Boston Red Sox and Their Disastrous 2012 Season

Mercifully the 2012 Boston Red Sox baseball season ended last Wednesday. It was painful and embarrassing to be a fan this year. What follows is some of how the team went from 90 wins in 2011 to their woeful 69-93 record this year .The first low point for me occurred when the Sox were cruising along in the 6th inning with a 9-0 lead against the New York Yankees. It was very early in the season April 21st when the Yankees would score 15 unanswered runs. Little did I know that kind of snowball effect would become a recurring theme. No lead was safe and those come from behind walk-off wins were as scarce as hen’s teeth.

Bobby Valentine was the new anti Teri Francona manager. The first fatal mistake we observed was when he called out Kevin Youkillis for what amounted to lack of concentration and passion. Youk was coming back from an injury riddled 2011 season and was soon to be traded. Bobby V’s mistakes were innumerable. After much heralded rookie 3rd baseman, Will Middlebrook, committed his second error in the same inning Valentine was heard to say “Nice inning, Will” How to be supportive and build the kid’s confidence! We learned much later that in spring training he had called out Mike Aviles during an infield drill. This led to several players meeting with Valentine in support of their teammate. 

Another move which didn’t sit well with teammates was when lefty Jon Lester was kept in a game by Valentine as he gave up 11 runs. It was July 22nd and the opponent was Toronto. Lester had a 5 run 1st inning. By the time he left after 4 innings he had given up 9 runs. Then we hear about Adrian Gonzalez and other players requesting a meeting with the owners. Apparently they felt that Lester was mistreated and they were taking their complaint to management.

Valentine was never able to build any rapport or respect with his players until it was much too late. In addition several of his coaches were openly rebellious and simply didn’t speak to him. This lack of communication with pitching, bench and bullpen coaches proved costly. To be fair Valentine did not have the courtesy from management of choosing his own coaching staff. Perhaps he never really had a chance to succeed. Sabotage at the outset? 

Then we had the block-buster trade between the Red Sox and LA Dodgers on August 25th. Pitcher Josh Beckett, 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, injured outfielder Carl Crawford and reserve infielder Nick Punto to LA. Coming to Boston 1st baseman James Loney, pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan de Jesus Jr. and the time honored “two players to be named later.”

The trade is note-worthy for the $250M the Red Sox were able to dump in salary. Finally the front office was honest and by this action admitted that the Sox would not make the playoffs for the third year in a row. Now the task is to use the money judiciously to build a winner. The need is particularly acute in pitching as the Red Sox pitchers had a combined ERA in 2012 of 4.70 which ranked 27th in MLB!

Needless to say Bobby Valentine was fired some 14 hours after Game 162 a loss counting as their 8th in a row and 12th of their final 13 - Yikes. Fittingly the season ended with a 14-2 loss to the New York Yankees. Hopefully it also marked the end of Daisuke Matsuzaka's career with the Sox. He gave up 5 runs in 2.1 innings and finished with an 8.28 ERA in 11 games after coming back from Tommy John surgery.

Now the search for a new manager begins. I hope one is in place before the team starts signing players. That way the manager will have a say in which players come to Boston and maybe a chance to have some success in 2013. I’ll be waiting for Truck Day, Spring Training and Opening Day 2013. My prediction is that the Boston Red Sox will find their way back to be the winning team we are all hoping to see.

The Marriage of Jason and Ruth

     

    Last Sunday, August 26, 2012, was one very special day. As I had the distinction and indeed the joy of being able to do something which is a once in a lifetime privilege. I officiated at the marriage of my nephew Jason to his fiancé Ruth. Jason and Ruth had asked if I would be willing to solemnize their vows at the marriage ceremony. It touched my heart and I was thrilled to accept.

    That moment set in motion the process required to obtain from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a One Day Marriage Designation. I filled out the application and my niece, Kristin, was kind enough to write a letter to recommend me. Props to the Governor’s Office for their prompt response in sending the official document granting me the right to perform the ceremony.

