Recently, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut)and John McCain (R-Arizona) filled legislation to fund the troop surge in Iraq. Lieberman, who traveled to Iraq with McCain over Thanksgiving, said he has spoken with soldiers and commanding officers and realized the troop surge is working. The unlikely pair is attempting to convince a hostile Congress (and media for that matter) of the progress overseas.
Is it just me or is Joe Lieberman looking like a Republican these days? He is a far cry from the man who ran for Vice-President with Al Gore. Most people forget Lieberman's Republican past. It is possible that Lieberman put the "D" next to his name simply as part of an opportunistic strategy to further his political career. This sounds like something Rudy Giuliani did some twenty years ago. He is attempting to become President on the Republican ticket.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Welcome back Imus
IMUS in the Morning is back and online at wtkk.com There you can listen live between 5am and 9am or check out IMUS ondemand in the podcast section. Welcome back cowboy!
Could Rudy really be president?!!
As the days get shorter and the weather colder, one’s attention turns to the upcoming Presidential Primaries, which commence in January. The decision making process begins early this election cycle, with the Iowa Caucuses taking place on January 3rd and the New Hampshire Primary occurring just five days later. After months of anticipation and seemingly meaningless debates, the time has arrived to seriously analyze the candidates for the oval office.
According to the latest primary polls, Rudy Giuliani is still the front runner for the GOP nomination, which means that many Americans have not seriously weighted the issues and analyzed the candidates. Giuliani is most remembered for his leadership during the September 11th attacks and frequently cites this in his campaign advertisements. American Republicans are willing to place a candidate in the general election as a result of one singular action. A copious evaluation of Giuliani’s record leads one to discover his socially liberal policies and decisions made as a US Attorney and eventually as mayor of New York City. Many Republicans do not realize that Giuliani originally registered as a Democrat and cast his ballot for George McGovern in 1972. He later switched to an Independent as the designation became more widely accepted in political circles. It was not until the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 that Giuliani became a registered Republican. Not surprisingly, he was named Associate Attorney General by the Reagan Administration in 1981. Giuliani almost appears to be a traitor and sell-out to the GOP.
A fiscal conservative, Giuliani has favored liberal social policies and stands by many decisions and policies made during his time in the public spotlight. Most notably, Giuliani is pro-choice and in a May debate stated that: “allowing choice keeps government out of people's lives” (May 2007). This pro-choice and slightly anarchical statement sounds more like something that would come out of Hillary Clinton’s big mouth than a registered Republican. Furthermore, Giuliani and his camp donated to Planned Parenthood, a noted pro-choice organization, while in office as mayor. Giuliani is also in favor of gay rights and opposed President George W. Bush’s proposed ban on gay marriage this January. Likewise, he believes a marriage amendment is not necessary at the present time. Giuliani’s sanctuary policies turned New York City into a haven for illegal immigrants. He is in favor of allowing children of illegal immigrants to attend public school on taxpayer money and supported the Senate bill allowing a guest worker program.
Although Giuliani has adamantly declared that hunters should not face restrictions from gun control laws, he implemented numerous gun control laws as mayor and filed a law suit against two dozen gun manufacturers. Although some laws are necessary to protect the streets of urban cities, Giuliani himself stated one should: “focus on criminals, not on guns.” Talk about contradicting oneself and flip-flopping around an issue. This reminds me of John Kerry in 2004.
The Conservative Right that dominates the Bible Belt favors conservative social policies that are rooted in the nation’s Christian values. Many of Giuliani’s policies are in direct opposition to the Conservative Right. Traditionally, the GOP nominee has to win the Bible Belt in order to win the election. This year, however, many moderate Republicans seem to view Giuliani as a compromise candidate who can defeat the Democratic nominee. Televangelist Pat Robertson, who once blamed September 11th on the decrepit social morals of New York City, publicly endorsed Giuliani last month.
Robertson, like many of the aforementioned moderates, cites Giuliani’s strong record on crime and homeland security in addition to his conservative fiscal policies. Giuliani does favor supply-side economics and is opposed to overturning the Bush tax cuts. With promises to maintain the global War on Terror and to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, Giuliani appears to have one of the most stringent foreign policy plans of any of the candidates. While Giuliani will not win over many true conservatives in the primaries, he should gain the votes of many moderates and independents. In the process, he should prevent many conservatives from moving to Canada or booking the next flight to another planet.
