Can a season really be ended if it never began?
The Yankees announced that OF Jacoby Ellsbury's 2018 campaign is over.....without ever officially beginning. Ellsbury has not appeared in a single game all season. 21 million dollars to literally not work. What a sport! Of course my connection to Jacoby is that he was a fantastic, yet often injured CF for the Red Sox from 2007-2013. A career capped off with World Series championships. I'll never forget the spark he was for the 07 sox as rookie. Then the stolen base in the World Series, Tacoby Bellsbury. Man that nickname should've taken off. It was my yahoo fantasy baseball name for two years.
I hate Pete Abe ( I was once 3 feet away from him at Fenway once and he's maaaybe 5 4?) but man that is a solid point.
When Jacoby signed with the Yankees I was upset just because I liked Jacoby and hate(d) the Yankees. Even though I thought moving on was the right call, it just sucks he ended up in pinstripes. I had a legitimate nightmare about that very scenario happening in 2011 (his could've been MVP / possible roids year?) and I woke up in like a panic, where you realize it was just a dream but are still freaking out and don't calm down right away. Like when you think you killed someone in a dream and wake up and are like wait... that didn't happen right?
Just me? Okay then. While I hate what Jacoby did by going to New York, I also love it for the long term effect it's had on them. Then again more credit to them for giving him horrendous contract that the Red Sox were smart enough to avoid. 153 million over 7. Jacoby is in year 5. lol Imagine having that plus Pablo and Hanley? Even though I'm happy he's fucking over the Yankees, hard. It makes me sad to see how bad Jacoby has been post Sox. Lot of battles with injuries and just unproductive play. I'd love to see them just outright release him then watch him have like 3 good years for the Cardinals or some classic NL team. Godspeed, Tacoby. (this has been my photo on my yahoo email since 2007) 
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via: www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2018/08/07/nesn-jerry-remy-facing-another-battle-with-cancer/foVtiR1ouUBXGHQJNBT9MN/story.html
Remy, 65, was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008. He has suffered multiple recurrences. In February 2017, he announced that the disease had returned, but he was back in the booth early in the regular season that year. In mid-June of last season, a recurrence required surgery and chemotherapy. Remy missed most of the second half, but did return for a few games in September. Remy, a longtime smoker, first underwent surgery in November 2008 to remove a cancerous area from his lung. He endured complications during that recovery, including an infection and a prolonged bout with pneumonia. He still didn’t feel like his usual self when the 2009 Red Sox season began, leading to a leave of absence that kept him out from April 30 until mid-August. He revealed upon his return that he had been battling depression. In April 2013, Remy announced that he’d suffered a relapse that offseason when cancer was found in a different spot on his lungs during his regular six-month CT scan that January. “If I can help anybody, that’s great,” said Remy when asked why he revealed the 2013 relapse. “Last time this happened to me, I got so many letters from people who have gone through cancer, who are fighting it at that particular point in time, and I felt like I did them some good.” He did not miss time during the 2013 season while recovering from that surgery. But that August, Remy took an immediate leave of absence when his son, Jared, was charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Jennifer Martel. Jared Remy pled guilty in August 2014 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. A Somerset native, Remy spent 10 years as a second baseman in the major leagues, including seven with the Red Sox (1978-84). He has been a NESN broadcaster on Red Sox games since 1988. Last January, the network announced that he’d signed a multiyear contract extension Horrible news came out today: The Red Sox announcer that broadcaster and former 2nd basemen Jerry Remy has lung cancer again. This is his 6th bout with the disease. Obviously it's horrible fucking news and we are all pulling for the Rem Dog to be back in the booth come 2019, but it's just a really downer on an otherwise spectacular season, so far. Real life still happens. Definitely puts a damper on things. Remy is the man I will not accept any other answer. Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy were the voices of my childhood and a huge part of my daily like from April-October every year of my life since 2003. Now without Don; it's just Jerry. Lone survivor. If there's one thing the Remdog has done....it's survive, as mentioned earlier this is his SIXTH battle with Lung Cancer. Jerry Remy's laugh whenever him or Don would mess around was the best and I remember those moments a lot better than a lot of the games that were taking place in the background. Too many to mention but The Pizza Throw is the #1 highlight and of course I'll include it at the end of the blog. Jerry has been doing a great job this season. His chemistry with Eck has to be the highlight. Jerry, O'B and of course Eck when in the booth altogether has been can't miss stuff. I'm so sad we're gonna be missing out on Jerry because of stupid fucking cancer. Like seriously, cancer? Literally nobody likes you, it's so annoying just go away already. I was just talking about Saturday how mad I was that I watched the game on FS1 and not NESN because I assumed they didn't have the game since it was the Saturday Game of the Week.