    Last Sunday the weather was sunny not a cloud in the sky - spectacular. This was so appreciated as the marriage rites were to take place outdoors at the Public Garden in Boston. There amid the majestic Weeping Willow Trees, the Peaceful Pond, the historic Swan Boats, and the Graceful Gardens Jason and Ruth were wed. Jason’s daughter, Gwendolyn, participated as did Ruth’s son, Aiden. Their participation was a moving tribute to this loving, blended family. Jason and Ruth were fortunate to have their parents there as well. Jim, Regina, Dave and Kathy happily supported and acknowledged the love between the couple, their son and daughter.

    The loving words, the beautiful vows, the exchanging of rings, all came together to make these memorable moments so real and emotional. I have been to countless weddings as we all have but none have touched my heart more. It was an absolute honor to help facilitate the Marriage of Jason and Ruth. May you both enjoy the happiness you so richly deserve as you begin your journey together.

A Concert for the Ages: Stevie Nicks In Your Dreams Tour - Boston, MA July 10, 2012

Alright I know what you may be thinking. This is just another “fanatic” Stevie Nicks fan. Well you are not all that wrong. However, I stand by the singular title and this is why.

In addition to her amazing music, her unique voice, her mystique, her magical presence and her love for her audience we got to meet one of the soldiers who survived serious brain trauma. Stevie had visited him at some of her many trips to Walter Reed Army Hospital.

PFC Vincent Mannion and his family were introduced after Stevie sang Soldier’s Angel. This song is on her latest album In Your Dreams. But she had long given a copy of the comforting words to the countless soldiers she visited and if just for a moment took away some of their pain. She always knew she would record it as it was their song.

It was beyond emotional as photos of Stevie visiting with Vincent and his family were shown as she sang the song. When Vincent and his family walked onstage they were greeted with wild and warm applause. Stevie spoke about how the support of his strong Irish family contributed so much to his recovery as they were not going to leave that hospital without him.

Vincent, his mom, dad, and sister were all introduced by Stevie and each spoke to the audience. There was hardly a dry eye in the house as the emotion and joy of the moment along with the fear that it might never have happened just overwhelmed you. Vincent said to Stevie, "You’re my best friend.” and that spoke volumes about his love for and gratitude to Stevie.

The concert itself was memorable as Stevie bravely sang six songs from her new album after announcing that this was not a “greatest hits tour”. The new songs were Secret Love, Moonlight (A Vampire’s Dream), Soldier’s Angel,as mentioned, For What It’s Worth and Annabel Lee, my two favorites and Ghosts Are Gone. Stevie did a mesmerizing version of my classic favorite Gold Dust Woman. In addition Enchanted, Dreams, Stand Back, Rhiannon, Leather and Lace performed with her vocal coach, Steve Real, and Landslide all were sung with the love and conviction that Stevie still has for these timeless songs.

Stevie did Edge of Seventeen for her finale and at the conclusion walked across the front of the stage receiving gifts and flowers and shaking hands with her adoring fans. I can tell you I’ve had the joy of meeting Stevie at the stage many times and it is a thrill. This is a very special gift that Stevie gives to her fans.

For the encore Stevie did Love Is and said that we could interpret it any way we want. She was chatty throughout the concert giving some background about many of the songs especially the new ones.

At the conclusion once again Vincent and his family came onstage to enthusiastic applause and they all took the traditional bow with Stevie and her band. Stevie again thanked us for our support and especially for the way we welcomed Vincent. She said she would never forget this night and just how special it was to have Vincent there and for the reception he received.

Stevie lingered at the stage waving to us and Vincent leaning over even shook hands with a few fans. Stevie ever caring and motherly said, “Be Careful” to him. It was an honor to be in the audience for this most unforgettable evening.

Please Note Regarding the Photo: In the foreground you see Stevie Nicks about to embrace PFC Vincent Mannion. On the screen behind you see Vincent with his mother and father.