According to the latest primary polls, Rudy Giuliani is still the front runner for the GOP nomination, which means that many Americans have not seriously weighted the issues and analyzed the candidates. Giuliani is most remembered for his leadership during the September 11th attacks and frequently cites this in his campaign advertisements. American Republicans are willing to place a candidate in the general election as a result of one singular action. A copious evaluation of Giuliani’s record leads one to discover his socially liberal policies and decisions made as a US Attorney and eventually as mayor of New York City. Many Republicans do not realize that Giuliani originally registered as a Democrat and cast his ballot for George McGovern in 1972. He later switched to an Independent as the designation became more widely accepted in political circles. It was not until the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 that Giuliani became a registered Republican. Not surprisingly, he was named Associate Attorney General by the Reagan Administration in 1981. Giuliani almost appears to be a traitor and sell-out to the GOP.
A fiscal conservative, Giuliani has favored liberal social policies and stands by many decisions and policies made during his time in the public spotlight. Most notably, Giuliani is pro-choice and in a May debate stated that: “allowing choice keeps government out of people's lives” (May 2007). This pro-choice and slightly anarchical statement sounds more like something that would come out of Hillary Clinton’s big mouth than a registered Republican. Furthermore, Giuliani and his camp donated to Planned Parenthood, a noted pro-choice organization, while in office as mayor. Giuliani is also in favor of gay rights and opposed President George W. Bush’s proposed ban on gay marriage this January. Likewise, he believes a marriage amendment is not necessary at the present time. Giuliani’s sanctuary policies turned New York City into a haven for illegal immigrants. He is in favor of allowing children of illegal immigrants to attend public school on taxpayer money and supported the Senate bill allowing a guest worker program.
Although Giuliani has adamantly declared that hunters should not face restrictions from gun control laws, he implemented numerous gun control laws as mayor and filed a law suit against two dozen gun manufacturers. Although some laws are necessary to protect the streets of urban cities, Giuliani himself stated one should: “focus on criminals, not on guns.” Talk about contradicting oneself and flip-flopping around an issue. This reminds me of John Kerry in 2004.
The Conservative Right that dominates the Bible Belt favors conservative social policies that are rooted in the nation’s Christian values. Many of Giuliani’s policies are in direct opposition to the Conservative Right. Traditionally, the GOP nominee has to win the Bible Belt in order to win the election. This year, however, many moderate Republicans seem to view Giuliani as a compromise candidate who can defeat the Democratic nominee. Televangelist Pat Robertson, who once blamed September 11th on the decrepit social morals of New York City, publicly endorsed Giuliani last month.
Robertson, like many of the aforementioned moderates, cites Giuliani’s strong record on crime and homeland security in addition to his conservative fiscal policies. Giuliani does favor supply-side economics and is opposed to overturning the Bush tax cuts. With promises to maintain the global War on Terror and to eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, Giuliani appears to have one of the most stringent foreign policy plans of any of the candidates. While Giuliani will not win over many true conservatives in the primaries, he should gain the votes of many moderates and independents. In the process, he should prevent many conservatives from moving to Canada or booking the next flight to another planet.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
The BCS is coming together with a few undefeateds falling each week. Currently, Ohio State and LSU are poised to go dancing in the National Championship but both teams have tough competition in the finally weeks of the season. Ohio State has to travel to Illinois before hosting #12 Michigan in the Big Game. LSU, after squeaking by #15 Florida, #25 Kentucky, and #18 Auburn, has a fiesty Arkansas team the day after Thanksgiving.
Oregon, with Heisman candidate Denis Dixon at the helm, keeps rolling on all cylinders. The Ducks have to go to Los Angeles to play the Bruins, but Oregon should defeat them just as they beat Southern Cal. Look for the Ducks to win out and find themselves in the National Championship game against LSU.
