Did Heidi Watney Just Call The Sox A Bunch Of Pansies?

Not going to lie, sounds like Heidi is throwing the Sox under the bus here right?  I mean, pretty much saying the Angels wanted it more....this team has no heart, no passion, no fire.

She realized she let her true feelings come out after tilting back a few too many glasses of what I assume to be terrible wine....she did her best to cover her tracks, but the truth is out there....even Heidi can see this team lacks swagger, desire, grit.

Maybe that's what happens to a team when a supposed "big game pitcher" walks out to the mound and gets smacked around and called Susan all over Fenway Park.

ITM Note:  How money is Buchholz though?  I didn't know he had it in him....totally looks like he rolled out of bed after a bender, slicked his hair back, and showed up to an event he had absolutely no idea about.

.....that said, his wife is all sorts of talented.

It's Just Heidi Being Heidi...

Let's be honest with ourselves, it's Monday morning, the Red Sox just finished getting their asses kicked, and today is an off day for us to stew in our anger.....as a result, we all need this.

Thank you Heidi, for your timing in the release of this video is extraordinary.

It's time to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and take advantage of Cleveland's terrible squad to get the team on track.

Heidi Watney - Boosting Morale One Bobblehead at a Time

What a way to go into a long weekend! I'm sure Heidi will have a strong off season and come into the 2011 looking to improve on her impressive 2010 numbers.

This video single handily made ITM book our tickets to Spring Training. Seriously. We just locked it in. It's going to be a fearsome foursome down in Ft Myers in just six short months. Look out.

Also, how money is Heidi's form? I'm not even kidding, she throws out the first pitch like a pro. Is there anything she can't do?

Hump Day Heidi

I know some of the ITM readers down on the Southcoast don't read Barstool sports too much, so I figured what better way to get through your hump day than a new pic of Heidi dominating the camera.

ITM note: Who is this dude and why the heck is he that close to Red Sox Nation's Queen? He needs to pump the breaks.

The Sox may be limping to the finish line with insignificant games, but Heidi continues to bring her 98 MPH fastball night in and night out.

It's pics like the one above that lead to people like this guy.....

No, that is not T Murph.....but either way....Yikes dude, Yikes.

Heidi Watney: The Real Key to Success

Boston's pitching has been horrendous. The numbers put them squarely at the bottom of the AL in nearly every category.

The bats, save for a few late inning heroics, have been scary silent.

Defense? Haven't seen it.....certainly not tonight.

Long relief? No chance.

Ellsbury was just diagnosed with a hairline fracture in 4 of his ribs.

6 wins, 10 loses...really?

Things are not going well for the Sox.

But the biggest problem isn't listed above, it's Heidi. Boston's sideline superstar (and Red Sox Nation morale-booster) has been MIA of late. Today, we finally learned it was a result of a concussion. She's been told to lay low and not work for a while. Imagine the headache she must have after being concussed and watching the Sox for the past week or two?

I haven't been able to get through watching two innings without wanting to repeatedly kick large objects.

Clearly the team, and the fans miss her ummmmm, passion. She's an essential contributor to the organization, and without her, the team doesn't have the ability to compete with the league's best.....or, in tonight's case, show any element of being a quality team itself.

Feel better Heidi, the Sox need ya.

And oh, we do too.

(if you didn't notice, this was my attempt at not blogging with complete anger tonight. I needed something to somewhat divert my attention from that pathetic offensive showing)

ITM: Ft Myers Bound

Remember when you were a 9 year old kid? You had a four page Christmas wishlist full of complete crap that somehow seemed like true necessities at the time? Remember how excited you used to get on Christmas eve as a result? Well that's pretty much how we here at ITM feel right now.

Only this year I don't have a Larry "Grandmama" Johnson poster or Tony, Toni, Tone, CD on my wishlist, and it's not Christmas eve either....it's Ft Myer's eve.

We'll be cutting our already unproductive workdays short tomorrow as it's time to head south for an extended weekend of baseball, sun, adult beverages and March Madness.

We'll do our best to keep the blog updated with some pictures and thoughts as we take in four ballgames and enjoy the surroundings.

Feel free to drop a comment or shoot us an email if you've gotspecific questions on how players look (not just Heidi). If you make it attempt to keep it clean we may post it, but a few of you clowns last year ruined your chances by the third word of your email.

Go Sox.

