Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Apparently Not

Sheesh. What a pessimist's attitude I had just nine short days ago. Re-reading that last post, as I sit here watching the Sox destroying the Rockies in Game 1 of the World Series (13-1 lead in the 7th), it's clear that the 2004 World Series win hadn't eliminated all of my Red Sox angst. Talk about an over-reaction.

This time round, though, I think it'll be different.

The comeback in the ALCS was fun to watch and I don't see that momentum slowing down anytime soon. When Julio Lugo is on base four times, needless to say, things are going well. And now Alex Cora is on the field. The Sox should roll and take their second World Series trophy in four years. Then, the angst will be gone for good. And let's just leave it at that.

In other recent developments, there's a new Knobcast episode (3) available. It can be found at the original Knobcast site - and also at the possible new home of Knobcast here.

We've experienced frequent technical difficulties at our original home, so Knob the Elder has done some work in migrating Knobcast to a blog-based location here at blogspot.com. Kudos to K the E for his work. Official relocation will be announced when a final decision has been made.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Panic Time ?

I'm not sure I have the energy or mental capacity to truly break down the current American League Championship Series with the detail it (may or may not) deserve. However, I must say that after watching three games between the Sox and Indians, if I were a betting man - and had the option to put a bet down at this stage - I'd put my money on the Cleveland Indians.

I just think they have a much stronger pitching staff and a great line-up of recognizable offensive stars and their unknowns are out-performing the bottom of the Red Sox order.

Is the series over? Oh, by no means. There are four games left. The Sox can take 3 of 5 from the Indians, for sure. However, it appears the Sox bats have been quieted by this Cleveland pitching staff - and that, more than anything, can be disastrous for a baseball team in the playoffs. They only need to do it for a short period of time... and Cleveland has been getting it done the last two games.

Tim Wakefield goes tomorrow night. This is make-or-break.

If he's back to his old self and he can pull out seven innings, couple of earnies, the Sox might be okay. If it's Cleveland 5, Sox (anything less than five) after two or three? Forget it.

It's becoming obvious that the Red Sox don't have the full package at this stage of the season. If they move along and win the World Series from this point, it'll be an amazing feat of over-achievement, in my eyes.

They don't seem to have the pitching depth or the 'clutch' hitting that is needed to win it all. Hate to use the 'clutch' hitting refrain - but what I'm saying is, they're just not hitting... at all.

Should be an interesting next few games. Much more than could be said about their ho-hum ALDS victory over the Angels.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Fall (back) Into the Groove

... aaaaaand, that's that.

September. It came. It went. Good riddance.

Outside April, it might be my least favourite month. I don't really know why April ranks twelfth out of twelve. Maybe it doesn't. But I do know #9 on the calendar is way down there on my list of 'top months'.

I can say with certainty, however, that this is my favourite of all the months. October. I absolutely love it. Especially here in New England.

One of the many benefits of October is the beginning of the NHL season. Tonight is the first night I've been able to sit and watch a Bruins game. They've played two to this point but I missed most of those due to previous engagements. They're in Anaheim, taking on the defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks right now - so, not a bad game to catch. It helps that it started at 10:30 EST.

What's been going on? What's been happening?

Well, first off - no change in the real estate realm. That's all I'm gonna say on that. It's good news, as far as my situation is concerned.

Outside of that, this past weekend was RibFest. It's an annual party my friend hosts at his house that developed almost ten years ago. Actually, about six years ago - the first three years were small gatherings until we realized that the ribs were way too good to keep to ourselves. Before that, it was just a few dudes getting together to cook the best Ribs ever. RibFest IV was the first 'official' RibFest when we decided to invite the masses to share in the deliciousness. It's been a grand ol' party ever since.

RibFest IV was the first year we introduced t-shirts. They've been a staple - and a hit - ever since and in recent years have become as much anticpated as the ribs themselves.

It's a great time and a great event and I'm already looking forward to RibFest X next fall. I might have to do a RibFest pictorial in a future post to share the progression of our t-shirt design over the years. Throw in some photos of the ribs, themselves ... it'll almost be like you're there.

Another artful diversion during the past month which has kept me from posting my inimitable prose in this space is the recently launched podcast that I've begun with a few mates. It's Knobcast.

It's in its beginning stages but it has been really fun to this point. We're still learning but you can give us a listen at : Knobcast. Check it out. Let us know what you think.

After that, there's not much more to relay. My messed up computer is still messed up. Although, I haven't done a lick of work in trying to regain what is missing. Maybe that says something about what I'm "missing" - but, come Tax time, I'm sure I'll feel the sting. So, that project is still on the books.

Going back to the best month of the year - I can't get enough of the beautiful days and cool nights. Perfect for sleeping with the windows cracked. The Halloween decorations that rival the Christmas decorations fill me with delight. The mere act of driving down a tree-lined street, outlined in the gold, yellow, brown, and red leaves that punctuate the season... jack-o-lanterns... witches, ghosts, monsters, and ghouls... nothing beats it. Nothing.

It is, hands down, the best time of the year.

Happy October, everyone.