No longer a fan of the organization.

[jacksonianmarch]

Figured this is an appropriate article for this thread:

 

Red Sox Celebrate Christmas at Fenway Atop Santa's 'Naughty List'

 

 

Bill Speros

@realOBF

Boston.com Correspondent

December 13, 2014 6:19 AM

 

Merry Christmas at Fenway on Saturday.

 

Select single-game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, as well. Automated web pages are standing by.

 

Me thinks the virtual waiting room will like the drive-thru at Dunks at 3 in the morning. A quick in-and-out.

 

The Red Sox have been very naughty this year.

 

Much like the Grinch, they "stink, stank, stunk."

 

They were moving away from Santa's "Nice" list even before the 2014 season began. They discounted the value and worth of Jon Lester early and often. They mocked the Yankees and others for spending wildly, or as some may say, paying market value for players. They snookered us all into thinking they would be a playoff team for the second straight year.

 

Just back up the coal truck to Yawkey Way.

 

Meanwhile, we loaded up on 2013 World Series championship swag and 2014 tickets.

 

Ho-Ho-Hosed.

 

Things got far worse-than-expected once the games began. The team quickly found last place and stayed there for pretty much the entire season. State Run Media trumpeted each rare, coveted victory as the long-awaited "turnaround" that would right the Ship of Sox.

 

Turns out the 2014 Red Sox had more turnarounds than the Fresh Pond Rotary. And they slogged in a circle of futility until they were mathematically flushed away form contention on Sept. 10. That was their earliest Elimination Day since 1966.

 

Bah, humbug.

 

There was never any turnaround of substance. A Memorial Day weekend sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays witnessed firsthand did it for me. Others bailed after a brief winning streak in early June. Still more checked out around July 4 and the All-Star Break. By the time of the July 31 trade deadline, even Wally was headed for Patriots' practice and preparing for his fantasy football draft.

 

Not even Rudolph could guide these guys into contention.

 

Off was Lester, and Lackey, and Peavy, and Miller.

 

The remaining pitching staff resembled a lineup from the Island of Misfit toys. Clay Buchholz was the "choo-choo with square wheels on the caboose." And Brandon Workman was the "Cowboy who rides an ostrich."

 

Sadly we didn't have Heat Miser and Cold Miser to break up the monotony. Although watching Jerry Remy lose a tooth on the air was a highlight.

 

Christmas is all about faith, at least for the billion or so people worldwide who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The holiday's religious beginnings are rooted in a belief that man can be saved, despite all of his shortcomings. It has become a mix of commercialism, religion, celebration and, for some, even reflection.

 

We wisely avoid religion and politics here. We won't be waging any "War on Christmas, either. Massachusetts law, however, does requires me to wish everyone a "Happy Winter Solstice."

 

It is the Red Sox, speaking of religion, who so often implore us to "Keep the Faith."

 

Faith in what?

 

For Red Sox fans, they are being asked again to put their faith in an ownership group with a markedly mixed record. This group has done wondrous things. It saved and revitalized Fenway Park. It forever purged the Red Sox of their monochromatic DNA. It has engineered three World Series Cups in just over 10 years.

 

This same group has also constructed two last-place finishes since presiding over the greatest September playoff collapse in history. And they threw in Bobby Valentine for good measure. All of that has occurred in just the past 39 months.

 

The Red Sox combined record over the past four seasons is 327-321. That's three losses away from perfect mediocrity.

 

Most recently, ownership either massively screwed up with Lester in underestimating his value before the season, botched its negotiations with him, traded him, and then tried to re-sign him as a free-agent. Or Red Sox ownership never really wanted him back in the first place.

 

Either way, it doesn't look good. The Red Sox don't get a pass here like they did with Jacoby Ellsbury. If you believe the Red Sox wanted Lester, but only at their price, then they didn't really want him. They have the money.

 

Instead of a shiny new No. 1 starter under the tree at Christmas this year, the Red Sox have given us a sack of No. 3s.

 

Instead of a new Xbox, you got a Nintendo Entertainment System, Operation, and a deck of cards.

 

Instead of a new Lexus, you get two used Ford Escorts and a moped.

 

Instead of a new jacket and pants from Louis, you get three pair of jeans from Walmart and a bag of socks.

 

3+3+3+3+3 and 1+2+3+4+5 equal the same number [15].

 

The Red Sox will try to have us believing by Truck Day that five No. 3s are worth the same as top-heavy rotation with a solid No. 1 and No. 2.

 

Common Core math, Red Sox style.

 

Some teams have found success with that route in recent years. The Pirates and Orioles are two examples. But neither went deep in the postseason, never mind won a World Series.