#4 Kansas and #15 Hawai'i are the only other two undefeated teams in the BCS. Kansas plays division opponents Iowa State and #6 Missouri and then could play in the Big 12 Championship Game. The only challenge the Rainbow Warriors face is WAC opponent Boise State, but the #20 Broncos would like nothing more than to knock off an undefeated. If Hawai'i can get by Boise they should work their way into the BCS.
Boston College fell in a hotly contested game against Florida State in tropical storm conditions at the Heights. The Eagles are still a very good team with a potent offense and defense. The Seminoles proved, however, that if you stop the Matt Ryan's passing attack you essentially stop BCs offense. Look for them to win out and win the ACC Championship against either Virginia or Virginia Tech. BC should find themselves in a BCS game in January.
The Big East has seen its share of surprises over the past two seasons. First, it was Rutgers turning around a completely abismal program to send them to a major bowl. Earlier this year, South Florida proved themselves to the nation with several key wins, but faltered recently and will probably find themselves on the outside looking in on the BCS. West Virginia is still the best team in the Big East, but has Louisville this weekend. The Mountaineers won't be playing on New Years this season, but it won't be because they accepted a bid to a small bowl.
The Big 12 is more competitive as ever, but the Sooners appear to have a strong hold on the Southern division. Missouri and undefeated Kansas are battling for the Northern title, but Colorado has shown great promise this year. Oklahoma will be heading to another BCS game and will be seeking revenge for last year's game against Boise State.
At the end of the season look for:
1. Oregon
2. LSU
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Boston College
6. West Virginia
7. Michigan
8. Hawai'i
9. Georgia
10. Missouri
National Championship:
#1 Oregon v. #2 LSU
Rose Bowl:
#7 Michigan v. #4 Oklahoma
Sugar Bowl:
#10 Missouri v. #9 Georgia
Fiesta Bowl:
#8 Hawai'i v. #6 West Virginia
Orange Bowl:
#3 Ohio State v. #5 Boston College
Oregon, with Heisman candidate Denis Dixon at the helm, keeps rolling on all cylinders. The Ducks have to go to Los Angeles to play the Bruins, but Oregon should defeat them just as they beat Southern Cal. Look for the Ducks to win out and find themselves in the National Championship game against LSU.
#4 Kansas and #15 Hawai'i are the only other two undefeated teams in the BCS. Kansas plays division opponents Iowa State and #6 Missouri and then could play in the Big 12 Championship Game. The only challenge the Rainbow Warriors face is WAC opponent Boise State, but the #20 Broncos would like nothing more than to knock off an undefeated. If Hawai'i can get by Boise they should work their way into the BCS.
Boston College fell in a hotly contested game against Florida State in tropical storm conditions at the Heights. The Eagles are still a very good team with a potent offense and defense. The Seminoles proved, however, that if you stop the Matt Ryan's passing attack you essentially stop BCs offense. Look for them to win out and win the ACC Championship against either Virginia or Virginia Tech. BC should find themselves in a BCS game in January.
The Big East has seen its share of surprises over the past two seasons. First, it was Rutgers turning around a completely abismal program to send them to a major bowl. Earlier this year, South Florida proved themselves to the nation with several key wins, but faltered recently and will probably find themselves on the outside looking in on the BCS. West Virginia is still the best team in the Big East, but has Louisville this weekend. The Mountaineers won't be playing on New Years this season, but it won't be because they accepted a bid to a small bowl.
The Big 12 is more competitive as ever, but the Sooners appear to have a strong hold on the Southern division. Missouri and undefeated Kansas are battling for the Northern title, but Colorado has shown great promise this year. Oklahoma will be heading to another BCS game and will be seeking revenge for last year's game against Boise State.
At the end of the season look for:
1. Oregon
2. LSU
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Boston College
6. West Virginia
7. Michigan
8. Hawai'i
9. Georgia
10. Missouri
National Championship:
#1 Oregon v. #2 LSU
Rose Bowl:
#7 Michigan v. #4 Oklahoma
Sugar Bowl:
#10 Missouri v. #9 Georgia
Fiesta Bowl:
#8 Hawai'i v. #6 West Virginia
Orange Bowl:
#3 Ohio State v. #5 Boston College
NHL month in
Well, after a long October, things are finally beginning to take shape in the National Hockey League. Some teams got off to slow starts (ie. Toronto, Montreal), while others were flying from the start (ie. Ottawa, Detroit).