Sadly, was the last chance this season we all had the chance to listen to Jerry Remy this season. Well technically the time table hasn't been announced yet, but it's not like cancer is something that only puts you on the 10-day dl.
I wish you nothing but a speedy recovery, Rem Dog. We all love you. Just listen to his laugh when he Eck tells this story. This was the funniest moment post-Don by a mile.
"Ahhhh, here goes the Pizza! See it?"
11 years ago today Barry Lamar Bonds broke the all-time home run record. And nobody fucking cares. It's so crazy to me. Look I get it, I know Barry is a steroid guy. Everybody on earth knows that. You know it, I know it, starving kids in huts with no water or technology know it. In a sport where stastistics and records are so highly celebrated, most people don't care about Barry Bonds breaking the home run record. Some don't even recognize him as the all-time leader. I still think Barry Bonds was a HOFer before steroids, and should be in Cooperstown. He had seasons where his on base was over .600. Idc what you're on that's insane. We also need to accept the fact that nearly everybody was on steroids during this era...hence the name. Baseball players are held to such a higher standard. In the NFL nobody gives a fuck about juicing, it's almost encouraged. Like Rodney Harrison getting busted isn't what will keep him out of the HOF. I just think back to that 07 summer, I was in Florida visiting my family. I remember Barry tied the record on the road at Petco Park and then afterwards every single Giants game was on ESPN until he broke the record. As a baseball nut I'd watch every game. It might've actually even been once he was one away because I felt like the Giants were on ESPN every night for two weeks. Finally, on August 7th, 2007 Barry Bonds hit home run 756 off of Nationals pitcher Mike Bascik, a man who's name has been forgotten unlike Al Downing who gave up 714 to Hammerin' Hank. Bascik, much like Bonds was out of baseball after the 2007 season. To me that's still such a shame. Barry Bonds in 2007 at age hit 28 home runs and had an OBP% of .480 (which led the NL). He FOR SURE could've been a DH in '08 but was black balled and never played again after 2007. Fun fact the Giants lost the game that night, but I don't think the fans in attendance really cared. Also...those Nationals uniforms were soooo ugly. Thank God they got rid of the Natinals disgraces. 
Of all the steroid guys I think Bonds gets the worst of it because he was an all time great without them. He's not a Brady Anderson type. Bonds in Pittsburgh was already a future HOFer, but after the 98 chase with Sosa and Big Mac he got jealous and started juicing to put up better, bigger numbers like them. I'm kinda rambling as this summer I haven't written much, but it just rubs me the wrong way how much disrespect Barry Bonds gets. Look at these numbers:
Steroids or not, he's one of the best baseball players of all time. To me he is the all-time home run leader. I consider myself a Barry Bonds fan. He was a bad, baaaad man and deserves his spot in Cooperstown. I will not forget what Barry Bonds accomplished.
Song: The Rock Show Artist: Blink 182 Album: Take Off Your Pants and Jacket 
Last night was the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. The 2018 class was loaded like a some Frisky Fries. The man who led the way on the famous Packer sweep, Jerry Kramer FINALLY got his due after retiring in 1968. Kramer was the only man on the NFL's 50th anniversary team not in the HOF.