 

Piles and piles of mediocrity never equal greatness. Five 1977 Denny Doyles for one Yaz was never good deal.

 

The current rotation is stout with youth and promise. But can you name anyone on the staff as of now, and add James "Mediocre Game" Shields and Cole Hamels if you'd like, who you would rather have starting a Game 7 of the World Series over Lester? Or even Game 4 of the ALCS if you were down 2-1?

 

Nope.

 

The Red Sox starting lineup has potential to score runs aplenty. Expect lots of strikeouts, as well. Many believe this is what the masses want. Pitching is usually boring to watch until October.

 

And there will be Panda Heads.

 

Red Sox spring training tickets are on sale and most games at Jet Blue are already sold out. The hashtag #TheGiftofSox was a top trending topic in Boston on Friday. And many of the Tweets were sincere in supportive of the savvy marketing campaign.

 

Thankfully there was still some caustic sarcasm out there.

 

The crowd at Fenway on Saturday will no doubt be ebullient and looking at the broken glass as being half-full.

 

"Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God."

 

Or fourth place, if He is too busy.

 

After all, this is the most wonderful time of the year.

 

Except for Red Sox fans over the age of 10, and those who are not topped in pink.

 

For they know Santa won't be coming next year, either.

 

I am still looking for the #3's? Porcello is a high 3, borderline 2 based on IF defense. Miley isn't a 3, he's a 4. Masterson could be a 2, pitched like a AAAA player last yr. Buchholz pitched like a AAAA player as well. Joe Kelly is a 4 as well. Right now, I see a 2/3, two 4's, and two 5's.

[a700hitter]

I am still looking for the #3's? Porcello is a high 3, borderline 2 based on IF defense. Miley isn't a 3, he's a 4. Masterson could be a 2, pitched like a AAAA player last yr. Buchholz pitched like a AAAA player as well. Joe Kelly is a 4 as well. Right now, I see a 2/3, two 4's, and two 5's.

 

You are dead on about this. We have a pair of 4's and 5's with a possible 2/3.

[jacksonianmarch]

They spin things as if people are stupid. If the sox just said they were building their rotation for the future and didn't shove this whole "5 man rotation of #3 starters" down everyone's throats, they'd get more credit from the fan base. The good will from 2013 allowed them to suck in 2014. Sucking in 2014 therefore makes the sox kinda have to make a run to regain some of that good will. Another half assed offseason allows for a broken team. Let's look at the scoreboard here...

 

Starting in 2014, the sox were not a playoff team. So, they need to make improvements on what they were at the start of last yr to make the playoffs, right? Let's look at the scorecard here

 

Guys who moved away:

Jon Lester (6.1WAR)

John Lackey (2.8WAR)

Jake Peavy (1.9WAR)

Andrew Miller (2.3WAR)

Jonny Gomes (-0.3WAR)

Rubby de la Rosa (0.9WAR)

Allen Webster (0.5WAR)

 

Guys brought in:

Rusney Castillo (nil)

Justin Masterson (0.3WAR)

Rick Porcello (3.1WAR)

Wade Miley (1.7WAR)

Joe Kelly (0.6WAR)

Allan Craig (-1.4WAR)

Hanley Ramirez (3.4WAR)

Pablo Sandoval (3.0WAR)

 

Even with all the moves, you're 3.5WAR behind what you had at the start of 2014. Maybe Rusney plus a resurgence from Masterson gets you back there, but that's still a sub .500 ballclub

[vjcsmoke]

Jumping ship? Well don't let the door hit you on the way out. Seriously.

You're spoiled rotten and you don't even realize it.

The Red Sox won WS championships in 2004, 2007, and 2013. All of this after a nearly 80+ year drought after selling the Bambino.

 

You have no idea how lucky you are/were to be a Red Sox fan.

Management is temporary. Theo came and went. Cherington and Farrell etc. won't be here forever.

But they caught lightning in a bottle in 2013. There is no way we should have won coming off last place the year previous.

But they did it. The level of ingratitude here for the magic of 2013 is amazing. The offseason isn't even done and people are already writing off the 2015 Red Sox.

 

Ok good luck with that. Go ahead be a hater. Change the laundry that you root for. I won't. I don't like fair weather fans and I don't care who else you choose to root for. GOOD BYE. CYA. DON'T COME BACK!

Edited December 13, 2014 by vjcsmoke

[iortiz]

This will be your first trip to Fenway? I hope you get good weather (a rarity in Boston in April) and I hope you see them win! If I am in Boston at that time, we will have to arrange to have a drink.

