new season approaches, keep in mind the great feelings of 2004.  Never stop believing in Boston.  There is no man wearing that Red Sox uniform who isn't worthy of being on this great team.  Keep the hope alive and stay on the edge of your seat.  There will be magic this year and we will witness things that will also burn memories in our minds. 

Baseball truly is great.  We believed.

Comments

	upvote :) 03/09/2009 5:10 PM
Barefoot..

	This very topic is huge in my house. My kids still bring this up. How stressed we were as a family. We watched with our hands over our eyes...parting our fingers because we didn't dare miss a play. Praying it didn't turn out like '03. My youngest screaming "Lets go Red Sox... Beat the Bink-ees!" (he couldn't say Yankees until he was a little older, LOL) 03/09/2009 5:09 PM
Barefoot..

	RLF - Sox in '09!! Keeping the Faith is what we do best! 03/08/2009 3:37 PM
BoSox Ho..

	Terrific post! I can still remember those feelings myself. The look on the Yankees faces in that final game was priceless, the sadness,disbelief and shock. And then the last out with Foulke, I wanted to run up and down the street yelling and screaming. Greta memories and it will always be the best one, even if more are to come. 03/08/2009 1:27 PM
33TEK.....

	Great blog brother Jesse, and yes we certainly did believe, and I still believe, so lets go RED SOX !!! 03/08/2009 11:34 AM
DARKHALF..

	Gr8 blog...LGRS!!! 2009!! 03/08/2009 9:52 AM
vikki75

	Great writing here Hoolie !!! No reason not to start off the season this year by believing it can all happen again... 03/08/2009 6:39 AM
MIKEYMOM..

	Outstanding blog! Belongs in the editor's pick section. 03/08/2009 3:46 AM
BostonLo..

	amazing! we sure did believe and look at the greatness that happened! gotta forever keep that faith....4 Life 03/08/2009 12:37 AM
ortizme22

	AMAZING BLOG!! VERY nicely written! That is a season that will never be forgotten! Embedded in every Red Sox fans memory like an etching in glass! The feeling of euphoria... led me to get UFORIC on my license plate. And the songs you mentioned... ring tones on my phone! 03/08/2009 12:15 AM
Love_The..

	LOVE IT!! RLF 4LIFE 03/07/2009 11:57 PM
Southsta..

	Well said. 2004 is a year that will never be repeated or matched by any team anywhere. What a loose bunch of guys that didn't panic and never gave up. All Hail "The Idiots!" 03/07/2009 10:26 PM
Outlaw o..

	yes we did BELIEVE, and look what happened..imagine that ;+) awesome pics Bud..cool, brought back a flood of memories, could almost smell the pumpkin guts. 03/07/2009 9:38 PM
PsychoSo..

	Could not disagree with the sentiment here even if I wanted to. Keep the Faith and all that good stuffs. 03/07/2009 6:09 PM
∞Ly..

	Fantastic blog! I remember the end of the 2004 season, like it was last week. Being at work, and talking to my eldery pt.s, who kept telling me that I could believe all day & have faith all night ..that it wasnt going to happen-that they knew after watching for 80 something yrs., they told me of their pain & how it would not happen in their life time yet they thought my faith was that of a female fan who hadn't suffered enough as a Sox fan. Anyway, not only did they see the Sox win in '04, some lived long enough to see it again in '07. I kept telling them in '04 as I tell them now-FAITH REWARDED. Believe! ...View More...View Less 03/07/2009 6:00 PM
WickedRe..

	yeah april is close 03/07/2009 5:51 PM
rockyrho..