For years being an offensive linemen, and being on the greatest dynasty of all time was held against him. I mean, how many hall of famers can one team have?
The other players inducted were T.O. (who didn't show up), Brian Urlacher, Brian Dawkins, Ray Lewis (who sweat through his jacket, while telling us we need prayer in school), and of course the one and only Randy Moss. The man who's name inspired a game for kids across the country trying to make acrobatic catches. YOU GOT MOSSED!
Not to keep picking on the (alleged) murderer, but his bust is up there with that Ronaldo one for worst I've ever seen. Looks NOTHING like him.
The speeches were all pretty good. Even though Ray Lewis is a legitimate crazy person who decided to preach for 45 minutes there were a few parts of his I liked. But I'm here to talk about Randy Moss.
Randy is the GOAT.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame isn't like baseball where you go in with a cap of the team you're most well known for. Although sometimes even the the hats don't match up. To me Nolan Ryan is an Angel or Astro, not a Ranger. Vlad is an Expo, not an Angel. Greg Maddux didn't even pick a team. In Canton you get the bust. I'm well aware if Randy Moss did have to go into the Hall with a team it'd be the Vikings, but his brief time in New England is something I'll never forget and always appreciate. All the touchdowns, the wins, and of course that famous 07 celebration we saw 23 times en route to a perfect regular season. You could argue that his time in New England is what solidified him as a Hall of Famer since his time in Oakland left a sour taste in Moss fans mouth's. Moss scored 3 touchdowns in 2006. He scored 4 against the Bills in Buffalo on a Monday Night Football blowout in the fall of 07. In a sick twist of fate Randy Moss was the focal point on arguably the two greatest teams to not win the Super Bowl; the 1998 15-1 Minnesota Vikings as a rookie, and the 2007 16-0 New England Patriots where he broke Jerry Rice's single season receiving touchdown record. Randy Moss caught 23 touchdowns in 2007. In 2003 (the Patriots 2nd Super Bowl winning season) Tom Brady threw 23 touchdowns all year. Randy was only in New England for a little over three seasons, but man did he make a lasting impact. His 2007 is still the gold standard of a season for a WR. 98 receptions, 1493 yards, 23 touchdowns. 
In 44 games as a Patriot Randy Moss had 50 touchdowns, 3904 yards and 259 receptions. In Foxboro Randy's "average" was 6 catches for about 90 yards and over a touchdown a game. Don't forget one of those seasons was with Matt Cassel.
Randy Moss is the most talented WR I've ever seen play, and after a 2006 where Tom Brady's top target was crazy eyes Reche Caldwell, it was time for an upgrade. That upgrade was Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders for a measly 4th round pick. We all know how great that Patriots team was. 18-1. One stop away from the perfect season. The best offense I've ever seen. It's shame Brady really only had two full seasons with Moss. The epic, record breaking 07 campaign, then 09 after Brady was coming off his torn ACL, arguably the worst season of his career. I wish we could've seen what these guys could've done together had they had 5 or more years together. It's crazy to think about what they could've achieved together since in 2007 they both broke single season touchdown records. It's an absolute shame Brady missed all of 08, but even more so that the Patriots weren't able to win a Super Bowl with Randy Moss. top-10-ringless-patriots-of-the-belichick-era.html. Randy addressed that during his speech. He saved Belichick for last and at first I was worried he wasn't going to say anything about coach.
