Mr. April, and Now a Slumlord Too

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL. - He is the owner of a World Series ring, a $275 million-dollar contract and three American League Most Valuable Player Awards. Alex Rodriguez is also the owner of the Normandy Park Luxury Apartment and Townhouse complex in Temple Terrace, Florida.



While most of the world knows the New York Yankees’ third baseman as ‘A-Rod,’ a tenant of Normandy Park calls him something else.


“He’s a slumlord,” says Vince, who would only give his first name. “I’ll call it just as I see it.”....

...“You got leaky faucets, leaky bathrooms, screens coming off, dog feces everywhere,” said a tenant who did not want to be identified.



Residents complain to on-site management about the trash strewn along the complexes walkways because there aren’t enough dumpsters.



The biggest complaint among tenants currently is the development’s swimming pool. Residents say it’s been a mess and unusable for about three years. The pool is always full of bacteria,” says another tenant who did not want to be identified."

Got this from a buddy of mine, don't ask me how he got to Fox News Latino...he's one of the most overwhelmingly Irish American guys in the history of Earth. He's reached the end of the Internet seven times in his life, clearly today makes eight.

Question my buddy's Internet search habits if you want, but this story seems too good to be true right? I mean, this guy simply can't do anything right, and I can't get enough of it.

I mean, by next week, I fully expect he'll be in the news for stealing a baby, a kicking a puppy on his way to the getaway car.  To read the entire article, (I promise Fox News Latino is not a fake, virus-filled porn site) check it out here.

Opening day is getting so close, this story just feeds my excitement for baseball....and hatred for Arod.  Get pumped.

Finally, I Found One...

It has taken over a month, but I finally found a fellow Red Sox fan alive and in person here in London.  I have the feeling this is only the beginning....it's an irrational belief that once the season gets going next week, Red Sox Nation will come out in numbers across the pond.

I also saw a 6 year old kid with Red Sox hat today when we were near the London eye...but it was clearly brand new, and he was from Spain, so that was a bummer.  Poor kid had no clue why I was so excited....pretty sure his parents threatened to call the cops on me too.

That said, ITM has received multiple emails about establishing a London-based Red Sox fan spot.  There are a few pubs around London that carry American sports, but perhaps we'll establish our own Red Sox Pub...it'll take a lot of work, and a lot of pints....but we may just get there.

ITM note:  Who's worried about our pitching staff right now?  Collective ERA of what seems like 13 (it's a bit lower in actuality, but not enough to make me feel good).  I know, I know, it's only spring training, but don't tell me you're not at least a bit worried.

Go Sox...Go London....Go Boston.  Just Go.

Today's Sad Reality: This Dog Has The Life I Want...

We saw Boozer every day when we stumbled slightly hungover into the minor league player development complex.  He was just hanging out, yukking it up with fans, players and media.  I remember thinking that dog had it good....but after watching this video, I officially want to be him.

Sunny weather, Red Sox baseball, a loving fan base, no stress.....this dog has everything I want.  Plus he gets to roll around on the grass and no one thinks he's insane for doing it. 

New short term goal for ITM...figure out how we can be more like Boozer.   Cologino was right...the working man is a sucker...

ITM in Ft Myers: Cloudy Recollections of Day Two

It's another beautiful day in Ft Myers....although here at the Courtyard Marriott, it's a bit of a slow and rough morning as the Red Sox, buzzer beaters in March Madness, and cheap beers may have gotten the best of us yesterday.  Anyways....

After spending an hour or so at the minor league facility, we hit the road, driving 90+ miles north to Bradenton to see Josh Beckett and the Sox take on those amazingly talented Pirates.  Despite only recognizing 3 names on the Pirate's team, Josh Beckett looked eerily similar to the pitcher we got saw in 2010.  He started out fairly strong, but eventually allowed 5 runs (only one earned) in 5 innings. 

Regardless of the runs to earned runs ratio (the Sox decided to throw the ball around a bit in the 5th), JB was far from sharp.  As we entered the small but appealing Pirates complex, we saw a Beckett fastball get bashed to left field....luckily for our number four starter, Daniel Nava pulled a Griffey-like home run-saving catch (no, Manny would not have caught it).  Without a public radar gun, it was difficult gauge Beckett's velocity, but overall, it was easy to see he was leaving pitches up and not hitting his spots.

