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[Mike F]

2/24/08

We arrived a little later than usual and went directly to some fields where today’s Pitching/BP was just beginning. Dave and I watched Wake take a few warm-ups. We noticed that a player’s position on the depth chart was reflected in who had to hit against Wake. Jeff Bailey, Jed Lowrie and Jonathan Van Every
took their cuts. There were a couple of balls stroked on Wake fastballs but a lot more head shaking as the
knuckler was dropping off the table. Clay Buchholz followed Wake and looked to be throwing quite hard.
The curve ball was pretty sharp as well. Van Every, Argenis Diaz and Gil Velasquez were the hitters or should I say batters. Lefty starter Michael Tejada followed.

Dave and I moved to field 3 to watch Bat Masterson. He looked really tough for a righty as he comes at the hitter from the 3rd base side and his pitches get up there pretty darn quickly. Over the winter I had a drink or two with Dr Tooth who expressed concern for Masterson’s shoulder. He felt that the motion was a violent one that could easily cause some damage. I can’t say that
I agree with his analysis but one can certainly see violence as that right arm whips around. Then Dennis Eckersley had a somewhat similar motion.

The Manny story of the day comes from Cheri who was watching BP on another field. Manny, Papi and Lugo were all leaning on the cage watching. A lady with a camera and a big time Bawstahn accent was calling “Manny, Manny, turn around.” None of the three players moved.
A few more calls and then a supplication got no where. Now a gentleman standing a few feet away called out in Spanish. Lugo turns and answers in Spanish but from Manny…nothing. Now the lady starts with “Why will you turn around for him but not me?” Eventually as the lady is leaving and BP is ending Manny spins around with a huge grin, bending at the knees, arms spread at shoulder height and say “Here I am, take the picture.” Maybe you had to be there.

Tomorrow I have been pressed into service at a Bridge Tournament so Cheri, Dave and Jimmy the Greek will be reporting.


<> Reality is only an illusion
that occurs due to a lack of alcohol.

[BoSoxLady]

Justin Masterson