But when he apologized for Super Bowl 42 I nearly cried. It legit took me years to get over that game, and I'm really more so just at the point where I don't think about it, because if I start thinking about all the little things that went wrong to cause the greatest upset of my lifetime I'll drive myself fucking crazy. I'll never forget after that game watching it on our new HD tv that my dad had gotten just weeks before that I took down our Patriots flag after the game ended in disgust and my dad told me to put it back up. During that year my dad used to always joke that the Pats should trade Brady and Moss now to rebuild because their value would never be higher. It sucks because the Pats have been so successful and it's been such an incredible run, but not getting it done in 07 (and 11 too) against an inferior opponent both teams makes it really hard to deal with and in a way causes fans to not think about the 2007 Patriots because the wound still hurts. They are IMO the greatest team in NFL history, even though they didn't "finish the job". They fell victims to the luckiest play in NFL history. If there's one man who's fault it was no for the loss, its Randy Moss. People forget he scored what should've been the Super Bowl winning touchdown.
Randy was not expecting Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick to show up, they surprised him which made for a great moment.
Low key best part of the whole night.
Oh and Bill wore his nicest flip flops to this special event. #footballguy
I'll end the post with this question that I'm still not sure I can answer. I'd leaning towards yes but I can't think of a 2nd ring I'd trade after 2003. Maybe 04 and just go 01, 07, 14, 16?
Song: The Greatest (featuring Kendrick Lamar) Artist: Sia Album: The Greatest In honor of Randy.
I'm not even going to give any context, just watch this clip.
This has to be the most old man yells at clouds take of all time. Like it blows my mind that someone even came up with this take... actually on second thought it is right on par with baseball dinosaurs who would rather watch the sport they love die than adapt to modern times.
Basically the Dodgers weren't wearing batting practice gear and Braves announcer Joe Simpson made it seem like they whipped their cocks out and starting swinging them like bats for BP. Oh my God, you guys...Chase Utley wore a K cancer shirt during BP, what a scumbag! T-shirts in late July in ATLANTA? No way! Put on your jackets with your name on them so the losers who show up 3 hours before the game starts can identify you.
He tried to say that Dodger fans who traveled to the game wouldn't recognize the players. First off that's an idiotic take. Anybody traveling to an away game, GOING to batting practice knows who's on the team. But then again, I mean maybe he's right... there's 18 gingers on the Dodgers, so you'd never be able to spot out Justin Turner (and his horrible hair). Just like how Chase Utley is one of the younger guys on the team, so you'd never be able to tell the different between him and Cody "Who is Jerry Seinfeld?" Bellinger. Matt Kemp and Chris Taylor might as well be identical twins.
I mean come on dude? This is exactly what is wrong with baseball. Old dudes like you getting offended by fucking t-shirts. Tell him Vince!
It's kind of fucked up to say but I cannot wait until the old generation of baseball guys is dead or at least out of the game. I bet this guy also hates bat flips, hats that aren't 100% straight, facial hair players, the DH, interracial marriage, freedom, and women's reproductive rights. Baseball is my favorite sport (until football season) and I want to see the game live on. Guys like this are crippling the game. We need to adapt and make shit more fun and interesting. Things like cool shirts, and a little extra swag are only going to help the game. Go get your milk of magnesia and take a chill pill (xanny).
P.S. I absolutely love the Dodger players having a little fun with this stupid ass story. Kike Hernandez is quickly becoming one of my favorite non-Red Sox players.
Former Dodger and current Atlanta Brave (on the 60 day DL) got in on the fun as well in a more serious fashion.
I agree, Jason. Chase looks awesome.
