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Hot Stove #3
Posted on January 8, 2009 by David Finer
Filed Under Bryna, Red Sox | Leave a Comment
Before Bryna and I jump on a plane to go to Pittsburgh for the weekend, I feel the need to comment on a few things Red Sox . . .
MARK TEIXEIRA
I am sick of hearing the Sox didn’t go the extra mile. I am sick of hearing that they don’t care about their fans. Like every free-agent athlete before him, Mark Teixeira went where the most amount of dollars were. And can you blame him? If the Yankees offered me that kind of money, I would immediately ask where the dotted line was.
In this financial crisis, I think it would have been irresponsible for the Sox to sign Teixeira to the money he wanted. People are broke, people are starving, people are having trouble keeping a roof over their heads . . . and you’re criticizing your favorite baseball team for not ponying up another $3-$4 million per year for this guy.
I say it’s a good thing, for two reasons. The Yankees are still not guaranteed anything. They signed Giambi and Mussina and Abreu and Matsui and Damon and A-Rod and Pavano (shall I go on?) and look what it got them . . . NUTHIN’. The Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2000. They haven’t even sniffed a World Series since 2003. Nothing is guaranteed in this business. Remember Mo Vaughn? He ran where the money was and was injured in his first game in Anaheim. He was never the same. And neither were the Angels. Anything can, and most likely will, happen.
The second reason it’s good is because now the Sox can get two or three players for that money, spread the wealth around, and spread the talent around. They didn’t NEED Teixeira. They wanted Teixeira. Big difference. And I do believe we still have a pretty good infield without him (Youk, MVP, Lowrie, Lowell).
In Theo I Trust.
By the way, Dustin Pedroia will no longer be referred in this blog by his given name. I will now just call him MVP. Makes sense to me.
JOSH BARD
I am not sure why this happened at all, on both sides. First off, it’s a non-guaranteed contract. That means the Sox can cut him at any time and not owe him a thing. What would possess a player, in this day and age, to do such a thing? He could not have wanted to play here that badly that he would sign for any amount of money with a guarantee. If I were him, I’d fire the agent right now.
And as for the Sox, haven’t they been down this road before?
BRAD PENNY
I am sick of reading these “low-risk, high-reward” comments in the Boston Globe. The sheer fact remains that the fans of this team have to be aware of a “low-risk, low-reward” of this guy. It’s a fact that he can not stay healthy. He’s made 30 starts only four times in his nine-year career. His best year was 2007 with the Dodgers when he went 16-4 with a 3.03 ERA in 33 starts. But last year, once again, he was limited to 17 starts and a 6.27 ERA. At least they’re not throwing Burnett money at the guy. I’d be even more enraged with this move if they had.
JOHN SMOLTZ
Reports overnight state that a deal is “imminent” between Smoltz and the Sox. I like him very much, I like this possible-move very much, and I think he’d be an extremely valuable member of the pitching staff. I have said it before and I will say it again, there is no such thing as too much pitching. If this signing does happen, I am not quite sure where he’d fit in with Penny and Masterson and Wakefield, but it’s a problem Francona doesn’t mind. Options, especially this one, are good to have.
ROCCO BALDELLI
Another report states that Rocco Baldelli is set to sign with the Sox as well. While they are in need of a fourth and fifth outfielder, I am not sure about this one. I would rather see the return of Gabe Kapler again before Baldelli signs. I hate to be the jerk, but Baldelli is sick. He can’t play a full game. He gets tired easily. He has problems focusing and mentally remaining in the game for long stretches. He played sparingly for the AL champs last season. Are the Sox looking for more than 50 games from this guy? ‘Cause it’s not gonna happen.
Sign Kapler. The fans love him. We know him. He can play.
BRUINS AT FENWAY
I am sure that, by now, you have either seen or heard about the NHL game that was played at Wrigley Field on New Year’s Day. I am also sure that, by now, you have heard the noise coming from Kenmore Square that Fenway should be the next location for a game like that, possibly between the Canadiens and Bruins.
And I am here to tell you that it ain’t gonna happen.
John Henry and his buddies are doing renovations to the park. They have a long-range plan that, every winter, includes tearing some seats out, knocking down some walls, repairing the field, and whatever else they got up their sleeve. Opening up the park, smack-dab in the middle of said renovations could be costly. The place is a baseball park and it needs to be ready for 81 or more baseball games over seven months.
As much as I would love to see an NHL game there too, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. At least not on 1/1/10. It might happen on 1/1/11 . . . . and as soon as I typed that out, I realized how cool it looked. Not since 9/9/99 have we had something like that. Anyway, I do believe the Sox will turn down the offer from the National Hockey League for next year.
NEW UNIFORMS
I still hate the new uniforms. And, for jersey collectors like me, why aren’t the old jerseys on sale yet? Are they making sure the new ones look good before officially getting rid of the old ones?
