Yankees-Red Sox The battle continues!

[NJFFSA16]

The season begins.....and the saga continues! A welcome to Randy....and a welcome back to Tino!

NEW YORK (AP) - The tallest Yankee ever began the big task of
putting the Boston Red Sox back in their place.
Randy Johnson shut down Boston in his New York debut, dominating
his new team's old rival. He outpitched David Wells, got help from
Hideki Matsui and a rejuvenated Jason Giambi and led the Yankees
over the World Series champions 9-2 Sunday night in the major
league opener.
"It was pretty excited to go out there," said Johnson, who
remembered how fans cheered him when he walked out to the bullpen
to warm up.
Already, there were bad omens for the Red Sox: Matsui leaped in
left to rob Kevin Millar of a two-run homer in the third, Giambi
stretched to reel in two bad throws by shortstop Derek Jeter, Alex
Rodriguez made a diving stop at third on Edgar Renteria, and Tino
Martinez made a backhand dive at first to prevent an extra-base hit
by Johnny Damon.
By the time Matsui hit a two-run homer off Matt Mantei for a 8-1
lead in the eighth, it was almost piling on.
"We're not disappointed," Damon said. "We accept the fact
that we really weren't that good tonight, We'll get better."
With Boston taking the field as champions for the first time in
86 years, the Red Sox returned to the scene of their improbable
triumph staring directly at the 6-foot-10 Big Unit, brought to the
Bronx to help the Yankees win their first title since 2000.
Giambi, back at first base following injury, illness and a
reported admission of steroid use, received a pair of standing
ovations from the sellout crowd of 54,818 and went 1-for-2 with a
single and two hit-by-pitches.
"I had a calm feeling because I knew I did everything I could
to get to this point," he said. "They respect a guy who worked
hard to get back to where he was."
Gary Sheffield, back from offseason shoulder surgery, hit a
go-ahead single in a three-run third inning against Wells, and
Martinez received two huge ovations in his first game in pinstripes
since 2001.
"Who wouldn't like this?" he said.
Since New York moved within three outs of sweeping the Red Sox
in the AL championship series last October, the Red Sox had won
eight straight, becoming the first major league team to overcome a
3-0 postseason deficit, then blowing out St. Louis in the World
Series.
But following an offseason of joy in New England, the Red Sox
started with a thud, pitching poorly, making a pair of errors and
losing their fifth straight season opener. New York had 15 hits off
Wells and six relievers.
"It's the first game we won since Game 3," Yankees manager Joe
Torre said. "It was a long winter waiting to get on the field
again."
The usual swells and celebrities were on hand to watch the
Yankees extend their winning streak in home openers to eight. A
sign in left field expressed the hope of New York fans -
"1918-2004-2090" - referring to the years of Boston's last two
Series titles and projected date of its next.
"The crowd was ready," Damon said.
Johnson was a model of quiet focus hours before the game,
putting on a black undershirt, then a gray sweat shirt before
sitting in front of his new locker near Torre's office and looking
ahead, gathering his thoughts.
Hitting Johnson is, well, a tall order - the New Yorker's
playful front-page cartoon of him on the mound cut off at the neck.
He opened with a 93 mph pitch to Damon, and struck out Renteria
and Manny Ramirez looking in the first, the latter on a smoking 97
mph heater. He got in trouble in the second, when Matsui grabbed
Millar's fly ball and Jay Payton singled in the season's first run.
Johnson and Red Sox manager Terry Francona called Matsui's catch
the turning point.
"They don't play much basketball in Japan," Jeter said
playfully. "I didn't know he could jump that high."
Bernie Williams' sacrifice fly tied the score in the bottom
half, and New York took a 4-1 lead in the third on Sheffield's
double, Matsui's RBI single and a bases-loaded balk by Wells, who
stepped back to start his windup and then stopped.
Rodriguez, vilified by Boston during the offseason and spring
training, added a run-scoring single in the sixth off Blaine Neal
and scored on Ruben Sierra's double.
Johnson allowed the one run and five hits in six innings and
struck out six. Tanyon Sturtze and Tom Gordon followed with one hit
relief.
Wells, who pitched a perfect game for New York in 1998 and
helped the Yankees win the World Series that year, was starting in
place of Curt Schilling, his bloody sock in the Hall of Fame and
the ankle it surrounded still recovering from surgery that followed
the title.
Signed to fill the gap created by the departures of Pedro
Martinez and Matt Clement, Wells made a shaky debut, allowing four
runs and 10 hits in 4 1-3 innings. With the temperature 43 degrees,
he had trouble gripping the ball.
Fans gave him the loudest boos.
"Out in the bullpen, they rode me pretty good," Wells said.
"That's all right."
It was a night of milestones - the first night opener at Yankee
Stadium, the first time the Red Sox played as defending champions
since 1919, when they opened with a 10-0 win over New York at the
Polo Grounds behind a Babe Ruth home run.
Johnson made his 13th opening-day start, tying Roger Clemens for
the lead among active pitchers.
New York, with the first $200 million payroll in baseball
history, had a former All-Star in every spot in its starting
lineup, the first time that happened in the major leagues since the
Yankees did it on July, 24, 2003, according to the Elias Sports
Bureau. In all, it added up to 53 All-Star appearances.
Notes: Flags were at half-staff and a moment of silence was
observed one day after the death of Pope John Paul II, who
celebrated mass at Yankee Stadium in 1979.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[E40FDNYL35]

Thats 1 for the GOOD GUY'S.:cool:

[CaptainGonzo]

Originally posted by E40FDNYL35
Thats 1 for the GOOD GUY'S.:cool:

One loss, that is! :D :p

[Res343cue]

Originally posted by CaptainGonzo


One loss, that is! :D :p

Gonzo, what the hell are you talking about?

Did you read the score wrong? The Yankees won! That's one win for the good guys.

:D :p

[CaptainGonzo]

Originally posted by Res343cue


Gonzo, what the hell are you talking about?

Did you read the score wrong? The Yankees won! That's one win for the good guys.

:D :p

As Yoda would say...

Depends on the Force which side you are on....

[E40FDNYL35]

:cool: I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR....BASEBALL..

[Resq14]

LOL

The EVIL EMPIRE struck back.

[PuffyNPFD]

Let's not pour any champagne yet, still 161 more to go. But with the age of the Yankees players, they'd better watch out they might break a hip or something. Never know, it is a long season and Baltimore could be a dark horse.