Thus far, we've yet to see a Boston player really stand out, as offense has been tough to come by over the last two days, and starting pitching has been rocky at best.  We know it's just spring training, and we've been pretty quick to forget about the struggles when screaming at TV screens at the Ale House.....but still, it always makes me feel better inside when they perform well in March.

Random picture of the day....tough to see below, but it's the "Dos and Don'ts for Living with Alligators".  Found at the Red Sox minor league complex. 

In addition, check out some video of Lars Anderson taking BP at the minor league complex.  It's amazing to see just how "Californian" he is...

We're headed back to the minor league complex this morning, then running back to City of Palms park to see Pujols and the Cardinals take on Dice-K.  Odds are the game won't end until 6pm...

ITM in Ft Myers: Day One, Game One - Game On

It's our first real day in Ft Myers....and the trip is already living up to expectations.  We're currently in between games (that's right, we went to the minor league complex, followed by the Sox game at City of Palms Park, and now we're driving up to Port Charlotte to see the nightcap Sox vs Rays....all while slightly hungover).

It's been a solid 86 and sunny here today...making the Murphy's retreat to the shade, but here are a few pics thus far....

Lineups...solid split squad....we'll be checking out Jacoby, Crawford and Drew tonight....

This is the classic pic that we take every year.  It makes me never want to leave.  We were by far the loudest people in the right field bar stool seats.

A grill in the right field area caught fire during the 2nd inning....causing Mike Cameron to slightly freak out in right field since it was so smokey he couldn't see the ball.  While T Murph tried to offer his services, the pros were required.



More as it develops...which it most certainly will...

From London to Ft Myers

Today is the day. After about a million "get excited" emails between T Murph, Joe Murph, my brother and I, our annual trip to Ft Myers begins today.

All the prep work and due diligence has been done and compiled, each year the trip gets better. Given this year's offseason moves, I'm not sure if it's possible for the four of us to be more excited than we are.

It's a guys trip to the fullest. Beginning with St Patricks day drinking at the airport, filled with a ton of red sox baseball, fierce betting competition over March Madness, and a sincere appreciation for a bucket or 5 beers for 5 dollars.

The only difference is this year I'm flying over from London. Where a bucket of 5 beers would cost me 50 bucks. Time for some 5 hour energy drinks and red bulls to get me through what is sure to be a fantastic, but rough weekend.

Currently getting the trip off to a good start with a beer at 9am...London time....by myself.

And begin. Check back for updates. No promises.

Dice-K - Fading Significance

Ho-Hum, just another day at the office for Dice-K.....getting shelled but saying he feels great....

....and least tell us you were "working on some new pitches".....

I woke up in London this morning to read that Dice-K's ERA sits at 11.42, and while I absolutely realize it's just spring training, I'm starting to wonder if I should begin to at least consider being worried.

In the grand scheme of things, Dice-K's effectiveness in 2011 is quite far down on the list of priorities for the Sox (behind things like overall health, Beckett, Pap, Lackey, Ortiz, etc). That said, we can't forget how much Boston shelled out for a guy who has quickly become a joke.

We've all seen it before, Dice-K has the talent and ability to be dominating, but those flashes are few and far between. I've said it before and I'll say it again, we bought into the Dice-K hype, and we're (quite literally) paying for it.

The Dice Man has gone from the main attraction, to an afterthought. How much does it really matter to this Red Sox team? The answer lies in Beckett and Lackey. If they can return to form, stay healthy, and be effective (I'm not asking for Ace material, just effective), then anything we get out of Dice-K is gravy.

If Beckett and Lackey throw up on themselves again in 2011, Dice-K's inability to be a fifth starter will become a big issue.

Attack hitters, don't nibble, and for God's sake get through 4 innings in under 2 hours. We'd all appreciate it.

Like Dice-K, Boston's rotation has the potential to be absolutely filthy, we're all just waiting for it to come together.

PS: Prior to hitting "post" on this blog, I considered holding off given the terrible earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Something about the current events and calling out Dice-K didn't feel right. As you can tell, I quickly got over it. Go Sox.

Pedroia: "We're gonna kick BC's Ass,"

I swear Pedroia can do no wrong in my book, and this one is right in my wheelhouse.  Just saying what everyone else in Boston is thinking. 

