Wow, only a few weeks into the off season and already things are happening!!

First off, let's start with the big titles right off the bat, the 2009 awards:

AL Cy Young- KC Royals' Zack Greinke

Good choice, good choice. This kid was amazing all season long and he totally deserves this. Even though some can argue that CC Sabathia or Tim Wakefield or another pitcher should have won, well, yeah, they all had a great season, but hey, Zack out pitched them all!! The 26 year old about to be a newly wed was 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA. He was also selected to pitch in the 2009 All Star Game in St Louis.

 AL Rookie of the Year- Oakland A's Andrew Bailey

Andrew Bailey is the A's newest closer who, after 1 season, had a 1.86 ERA with 26 saves under his belt. Also, the 25 year old Bailey was selected to pitch in the 2009 All Star game. There were a lot of new players this past season, and many fans thought that Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus would be the next AL Rookie of the Year.  

NL Rookie of the Year- Florida Marlins Chris Coghlan

At the tender age of 16, Chris was led into the world of tragedy. His father was killed in a fatal car accident in Florida, and the young Chris was struck with grief. Then, this past baseball season, the 24 year old proved to his teammates, coaches and Major League Baseball that he was the best, and it allowed him to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. With a .328 batting average at the end of the season, all Chris could do is thank his coaches and know that his father was beaming at his left fielding Marlin.

AL Manager of the Year- Mike Scioscia

Here's a plus or the LA Angels organization- Manager Scioscia won the AL Manager of the Year!! After a long, tough season, the Angels, with fallen Angel Nick Adenhart looking down on them, Made it all the way to the ALCS after winning the AL West division. This is Mike's 2nd Manager of the Year award. His first was in 2002 after he led the Angels to the World Series and won against the Giants.

NL Manager of the Year- Jim Tracy

Colorado came from behind this past season to clinch the Wild Card, and it was all thanks to Jim Tracy. Tracy became manager of the Rockies in May 2009 after the previous manager as fired. Wow, what a season for the Rockies!! First they get a new manager who wins the NL Manager of the Year and then they make it to the play offs? Cool. 

NL Cy Young Award- Tim Linceceum

Once again, San Fran Giant's pitcher Tim Linceceum won the NL Cy Young award!! After making his big league debut in 2007 he has been on the fast track. Both Randy Johnson and Linceceum have won the Cy Young back to back. He also has been in the ASG twice. Can't wait till next season.

Congratulations to all the award winners and the runner ups!!

Now, back to the off season.

Ok, let me start off with a joke I saw today on Remy Report:

How I learned to mind my own business.....  
 
I was walking past a facility for the psychiatrically challenged  the other day and all the patients were outside shouting, '13...13...13.'
  

The fence was too high to see over, but I saw a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on.
  
Somebody poked me in the eye with a stick!
 
Then they all started shouting '14...14...14.'

Ok, ok, now really back to baseball:

The Red Sox reportedly gave Jason Bay an offer of 4 yr, 60 million that he reportedly rejected according to a Canadian newspaper. (http://www.canada.com/sports/rejects+offer+from+report/2242574/story.html)

Also, it has been reported that George Kottaras, Wake's personal catcher this past season, has been released by the Sox.

The Red Sox have also claimed Robert Manuel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

After promoting his charity golf tournament, slugger David Ortiz was spotted working out at Fenway Park, as he has been since the Angels swept the Red Sox in the ALDS. Ortiz is looking forward to rebounding from this past season and to make 2010 Boston's year. Don't rule out Papi. Ever.

As of now, the "stove" is quiet. Well, yeah, teams have only had about 20 hours to talk, and sign free agents. Plus, GM's and owners are getting ready for this season's draft. Christmas lists are being made, and Santa better be making Red Sox Nation one happy one this year!! Let's Go Boston!!!!!

Ok, that's this week's update. Not much, but hey, there was a little something going on. Be back for a Thanksgiving Day Eve special on Wednesday...

Over and out.

-Holly

Since the post season is over, and the pre season is months away - it feels longer though - Already things have been stirring up. As far as other professional sports go, they're just here to help us fans during the time of no baseball. Not really, but hey, it could work. Right?

It looks as though the Red Sox are off to a good start this off season.

On Monday, November 9th, the Red Sox signed Tim Wakefield to a 2 year deal that will allow him to possibly break some club records that have been in the books since Roger Clemens was apart of the team. It also means that Wake will be in his 17th season with the club, the longest by a Red Sox pitcher.

The Red Sox have also exercised the option on catcher Victor Martinez, who will be our  starting catcher for 2010. They also declined the club options on Captain Jason Varitek and Shortstop Alex Gonzalez. On Wednesday however, Varitek exercised his player option for 2010, and will keep the "C" on his uniform.

As for Jason Bay, the good news, he was named to the 2009 Silver Slugger team. Bad news, no deal has been placed to resign the left fielder who came to Boston in the Manny Ramirez trade back in 2008.