[BFDNJFF]

YANKEES !! YANKEES !!


Hey Boston the bambino let one slide last year but the curse is back !!

[RESERVE172]

If you are one to believe in curses, then you also know that once a curse is broken it can never appear again. Ever! Or should I say, evahhh.

As for last night's game, IT MEANS NOTHING! It was more like a Spring training game. The only thing similar in this game to last October's ALCS was the cool weathahhh.

[CaptainGonzo]

Originally posted by BFDNJFF
YANKEES !! YANKEES !!


Hey Boston the bambino let one slide last year but the curse is back !!

:D The curse of the Great Yankee Collapse of 2004!:D

[RESERVE172]

That's right. Everytime that announcer says " Thaaaaaaa Yankees win, Thaaaaaa Yankees win!, The Boston Red Sox fans are saying, "Thaaaaaaa Yankees suck, Thaaaaaaa Yankees Suck!-------- Beside----I have asked in several different threads for the Yankees fans to discuss THE GREAT COLLAPSE OF 2004 or even just talk about A-Rod, but nobody seems to "step up to the plate"(yes, pun intended!) and talk about anything!

[Robertsc]

Originally posted by CaptainGonzo


:D The curse of the Great Yankee Collapse of 2004!:D

AMEN Brother!!! We just letting ya Yakees think you got the season down.

[NJFFSA16]

World Series Team Titles
New York Yankees 26
St.Louis Cardinals 9
Boston Red Sox 6
Cincinnati Reds 5
Los Angeles Dodgers 5
New York Giants 5
Philadelphia A's 5
Pittsburgh Pirates 5
Detroit Tigers 4
Oakland A's 4
Baltimore Orioles 3
Chicago Cubs 2
Chicago White Sox 2
Cleveland Indians 2
Team Titles
Florida Marlins 2
Minnesota Twins 2
New York Mets 2
Toronto Blue Jays 2
Anaheim Angels 1
Arizona Diamondbacks 1
Atlanta Braves 1
Boston Braves 1
Brooklyn Dodgers 1
Kansas City Royals 1
Milwaukee Braves 1
Philadelphia Phillies 1
Washington Senators 1

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

When did the Washington Senators win a world series title?

[RESERVE172]

QUOTE: Numbers speak louder than words


Actually, in this case, $$$ speaks louder than words.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
That's right. Everytime that announcer says " Thaaaaaaa Yankees win, Thaaaaaa Yankees win!, The Boston Red Sox fans are saying, "Thaaaaaaa Yankees suck, Thaaaaaaa Yankees Suck!-------- Beside----I have asked in several different threads for the Yankees fans to discuss THE GREAT COLLAPSE OF 2004 or even just talk about A-Rod, but nobody seems to "step up to the plate"(yes, pun intended!) and talk about anything!

Here's my take on the great collapse.

In the bottom of the ninth, Game 4, it was the pefect place to try to squeeze Crosby across- 1 out, man on first and third, fast runer on third, left handed batter, third baseman not holding runner on.

They didn't, and Sierra struck out. Sox won the game in the 12th (I think).

From that point on, the Yankees were clearly beaten by a better, more motivated team with better and more consistent pitching.

There is no mysticism here, there is no magic, there are no complicated explanations. The Yankees got beat. Period.

As far as A-Rod, what do you want to talk about? Please make sure you come in here with facts and not typical Red Sox hysterical hate.

[tanker5117]

When did the Washington Senators win a world series title?





1924: Washington AL defeats New York NL (1), 4 games to 3.


Walter Johnson, making his first World Series appearance toward the end of his storied career, lost his two starts. Washington battled back to force a game seven, giving Johnson a chance to redeem himself when he came on in relief in that game. Johnson held on to get the win and to give Washington its only World Series win. The franchise would not win another World Series until 1987, by which time it had been playing in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) for over a quarter-century.






Tanker

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Cool. Thanks.

[NJFFSA16]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
Actually, in this case, $$$ speaks louder than words.

Maybe other owners should invest more in the free agent market?

Seems to me...if you bring in the talent, it brings in the fans...and fans provide the cash...which goes back to paying the talent...which brings in the fans....and on and on.

And......You might win a few games along the way. George invests in the team. And it pays back big time.

[RESERVE172]

George----I was only mimicking the Yankees announcer with what your typical, young Red Sox fan might say. I can honestly say that even though I admit to being a Red Sox fan, I have never taken part of a "Yankees suck" chant.

Actually, I remember feeling embarassed when that chant broke out at Boston's City Hall Plaza, two years ago, during the Patriot's victory parade. Just as with the car fires and vandalism that followed the Red Sox victory last season, most of the chanting is done by the college student population in Boston and not the main fan base.

I am not filled with what you call, "typical Red Sox hysterical hate". I enjoy watching the competition between these two teams and believe it is by far the best rivalry in all of sports.

I respect most of the Yankees, especially Joe Torre and Derek Jeter. I appreciate their professionalism and what they bring to the game. I do not, however, respect A-Rod (or anyone who supports him)and the type of player he is. His performance, with the infamous hand slap in the playoffs, was unprofessional and desperate. He showed his true colors and it was atypical of Yankees baseball.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

A-Rod career:

.305 BA, .381 OBP, .573 SP, 381 HR, 1097 RBI
Hall of Fame numbers

The "hand slap" was a play that almost any other player would have attempted in the same situation; including Manny, Johnny and Big Dave. It was wrong. The proper call was made and the game resumed.

What else has A-Rod done that has upset you? He is dveoted to the game and ssays so? I don't agree with it either, but this guy makes abuot a kabillion dollars per game and is at least serious enough to earn his money. As we have seen with Junior, it could be over tomorrow. He works hard at the game. His teammates respect him.

He certainly deserves alot of credit for enduring through last year. Change of teams, change of positon, change of city, etc. Yet, he had an All-star calibre season: .286 BA, .375 OBP, .512 SP, 36 HR, 106 RBI.

You have less respect for him than a scumbag like Barry Bonds? You have got to be kidding.

You have less respect for him than the classless, prideless thing you call a baseball team up there? They spent the winter calling out A-Rod, almost trying to ensure that there was controversy when the season started. Let's review all the negative crap that the Yankees had to say during the winter after the Sox won the series:


Although the Red Sox may have a talented team, they will not win the Series this year, will be fortunate if they make the playoffs and will be lucky if they win the season series with the Yankees. The Yankees usually floow the example of their Captain and exhibit class. They look good, they act like a team and they don't play in the dirt like the Red Sox.

