A photo I took of Justin Masterson at the PawSox Hot Stove Party in 2008 |
This morning, I’m heading down to Pawtucket with KellyO for the Hot Stove Party the PawSox annually sponsor. I’m not sure how unique it is within MLB (The PawSox have been doing it for over 30 years), but I’ve never been to an event quite like it. Last year was my first time down for it and it was pleasantly surprising that, for free, you get to tour the clubhouse and meet with the manager and some members of the team. There are Q&A sessions, an opportunity for autographs and pictures and even free hot dogs! If you’re near the area or can find yourself there easily enough, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Last year, among others, Justin Masterson, Jed Lowrie and Michael Bowden were there. This year, Lars Anderson, Mark Wagner and Daniel Bard are some of the players scheduled to attend. So it’s a great opportunity to meet some players who might be doing good things for the team sooner than we think!
It was a bit anti-climactic to get no information out of Varitek or Henry after last night’s meeting, but what did I expect? Henry is notorious for keeping things close to his chest and if they did make some headway, I’d imagine Tek wouldn’t be stupid enough to sabotage that by talking about it. So, once again, we wait. I hate waiting.
The “flipper” for this blog on the front page of WEEI.com promises that I have “something to say” about Kyle Snyder. Well, I’d have more to say if we could find out anythiing on him. I’m thinking I’ll have to use my brief time with Ron Johnson today to find out if he’s heard anything. Hey, it’s worth a shot, right?
Last year, much to my own horror, I called RJ “coach”. Afterward remembering how much Terry Francona hates to be called that and wondering if it was a manager issue and RJ shared his dislike of the word. I never found out but at least getting this down will remind me to not make that same mistake again.
According to weather.com, it’s two degrees in Pawtucket right now. Two. The good news is, by the time we get down there it will be 13 degrees! Heat wave, baby! Hopefully, I’ll have some photos and maybe even a story or two to share when I get back. Until then, stay warm peeps. Stay warm.