I know who else would agree. #makebaseballfunagain
 I kind of hate myself for hating Lebron James less and less as the years go by. Man I'm getting soft. As a Celtics fan he's still a huge rival; but in his defense I feel like he's matured a little and isn't the same guy who thought it was necessary to have "the decision" and say the Miami Heat were gonna win 15 straight titles. I just wanted the C's to beat him on his way out of Cleveland (just like in 2010) more than anything this last postseason. Yeah the C's may have suffered the same fate as Cleveland and been swept by Golden State (although I think they would've for sure won at least one game), but being able to say you sent Lebron out of Cleveland (again) would've more more satisfying than those soap cutting videos that keep showing up on my discover page on insta. The Celts came sooo fucking close, and probably would've beaten the Cavs if Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown decided to show up in game 7, but they were a young ass team who far exceeded expectations this postseason with the brightest star giving us this moment to remember forever against King James. But as I get older, I can't help but appreciate his game, and all the things he can do with a basketball. The same thing happened to me with Peyton Manning. I still think Lebron is a huge ass hole with all the drama and antics, but before he was a gapping ass hole, so I guess things have sorta improved. I think it's cause as I get older I care less and less about sports as I did when I was a teen or even in my early 20's. If 2011 Dozah was around now he'd kick my ass. I gotta give Lebron credit here as he continues to chisel away at the "I hate everything Lebron wall" that I've had up for a decade with this clip from his new HBO show The Shop. The series has already has stirred some controversy with Alabama and Nick Saban as they both think they're the first person with the idea of a show based around barbershop banter.    Gotta love how Lebron is sticking to the exact same formula with Jon Stewart playing the role of the token white guy.  Relax, Jon. He didn't just tell you he has cancer--- it's fucking talk show. In the clip Lebron says he regrets naming his first born Lebron. "Obviously, when I was younger, I didn’t have a dad. So my whole thing was like, ‘Whenever I have a kid, not only is he going to be a junior, I’m going to do everything that this man didn’t do." Much like how regular non-professional athletes do, Lebron James also has grown and matured with age. I really appreciate him now being able to understand the mistake he made my naming his son Lebron James, Jr. Even though 14 years ago he wasn't nearly as big of a star as he is now, he was still pretty fucking famous with the brightest of futures ahead of him. Everybody had known the name since he was like 15. Personally, I HATE when people name their kids after them, and I'm talking if like a dentist or cop did. With famous people do so it's even worse. You're just setting the bar so high from the absolute jump. I do not envy Jr's at all. Plus Jr's are just so much easier to remember. Like Michael Jordan's kids sucked at basketball but they weren't Jr's and most people likely don't remember their names, so as far as the average fan is concerned they never even existed. They way I see it is you need to let your kids have there own identity and also not be constantly compared to you. To paraphrase what Stevie Nicks once said let them go their own way. Although I completely understand his reasons at the time, they make a lot of sense given his upbringing. Lebron grew up without a father so he wanted to do everything he could do to not be like his, and that he wanted to give his son his name. In a way I can almost admire it, I just think you're putting your kid in a much tougher position than necessary. So congrats Lebron for understand that now. As for the show itself. I cannot wait. I fucking love black barbershops, they look so fun, but I have long flowing locks it just doesn't compute. This may be problematic but I need gay dude or fat white lady cutting my hair. It's just different, I don't do barbershop cuts. Sometimes for work I have to go into them and it's always a good time, I try to drag out my visits for as long as possible. Lot of great sports talk and ragging on each other. Which are two of my favorite talking points. The positive stereotypes are real AF. Every black barbershop I've ever been to is the same.
I also love anything (of quality) that gives a more inside look at athletes and celebs as normal people. Given this is an HBO production I don't think quality is something we'll have to worry about. Plus Lebron's whole thing right now is "I'm more than an athlete" and I think this show will broadcast that even more. And I mean look at the fucking crowd in there.... Snoop, Odell, Draymond Green, Maverick Carter (I still don't know who he is but am pretty sure he's a big deal), Jon Stewart. I'm sure other episodes will have other big names as well, but I just cannot wait to check this show out when it starts and hear what they have to say about life outside of sports and give a more authentic reaction to what goes on the field/court. Between this and Hard Knocks it's a great time to be HBO sports. I'm such a fucking fair person man, I really am praising Lebron for admitting he's made a mistake because I'm pretty sure this is only the 2nd documented time this has ever happened. Anyways The Shop opens up a month from today on August 28th. Only on HBO (and also youtube and twitter, anywhere were clips are shown). Song: Higher Ground (live) Artist: Stevie Wonder Album: Innervisions 
It didn't just happen, but man is my mind kind of blow with this one.