PS: Does anyone else think that Manny looks like Venus Williams with the beads?

[BFDNJFF]

PS: Does anyone else think that Manny looks like Venus Williams with the beads?

OMG i just spit coffee on my computer when i read that !!!:D :D

[FFTrainer]

PS: Does anyone else think that Manny looks like Venus Williams with the beads?

I don't know who that sounds worse for Manny or Venus?

[manofire2]

I watched the season opener and the Yankees indeed look like they have a lineup that will be tough to beat.

I was very glad to see(and hear) the reception given to Tino Martinez. Tino is one of the classiest guys in the game and it was great to see the ovation he got from the NY fans. I had the pleasure of seeing Tino play many times during his Triple A days with the Calgary Cannons. He was first class even at a young age.

I would rather see him as the starting first baseman than Giambi. The Yankee fans may be able to forgive him for using steroids but I am not as forgiving. I wonder if Barry Bonds fessed up and admitted to steroid use if the NY fans would be as forgiving.

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI






You have less respect for him than a scumbag like Barry Bonds? You have got to be kidding.

You have less respect for him than the classless, prideless thing you call a baseball team up there?


They look good, they act like a team and they don't play in the dirt like the Red Sox.

PS: Does anyone else think that Manny looks like Venus Williams with the beads?

WOW!!!I think you need to take your own advice from an earlier post. Your hysterical hate is unbecoming.

As for A-Rod, nothing he has done upsets me. I just formed an opinion of him after that play. It was "bush league" all the way, but it was his reaction to the call that showed me his "best" side. He just stood there in disbelief that a call was actually going AGAINST the Yankees at Yankee Stadium! It was his pompous, arrogant, self-righteous attitude that got in the way of accepting what you admit was the correct call.

Do you remember, a few years ago, after a playoff game at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox, the interview of an umpire that said he thought "Knobby" tagged the runner out(I believe it was Jose Offerman?) going to second base? He clearly missed him but it was nice to know the umpires call the Yankees by their knicknames.

Also, that same season, in the playoffs at Yankee Stadium, a fan reached over the right field wall and pulled in a hit by the Yankees. It was ruled a homerun for New York but everyone knew it was a ground rule double. There are probably countless more examples, I'm just glad that the calls were made correctly this past season. Maybe, with this history of "home field advantage," A-Rod thought he could get away with another one.

His stats. are pretty impressive. I guess I'm questioning his character more than his Hall of Fame stats. Right or wrong, Pete Rose also has Hall of Fame stats., but because of character issues, he may never make it in.

BTW- I never mentioned Barry Bonds. :D

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by manofire2
I watched the season opener and the Yankees indeed look like they have a lineup that will be tough to beat.

I was very glad to see(and hear) the reception given to Tino Martinez. Tino is one of the classiest guys in the game and it was great to see the ovation he got from the NY fans. I had the pleasure of seeing Tino play many times during his Triple A days with the Calgary Cannons. He was first class even at a young age.

I would rather see him as the starting first baseman than Giambi. The Yankee fans may be able to forgive him for using steroids but I am not as forgiving. I wonder if Barry Bonds fessed up and admitted to steroid use if the NY fans would be as forgiving.

I posted this once before.

My son is a huge Tino fan. We went to see Tino's first game back to NY with the Cardinals at the minor league stadium, Shea Stadium.

Tino was deluged by fans with requests to sign. All during BP, he signed. When the Mets took the field for BP, he sat in the photogs box on the first base line and signed-for like 90 minutes. When the Mets BP was over, Security came over and chased the fans away. Tino told them to come over by the dugout. He signed next to the dugout until Security chased the fans away.

For about fifteen minutes, Tino sent the batboy up into the stands to collect more stuff and bring it to him in the dugout. The batboy then brought it back to the fans waiting on the main aisle.

Tino is an example of everything that is good about baseball. Compare him to Manny and you will see why I am so repulsed by that pig.

[Bones42]

a better, more motivated team with better and more consistent pitching. at that time. Last years playoff and series showed that you don't have to be the best all year, just the best at the right time. You just need to be good enough to get there.

I would rather have seen the Yankess/Red Sox series go game by game instead of 3 this way and 4 this way. 1 up and then tied would have been more exciting.

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by Bones42


I would rather have seen the Yankess/Red Sox series go game by game instead of 3 this way and 4 this way. 1 up and then tied would have been more exciting. Not for a Red Sox fan! Getting beat, badly I may add, 3 straight games was very demoralizing(especially Game 3 at Fenway). But, to then win 4 straight was The Greatest come back in Sports History! :D It doesn't get much better than that!

[RESERVE172]

CORRECTION: Although it wasn't as dramatic, actually winning the World Series is better than that!

[manofire2]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
Not for a Red Sox fan! Getting beat, badly I may add, 3 straight games was very demoralizing(especially Game 3 at Fenway). But, to then win 4 straight was The Greatest come back in Sports History! :D It doesn't get much better than that!

"The Greatest come back in Sports History"

Only if you are a Red Sox fan.

For hockey fans the greatest comeback could be Toronto coming back from a 3-0 deficit to beat Detroit, which as someone who has played both sports I would have to say that coming back from 3-0 in hockey is more difficult than in baseball.

How about Seabisquit coming back from injuries to beat War Admiral.

My personal choice for the "Greatest Comeback" would be Mario Lemieux coming back from cancer to lead Canada to the Gold medal in the Salt Lake City Olympics.

It's all a matter of perspective.

[PSFBstill]

I was lucky enough to get tickets for todays game - was a fantastic game, all tied up at the bottom of the ninth, then Jeter steps up and belts one over the fence to win the game for the Yankees! What a great game! And boy did we give the RedSox fans some curry:D

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Where did you sit? It's a great place isn't it? If you get to see only one other BB game in the US, get up to Fenway. It is just as special as The Big Ballyard in the Bronx.

Manny made his mark yesterday. According to the NYPD, there were 14 fans injured when they fell down laughing during his second straight 0-4, 2 K performance. It's also interesting to watch the "Look at me, I'm Manny!" performance by Renteria.

[RESERVE172]

I must agree that Manny looks pathetic so far. But there were a few bright spots from yesterday's game for the Red Sox.