MLB NETWORK
On one of their first days on the air, the MLB Network played the 2004 World Series Film. I own the DVD, I have watched it hundreds of times. I watched it again and sat through the commercials. I still love the look on Mariano Rivera’s face when Bill Mueller hit that single to tie Game 4.
I also watched two of their “Prime 9″ shows. Good job, very well put together.
So Bryna and I are off for the weekend. If anything earth shattering happens while we’re gone (like the Celtics win a game), I’ll be on to blog about it . . .
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Accomplishing 2009
Posted on January 7, 2009 by David Finer
Filed Under Bryna, NESN, Red Sox, family, finances, random thoughts | 1 Comment
It’s been a strange and wacky couple of months. From the time my doctor told me to lose weight, I thought I had been doing all of the right things . . . I was eating right. I was exercising. I was doing what the doctor told me to do. But even though I wasn’t seeing any results, I kept on keeping on.
Then I had surgery at the end of September on my back and I was forced to sit on the couch for a little over two weeks. That was followed by four more weeks of very little activity. I think it goes without saying that I gained a little weight in that timeframe.
So whatever the weight I was that I was at over the summer was now worse. And add on the fact that after I was cleared for physical activity, I still sat on my couch because I am a lazy S.O.B.
But with the new year comes change. I have been on the treadmill every single day. I’d love to tell you because it’s a new year’s resolution or something. But that would be a lie. I’ve been walking and watching the baseball channel. Plenty of good stuff on there. Just last night, I watched the “Aura of the Home Run” and the Top Nine Home Runs of All-Time.
However, it did get me to thinking. If I did have resolutions, what would they be? So here’s the list I came up with. And I know that the year is already seven days old and this is a little late. Sue me. But over the next 11 and a half months, this is what I would like to do and accomplish . . .
- I want to pay more attention to Bryna. I don’t do enough of that.
- I want to learn a musical instrument. I am musically challenged and I think it might be a nice hobby. Rock Band and Guitar Hero do not count here.
- I want to continue my education after earning my associate’s degree in a few months.
- I want to never take care of the dog at my parent’s house ever again.
- I want to attend the Beanpot tournament.
- I want to witness another hometown professional sports championship. I can never get enough of those.
- I want to ride off into the sunset.
- I want to experience a plane ride without the help of Dr. Daniels.
- I want to collect newspapers from all seven continents. Do all seven continents publish newspapers?
- I want to run a major network for 24 hours.
- I want NESN to be a completely sound-less channel.
- I want to publish a book.
- I want to find out just how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop.
- I want to find out what is actually at the end of the rainbow.
- I want to purchase a new car.
- I want to give Bryna everything she has ever deserved when she graduates in May.
- I want Jim Rice to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- I want a new wardrobe.
- Upon further review, scratch the one about no Jack Daniels on the plane.
- I want to live within five minutes of everyone I really enjoy.
- I want to never have to work ever again.
- I want to see the World Series trophies again.
- I want to remember my early-twenties.
- I want my sister to repay me for all those baseball cards she destroyed in 1984.
- I want to lose 30 pounds.
- I want to meet Ken Burns. Again.
- I want to read a baseball book that doesn’t make simple rules mistakes about the game.
- I want meet Ted Williams. Damnit, guess that won’t happen.
- I want to ride a rollercoaster and not throw up afterwards.
- I want to criss-cross the country on a road trip.
- I want to become better friends with Freddy.
- I want to see the Grand Canyon again.
- I want to have a reunion of Mrs. Longo’s 1980 first grade class.
- I want to see 399 Gorwin Drive again.
- I want Uncle Henry to continue telling me stories.
- I want the Red Sox to go back to their red-lettered away jerseys before it’s too late.
- I want someone to buy all the jerseys I am looking to sell.
- I want to star in a Super Bowl commercial.
- I want to pay all my bills, Bryna’s bills, my parent’s bills, my sister’s bills, and Bryna’s parent’s bills.
- I want to see what the world will look like in 100 years.
- I want to see if the flux capacitor really works.
I think that pretty much covers it all. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Made-for-Finer TV
Posted on January 4, 2009 by David Finer
Filed Under Bryna, Red Sox | Leave a Comment
Happy new year to one and all. I sincerely hope 2009 is all you wish it to be.
I would have written something sooner in than January 4th in 2009, but I have been a little busy. I could tell you that I have been working, but that would be a lie since I have been off since 12/31. I could tell you that Bryna and I went on some sort of mini-vacation, but that would also be a lie. I could tell you that I have been doing a lot of homework as well, but that too would be a lie since I have been off from school since 12/20. I wish the explanation were as easy as any of those three reasons.
Instead, I think I may have fallen in love with a new channel on my Directv lineup. On Wednesday night at 6:00pm, the MLB Network made its debut and I haven’t turned it off since. As someone who is a baseball nut, I only have one question.
WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?!?!?!?!?!
There’s NBATV and there’s the NFL Network. I mean, even the NHL has their own channel. No one at the MLB offices thought that maybe they should have their own?
But none of that matters because it’s here now. And I can’t get enough.
The first night they were on, they replayed the 1956 Don Larsen World Series perfect game. Until now, there were only minor highlights here and there. But now they have the game in full - minus the first inning for some reason - for all to enjoy. Normally I wouldn’t sit through a whole Yankees game like this, but I was amazed at two things about this broadcast.
1. There were only three cameras and NO replays. Mickey Mantle made a great running catch in the fourth or fifth inning. If I had sneezed or blinked, I would have missed it.
2. There was only one commercial per break and they were all by Gillette promoting their new $1 blade.
They have been replaying most of the October 2008 games this weekend. I have found myself watching a lot of the Dodgers-Phillies NLCS because I completely ignored that series and focused my attention on the ALCS with good reason.
Their nightly “Hot Stove LIVE” is informative, fast-paced, and interesting. Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins did a whole 10-minute piece on playing balls off of the outfield wall. I sat there fascinated for the entire segment.
And that brings me to their sets and studios. They have the studio for their interviews and general bantering back and forth and it is BEAUTIFUL, probably even moreso because I see it in high-def. Then they have the other studio which is built with a miniature baseball field on the floor. It is not drawn to scale but it does allow for stuff like the balls-off-the-wall segment. They’ll probably do some batting stance stuff, pitching off the rubber, turning the double play, and other outfield tips as well.
They have replays of old games, they’re replaying the Ken Burns “Baseball” series, they have a top nine show (and we all know how much I LOVE countdown shows), and they have analysis shows. During spring training, they are going to visit every site and during the season they will have a nightly eight-hour long LIVE show with look-ins at games and analysis.
If you can’t tell, I am really excited about this channel.
But the one drawback is this . . . (slaps forehead) and that is that Mazel Hae is back on my television. Whoever you are and whatever you do for work, go and find out who her agent is. Whoever that is might very well be the best in the business EVER! For her to get this gig is beyond understanding for me. She was obviously overmatched at NESN and I do believe that her flaws will come into the light on this stage. She’s far too inexperienced and has so little knowledge on baseball as a whole that those deficiencies will lead to her quiet exit within the next 12 months. But thankfully, so far, I have managed to stay away from the programs she appears on. That will change once the season starts.
Since Bryna has been recording 7,000 Law & Order and House episodes, I have been forced to record the MLB Network shows I want to see during the overnight replays. And just so you know, I have approximately 25 programs to record just over the next two weeks. And it’s fine that I am recording them because I get up at o’dark early and will immediately have baseball at my fingertips.
It used to be that baseball would end for me in September or October. Then I would watch the Patriots until December or the end January. Then I would watch the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Then I would have about two or so weeks until spring training started.
With the Patriots out of the playoffs this year, this baseball channel could not have come at a better time. I now have something to bridge the gap until spring training. Their slogan is “Our national past-time goes full time” and I could not have said it better. Bryna, on the other hand, enjoys the baseball off-season because it allows her to get her time in with me before the next season starts.
Which reminds me, my dear, we can not watch the first Steelers playoff game. MLB Network is debuting what looks to be a compelling documentary on the history of the spitball and pine tar that night that I can not miss.
Was this channel made for me, or what?
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
The 2008 Year in Review
Posted on December 31, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under random thoughts | Leave a Comment
2008. What a year! Like everyone else, a lot of has happened to me over the past 12 months. So much has happened, in fact, that I’d like to take this chance to look back.
I took trips to Del Ray Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Burlington, VT; Washington, DC; Burlington, VT; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Pittsburgh, PA; Mystic, CT; and Philadelphia, PA. My friend Kristine got married in September and my friend Heather got married in November. Bryna’s friend Betsy got married over Labor Day weekend. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl. The Red Sox lost the ALCS. The Celtics won the NBA title. We added Mini-Me to the family. I left the Motherland and moved into the Bungalow on the east side of Providence. We lost my grandfather in August and my great-aunt in September. I had surgery on my back that put me out of action for about three weeks in October. Gas shot up to as high as $4.00/gallon and inexplicably dropped back down under $2.00/gallon.
But this isn’t necessarily a recap of every single moment that took place but rather a look back on some of the highlights. I like to call this “The Quotes of 2008.” It’s a chance to look back and make fun of some of the strange, some of the funny, and some of the outrageous things that either I said or were said in my presence over the past 12 months.
But first . . . some of the honorable mentions . . .
“If it weren’t for Dave Finer, I would not have as much enjoyment on the internet.”
WHO - John Pence
WHEN - March 16, 2008
WHERE - Washington, DC
“Jay hasn’t text messaged me in five minutes. He must be in danger.”