Overall, the second season post-lockout has proven to be exciting with some aspects of old time hockey returning. Although the refs have not co-operated, the tough guys have come through. When the Kings and the Ducks squared off in London earlier this season, the fans were more excited to see a fight than to see the teams put the biscuit in the basket.
In the Eastern Conference, Ottawa has lived up to all the hype as defending Conference champions by winning twelve of their thirteen games and landing in first place. Ray Emery, the Senators post season savior in net went down with an injury, but Martin Gerber has risen to the challenge and posted incredible numbers (1.88 GAA; .938 SV%). Earlier this week, Jason Spezza inked a long term contract with the Sens putting him in the spotlight for the next few seasons.
A resurgent Canadiens team has played very well this season and is currently in second place in the Northeast with 17 points. Cristobal Huet has been solid in net and the rest of the team has figured out how to play team hockey for a full 60 minutes with a less than stellar roster. The Habs have a tough schedule coming up with a number of division games. They fell to the inconsistent Maple Leafs this weekend and played extremely sloppy.
The Leafs have one of the most promising rosters, but have been extremely inconsistent. The team has a seemingly perfect mesh of seasoned veterans (Sundin, Tucker, Blake, McCabe) and young stars (Wellwood, Steen, Colaiacovo). Raycroft and Toskala have split the duties in net with Toskala getting the slight edge, but both have been inconsistent. Toskala plays a great game and looks like the second coming of Cujo, and then gives up seven or eight goals the next night. If the Leafs can put it all together, they should return to postseason glory.
Tied with the Leafs for third place are the Bruins. The Bruins came out strong out of the gate with Tim Thomas carrying the load in net. Unfortunately, the Bruins have also played inconsistent with the superstars (Bergeron, Murray, Chara) taking a back seat to newcomers. The loss of Bergeron for a month or more hurts the Bs immensely, but it will allow the tough guys to get more starts and grind their way to victory.
The Sabres have extremely underachieved and look like they might miss the playoffs after a strong runs the past few seasons. Look for a shakeup in Buffalo at some point this season. It is still early, but if the Sabres want to win, Ryan Miller is going to have to step up and carry the team.
A young Flyers team has overpowered Atlantic Division opponents with their tough style of hockey, similar to that of the Bruins. The Flyers are an improved team from last season, but do not have the talent or depth on offense to take them to the playoffs. The Flyers are in first place, but in a weak division.
The Islanders are winning early, but have yet to prove themselves against a tough opponent. Goaltending and defense has been a problem and should cause havok later in the season. If the offense can keep up their pressure and DiPietro can put it together, the Islanders might make a run at the final spot.
The Rangers started off very slow but have picked it up of late. Drury is finally heating up and when the offense comes together, the Rangers will be unstoppable. Lundquist has been just average this year and needs to pick up his game.
The last place Devils are as consistent as ever with Gionta, Parise, and Pandolfo coming through in the clutch and Marty Brodeur is still stopping pucks like a brick wall. Unfortunately for New Jersey, the trap-style defense that dominated the 90s has yet to find a way to stop high-flying offenses. Catch the Devils on a good night and you'll be in for trouble. The Devils won't go away easy and could pose a serious threat to the Rangers as the season progresses.
The Hurricanes have proven themselves on offense and defense and Cam Ward is a viable NHL goalie. With a terrific power play, the Hurricanes are poised to strike at any time. The defense is still evolving, but the offense has made up for the deficit. The Hurricanes should win the weak Southeast Conference, but Tampa could have a shot if the Canes offense falters. Atlanta, like Buffalo, has underachieved a year after making the playoffs. The Thrashers have a solid core of players, but not enough to compliment them. The defense is clearly the biggest problem for the Thrashers (aside from the fact the HC draws better than them). Florida is rolling along consistently and Washington has surprised some teams with their potent offense. The Caps, however, do not have the defense to sustain a long term run.
The second month of the season should help to weed out the cinderellas from the rest of the contenders.