One was the fact that the Red Sox are still the only team to really hit well against Mariano Rivera. While he is a dominating pitcher, it seems like the Red Sox are the only team to figure him out.
Also encouraging was the fact that Boston's 7-8-9 hitters went 6 for 12 compared to New York's, 1 for 11 and killed three rallies.

THIS JUST IN - Red Sox Manager Terry Fracona has been taken to a NYC hospital complaining of chest pains. He will miss today's game.

[allineedisu]

7 to 3 BOSTON, Bottom of the 9th in Yankee Stadium.



Get well Terry!!!!!

[RESERVE172]

A-ROD = E-6 :D

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Can you imagine the pissing and moaning that would be going on if the Yankee pitchers hit Ortiz twice (in consecutive at bats) and then hit Varitek in the head?

But, because they have class, you won't hear a word out of the Yankees.

Manny still sucks.

[IrishFire13]

Thank you A-Rod for screwing up that routine ground ball.

Oh well.
159 more games to go.
I beleive at least 16 w/ the Red Sox.

Should be a good year.

Go Yankees.

[CaptainGonzo]

Paraphrasing a post by IrishFire13
Thank you A-Rod for screwing up that routine ground ball!

Oh well.
159 more games to go.
I beleive at least 16 w/ the Red Sox.

Should be a good year.

Go Red Sox!

:D Bwahahahahahaha!

[RESERVE172]

Has anyone seen the replay of the A-Rod error? (TeeHee -- A-Rod error, I love the sound of that!) Seriously, is that only one error or two? 1 Bobble and drop = 1 error, 2 Bobbles and drops = 2 errors!!! He cost Rivera a save and the Yankees the game. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! :D

GO RED SOX !

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
Has anyone seen the replay of the A-Rod error? (TeeHee -- A-Rod error, I love the sound of that!) Seriously, is that only one error or two? 1 Bobble and drop = 1 error, 2 Bobbles and drops = 2 errors!!! He cost Rivera a save and the Yankees the game. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! :D

GO RED SOX !

Jeepers, according to the box scores, Damon had an error (hair got in his eyes) and Renteria had an error. For a moment, I thought that the Sox played three errorless games.

A-Rod did not cost Rivera a save. Rivera cost Rivera a save. He got himself into a bases loaded jam with no outs. That was hardly A-Rod's fault.

My major knock on the Red Sox fans has been that they put more effort into hating the Yankees than they do loving their own team. I saw two games up there last year (Indians and Tigers). At both of those games, half the fans were wearing anti-Yankee clothing. Go to Yankee Stadium when the Red Sox aren't there. Yankee fans are not even thinking about the Red Sox. Go back and read all the posts from Red Sox fans on this thread. The overwhelming majority of them are anti-Yankee. That is pathetic. Do you have anything good to say about your team?

Manny got a single today. He'll probably go out and get high tonight.

[CaptainGonzo]

I love my Red Sox... and respect the Yankees.

They aren't all angels, you know... :p

[LaFireEducator]

Well George, ya have to excuse the Dead Sox .. ooops sorrry ... Red Sox fans for being a tad cynical. It really isn't very easy at all always having to look up at 1st place.........

I might be living in NASCAR (and Tiger) country ... but I was born and grew up in Yankee country.

[RESERVE172]

NO error was more damaging to either team in this series than the A-Rod error today.

If it makes you feel better, go ahead and defend A-Rod all you want. He is to the Yankees as you say Manny is to the Red Sox.

The Yankees are not just another American League team. I believe they are more of a concern to the Red Sox and their fans simply because they are division rivals and have been for as long as I've been alive. With the Wild Card now part of the game, the rivalry is even more intense.

You can't tell me Yankees' fans never wore their "1918" T-shirts or Nomar T-shirts or anything to do with Boston, other than at a Red Sox game.

I guess the Red Sox fans are just more passionate about their team.

[Res343cue]

I might be living in NASCAR (and Tiger) country ... but I was born and grew up in Yankee country.

That's right!

Boston may be close, but we all know that New England supports the YANKEES. :D :p

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI

My major knock on the Red Sox fans has been that they put more effort into hating the Yankees than they do loving their own team. I saw two games up there last year (Indians and Tigers). At both of those games, half the fans were wearing anti-Yankee clothing.
DON'T YOU SEE GEORGE? This is all part of how the fans express their support, love and passion for the Red Sox. It's a "RED SOX Nation" thing. Being a Yankees fan, you have become spoiled and complacent. I wouldn't expect you to understand.

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by Res343cue

That's right!
Boston may be close, but we all know that New England supports the YANKEES. :D :p And am I correct in assuming you are a Montreal Canadiens fan as well?

[CaptainGonzo]

Originally posted by Res343cue


That's right!

Boston may be close, but we all know that New England supports the YANKEES. :D :p

Being from a New England state not bordered on any side by an ocean makes "Vermonters" a little "strange" :p

[Res343cue]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
And am I correct in assuming you are a Montreal Canadiens fan as well?

Nah. I don't watch Hokcey. I'm a Lacrosse fan. Used to like basketball, but the passed couple years have sucked.

Originally posted by CaptainGonzo
Being from a New England state not bordered on any side by an ocean makes "Vermonters" a little "strange" :p

I think it's all the salt water you guys get exposed to that makes you the "strange" ones. :D :p

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by Res343cue


Nah. I don't watch Hokcey. I'm a Lacrosse fan.

You can't spell it either :p LMAO!!!

So you live in New England but are a Yankees fan.:confused: So are you at least a Patriots fan or do you prefer The J.,E.,T.,S., Jets, Jets, Jets!? (easier to spell :rolleyes: )

[Res343cue]

Originally posted by RESERVE172


You can't spell it either :p LMAO!!!

So you live in New England but are a Yankees fan.:confused: So are you at least a Patriots fan or do you prefer The J.,E.,T.,S., Jets, Jets, Jets!? (easier to spell :rolleyes: )

Yes, I am a Patriots fan....and yes, I can spell football :p :D

[RESERVE172]

The Red Sox left NYC and now move on to Toronto. They will play the Blue Jays this weekend before coming home for their Fenway opener on Monday, against the Yankees again.

BTW ....Of course, they will play the game only AFTER the World Series ring ceremony! :D

Does anyone care.....I mean, know, where the Yankees are playing this weekend?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Whatsa matter Sox fans? When facts are thrown in your face you don't want toplay? Somebody asked about A-Rod, I answered with facts and nobody responded. I asked about stars being thrown at and nobody answered. Guess you're too busy with Yankee hate to get bogged down in facts.