I still can't believe Lebron really went to L.A. Reverse Shaq over here, Miami THEN LA. I know they were a front runner all along...obviously--they just signed the guy, but I really didn't think this would happen? I mean I get it, if you look at it how any human would in a regular job setting,.,, it's Cleveland vs. Los fucking Angeles, baby. It's a no brainer.
But other than that, if I'm Lebron I stay in Cleveland.
I know Cleveland's roster is sort in disarray currently, but I feel like it's the ultimate spot for him to be since he's basically the judge, jury and executioner in Cleveland. He ran that organization and city. As now Cleveland is almost immedaitely in a recession now that Lebron is taking his talents to Rodeo Drive. Please make sure to read that correctly as "Ro-day-o".
The Lakers are the Lakers and historically don't have "long" runs of futility, plus adding Lebron immediately adds like 20 wins, they're expected to make another splash, but then what you're the 4th best team in the West? At this point is it really about setting up for life after basketball? It's a conversation that has been beaten to death but being in the East has given Lebron pretty much a cake-walk to the Finals for 8 straight seasons. I guess he really is just that worried about his father Jayson Tatum and former running mate Kyrie Irving taking over the conference? Better to lose to the Rockets in the 2nd round then get swept by your biggest rivals just as they are getting back to the mountain top?
That really was the final highlight of the season as things quickly went south when that should've been a seminal moment in NBA history had the baby-faced Celtics been able to fight back to win game 7 at home.
But seriously other than the whole living in LA aspect which granted is a giant one. At this point in his career is huge. Space Jam 2 is coming out, much like Tom Brady the end is much closer than the beginning at this point so I guess it's like he's going to retire in LA before his career dies? Like when your Grandparents move to Florida. Still wouldn't rule out a final season or two return to Cleveland to be with "loved" ones before his career goes into the metaphorical cemetery. Personally I'm kind of bummed to see Lebron head west. My relationship with Lebron is complex. I went from hating everything about him, like El Pres level trolling/hate in the Celtics hayday, really until he went back to Cleveland. The romantic in me wants him to stay in Cleveland where he is literally all that city has. It's kind of unfair for him to be so directly connected to his hometown team. Like if Joe Mauer had left the Twins when he was still elite would half of the sports world hate him for it? As a Celtics fan I really wanted to beat him in the ECF this year man, they fucking should've done it. The youth just finally caught up to them. It really was such a surprising, incredible season, so many what could've beens, but as of now the future looks bright. The obvious story line is that of a potential Celtics-Lakers Kyrie vs. Lebron Finals which would be all time sports television, I just don't know how possible it could really be this season? The west is stacked. This stat is so stupid it made me laugh. The only active players in the Eastern conference who have finished in the top 5 in the MVP voting before are Blake Griffin and mother fucking Joakim Noah. INSTANT MID BLOG NEWS BRAKE: MY HEART IS BROKEN INTO A MILLION AND NINE PIECES NOT RAJON. Lebron and Rondo WHAT THE FUCK?!?!
Maybe they will win the West?
I'll end with this what do you think constitutes a successful LA run for Lebron? If he doesn't make a Finals with the Lakers how does that impact his legacy? Could he somehow win multiple championships in LA? Who knows? I love the NBA off season almost more than the actual games themselves.
I can't believe Lebron already played four full seasons/four full NBA seasons have happened since he came back to Cleveland, it really does not feel like it's been that long. This is sooooo much different from the Decision. I feel like Cavs fans knew it was coming and just happy he came back and gave them a title. That 2016 Title for the Cavs kind of gives Lebron a pass to do whatever he wants. He still at the end of the day was held back by the incompetence of Dan Gilbert, who now without comic sans has a much different mindset on King James.
Cav fans aren't burning jerseys this time.......they're buying them.
This just made me laugh...skeeeerrt.
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