A rumor floating around is the posibility of the Boston Red Sox signing 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui. A Japan newspaper was quoted as saying the Red Sox were looking to sign Matsui to a deal worth 8 million a year if Jason Bay doesn't resign with the Red Sox. Wow, what a shock wave there. There are also reports saying that another option is to aquire Matt Holliday. No offense to Yankee fans, but I'd take Holliday over Matsui.

John Lackey. That name should ring a bell. He helped the Angels so much this season after spending the first few months on the DL. The Boston Red Sox met with his agent TODAY (11/13) to see if they can strike a deal. No word as to if a deal was made yet, but hey, anything to help out the rotation at this point!!

For more information or to stay on top of the Hot Stove, check out http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/index.jsp for the lastest information on any deal that is going on this offseason.

Over and out.

-Holly

I'm just tryin' to be a father, raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother, everythin' to everyone
Up and at 'em bright and early, I'm all business in my suit
Yeah I'm dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots
I don't do it for money, there's bills I that I can't pay
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway
Providing for our future's, my responsibility
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekend's been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door
Hey I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core.

And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh and I don't want to die for you, but if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don't come free.

I'm an American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right

I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I'm and American, Soldier.

An American Soldier an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand
When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight
American Soldier, I'm and American, an American, an American, Soldier.

Yes, this is a Toby Keith song. The man has the most patriotic music out there, and since today is Veteran's Day, well, why not use one song?

As you know, Veteran's Day is a holiday celebrated throughtout the USA to honor both the living and deceased men and women who served, and are currently serving our country. I went to a Toby Keith concert last week, and the one thing that he said after singing, Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue was "Don't be afraid to be patriotic."  

Patriotism- devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.

For those that don't know in the United States Military, there are five Service Branches:

Army

Marine Corps

Navy

Air Force

Coast Guard

And then, you have the National Guard.

As for on soil bases, you have the Federal, State and Local government that include:

FBI

CIA

Department of Homeland Security

Capitol Police

Marshall Services

NCIS

State Troopers

Local Law Enforcement officers

And much more. All these fine men and women risk their lives everyday to secure our freedom, whether on US soil or on foreign soil. We shouldn't just thank these fine people on holidays, but everyday.

 Thank a soldier. Thank a veteran. Not just today, but every chance you have.

This We'll Defend

Semper Fidelis- The Few, The Proud

Non sibi sed patriae - Not Self, But Country

Above All

Semper Paratus

Protecting and serving you and your family for years past, and years to come. Whether over seas, or on US soil, they are here, working day and night to secure your freedom. Putting their lives before ours.

"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it--and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." - John F. Kennedy

This title may look familiar to you movie peeps out there. Because, well, it is from a movie called A Few Good Men.

Yeah, I took the title and added Yankees in there. That's because when you make a bet with a Yankee fan and your team gets knocked out early, you're stuck. Literally. No do overs here. And that's what happened to me.

So now, this post is dedicated to:

Derek Jeter

AND

Lou Gehrig

That's right. You got Derek Jeter and Lou Gehrig.

So, first up, Derek Jeter:

Major League debut: May 29, 1995

Team: NY Yankees

Position: Shortstop

Random information: Captain since 2003

Highlights/ Awards:

-10 time All Star

- 5 time World Series champion

- 4 time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award

- 2 time Hank Aaron Award

Rookie of the Year in 1996, 2000 WS MVP, 2000 Babe Ruth Award, 2009 Roberto Clemente Award.

When you think of the Yankees from the 1990's to today, you think of Derek Jeter. The 35 year old Yankee captain whas helped the Yankees win the World Series 5 times and in 2000 won the World Series MVP and the All Star Game MVP. After making his MLB debut, he was part of the Shortstop 3 that included current Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez and current Oakland A's 1st baseman Nomar Garciaparra.

 And next: Lou Gehrig

Major League debut: June 15, 1923

Team: NY Yankees

Position: 1st Baseman

Random information: Was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939 

Highlights/ Awards:

- 7 time All Star

- 6 time World Series champion

- 2 time AL MVP

- His number (4) was retired by the Yankees

Lou Gehrig, Iron horse, played 16 seasons with the Yankees until his retirement on April 30, 1939 after being diagnosed with ALS, most commonly known today as Lou Gehrig's disease. He set a major league record by playing in 2,130 games. The record was broken in 1995 by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken. On July 4th, 1939, Lou Gehrig Day was celebrated at Yankee Stadium, where he said "I'm the luckiest man on the face of the Earth." This quote would later be seen inside the old Yankee Stadium's home club house. On June 2, 1941, ALS took Lou Gehrig's life.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4msaZTJrTA

For more information about the 5th captain and the 11th captain in Yankee history, check out

http://derekjeter.mlb.com/players/jeter_derek/index.jsp

http://www.lougehrig.com/

Game Six of the World Series

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees

Pedro Martinez vs Andy Pettitte

Nine years and a gazillion dollars later, the Yankees have clinched their 27th World Series title. For most, if not all Red Sox fans, it's a nightmare that wont go away until something good happens... for instance, World Series #8 for Boston in 2010? I hope so. Rather than write about the Yankees 7-3 win over the Phillies, I'm just going to let the New York Times do the talking. This is what happens when you lose a bet with a Yankee fan... Now off to my other nightmare... Writing about a few good Yankees. Stay posted, and maybe I'll survive!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/sports/baseball/05series.html?_r=1