[Bones42]

I like the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics.

I admire the Yankees for what they are able to accomplish year after year after year. The Rangers always have a special spot in my heart because very little beats going to MSG for a Rangers/Flyers or Rangers/Islanders game. (Potvin sucks). Never cared for the Knicks. Oh, and by the way, please build the new Jets stadium and take them away.

I hate Phillies (but like their Single A Minor team in Lakewood), Flyers, and Sixers.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Potvin sucks!

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI
Whatsa matter Sox fans? When facts are thrown in your face you don't want toplay? Somebody asked about A-Rod, I answered with facts and nobody responded. I asked about stars being thrown at and nobody answered. Guess you're too busy with Yankee hate to get bogged down in facts.

George, I saw the replay on the news of Jeter getting hit by a pitch. Based on the reaction of Veritek and the facial expressions of Timlin, I don't think Timlin intentionally hit Jeter. I think they were surprised at how bad the pitch got away and were genuinely concerned for Derek. Thankfully, the X-rays on him at the hospital came back negative.

Why would Timlin hit him anyway? Did the Yankees pitcher hit a Red Sox and you think it was revenge? Was the game getting out of hand and he felt compelled to hit him? I only saw very little of the game live. Just a side thought on the HBP subject--- Pedro is with the Mets now.

Did you have more questions about A-Rod that went unanswered? Fire away! I thought I made it clear that while I agree A-Rod's stats. could put him in the Hall of Fame, I still question his character (i.e.- my Pete Rose comparison).

Question for you: When a player gets hit by a pitch, does the catcher call for it or does the pitcher do it on his own? Is there actually a sign for it?

BTW - I don't know the history, but why does Potvin suck?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by RESERVE172


George, I saw the replay on the news of Jeter getting hit by a pitch. Based on the reaction of Veritek and the facial expressions of Timlin, I don't think Timlin intentionally hit Jeter. I think they were surprised at how bad the pitch got away and were genuinely concerned for Derek. Thankfully, the X-rays on him at the hospital came back negative.

Why would Timlin hit him anyway? Did the Yankees pitcher hit a Red Sox and you think it was revenge? Was the game getting out of hand and he felt compelled to hit him? I only saw very little of the game live. Just a side thought on the HBP subject--- Pedro is with the Mets now.

Did you have more questions about A-Rod that went unanswered? Fire away! I thought I made it clear that while I agree A-Rod's stats. could put him in the Hall of Fame, I still question his character (i.e.- my Pete Rose comparison).

Question for you: When a player gets hit by a pitch, does the catcher call for it or does the pitcher do it on his own? Is there actually a sign for it?

BTW - I don't know the history, but why does Potvin suck?

You didn't read my first post. I didn't say that Timlin threw at Jeter. I didn't say they hit Giambi on purpose. What I said was could you imagine how much screaming they would be doing if the situation was reversed. THere is no question in mind that either Manny or his band of thugs would have charged the mound. It's class vs. no class.

Here's my question...what is wrong with A-Rod's character. Please be specific.

Do you know how Marines greet each other by saying "Semper Fi"? Rnager fans greet each other by saying "Potvin sucks". The most intense sports rivalry I have ever seen, except for Yankees-Sox, was the Rangers-Islanders in the late '70's, early '80's. The games were bloodbaths and the teams truly hated each other. The object of every Ranger fans wrath was the overrated and even more over hyped Islander D Denis Potvin. Go to a Ranger game today. Every, single game, at least five times a game, the chant will ring out "Potvin sucks".

And I might add, "Potvin sucks".

[RESERVE172]

My answer can best be summed up from my earlier posts. I have underlined a few important words for you and to support my opinion of A-Rod. Please read carefully.

Originally posted by RESERVE172


I respect most of the Yankees, especially Joe Torre and Derek Jeter. I appreciate their professionalism and what they bring to the game. I do not, however, respect A-Rod (or anyone who supports him)and the type of player he is. His performance, with the infamous hand slap in the playoffs, was unprofessional and desperate. He showed his true colors and it was atypical of Yankees baseball.

As for A-Rod's character, I just formed an opinion of him after that play. It was "bush league" all the way, but it was his reaction to the call that showed me his "best" side. He just stood there in disbelief that a call was actually going AGAINST the Yankees at Yankee stadium! It was his pompous, arrogant, self-righteous attitude that got in the way of accepting what you admit was the correct call. With the history of the Yankees "home field advantage", maybe A-Rod thought he could get away with another one.

It was this attitude that made me question his character. All of this was already posted by me earlier. Is this not specific enough for you?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

That is the sum total of your hatred of A-Rod? That he was aghast that a call went against him? That NEVER happens in Fenway, right? He disagrees with a call and that makes him unprofessional? What did you expect him to do, walk over and tell the umpire that he was right? There is not one professional ball player that would have done that and you know it.

You can't be serious.

[RESERVE172]

George, you didn't read carefully. I said:

His ACTION was unprofessional.

His REACTION was pompous, arrogant and self-righteous.

But don't get too upset, I feel the same way about Manny after the way he handled himself against the Yankees when he felt they were trying to hit him in the head. He completely over-reacted and made himself look like a complete jackass! :D

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
George, you didn't read carefully. I said:

His ACTION was unprofessional.

His REACTION was pompous, arrogant and self-righteous.

But don't get too upset, I feel the same way about Manny after the way he handled himself against the Yankees when he felt they were trying to hit him in the head. He completely over-reacted and made himself look like a complete jackass! :D

One incident does not make a man.

That was the point of my previous post. If it was Manny instead of Jeter, he would have charged the mound. Not a doubt in mind. He is a classless thug.

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI


One incident does not make a man.

That was the point of my previous post. If it was Manny instead of Jeter, he would have charged the mound. Not a doubt in mind. He is a classless thug.

OK, I will concede the classless thug opinion. But is he a thug or just a child? And how do you feel about Pedro? :D

BTW- Where do the Yankees play this weekend?

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Manny is an ingrateful, classless thug. Here's another incident. I think it was two years ago, the Yankees were in Boston to play the Red Sox over Labor Day weekend. My wife and I took the Sat. game in as our first experience in Fenway. Petite pitched and won. However...