WHO - me
WHEN - May 12, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
“Honey, why did you put a pan in a drawer?”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - June 21, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
“No really, are the Rocky steps in Pittsburgh?”
WHO - EPD3
WHEN - July 3, 2008
WHERE - Pembroke, MA
“DA DA DADADADADADADA DA DA DADADADADADADA DA DA” (the rocky theme)
WHO - me
WHEN - August 30, 2008
WHERE - Philadelphia, PA (as I ran up the Rocky steps while talking to EPD3 on the cell phone)
“You know how they say opinions are like assholes, everyone’s got one? Well I got three now, do I get three opinions?”
WHO - me
WHERE - Plymouth, MA
WHEN - September 30, 2008
“Why can’t you just get some jeans that don’t suck?”
WHO - Bryna
WHERE - Providence, RI
WHEN - December 12, 2008
And now, the top 10 . . .
10. “Damn dude - that was impressive. I almost said yes!!”
WHO - Jeffrey Archambeault
WHEN - April 6, 2008
WHERE - an email message, I assume sent from his house in Bourne, MA
After Bryna and I got engaged, I sent out the link to the video that I prepared and used for the occasion. I got a lot of responses from a lot of people. Some said they liked it. Some said they loved it. Jeff replied to me via email with “Damn dude - that was impressive. I almost said yes!!”
If I had known he would have said that, maybe I would have asked him that question years ago . . .
9. “It’s a hockey schekacking!!!”
WHO - John Pence
WHEN - March 3, 2008
WHERE - Washington, DC
My friend John lives in the DC area. He has season tickets to the Capitals and Redskins. He was in his seats one night in March while our very own Bruins were getting hammered in DC by a score of 10-2. John kept sending me text messages all night. At one point of the night, he sent, “It’s a hockey schekacking!!!”
I still don’t know what a schekacking is either.
8. “Isn’t it amazing that THESE Bruins are good?”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - March 22, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
Bryna and I were in our 19th straight hour of college basketball during the tournament. I was flipping through the channels and stayed on the Boston Bruins for a nano-second. I was yelled at for doing so and immediately turned it back to college basketball where we saw UCLA with a huge lead. Bryna looked at the television screen and said, “”Isn’t it amazing that THESE Bruins are good?”
Somewhere Gary and Rob are cringing.
7. “How do you catch diarrhea? I didn’t know it was contagious . . . “
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - February 9, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
Darren called the morning of Samantha’s first birthday party to tell us that Samantha was a little under the weather. The party was still on but he wanted to let everyone know she had diarrhea in case people didn’t want to catch something. Bryna, after hearing the message, responded by saying, “How do you catch diarrhea? I didn’t know it was contagious . . . ”
And that, my friends, is why she is not getting a doctorate of medicine.
6. ”They probably have enough Grist.”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - May 24, 2008
WHERE - Plymouth, MA
As we were walking around the Motherland (on what turned out to be the one year point away from our wedding), Bryna and I made our way past the Jenney Grist Mill. I noticed that the wheel wasn’t turning but the water was flowing in the mill. Bryna perused the scene and said, “They probably have enough Grist.”
Somewhere, the powers-that-be at URI are not happy.
5. “Is that what ‘padre’ means - chicken?”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - September 21, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
Upon seeing the San Diego Chicken on a television commercial (the Sony one with Peyton Manning), Bryna asked why that was its name. I told her that it was a San Diego Padres mascot for many years. She immediately looked at me like I had six heads and said, “Is that what ‘padre’ means - chicken?”
I honestly couldn’t make this crap up if I tried.
4. “What are acidic Jews?”
WHO - Laura Higgins
WHEN - February 9, 2008
WHERE - Bellingham, MA
My friend Darren has a step-sister named Laura. She is known for saying, ummmm, rather interesting things and asking interesting questions. One time she asked me if Jews celebrated Thanksgiving. So we’re at Samantha’s birthday party in February and Laura pulls me aside and says she saw a tv show with special Jews but she wasn’t sure of their name. I went through the names and types and sects of Jews and she kept shaking her head. Finally, she looked at me excitedly and said, “What are acidic Jews?”
I think she meant “Hasidic” Jews but with Laura, you never know.
3. “Didn’t someone do some steroids today? Can’t we go back to talking about that?”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - March 5, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
Before Bryna and I lived together, my routine in her apartment consisted of getting up early, watching SportsCenter, and waiting for her to get up. On this particular morning I was watching the television and ESPN was on the 45th straight hour of Brett Favre non-retirement coverage. Bryna woke up, walked into the room where the television was, stared at it for a second, and said, “Didn’t someone do some steroids today? Can’t we go back to talking about that?”
I can’t say I blame her for saying that. After coming back - again - from retirement, it looks like Brett might retire this time. Or not.
2. “I am sorry Bryna, I don’t know what that smells like, I didn’t grow up in Pittsburgh.”