Overall, the second season post-lockout has proven to be exciting with some aspects of old time hockey returning. Although the refs have not co-operated, the tough guys have come through. When the Kings and the Ducks squared off in London earlier this season, the fans were more excited to see a fight than to see the teams put the biscuit in the basket.
In the Eastern Conference, Ottawa has lived up to all the hype as defending Conference champions by winning twelve of their thirteen games and landing in first place. Ray Emery, the Senators post season savior in net went down with an injury, but Martin Gerber has risen to the challenge and posted incredible numbers (1.88 GAA; .938 SV%). Earlier this week, Jason Spezza inked a long term contract with the Sens putting him in the spotlight for the next few seasons.
A resurgent Canadiens team has played very well this season and is currently in second place in the Northeast with 17 points. Cristobal Huet has been solid in net and the rest of the team has figured out how to play team hockey for a full 60 minutes with a less than stellar roster. The Habs have a tough schedule coming up with a number of division games. They fell to the inconsistent Maple Leafs this weekend and played extremely sloppy.
The Leafs have one of the most promising rosters, but have been extremely inconsistent. The team has a seemingly perfect mesh of seasoned veterans (Sundin, Tucker, Blake, McCabe) and young stars (Wellwood, Steen, Colaiacovo). Raycroft and Toskala have split the duties in net with Toskala getting the slight edge, but both have been inconsistent. Toskala plays a great game and looks like the second coming of Cujo, and then gives up seven or eight goals the next night. If the Leafs can put it all together, they should return to postseason glory.
Tied with the Leafs for third place are the Bruins. The Bruins came out strong out of the gate with Tim Thomas carrying the load in net. Unfortunately, the Bruins have also played inconsistent with the superstars (Bergeron, Murray, Chara) taking a back seat to newcomers. The loss of Bergeron for a month or more hurts the Bs immensely, but it will allow the tough guys to get more starts and grind their way to victory.
The Sabres have extremely underachieved and look like they might miss the playoffs after a strong runs the past few seasons. Look for a shakeup in Buffalo at some point this season. It is still early, but if the Sabres want to win, Ryan Miller is going to have to step up and carry the team.
A young Flyers team has overpowered Atlantic Division opponents with their tough style of hockey, similar to that of the Bruins. The Flyers are an improved team from last season, but do not have the talent or depth on offense to take them to the playoffs. The Flyers are in first place, but in a weak division.
The Islanders are winning early, but have yet to prove themselves against a tough opponent. Goaltending and defense has been a problem and should cause havok later in the season. If the offense can keep up their pressure and DiPietro can put it together, the Islanders might make a run at the final spot.
The Rangers started off very slow but have picked it up of late. Drury is finally heating up and when the offense comes together, the Rangers will be unstoppable. Lundquist has been just average this year and needs to pick up his game.
The last place Devils are as consistent as ever with Gionta, Parise, and Pandolfo coming through in the clutch and Marty Brodeur is still stopping pucks like a brick wall. Unfortunately for New Jersey, the trap-style defense that dominated the 90s has yet to find a way to stop high-flying offenses. Catch the Devils on a good night and you'll be in for trouble. The Devils won't go away easy and could pose a serious threat to the Rangers as the season progresses.
The Hurricanes have proven themselves on offense and defense and Cam Ward is a viable NHL goalie. With a terrific power play, the Hurricanes are poised to strike at any time. The defense is still evolving, but the offense has made up for the deficit. The Hurricanes should win the weak Southeast Conference, but Tampa could have a shot if the Canes offense falters. Atlanta, like Buffalo, has underachieved a year after making the playoffs. The Thrashers have a solid core of players, but not enough to compliment them. The defense is clearly the biggest problem for the Thrashers (aside from the fact the HC draws better than them). Florida is rolling along consistently and Washington has surprised some teams with their potent offense. The Caps, however, do not have the defense to sustain a long term run.
The second month of the season should help to weed out the cinderellas from the rest of the contenders.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
How we can improve the Mass
Every Sunday, millions of Roman Catholics around the world attend Mass and celebrate the Paschal Mystery. The most recent Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Mass as: “the Eucharist or principal sacramental celebration of the Church, established by Jesus at the Last Supper, in which the mystery of our salvation through participation in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Christ is renewed and accomplished.”