Manny decided to sit it out because he was "ill". So ill, that some his friends from the Yankees had to go pay their condolences to him in the bar at the Ritz Carlton-where Manny lives.

A Yankee series in September with both teams fighting for the top spot. And Manny, arguably you're star:rolleyes:, is too ill to play? Jeter would have trieds to play with two broken legs!

And the Yankees will be playing a tough series this weekend in Boston. The Red Sox will be rightfully celebrating something they waited a long time for and something that most of them will likely not see again in their lifetime.

Why? What does that have to do with anything?

PS: You're ignoring the hit batters scenario.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

I almnost forgot. Now that Pedro is playing minor league baseball, he is not so much as a trivia question to me.

He is also an egocentric thug. His first press conference with the Mets featured several words repeated over and over again: Me, I, My. He cares about the Mets as much as I do, which is not at all.

What is his legacy? Attacking a 80 year old man? Throwing at opposing batter's heads? Choking in the big games?

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI

That was the point of my previous post. If it was Manny instead of Jeter, he would have charged the mound. Not a doubt in mind. He is a classless thug.

OK, George, do you read and remember only what you want from these posts or are you just slow?
I don't believe I'm ignoring the hit batters scenario.

Again, in a previous post, I said I concede the classless thug opinion of Manny. If it was Manny instead of Jeter, he probably WOULD have charged the mound.
Again, in another previous post, I said I felt he over-reacted in the past and made himself look like a jackass. Manny is NOT nor will he ever be like Jeter and I have never said otherwise.

I remember last year when Jeter, while diving for a foul ball down the third base line, ended up in the stands, literally, and bruising his face. It was a great effort and showed everyone what he was made of.
But I also remember a few Yankee players having to face criminal charges in a Boston courthouse because they assaulted a Red Sox employee working in the bull-pen during a game at Fenway!!! These guys are as classless as Manny! Don't even argue that the Yankees have more class than the Red Sox, because in the end, both teams have moments they regret.

P.S.- My question as to where/who are the Yankees playing this weekend was serious. They don't play in Boston until Monday.

P.P.S.- My question about Pedro was only to get your blood pressure up. :D I guess I succeeded! :D

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Please. Don't you think the deck was a little stacked? Aside from the officers, who if you believe the BPD incident reports (available online-I forget where, but I saw it on a Google search), did not hear what Williams said to Nelson, there were no witnesses except for those fans sitting in the left field bleachers. Do you honestly think that they would have said anything to back up the Yankees? Of course not.

I know, I know, they dropped the charges against Williams. Of course they did. They had no evidence.

If this is the best you can do, it's not much.

You didn't get my BP up with the Pedro thing. I don't even think about him. He plays on a minor league team.

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI

Please. Don't you think the deck was a little stacked?
Aside from the officers, who if you believe the BPD incident reports (available online-I forget where, but I saw it on a Google search), did not hear what Williams said to Nelson, there were no witnesses except for those fans sitting in the left field bleachers. Do you honestly think that they would have said anything to back up the Yankees? Of course not.
Well George, the truth is, your classy New York Yankees should have known better. What city it happened in had nothing to do with the fact that the players were out of line.
Also, for someone who has been to Fenway so many times, the bull-pens are in right field, not left.

quote:
I know, I know, they dropped the charges against Williams. Of course they did. They had no evidence.
There was plenty of evidence. Evidence agaist the Yankees that is! TV cameras caught the Yankees kicking the crap out of the guy!!!

quote:
If this is the best you can do, it's not much.
It's not much? Well I don't ever remember the classless Red Sox getting arrested and facing criminal charges in a NYC courthouse!

quote:
You didn't get my BP up with the Pedro thing. I don't even think about him. He plays on a minor league team. Please, you are full of enough hot air for an entire bagpipe band!

[manofire2]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI



My major knock on the Red Sox fans has been that they put more effort into hating the Yankees than they do loving their own team. I saw two games up there last year (Indians and Tigers). At both of those games, half the fans were wearing anti-Yankee clothing. Go to Yankee Stadium when the Red Sox aren't there. Yankee fans are not even thinking about the Red Sox. Go back and read all the posts from Red Sox fans on this thread. The overwhelming majority of them are anti-Yankee. That is pathetic. Do you have anything good to say about your team?



Although I actually agree with most of the things you are saying in this thread, I couldn't resist just one little shot.

In the above quote you blast Red Sox fans for being more anti Yankee that pro Red Sox(I agree with you that sucks). However later in this thread you talk about Ranger fans shouting Potvin sucks at every game. What I'ld like to know which is worse, cheering against your biggest rival or cheering against a guy who's been retired for 20 years (by the way I never liked Potvin either).

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by manofire2


Although I actually agree with most of the things you are saying in this thread, I couldn't resist just one little shot.

In the above quote you blast Red Sox fans for being more anti Yankee that pro Red Sox(I agree with you that sucks). However later in this thread you talk about Ranger fans shouting Potvin sucks at every game. What I'ld like to know which is worse, cheering against your biggest rival or cheering against a guy who's been retired for 20 years (by the way I never liked Potvin either).

I don't know if you have ever been to either MAdison Square Garden or Yankee Stadium for a game. But if you had been to both, you would realize that there is a wide chasm of difference between the two team's fans. Ranger fans are crazy. They appreciate good hockey, no matter who is playing. I never heard the great ones booed in that building. But if they don't like you, OMG!

You see, they don't just shout it out. Several fans will whistle a little tune, following which several thousand fans chant "Potvin sucks!" in unison. It's unbelievable. It's also completely irrational. But they're Ranger fans.

Also, Yankee fans are different today than they were back in the Bronx Zoo days. I still have my "Boston Sucks" button I bought at the Stadium in 1976. You have never heard anything until you have heard about 56,000 people chanting "Boston Sucks". I was there one night for a Boston game when they had a fight in the Right field upper deck. They tore the railings out of the concrete, ripped up seats and set a fire. It was bedlam.

Today, it is much more sedate, much more fan and family (rich family) friendly. You rarely see any anti-Boston stuff, even when they are in.