WHO - me
WHEN - March 2, 2008
WHERE - Seekonk, MA
Bryna and I went to the movies but I can’t remember what movie we saw. Right across the street is a 99 Restaurant. Because I know what the ladies like, I decided to treat her to some dinner. As we got out of the car and walked to the building, Bryna stated that the air smelled like grilled horse manure. Puzzled at the thought of what that actually smelled like, I told her “I am sorry Bryna, I don’t know what that smells like, I didn’t grow up in Pittsburgh.”
This is the one quote of the year that she wishes would just go away. With posts like this, it never will.
1. “Yes.”
WHO - Bryna
WHEN - April 5, 2008
WHERE - Providence, RI
So I proposed. She accepted. While I think she said the word “yes” I am not quite sure. I think it was more of a head-nod and that’s about it. But for the sake of this writing, we’ll say that she said yes. And I could not be happier because of it.
And that, my friends, is the 2008 Year in Review. Thanks to everyone that helped make this the best year ever. The next 12 months are already shaping up to be pretty special. We have a wedding, two graduations, a new job for Bryna, and a ton of other things to look forward to as well.
New Year’s Eve is a chance for some to look back at the same time that they are looking forward. With that said, I have said it before and I will say it again, I am the luckiest sonofabitch alive. If it weren’t for my friends and my family, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
From me and mine to you and yours, a happy 2009! Be safe tonight, wherever you choose to spend it.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Games and Moments of 2008
Posted on December 30, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, Red Sox, fantasy football | 1 Comment
It’s that time of the year. You know what I am talking about. Everyone’s doing it, why can’t I? It’s a top 10 list. Shut up, you know you love it. It’s the top 10 Boston sports-related moments and games of the year. How original.
From #10 to #1, here they are . . .
10. Red Sox win slugfest, 19-17, over the Texas Rangers
The Sox blew a 10-run, first-inning lead in this game, and then came back to win it. It was a wild night, to say the least. Get all the details from the game here.
9. Bruins lose Game 7 to Canadiens
There are very few hockey games that I will make the time to sit down and watch anymore. This Game 7 versus the Canadiens was one of them. And did I pick the wrong game or what? They were outplayed, out-hustled, shut out, and embarrassed. The Canadiens moved on in the playoffs and the Bruins went home. I have yet to sit down and watch another hockey game on television.
8. Sox lose ALCS
The defending World Series Champions came within two runs of going back to the World Series. The upstart Tampa Bay Rays, who had never won more than 70 games in a season during their existence, shocked all of Major League Baseball by winning the American League East, winning the divisional round of the playoffs, winning the American League Championship Series, and advancing to their first World Series. At times, the Sox played without passion, but managed to make a series of it, and came back from a seven-run deficit in an elimination Game 5. The Rays lost the World Series in five games to the Phillies . . . who may have had a run for their money against the Sox. But, unfortunately, we’ll never know.
7. Pats go 11-5, miss playoffs
Think back to the beginning of the season . . . we were all wondering if this team could do it again. We were all wondering if they could go undefeated AGAIN. Well, they didn’t go undefeated, but they did go a very respectable 11-5. One would think that record would be more than enough for a playoff spot. One would be thinking wrong. For the fifth time in the history of professional football, and the first since 1985, a team with 11 wins missed the playoffs. Blame the division lineup, blame the system, blame whoever you want. But for this team to win 11 games after all the injuries sustained throughout the season and not have the chance to defend their AFC title is a crime. I hope the 8-8 Chargers enjoy their home playoff game.
6. Patrice Bergeron returns
Anyone else remember what the FleetCenter sounded like when Patrice Bergeron lay on the ice 15 months ago? I don’t either. You know why? Because there was no sound. After Randy Jones on the Philadelphia Flyers almost killed Bergeron, the earth stood still. But after going through all the rehabilitation necessary, Bergeron returned to the game he loves almost a year later. Unfortunately, just a few short weeks ago, he suffered another concussion and the team awaits his return once again.
5. Pedroia wins MVP, signs monster deal
Just one year removed from winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award, Dustin Pedroia became the all-everything for the Red Sox offense. Hitting anywhere between leadoff and #5, he finished second in the American League in hits, first in runs scored, first in hits, fourth in total bases, first in doubles, third in singles, was the starting second baseman in the All-Star Game, won the Gold Glove at second base, won the Silver Slugger at second base, and was named MVP after the season.
If that wasn’t enough, he signed a monster six-year deal with the Sox for over $40 million, assuring him of his place with the team until the middle of the next decade. I dare you to find an athlete in this city that had a better season than Dustin Pedroia.
4. Brady goes down
At the time of his injury, who thought the Patriots had a chance of winning 11 games this season? If you answered yes to that question, you’re a liar. Tom Brady’s injury on NFL Opening Day was about as awful a thing that could have happened to any team, anywhere. Fantasy owners across the country, including yours truly, thought their seasons were over as well. But Brady fought through the pain, fought through the surgery issues, and seems to be on the road back. Watch out for the Patriots next year. Tom Brady is pissed his missed this season and the entire NFL is going to pay because of it.