Game Five of the World Series

New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies

AJ Burnett vs Cliff Lee

As I said, Cliff Lee is amazing. Theo, can we have him?! Ok, ok, so the Phillies stayed alive, winning 8-6 to bring it back to New York for Game 6. Chase Utley, who now has 5 home runs in the World Series, hit a few to back up good old Lee. Utley also had 4 RBI's and a stolen base in the game. He's Mister Unstoppable. Carlos Ruiz, Raul Ibanez and Jayson Werth combined had 4 RBI's in the game. Alex Roidriguez, Johnny Demon and Robinson Cano combined had 5 RBI's in the game. Ryan Madson got the save for the Phillies. AJ Burnett lasted 2+ innings and we are back to New York!!

Next up- Phillies go back to NY with Pedro Martinez facing Andy Pettitte. The Yankees are just 27 outs from 27... Pressure's on... and so is that bet of mine

Cliff "Lights-out" Lee mows down the Yankees

Chase Utley lived in the spot light

And Derek Jeter can't stop Mister Unstoppable

AJ Burnett get's beaten down

Derek Jeter has high hopes

And Mark Teixeira ends it

Game Four of the World Series

New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies

CC Sabathia vs Joe Blanton

It's like a nightmare that will never go away. The Yankees took game 4, 7-4 in Philly to have a 3-1 lead over the Phillies. Both Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz got yard off of Yankees pitching, but it didn't do enough damage. Johnny Demon stole a few times in the game, which allowed him to score. Derek Jeter and Co allowed runners on base to play ring around the rosie seven times, while the Phillies got to play four times. Get what I'm trying to say here? Ok, good. If not, think about it. Ryan Howard became the speed demon, stealing a base off of Sabathia and Jorge Posada.

Next: Yankees have the 3-1 advantage against Philly. Game Five is Monday night, AJ Burnett vs Cliff "Clutch" Lee.

Joe Blanton tries to take down the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series

Shane Victorino knocks some sense into Johnny, but it wasn't enough for the Phillies to win

Chase Utley. Enough said

Mark Teixeira gets hit by a Brad Lidge pitch... that's not good

Game Three of the World Series

 New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies

Andy Pettitte vs Cole Hamels

Now we know why Andy Pettitte is amazing in the post season. For one thing, the Yankees won in Philly, 8-5. Alex Roidriguez, Nick Swisher and Hideki Matsui got yard, hitting home runs to back up Pettitte's pitching performance. Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz tried to bring the Phillies back by hitting home runs, but they were cut short. The Phillies held the Yankees scoreless until the third and from there, well, you get the picture.

Next: The Yankees look to take Game four from the Phillies, sending CC Sabathia up against Joe Blanton

Jayson Werth puts the Phillies on the board in the 2nd with a home run

Manager's meeting on the mound as the Phillies bats start to sizzle down

Andy Pettitte, the reason to be afraid

Since when is Nick Swisher Ozzie Smith?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I don't like the looks of this...

Game Two of the World Series

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees

Pedro Martinez vs AJ Burnett

Dear Pedro- Next time you want to play against the Yankees, try winning. The Yankees took Game two 3-1 from the Phillies. Though Pedro was strong in the start, he still gave up 3 runs and was in the game for 6 innings. Cliff Lee was in there for 9. Just an FYI for you Pedro. Matt Stairs got the lone RBI in the game, scoring Raul Ibanez in the second inning. From there, it went south, starting with Mark Teixeira's home run in the fourth. The series is now tied, 1-1 as we head to Philly for Games 3 and 4.

Next up: Andy Pettitte and Cole Hamels battle it out in Game three in Philly

Matt Stairs' hit right here was the result of the lone Philly run

This is what Pedro looks like before losing the game

And this is a not so happy Pedro after giving Mark Teixeira a good pitch to hit over the fence

Shane Victorino wasn't so victorious in this attempt to knock down a double play

Good Grief...

Game One of the World Series

Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees

Cliff Lee vs CC Sabathia

Cliff Lee is my hero!!! No, seriously, he was on fire during this game, pitching 9 innings, with 1 unearned run to take Game one from the Yankees, 6-1. The lone run was an error that allowed Derek Jeter to score in the 9th inning. Both pitchers did well in the game, but good old Cliff out-dueled CC and the Yankees bullpen. Chase Utley hit 2 home runs in the game that got Philly off on the right foot. Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard together scored 4 runs.

Next up, Pedro Martinez vs AJ Burnett... Who's your daddy Pedro?

Cliff Lee stays strong...

...while CC falls down

Chase Utley's one of two home runs off of the Yankees

Jimmy Rollins is too fast for Derek Jeter and Co