 

Yeah!... this will be my first time... I'm so excited. I never hadn't paid such kind of money for a sport ticket ever... It is way too much for us here in Mexico, Mostly since the U.S. dollar exchange fee has raised a lot the last copule of months; it is 14.6 MXP/USD, just nuts. Putting this in context, Both tickets for both days just cost me around the cost of the flight ticket, plain crazy. So... a trip to Boston from here is around 1,200 USD, (fly + game tickets), Probably I have to add an extra 2500 USD to cover the hotel, meals, drinks, souvenirs, etc. jajaja. Hopefully I see you there and other posters as well.

Edited December 13, 2014 by iortiz

[mvp 78]

They spin things as if people are stupid. If the sox just said they were building their rotation for the future and didn't shove this whole "5 man rotation of #3 starters" down everyone's throats, they'd get more credit from the fan base. The good will from 2013 allowed them to suck in 2014. Sucking in 2014 therefore makes the sox kinda have to make a run to regain some of that good will. Another half assed offseason allows for a broken team. Let's look at the scoreboard here...

 

Starting in 2014, the sox were not a playoff team. So, they need to make improvements on what they were at the start of last yr to make the playoffs, right? Let's look at the scorecard here

 

Guys who moved away:

Jon Lester (6.1WAR)

John Lackey (2.8WAR)

Jake Peavy (1.9WAR)

Andrew Miller (2.3WAR)

Jonny Gomes (-0.3WAR)

Rubby de la Rosa (0.9WAR)

Allen Webster (0.5WAR)

 

Guys brought in:

Rusney Castillo (nil)

Justin Masterson (0.3WAR)

Rick Porcello (3.1WAR)

Wade Miley (1.7WAR)

Joe Kelly (0.6WAR)

Allan Craig (-1.4WAR)

Hanley Ramirez (3.4WAR)

Pablo Sandoval (3.0WAR)

 

Even with all the moves, you're 3.5WAR behind what you had at the start of 2014. Maybe Rusney plus a resurgence from Masterson gets you back there, but that's still a sub .500 ballclub

Clearly, Castillo is a 0 WAR guy and anyone who had a down year will not recover.

[iortiz]

I just bought some tickets too. The fees have gone way way way up. I usually buy cheap tickets in April and move around. $20 worth of tickets cost $36 dollars after fees. How does that work?

 

Are going to opening day? Opening day tickets start at 120 or something at Stubhub. I selected the infield grandstand section (hopefully those seat have a good view), which are around 250 USD each after fees. Those tickets are around 38 USD for any other day. Since this is going to be my first time, I knew all along that I had to overpay such kind of money since I wanted to be at opening day.

Edited December 13, 2014 by iortiz

[mvp 78]

Are going to opening day? Opening day tickets start at 120 or something at Stubhub. I selected the infield grandstand section (hopefully those seat have a good view), which are around 250 USD each after fees. Those tickets are around 38 USD for any other day. Since this is going to be my first time, I knew all along that I had to overpay such kind of money since I wanted to be at opening day.

 

Make sure you aren't getting obstructed seats.

[mvp 78]

http://www.preciseseating.com/fenwaypark2.php

[iortiz]

Make sure you aren't getting obstructed seats.

 

Thanks, seems like they are not obstructed seats, according with the ball park map.

 

According with stub hub it is Infield Grandstand 15 section, Row: 19, Seats 5,6 for opening day.

 

As for the second game those are located at GRANDSTAND-FIRST BASE, Grandstand 15 Section, Row 18, seats 15 and 16.

[iortiz]

Actually they have 16% and 5% of obstruction and seems like the home plate for the second game apparently is obstructed, damn! jajaja

 

Didn't know that the ball park have obstructions.

[Palodios]

Are going to opening day? Opening day tickets start at 120 or something at Stubhub. I selected the infield grandstand section (hopefully those seat have a good view), which are around 250 USD each after fees. Those tickets are around 38 USD for any other day. Since this is going to be my first time, I knew all along that I had to overpay such kind of money since I wanted to be at opening day.

 

I pretty much always go to the second game of the season every year. Not quite the same thrill, but it ends up being a fraction of the price, and its still has most of the effect.

[mvp 78]

It looks like game 2's seats may impair homeplate. The opening day seats are pretty good. Personally, I like sitting in CF.

 

Also, check out the bleacher bar at Fenway if you get the chance.

[mvp 78]

Actually they have 16% and 5% of obstruction and seems like the home plate for the second game apparently is obstructed, damn! jajaja

 

Didn't know that the ball park have obstructions.

 

You'll still have fun. Just prepare to pay for it.

[a700hitter]

Actually they have 16% and 5% of obstruction and seems like the home plate for the second game apparently is obstructed, damn! jajaja

 

Didn't know that the ball park have obstructions.