3. Pats lose Super Bowl 17-14
I asked a bunch of friends to predict the final score of the Super Bowl. My friend Dan, a Giants fan, predicted a 17-14 final score. That’s all well and good that he predicted the Giants to win, but I kept asking him if he really felt the Giants were going to hold the Patriots to just 14 points. His response to me was that he just felt it was time for the Giants defense to shine. I told him he was crazy. But the combination of a dominating Giants defensive line, some sheer luck on the part of their quarterback, and a perfect gameplan to ruin the perfect season, the Giants shocked the world and beat the previously unbeaten Patriots. I called it, at the time, the second worst sports kick in the pants in my lifetime and it still feels that way now.
2. Manny Ramirez traded
We all spent far too much time on this during the summer of 2008. Manny Ramirez did everything he could to get out of Boston. He fought with the team’s first baseman. He threw the team’s traveling secretary to the ground. He demanded that the team drop his ‘09 and ‘10 options. He said he wanted to retire in Boston. He said he couldn’t wait to leave. “Manny Being Manny” became a daily soap opera and I think we were all tired of it. So at the final moment of the trading period, Theo shipped Manny to LA as part of a three-team trade and received Jason Bay in return. And in half the games with LA, Manny either came close to or exceeded most of his offensive statistical categories. And that proved my point that Manny playing for a contract is far more dangerous of a hitter than Manny not playing for a contract.
1. Celts win NBA title
When you’re the only team in the city to win a title during the calendar year, you deserve the #1 spot. The Celtics returned to glory by winning the NBA title over the hated Los Angeles Lakers. The championship series included the greatest comeback ever and a dominating 39-point win in the clinching Game 6. While raising their first banner in 22 years back in October, Paul Pierce cried like a toddler. I think a lot of Boston was doing the same thing along with him.
Well that’s 2008. Have a better top 10 list? Let me hear them…
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Best of the Interweb 2008
Posted on December 29, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under random thoughts | Leave a Comment
The year is winding down. And with that said, I thought it was about time for me to empty out the inbox.
It’s a fact that we all send each other links. You know, funny websites and pictures to make each other laugh and to get through the day. And since I have pretty much gone to the end of the internet and back, I thought I would offer up some of my favorite links from 2008.
They are not listed in any particular order . . .
I don’t think THIS is the best way to start an interview.
THIS is probably the reason that Ohio State lost the National Championship back in January.
I love watching clips like THIS!
Who doesn’t love listening to Harry Caray when he acted like THIS?
Watching reporters do stuff like THIS is so awesome! Do you see a theme here?
Sarah Silverman celebrated Jimmy Kimmel’s birthday with THIS!
And in response to that, Jimmy Kimmel made THIS.
I can’t believe that people on The Price Is Right still do THIS.
THIS has to be the WORST INJURY EVER.
THIS has to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen anywhere.
I honestly believe you could waste an entire day with THIS.
How could THIS ever happen on television?
I would be scared crapless if THIS ever happened to me.
THIS is probably the dumbest thing I have ever seen.
Have you ever seen a pre-game playoff brawl in hockey. After you watch THIS, you can answer yes.
THIS could be one of the best hockey fights.
As you can tell, watching clips like THIS never gets old for me.
Ever wonder how Barack Obama became President? THIS might have had something to do with it.
If you’re in the Army, how could you be THIS dumb?
If you’ve ever had a bad day at the office, then watch THIS.
I wish I could pitch like THIS with one hand. The guy in this clip can do it with both hands.
Ever had THIS happen at work? I have. It’s hysterical.
Who knew chairs could be thrown like THIS?
Have you ever seen anyone sing “Feelings” like THIS?
I am still waiting for someone to buy THIS for me.
Who knew that the WNBA would ever come to THIS?
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Thoughts From The Motherland
Posted on December 28, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under The Motherland | Leave a Comment
On the 19th, I came to the Motherland so I could watch the Finer Estate. My parents were about to leave for Hawaii for eight days. I had no idea that I would learn so much in such a little amount of time. And here, as a recap for you, are five things I have learned in Plymouth since December 19th.
In no particular order . . .
Watch the Weather Channel.
I am not sure which day it was, probably Tuesday, I started chopping the ice on the walkway in the front yard. Bryna was going to be making a reappearance in the Motherland on Christmas Eve and I didn’t want her to slip and fall on her way into the house. So I did the chopping for a little over two hours. And when I woke up the next morning? The rest of the ice was melted. Twenty-something degrees had been added to the outside temperature. If I had just watched the Weather Channel to begin with, I could have saved myself a lot of aggravation.
Driving to Logan still sucks.