As the principal liturgy of the Church, in which Christ is present, the Mass should be filled with mystery, symbolism, and praise. Today, however, the Mass has become a repetitive part of our weekly routine. We tend to recite Mass responses without thinking about their true meaning: “Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed.” This prayer, which comes from the Centurion’s proclamation in the Gospel of Matthew, acknowledges our sinfulness and the Lord’s power of healing. It is not acceptable to participate in the liturgy by simply stating the responses in the common language. At the very least, the responses should be sung or chanted to emphasize their meaning and symbolism. Not only do parishioners walk irreverently up to receive the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus, some even sway and dance to the so-called “contemporary music” that makes me feel like I am at a rock concert. Contemporary Christian music can be uplifting and celebratory, but it has its place and that place is not at a Roman Catholic Mass. Furthermore, worshipers come to Mass “as they are” dressed in casual attire. Wearing one’s “Sunday best” signifies a respect for the Lord that is essential.
One of the most alarming trends in the Church today is to make changes in the liturgy to fit the theological perspective of each individual parish. Some parishes have chosen to omit the ringing of bells during the Consecration, while others invite parishioners to stand during the Eucharistic Prayer and remain standing after receiving the Body and Blood. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, worshipers should bow their heads in reverence and kneel before the presence of the Lord.
A plethora of these inequities and inadequacies flowed from the decrees issued at the Second Vatican Council, commonly known as Vatican II. The Council, which in simple terms was convened to modernize the Church and uphold the tenets of pluralism, however, was not inherently and completely ill-advised. There should be opportunities for the laity to actively participate in Mass as Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers, but neither the role of the priest nor the sacredness of the liturgy should not be diminished or overshadowed. It should be noted that Pope John XXIII proclaimed the council to be fallible and the Catholic Church both here and abroad is in dire need of a solution to the irreverence at the
Another viable and desirable solution is the reinstitution of the Tridentine Rite on campus. The reverence shown by worshipers and priests upholds the sacredness of the Rite, while the incense and Latin chant emphasizes the mystery of the Rite. Prior to Vatican II, a Roman Catholic could attend a Mass anywhere and recognize all of its parts. This makes the Liturgy more uniform and welcoming to all people. As the name “Catholic Church” implies the Mass should be for everyone—something the Latin Mass fulfills. The priest, worshiping God with the people, is a mediator between the people and God. The people are not worshiping the priest. Thus, the priest should face the Lord and not the people at
The problems arising out of the Second Vatican Council were not simply about the technicality of how the Mass is said, but also of theology. In the midst of changing times, the Council refused to denounce communism and socialism, while placing significance emphasis on mankind at the expense of the coming Kingdom. This, whether directly or indirectly, influenced the development of what is now known as liberation theology. Liberation Theology, by definition, portrays Christ as the liberator of the poor and stresses the need for justice and peace. As Catholics, it is our duty to help our neighbor, especially our oppressed neighbor, but some liberation theologians have twisted this theology into a political philosophy that closely resembled Marxism. Jesus did not die solely to free the oppressed and by stating, as some liberation theologians do, that we must free the oppressed and transform unjust social and political structures we begin to blur the line between man and God. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, in his Preliminary Notes on Liberation Theology states that when we attempt to help raise today’s crucified, “man has taken over God's gesture.” The problem with liberation theology is not its call to help the poor, but the radical theologians who subvert the traditions and doctrine of the Church.
The Tridentine Mass and the Church prior to the Second Vatican Council promote the universality of the Church and the sacredness of the rite, while countering the growing secularism and liberal radicalism in modern society today. After a busy week of classes, meetings, athletic matches, and social events, the Latin Mass offers a chance to come into communion with the Lord and gain a better understanding of our liturgy.
World Series Parade
jason VARITEK and kevin CASH
dustin PEDROIA
dustin PEDROIA
big PAPI
jonathan PAPELBON
MVP
manny RAMIREZ
oh so appropriate
More World Series
Well, we saw performances from ALCS MVP Josh Beckett this postseason that were absolutely amazing. He was as dominant as dominant can be. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember another pitcher that has had so much postseason success in his career. In 2003, he entered Yankee Stadium as a young, flame-throwing Marlin. He left a World Champion. Four years later, he is an accomplished pitcher who should win the Cy Young. He shut down the Angels, Indians, and Rockies with a fastball that I believe clocked out at 97 mph and a hook that made seasoned veterans look like rookies.