I guess it just proves the hypothesis that New York fans are higher up the evolutionary chain than Red Sox fans.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by RESERVE172

Well George, the truth is, your classy New York Yankees should have known better. What city it happened in had nothing to do with the fact that the players were out of line.
Also, for someone who has been to Fenway so many times, the bull-pens are in right field, not left.

quote:
I know, I know, they dropped the charges against Williams. Of course they did. They had no evidence.
There was plenty of evidence. Evidence agaist the Yankees that is! TV cameras caught the Yankees kicking the crap out of the guy!!!

quote:
If this is the best you can do, it's not much.
It's not much? Well I don't ever remember the classless Red Sox getting arrested and facing criminal charges in a NYC courthouse!

quote:
You didn't get my BP up with the Pedro thing. I don't even think about him. He plays on a minor league team. Please, you are full of enough hot air for an entire bagpipe band!

1. You're right. The bullpen is in right field. I didn't say otherwise. I was talking about the fans with the view of the bullpen.

2. You know, we were having a nice spirited debate about a subject we were both passionate about, then, when you are osing, you start throwing insults. I'm done. Have fun having this discussion by yourself.

[RESERVE172]

Are you taking your ball and going home?

I still love you George :D

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by manofire2


Although I actually agree with most of the things you are saying in this thread, I couldn't resist just one little shot.

In the above quote you blast Red Sox fans for being more anti Yankee that pro Red Sox(I agree with you that sucks). However later in this thread you talk about Ranger fans shouting Potvin sucks at every game. What I'ld like to know which is worse, cheering against your biggest rival or cheering against a guy who's been retired for 20 years (by the way I never liked Potvin either).

If you read George's reply to this question, you need an interpretation. It's called "George's Double Standard"!

[manofire2]

I used to think that Yankee fans were obnoxious but next to Red Sox fans they are down right humble.

What I would like to know is are we going to have to put up with the chest thumping for another 96 years?

[RESERVE172]

You call it obnoxious, we call it passion! Are Red Sox fans not allowed to "chest thump"? I think after all these years, we deserve it. We have stood loyally and passionately by our team for an extremely longggggg time and now some people want to rain on our parade and take the glory away.

I remember this team being SO close(sometimes as close as one strike), so many times before. Although I was too young to understand what happened in 1967, I do remember 1975 against The Reds, I remember when Yaz popped up to end the 1978 season(against the Yankees), I remember Billy Buckner's error in 1986 against the Mets and the seemingly endless heartache that followed, I remember the disappointment of 1999 and most recently, Boone's walk-off homerun in 2003 to win it for the Yankees.

The Red Sox, for decades, have been chasing the Yankees and have been coming up just short. Some have gone so far as to call it "The Curse of The Bambino"-- in reference to the Red Sox trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Yankees have won 26 World Series to Boston's 6. So when they finally beat them, especially in the way they did it(losing 3 straight only to come back and win the next 4), it was a release of 86 years of frustration and disappointment! It is impossible for me and other Red Sox fans to try to describe that release and the over-whelming emotions that came with it!!!
Then, surprisingly, they finished the job and defeated the St.Louis Cardinals in 4 straight games to finally win their first World Series since 1918! 1918 was a long time ago! It was so fulfilling!

So unless you are a true Red Sox fan and have experienced this long, roller coaster ride of "Red Sox Nation", then please step aside and allow us to enjoy this unfamiliar feeling of true and complete happiness!

[manofire2]

Enjoy it, revel in it.

Just keep it to yourselves, it's a new season.

[Bones42]

It's unbelievable. It's also completely irrational. It has even crept into Devils games.

[RESERVE172]

TODAY IS OPENING DAY FOR THE RED SOX AT FENWAY PARK! It's 45 degrees, it's a beautiful, sunny day in Boston, The Sox are playing the Yankees and best of all, they get their World Series banner and rings!!! No matter where you live, what a great day to be a Boston Red Sox fan!!!

[RESERVE172]

After a wonderful and yes, even classy ceremony celebrating the Red Sox 2004 season, the Sox also handled the Yanks 8-1 in their Fenway home opener.

One highlight of the day happened in the game when A-Rod committed his second error of the season (both against the Sox) and allowed the game to get away from the Yanks. . Another was in the opening ceremony, when the fans gave a round of (sarcastic) applause to Mariano Rivera but a genuine and sincere applause to Yankees Manager Joe Torre. It was a good day.

Both the Red Sox and Yankees are 3-4 after 7 games to start the 2005 season.

[Dalmatian90]

Good video of the Ring Ceremony can be found at:
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050411&content_id=1012741&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos

[manofire2]

I know it's very early in the season and that this is not likely to last very long but isn't it great to see the Yankees and the Red Sox tied for last place in the American League East.

[E229Lt]

Red Sox announce open bidding to convert Box Seats to Cage Seats.

[E229Lt]

You don't see such action by the fans in NY.......anymore

[Dalmatian90]

You don't see such action by the fans in NY.......anymore

Riot police in Game 6 last year tended to quiet 'em down, eh?

Man...talk about games with too much testerone, adrenaline, and alcohol. Wonder how alcohol consumption at European soccer riots compare to American ball-parks...

[RESERVE172]

How embarassing! All it takes is one drunken idiot to ruin it for the rest of us. He does NOT symbolize a true Red Sox fan.

I hope they take away this a**holes seasons tickets as well as his beer "tossing" buddy. They are both lucky Sheffield didn't pull an Artest and kick the crap out of them. Kudos to Fenway Park security for literally jumping in to prevent this.

It's too bad these two fans couldn't control themselves in what was otherwise another great Red Sox/Yankees matchup.

Dalmation90 ---I think we'll be hearing about this one for a while.

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Random thoughts:

1. An assault is intentionally striking another person. The fan intentionally swung his arm at Sheffield and hit him. It is not much different than what happened in the bullpen last year. The fan should be charged. Boston double standard.

2. There was a Boston reporter that I heard interviewed on Mike and Mike yesterday stating how the anti-Yankee obsession of most Sox fans is a borderline psychological disorder. He is right.

3. Look at the reaction of the idiot who puched Sheffield and the dozen or so fans around him. High fiving, laughing, etc. and tell me that he didn't do that on purpose.

4. My favorite guy was the typical Boston fan in the GAP shirt. Throws a beer at Sheff, mouths off, but when Sheff comes back he falls over himself trying to run away like a little girl.

5. The security guard did a great job. However, you can see him looking over his shoulder for those brave BPD guys who were so eager to get involved in the bullpen fight. Where were they? It took them a long time to get there. The first couple of guys there were 50 year old brass. When they got there, they were pushing the players. Seems to me they should have been in the stands all along.