Driving to Logan has always sucked. Whether it’s been the construction or the traffic or any of the other issues that presented itself on that ride, I have always hated it. Try doing it at 3:30 in the morning AND in the middle of a driving snowstorm. After first shoveling for a half-hour to get to the car, we finally left. It took 105 minutes to get to Boston (an hour and forty-five minutes for you non-math majors) and about the same to return. Route 3 was barely plowed, Route 93 was worse.
Go to bed early.
I have had a problem sleeping for a long time. It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed at night, I am usually up sometime in the morning between 5:00 and 6:00. I don’t remember when it started, it just did. So now that I had to watch a house and a dog for a week, I had no idea that he would want to go out for the first time each morning long before the crack of dawn. Duncan woke up me at approximately 4:30 every morning to go out. I would get up, get a coat, get the leash, Duncan would do his thing, and then he would fall asleep. Even as I type this, he’s passed out on the couch and I am wide awake typing this.
Things change.
I moved away from the Motherland seven months ago. I only live an hour away but the times I get back here, it’s not like I drive around the entire town checking on all the changes in my hometown. So it’s Christmas Eve and Bryna and I head out to Manomet for the Annual Christmas Eve at the Duttons Extravaganza. As we come to the intersection at Beaver Dam Road and Route 3A, I notice that there’s a new CVS there, right where the hotel used to be. All I can say is . . . when did this happen? How come I wasn’t consulted in this?
Woods still rules.
For at least the last 10 years, I have told anyone willing to listen that Woods has the best seafood in Plymouth. Hands down. No doubt. I used to eat there all the time when I worked right up the hill. I would walk down, devour a large bowl of their chowder, and read my book. I think I might have been the one to keep them open some of those winters. On Friday, I took my great-uncle there for lunch and it was just as I remembered. The staff was awesome, the food was better, and I walked out of there wanting more.
So goodbye to the Motherland for now. I’ll be back. Not sure when, but I will definitely be back. After all, who else is going to watch Duncan when my parents go away again?
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Money Money Money
Posted on December 24, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under Red Sox | 1 Comment
I’d love to tell you I am shocked and surprised, but I am not. Nothing in baseball’s off-season shocks or surprises me anymore.
Yesterday morning, I wrote that Mark Teixeira should get a #25 Red Sox jersey for Christmas. Well, he did get a jersey for Christmas yesterday, but it surely wasn’t a Red Sox jersey. It was a New York Yankees jersey. And to go along with said jersey, he got $180 million.
How’s that for a Christmas present?
I had this argument at work last week. Baseball players go where the money is. And in baseball, the contracts are GUARANTEED. That means that any of the three big free-agents that the Yankees have signed can get injured before spring training in some freak accident, not play over the length of their contract, and still get their money.
You would think the Yankees would have learned their lesson. Carl Pavano, come on down.
And to those that think the Red Sox did not go the extra mile to make their team better, I understand your point of view. But remember something, the Red Sox did not NEED Teixeira. They had a WANT for Teixeira. He was not a necessity, he was a luxury.
Like the Patriots have done for this entire decade, they have a blueprint for success. They place a pricetag on certain positions and players and do not exceed those numbers. I’d say they have done quite well with that.
Once Theo and company came on board and started to follow that blueprint, once they put a pricetag on players and not exceeding it whatsoever, the team actually started to experience some sucess. And it has also worked out for them in the past.
Try them names on for size. Jose Contreras. The previously mentioned Carl Pavano. Johnny Damon. Pedro Martinez. And yes, even Jason Varitek.
Every single one of those players, and more that are not coming to my mind right now, have signed elsewhere when the Red Sox wouldn’t pony up some more money. It’s turned out ok. This one will, too.
I said that Teixeira would have been a luxury. And that’s the truth. We still have the guy who finished third in the MVP voting at first. We still have the MVP at second. We still have an up-and-coming shortstop. We still have the 2007 World Series MVP at third. We still have an above-average outfield. We still have three great pitchers at the top of the rotation. We still have a great closer. We still have a great setup guy.
As the greatest optimist alive, I really don’t think we have anything to worry about here. Plus, the Yankees have yet to prove they can win with all the spending they do. They have been spending more than any other team for most of our collective memories. And what has that gotten them since their last appearance in the World Series in 2001?
Zilch. Nada. Nuthin’.
I called Kristine yesterday afternoon when I heard the news. She said, and I quote, “We’re gonna sign all these players and then have to listen to the same song and dance.”
And that, my friends, is a Yankees fan talking.
If nothing else, it all makes for a very interesting race in 2009. The Yankees will open their new stadium with all of their new players. The Red Sox will go into their 97-year old park with virtually the same lineup from 2008. The Yankees missed the playoffs for the first time since the mid-1990s. The Sox were two runs short of appearing in the World Series.
We’re 24 hours from Christmas morning. The Celtics have won 19 straight games. The Bruins are in first place. The Patriots are fighting for their playoff lives. And baseball is still front page news.