Even if he was a terrible second basemen, I'd need him on our team....the golden quotes continue.

Get fired up boys, baseball is on its way, and Pedey is here to kick ass and take names.

Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects: My Main Man Iggy...

It's no secret, everyone knows I've got a man crush on Jose "Iggy" Iglesias.  The hands of a mongoose and the makeup of a really well-rounded ballplayer.  I think half of London already knows that I'm all sorts of infatuated with the 20 year old Cuban.

So while I'm a little upset he's only checking in at #52 on Baseball America's list of the Top 100 prospects, I'm convinced it's because most people haven't seen this stud live and in person.

I liked him prior to last year's Spring Training....but after reading more about him, and meeting him in Ft Myers....it quickly turned into a case of baseball man love (see Jacoby Ellsbury in early 2007, right before the pink hats and eventual injuries got to him).

A-rod is apparently trying to move in Iggy too...he better recognize.   "It's a Miami thing"....easy pal.

Either way, Iggy is Boston's top rated prospect, but you can also find Anthony Ranaudo (#67) and left-hander Drake Britton (#97) on the list. 

Not that I care, but look at who checks in at #37 and #75....

Baseball America's 2011 TOP 100 PROSPECTS


1. Bryce Harper, of, Nationals

2. Mike Trout, of, Angels

3. Jesus Montero, c, Yankees

4. Domonic Brown, of, Phillies

5. Julio Teheran, rhp, Braves

6. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Rays

7. Aroldis Chapman, lhp, Reds

8. Eric Hosmer, 1b, Royals

9. Mike Moustakas, 3b, Royals

10. Wil Myers, of/c, Royals

11. Jameson Taillon, rhp, Pirates

12. Dustin Ackley, 2b, Mariners

13. Shelby Miller, rhp, Cardinals

14. Manny Machado, ss, Orioles

15. Matt Moore, lhp, Rays

16. Michael Pineda, rhp, Mariners

17. Freddie Freeman, 1b, Braves

18. John Lamb, lhp, Royals

19. Mike Montgomery, lhp, Royals

20. Chris Sale, lhp, White Sox

21. Jacob Turner, rhp, Tigers

22. Desmond Jennings, of, Rays

23. Brandon Belt, 1b, Giants

24. Martin Perez, lhp, Rangers

25. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3b, Indians

26. Dee Gordon, ss, Dodgers

27. Chris Archer, rhp, Rays

28. Zach Britton, lhp, Orioles

29. Kyle Drabek, rhp, Blue Jays

30. Gary Sanchez, c, Yankees

31. Casey Kelly, rhp, Padres

32. Tyler Matzek, lhp, Rockies

33. Jarrod Parker, rhp, Diamondbacks

34. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Twins

35. Randall Delgado, rhp, Braves

36. Travis d'Arnaud, c, Blue Jays

37. Mike Minor, lhp, Braves

38. Brett Jackson, of, Cubs

39. Jonathan Singleton, 1b/of, Phillies

40. Brett Lawrie, 2b, Blue Jays

41. Manny Banuelos, lhp, Yankees

42. Jordan Lyles, rhp, Astros

43. Dellin Betances, rhp, Yankees

44. Jenrry Mejia, rhp, Mets

45. Aaron Hicks, of, Twins

46. Tony Sanchez, c, Pirates

47. Alex White, rhp, Indians

48. Trey McNutt, rhp, Cubs

49. Wilin Rosario, c, Rockies

50. Billy Hamilton, ss/2b, Reds

51. Christian Colon, ss, Royals

52. Jose Iglesias, ss, Red Sox

53. Nick Franklin, ss/2b, Mariners

54. Jason Kipnis, 2b, Indians

55. Zack Wheeler, rhp, Giants

56. Brody Colvin, rhp, Phillies

57. Jean Segura, 2b, Angels

58. Simon Castro, rhp, Padres

59. Wilmer Flores, ss, Mets

60. Miguel Sano, 3b/ss, Twins

61. Drew Pomeranz, lhp, Indians

62. Zack Cox, 3b, Cardinals

63. Grant Green, ss, Athletics

64. Devin Mesoraco, c, Reds

65. Nick Castellanos, 3b, Tigers

66. Danny Espinosa, ss/2b, Nationals

67. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp, Red Sox

68. Danny Duffy, lhp, Royals

69. Jake Odorizzi, rhp, Royals

70. Jarred Cosart, rhp, Phillies

71. Jake McGee, lhp, Rays

72. Derek Norris, c, Nationals

73. Yonder Alonso, 1b/of, Reds

74. Jurickson Profar, ss, Rangers

75. Anthony Rizzo, 1b, Padres

76. Tyler Chatwood, rhp, Angels

77. Cesar Puello, of, Mets

78. Andrew Brackman, rhp, Yankees

