tito as shrink

tito finds a way to relax the players, focusing on the little things to win. this is why he is brilliant.

Francona, who is not big on team meetings, will sit down with the players for approximately 10 minutes today. But it's not for inspiration. Instead, he'll give a refresher course on signs, bunt defense, and things of that nature. "They know what we're doing," Francona said. "We've been together all year. We view every game as big around here. I think you start viewing games, making them bigger, and that doesn't really help."

attn: mets fans

i'm sorry. time to fire your GM.

i heard the last out in the car. truly a sad occasion that shea couldn't see one more postseason. believe or not, despite 1986, i will miss that place.

in other news, beckett is hurt? oblique strain? this is bad. how bad? we're cooked if he can't pitch.

Jed Hoyer on Curt Schilling, Winter '03-'04

"One thing you don't know... Curt took the very unusual step of representing himself. He was well prepared and detail oriented throughout the process. Whenever we would exchange offers, Curt would take it and then disappear to his office for an hour or so before responding. After we were done with the deal, I went into his office to find a quiet place to type up the final terms. On Curt's desk was 'Negotiating for Dummies' or 'My First Negotiation' or some such book. Theo and I just cracked up. Prior to leaving Curt's house for the press conference, Theo showed him what we had found. Curt thought it was pretty funny, though I think he was glad we found it after the fact."

playoff celebrations!

Did Papelbon steal a base and give it to a fan?

Is Pedroia beard longer than his hair?

What's Ortiz's tattoo about?

Wow, this looks fun.

wild card clinched tuesday!

it's still exciting to make the playoffs. i hope i'll never be like a yankees fan and take it for granted!

rays losing

is 1st place truly out of sight? the rays are down 7-2 and we've got lester going tonight.

Mets Seats

The Mets just put up actual Shea seats for sale. No, not tickets, but the seats themselves. They are a whopping $869 a pair. Blue and orange are already sold out. No word on whether that comes with a hot dog, a Coke, or a visit from Cow Bell Man.

let's go red sox

listened to yesterday's game and it was looking bad until the destroia came up. amazing last play. totally reminded me of the mother's day miracle game (which i was at w/ mom!).

also, here's a gem about giambi walking into a door.