This ain’t a baseball town? Yeah right.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Presents
Posted on December 23, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under holidays | 1 Comment
In case you weren’t aware, it is the season for presents. Giving presents. Getting presents. Buying presents. Wrapping presents. And yes, even returning presents.
Before I get to the meat of this entry, Bryna and I received our biggest present to date this past Friday night.
My mother, less than 12 hours from the beginning of her and my father heading to Hawaii, kept telling us that she had something to give to us but wasn’t sure if it would be done before the trip. My mother, in conjunction with Bryna’s mother, made us a blanket with one side Red Sox and one side Steelers. It’s awesome! But I only have one problem with it. If I lie down and have the Red Sox side touching me, the Steelers side will be out for all to see. If I lie down and have the Red Sox side out for all to see, the Steelers side will be touching me. See my issue?
Alright, so what are some people going to be finding under their Christmas tree or Menorah this holiday season? Let’s take a look . . .
Mark Teixeira - a #25 Red Sox jersey.
Julio Lugo - a bus ticket to Seattle, Washington . . . or anywhere really.
Mike Lowell - a thank you and a pat on the back.
Kevin Garnett - the key to the city.
Jim Rice - a phone call from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Larry Bird - a winning record.
Pittsburgh Pirates - see Larry Bird.
Curt Schilling - a hobby.
Patrice Bergeron - a head that doesn’t hurt.
Tom Brady - a fully healed knee.
Mazel Hae - a huge zit on her nose.
Uncle Carl - his own blog.
Cam Neely - two new hips and one more shift.
The City of Hartford - an NHL team.
Eli Manning - a heaping dose of reality.
Jason Varitek - see Eli Manning.
Tampa Bay Rays - see Jason Varitek.
NESN - an original idea.
Peyton Manning - a commercial that doesn’t suck.
Dennis Eckersley - the chance to keep speaking his mind.
me - the ability to NOT choke in the fantasy football playoffs.
Bryna - a completed dissertation.
Everyone - an HDTV because everyone should get to see what I enjoy.
Manny Ramirez - another grandmother.
Boston sportswriters - the ability to STOP talking about Manny.
Jason Bay - a #38 jersey.
President-Elect Obama - some peace and quiet.
President Bush - the door.
Al Gore - thanks for inventing the internets.
Vlad the Impala - a chance to back in time five years.
Jonathan Papelbon - dancing lessons.
Cole Wright - a personality.
Chris Berman - laryngitis
Fenway Park - legroom.
CC Sabathia - food poisoning.
A.J. Burnett - two Tommy John surgeries.
Troy Polamalu - another interception.
Ben Roethlisberger - a decent offensive line.
Bryna’s parents - more Red Sox World Series t-shirts.
Theo Epstein - to never hear Manny’s name ever again.
The Town of Plymouth - a town manager as good as Mark Sylvia.
The Town of Dartmouth - a sense of direction.
The City of Providence - highways with more lanes.
The City of Pittsburgh - time to prepare for May . . . and us.
Jon Lester - a repeat of 2008.
My parents - a wicked snowstorm.
Junior Seau - a security guard.
Dustin Pedroia - nothing, he already has everything.
David Tyree - a genie lamp.
Rodney Harrison - a do-over.
Duncan - my dad.
Roger Clemens - the ability to tell the truth.
My sister - a carport.
ESPN - a SportsCenter with a lineup on the right side of the screen.
Bill Belichick - a new sweatshirt.
Matt Cassel - a HUGE contract worth lots of money.
my friends and family - everything they’ve ever wanted, they deserve it.
Did I miss anyone?
And for the rest of you, I wish you a very happy holidays. May they be everything you’ve been dreaming of.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Posted on December 20, 2008 by David Finer
Filed Under The Motherland, family | Leave a Comment
I have said it before and I will say it again, you have not lived until you been stuck inside the Finer Estate in the middle of a snowstorm. You have no idea what you are missing.
Now I have an addition to that thought.
You have not lived until you have driven MY parents to Logan Airport at 3:00am in the middle of a snowstorm after being stuck inside the Finer Estate the night before. I had no idea what I was missing until just a short time ago.
I’d tell you more, but then I’d have to kill you.
My parents are spending the next week on the beaches of one of the islands of Hawaii. I am not sure which one. I don’t particularly care either.
While they’re off galivanting like newlyweds, I get to spend the week at their house, feed and take care of their dog, and watch the family jewels. Oh, I was the 100th person to call their house phone yesterday and won the chance to drive them to Logan at 3:00am. Lucky me. I’m a winner.
Check back throughout the week for updates of the shenanigans from the Finer Estate. I am sure it’ll be a GREAT TIME!!!
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, you can email The Finer University at davefiner@thefineruniversity.com. Check out the website at thefineruniversity.com.
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