6. This would never have happened in Yankee Stadium.

[RESERVE172]

On Friday, callers to Boston Sports Talk Radio shows condemned the actions of these fans, I mean thugs. Some season ticket holders called and said these guys and that section have been trouble in the past.
Other callers claimed they knew Chris House( the one who took the swipe) and said he is a nice guy who was making a mock attempt to scoop up the ball.
Either way, this guy was out of line and should have his tickets revoked.
He was ejected and removed from the ballpark but not arrested. The last time I checked, fan interference wasn't a criminal offense, just a bonehead thing to do.

quote:
6.This would never have happened in Yankee Stadium.

I know of at least a few people who aren't so sure of this. Hence the police in riot gear in game 6 against the Red Sox. Anything at any time is possible with these two teams and their fans.
Never is a strong word.

[E229Lt]

I think George's tongue was planted firmly in his cheek with that "Never".

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

"Too bad" BOTH teams are going nowhere fast..See ya in 2006 !

[CaptainGonzo]

It's still very early in the season, Mikey. The Pale Hose are leading in the AL Central, while the Cubbies are mired deep in the den of the NL Central division. Its kind of hard to predict the season from a mere 11 games played to date....

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I am just being stirring it up a bit Cap. The poor Cubbies are already cooked too ! Pitching wins the big ones, and my Sox are looking good so far.

[PFire23]

I have never followed baseball that much, but this year I WILL attend my first major league game. Sometime over the summer I'm going to take a drive down to Seattle and take in a Mariner's game. Now I just have to figure out where the stadium is and how to get there LOL.

Take me out to the ball game..........

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

The Clipper docks right near the stadium Jenn.

[PFire23]

Thanks Mike, but I don't think that I'll take the Clipper. I have an Aunt on the mainland and a friend in Puyallup and I'm thinking I may make a few days of it when I go, so I'll be driving. I don't mind that drive actually.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well anyway, the stadium is right on the water in Downtown Seattle

[PFire23]

OK thanks !!! :D Shouldn't be too hard to find then, huh? Drive til ya see water and then look for a big stadium, yeah I can do that LOL

[GeorgeWendtCFI]

Originally posted by PFire23
OK thanks !!! :D Shouldn't be too hard to find then, huh? Drive til ya see water and then look for a big stadium, yeah I can do that LOL

If you get wet, you turned the wrong way!

[Steamer]

Originally posted by GeorgeWendtCFI
6. This would never have happened in Yankee Stadium. I have to agree. How stupid would it be to be a Bosox fan and smack Sheffield in Yankee Stadium? ;) If it were to ever happen, I bet I could find bugs on my windshield that had received less trauma.:eek:

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by Steamer
I have to agree. How stupid would it be to be a Bosox fan and smack Sheffield in Yankee Stadium? ;) If it were to ever happen, I bet I could find bugs on my windshield that had received less trauma.:eek: Very clever interpretation of words. :D

[RESERVE172]

The Red Sox have announced that because of his unsportsman-like actions, they are revoking the season tickets of the "Sheffield Fan", Chris House. He will be reimbursed for the unused portion of the season. Although he claims he never made contact with Sheffield, he is barred from all Red Sox home games the rest of this season.

Also barred from Fenway Park for the rest of this season is the un-named fan who "tossed" his beer on Sheffield.

I applaud Red Sox management and owners for doing what was necessary to send a message to those fans that will not or can not control themselves at a game.

[BFDNJFF]

6. This would never have happened in Yankee Stadium.

no we just throw batteries lol


BUT I STILL LOVE MY YANKEES !!:D

[RESERVE172]

How many of you said David Wells was done? Come on Yankees fans, fess up.

Or, how many said, there is NO WAY David Wells will be a Boston Red Sox, after he himself admitted to hating pitching at Fenway Park and actually offered to "throw the switch" if they ever decided to blow the place up?

Well, how many of you actually thought he might be the result of the end of the curse? Yes, the curse is over and the Yankees are in last place!(Yes, I know it's early) but Please, go look at his stats. for Wednsday nights game against the high powered Baltimore Orioles. 8 strong innings, with no runs and 5 strikeouts. I believe he is now 2-2 on the sesason with an ERA <4 (not bad considering it was 9 not long ago).

Yes, by today's standards he may be fat, BUT, after 18 years in MLB, the fat man can still pitch!!! Go Red Sox!:D

[RESERVE172]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
The Red Sox have announced that because of his unsportsman-like actions, they are revoking the season tickets of the "Sheffield Fan", Chris House. He will be reimbursed for the unused portion of the season. Although he claims he never made contact with Sheffield, he is barred from all Red Sox home games the rest of this season.

Also barred from Fenway Park for the rest of this season is the un-named fan who "tossed" his beer on Sheffield.

I applaud Red Sox management and owners for doing what was necessary to send a message to those fans that will not or can not control themselves at a game. Bob Watson, baseball's VP in charge of discipline, announced that Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield won't be punished for his role in the scuffle.

Why not?

Granted, the fan started it but Sheffield is far from innocent. He fielded the ball but instead of throwing it in right away, he shoved the fan, with the ball in his glove, with both arms. Only then did he throw the ball in and showed restraint by not going after the fan again.

His actions may have been "reactionary", but his decision to physically push the fan is as unsportsman-like as the fans actions. Both the fan and player were wrong and both should be disciplined. It is not good to take away this fans seasons tickets without giving the player a game or two suspension. What kind of message does this send around MLB? Does anyone else think this is dangerously unfair?

[manofire2]

Originally posted by RESERVE172
Bob Watson, baseball's VP in charge of discipline, announced that Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield won't be punished for his role in the scuffle.

Why not?

Granted, the fan started it but Sheffield is far from innocent. He fielded the ball but instead of throwing it in right away, he shoved the fan, with the ball in his glove, with both arms. Only then did he throw the ball in and showed restraint by not going after the fan again.

His actions may have been "reactionary", but his decision to physically push the fan is as unsportsman-like as the fans actions. Both the fan and player were wrong and both should be disciplined. It is not good to take away this fans seasons tickets without giving the player a game or two suspension. What kind of message does this send around MLB? Does anyone else think this is dangerously unfair?

In a word NO.

Although I am far from a Gary Sheffield fan, I don't believe he should receive any punishment for his part in this. The fact that he did show restraint was surprising and I would have to say that most players would not have.

Congrats to the league and to Red Sox brass for getting it right for a change.