79. Stetson Allie, rhp, Pirates

80. Nolan Arenado, 3b, Rockies

81. Matt Dominguez, 3b, Marlins

82. Tyler Skaggs, lhp, Diamondbacks

83. Chris Dwyer, lhp, Royals

84. Tanner Scheppers, rhp, Rangers

85. Brent Morel, 3b/ss, White Sox

86. Craig Kimbrel, rhp, Braves

87. Andy Oliver, lhp, Tigers

88. Josh Sale, of, Rays

89. Zach Lee, rhp, Dodgers

90. Rubby de la Rosa, rhp, Dodgers

91. Chris Carter, 1b/of, Athletics

92. Hak-Ju Lee, ss, Rays

93. Arodys Vizcaino, rhp, Braves

94. Jonathan Villar, ss, Astros

95. Deck McGuire, rhp, Blue Jays

96. Wilson Ramos, c, Nationals

97. Drake Britton, lhp, Red Sox

98. Austin Romine, c, Yankees

99. Matt Davidson, 3b, Diamondbacks

100. Joe Benson, of, Twins

Going to Spring Training Means Different Things To Different People....

Quick post as I'm sinking adult beverages on my flight home from Brazil....

It's been hard not to get robbed and keep up with Sox news while down here on business, but I'm doing my best. Random thought, doesn't it seem like evey year you hear that everyone is reporting to Spring Training in the "best shape of their career"?

Anyways, I was talkin to a colleuge today, she works in one of our European Offices but has been interacting with me on a daily basis for years. She knows that every year I go to Florida for Spring Training, but simply thinks I go down there to actually play baseball and train for the upcoming summer season.

Little does she know it's the complete opposite occurrence. Sinking beers, obsessing about a game we dont play, and making bets on March Madness games for the next bucket of beers is what realty occurs.

I didn't have th heart to tell her, so I simply let her go on thinking we're actually down there "training".

Whatever allows you to sleep at night right? Can't wait for next month...go Sox.

Crossing the Atlantic for Spring Training

A few weeks ago, ITMGal and I jumped at the opportunity to spend the next 6 months with our respective companies across the pond in London. 

Sadly, before officially signing the dotted line, I started to sweat.  "What about the Sox?, my trip to Spring Training?  The day when JD Drew goes down with a hangnail and I can't immediately blog about it?"

All legit concerns in my book, not so much for others. 

Either way, I just used a ridiculous amount of air miles and two extra vacation days to book my flight from London back to Boston....only to recheck my bags after immigration to fly straight down to Ft Myers.  Spring Training, this year, is simply that important.

Surely my coworkers in London won't understand my actions, but that's likely going to be the case for every day of the 6 months I'm there.

Seriously though, one of the most exciting off season in recent memory and I'll be watching Sox games at 3 AM local time and discussing lineup options over tea and crumpets with someone who doesn't know how many outs there are in an inning.

A quick google search of Red Sox pubs in London came up empty....but I'm confident I can find a few.  Knock on wood for me.

That said, be ready for all sorts of random rants and photos as I go one on one with the Brits.  Go Sox, Go USA.

100 days (or so) Until Pitchers and Catchers - Youk Sounds Ready

Really? The Giants won the World Series and Edgar Renteria was the MVP? While it makes me want to punch myself in the face, it also restores a little faith in the game of baseball. The Giants (and especially Renteria) had no business being there, but baseball doesn't make sense, which is why I love it.

9 different teams winning the world series in the last 10 years doesn't make much sense either given all the bitching we do about payrolls, but somehow, it's true.

That said, it's time for the Sox to start preparing the world to return to normalcy. Youk looks and sounds ready. Only about 100 days until pitchers and catchers.

ITM will be returning to Ft Myers in March, time to get focused.