Dustin Pedroia continued to battle and play hard in the World Series. At the beginning of the season, I doubted whether or not Pedroia could adequately fill the void at second base. Although I highly advocated the signing of Bobby Kielty as an alternative to JD Drew's slumping bat, I never would have guessed that the carrot-top would hit a decisive home run to clinch the series. (For that matter, I never would have thought that Drew would have a good postseason and hit a grand slam in a rout of the Tribe---My uncle Kevin called the shot.)
Terry Francona, as a manager in Boston, has received a lot of criticism over the years from Sox fans for his management of the bullpen and his passive nature. Eight consecutive World Series wins later, I believe Terry Francona is one of the best managers in all of sports. He managed both the lineup and the bullpen extraordinarily well in the World Series and gave Jacoby Ellsbury the chance to shine.
Mike Lowell = MVP. What more can I say? He was the most consistent bat day in and day out and carried the team during offensive slumps throughout the year. He rose to the occasion in the playoffs and led the team to victory in the Series. The World Series MVP is not enough for Lowell this season. He deserves the American League MVP. Alex Rodriguez has the incredible stats from this year including an insane number of RBIs. He did, however, cool off in the second half as the Yanks started to win. Lowell has really carried the team the entire year. Technically, A-Rod has the better stats, but Lowell, I believe, meant more for the Red Sox than A-Rod did for the Yankees. If the Yankees were winning in April and May when A-Rod was hot or if A-Rod carried the team into the playoffs in September, OK. (But he didn't! =)
Dustin Pedroia continued to battle and play hard in the World Series. At the beginning of the season, I doubted whether or not Pedroia could adequately fill the void at second base. Although I highly advocated the signing of Bobby Kielty as an alternative to JD Drew's slumping bat, I never would have guessed that the carrot-top would hit a decisive home run to clinch the series. (For that matter, I never would have thought that Drew would have a good postseason and hit a grand slam in a rout of the Tribe---My uncle Kevin called the shot.)
Terry Francona, as a manager in Boston, has received a lot of criticism over the years from Sox fans for his management of the bullpen and his passive nature. Eight consecutive World Series wins later, I believe Terry Francona is one of the best managers in all of sports. He managed both the lineup and the bullpen extraordinarily well in the World Series and gave Jacoby Ellsbury the chance to shine.
Mike Lowell = MVP. What more can I say? He was the most consistent bat day in and day out and carried the team during offensive slumps throughout the year. He rose to the occasion in the playoffs and led the team to victory in the Series. The World Series MVP is not enough for Lowell this season. He deserves the American League MVP. Alex Rodriguez has the incredible stats from this year including an insane number of RBIs. He did, however, cool off in the second half as the Yanks started to win. Lowell has really carried the team the entire year. Technically, A-Rod has the better stats, but Lowell, I believe, meant more for the Red Sox than A-Rod did for the Yankees. If the Yankees were winning in April and May when A-Rod was hot or if A-Rod carried the team into the playoffs in September, OK. (But he didn't! =)
World Series Champs
Well, I can't believe it. After six months in first place and near-perfection on the mound, the beloved Red Sox are World Series Champs once again. I know many people do not think it is as sweet or as fulfilling as the 2004 Championship, but I beg to differ. In '04, the Sox were not expected to win the Series. They had a solid year, an improbable run, and the biggest come back in baseball history. This year, the team had high expectations and those expectations only increased after being in first place for so long. They did not let us down. Oh, and we had a come back in the ALCS this year, too.
Welcome
Hey,
I just started this blog to discuss some sports and politics that are currently in the news. I'll try to update as much as possible and with the Red Sox win the Series, there'll be plenty of blogging to do.
I just started this blog to discuss some sports and politics that are currently in the news. I'll try to update as much as possible and with the Red Sox win the Series, there'll be plenty of blogging to do.
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