Opening Day seats look good. You have an unimpeded view of the entire infield. That is as good as it gets from the Fenway grandstand seats.

 

For game two, you will have to lean to your right to get good view of HP.

[iortiz]

You'll still have fun. Just prepare to pay for it.

 

Thank you, I just bought the tickets. What is the bleacher bar? is it a bar inside the ball park?

[iortiz]

I pretty much always go to the second game of the season every year. Not quite the same thrill, but it ends up being a fraction of the price, and its still has most of the effect.

Well, since this is going to be my first time, I thought it was worth to overpay. As I said Ill be there for the second game as well, hopefully you are around to say hello.

[iortiz]

Opening Day seats look good. You have an unimpeded view of the entire infield. That is as good as it gets from the Fenway grandstand seats.

 

For game two, you will have to lean to your right to get good view of HP.

 

Thank you Ted... where do you usually get the seat? What do you recommend?

Edited December 13, 2014 by iortiz

[mvp 78]

Thank you, I just bought the tickets. What is the bleacher bar? is it a bar inside the ball park?

 

The entrance is on the back of Fenway. There are cool views where you can look out over the field. Don't go on gameday though.

 

[iortiz]

I bought my tickets today at 11 a.m or something, it started at 10, right? so.. in an hour the tickets for opening day were sold out hahaha incredible.

[iortiz]

The entrance is on the back of Fenway. There are cool views where you can look out over the field. Don't go on gameday though.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]220[/ATTACH]

 

Sounds great, Thank you MVP. What about before/after the game? I'll be in Boston from April 9th to April 15th. Ill try to go in that weekend, but not sure if they open when there is not a game.

[mvp 78]

Sounds great, Thank you MVP. What about before/after the game? I'll be in Boston from April 9th to April 15th. Ill try to go in that weekend, but not sure if they open when there is not a game.

They are open every day even if there is no game.

[mvp 78]

http://bleacherbarboston.com/about/

[iortiz]

Thank you MVP, I'll try to go if there is availability.

[a700hitter]

I bought my tickets today at 11 a.m or something, it started at 10, right? so.. in an hour the tickets for opening day were sold out hahaha incredible.

I went on at 10 today. I wasn't going for opening day. I usually get them from RedSox.com. if they are having a lousy season, stub hub is a good place to get the tickets at bargain prices.

[a700hitter]

Israel, look at Priceline and kayak for hotel rates. You can set up email alerts on kayak. The Back Bay area is the place to stay if you can find a good rate. Let me know what hotel you are considering before you book. I have been in more hotels in Boston than the oldest hooker in that town. Lol!

[a700hitter]

Thank you MVP, I'll try to go if there is availability.

Cask'n Flagon across the street is also a landmark Fenway Park bar.

[iortiz]

I went on at 10 today. I wasn't going for opening day. I usually get them from RedSox.com. if they are having a lousy season, stub hub is a good place to get the tickets at bargain prices.

 

Israel, look at Priceline and kayak for hotel rates. You can set up email alerts on kayak. The Back Bay area is the place to stay if you can find a good rate. Let me know what hotel you are considering before you book. I have been in more hotels in Boston than the oldest hooker in that town. Lol!

 

Cask'n Flagon across the street is also a landmark Fenway Park bar.

 

Thank you Ted, for all the advises. I have a friend who lives there and just offered me to stay in his place, not sure yet if I take his hospitality, but If I decide to stay in a hotel, I'll definitely consider your advise and I'll let you know.

Edited December 13, 2014 by iortiz

[Navafan29]

Lester going to the Cubs was the worst possible outcome for the Lester situation. If he went anywhere else, we could tell ourselves that he's going there because he likes the culture of said city, has family there, wants to compete in an exciting division etc.. But the only reason he would want to go play under D'oh Maddon for the worst team in sports history is money, money, and money alone. I can't wait to see Lester in his dorky Cubs uniform at his first press conference as he makes up stuff about how excited he is to play for the Cubs.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Yeah!... this will be my first time... I'm so excited. I never hadn't paid such kind of money for a sport ticket ever... It is way too much for us here in Mexico, Mostly since the U.S. dollar exchange fee has raised a lot the last copule of months; it is 14.6 MXP/USD, just nuts. Putting this in context, Both tickets for both days just cost me around the cost of the flight ticket, plain crazy. So... a trip to Boston from here is around 1,200 USD, (fly + game tickets), Probably I have to add an extra 2500 USD to cover the hotel, meals, drinks, souvenirs, etc. jajaja. Hopefully I see you there and other posters as well.

 

That feeling you get when you first walk into Fenway is magical. I nearly teared up, no lie. Hope you have a blast like I did.

Edited December 13, 2014 by RedSoxfanforlife305