Ft. Myers Day Three: Sox Feast on Rays Pitching

With great seats, weather, and beer, ITM was treated to a hitting clinic by the Red Sox this afternoon. The Red Sox ended a home and away weekend series against the Rays with an 8 to 2 bashing. Masterson started the game and went 3 strong innings, the Red Sox offense took it from there as the outcome was never truly in doubt after the third inning.

Some of the news and notes from ITM's day in Ft Myers....

- The current Grapefruit league MVP, Julio Lugo, continues to impress. Despite having his pants pulled up over his belly button, Lugo went 3 for 3,with two rbi and played great defense at short, especially on plays up the middle. Thus far this spring he has seemingly mastered the seeing eye single through the left side of the infield. He had two more of them this afternoon, as well as a line-drive double to the left-center gap. ITM note, he continues to run like Cologero from "A Bronx Tale"....an incredibly nonathletic looking motion.

- Zach Degeas, a double A Portland outfielder made a catch in left field and followed it up with a monster tater in the bottom of the inning. How often do we see that? ITM note, this kid can play, he hit .307 in Portland last year.

-We were quite impressed with Daniel Bard. The kid was lights out. He had a 15 pitch inning, striking out the side with a filthy mix of gas and off-speed pitches. His stock just went up in ITM's book.

-Junichi Tazawa settled down after a rough first inning, throwing two innings, giving up one run on two hits while striking out two. As expected, he showed signs of brilliance, but needs additional work and experience.

Players who have impressed ITM thus far:

-Jonathon VanEvery has shown power from both sides of the plate thus far. Another tater in today's game.

-Nick Green. Plays both second and third, good contact hitter with a solid glove in the field. Potential role as a big league utility guy down the road.

-Heidi Watney. She continues to wow the crowd with her sun dresses. Safe to say those who have been to games before make sure to stay a few minutes after the game to watch her on the field giving her post-game wrap up. Solid contributor.

ITM Updates from Fort Myers

We woke up to cloud cover this morning, however it looks like the sun is coming out for today's game vs the Rays. Game starts at 1:05, here is the Sox line up:

1. Julio Lugo, SS

2. Rocco Baldelli, DH

3. Jason Varitek, C

4. J.D. Drew, RF

5. Lars Anderson, 1B

6. Chip Ambres, LF

7. Jonathan Van Every,

8. Nick Green, 3B

9. Ivan Ochoa, 2B


Yesterday ITM drove up to Port Charlotte to watch the Sox play at the Ray's spring training home. The Ray's ended up winning the game 15-7 despite being out hit by the Sox. The Sox made 6 errors, including two by Argenis Diaz, who is regarded as the best defensive player in the Sox system, oh well.




Tim Wakefield started and got roughed up a little, 3 earned runs in 4 innings. Wes Littleton came on after Wake and struggled to throw strikes.


Jonathan Van Every and George Kottaras both went deep, and Jeff Baily and Chris Carter continued their hot hitting this Spring. Bailey was the MVP of the International League last year with Pawtucket, looking like the Paw Sox could have some pop in their line up this year. In addition, Ellsbury wowed the crowd with his speed when he tripled over the center fielders head. He's certainly put on a few pounds of muscle, but he has by no means lost any of his speed.


The Rays stadium was renovated for this season, probably because fans are finally showing interest in the Rays. The stadium is very impressive, fans are into the game, and the outfield features standing room all the way around and an out door bar.

The one drawback is the organist never misses an opportunity to play some stupid sound affect between at bats, pitches, or innings. After every foul ball we were treated to the sound of glass shattering, yes that is clever, watch out in the parking lot!


The sun is coming out now and we're off to the game. We'll be in the left field boxes next to the Sox bullpen, I think the game is on TV, so watch for us rumbling with 9 year olds for foul balls and staring at Heidi Watney.

(we had good seats...Lars looks like he's about 12)

Recapping the Round Table at Fenway; Part 2

After the round table discussion I spoke with Mike O'Malley, who did an amazing job hosting the event, getting the crowd to bid on some items up for auction. O'Malley joked that his show "My Own Worst Enemy" was already cancelled and that he had pretty much been reduced to a professional charity MC in the Boston Area. I asked O'Malley what strikes him most at an event like this. "Seeing the players and Theo participate is really great, this is their off season and these guys are still showing up and making a difference."

The highlight of the day for us was meeting Red Sox sideline reporter Heidi Watney. After posing for a few photos I asked Heidi if she thinks she is a celebrity in Boston now, she said Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo are the celebrities.

We also asked her what her favorite part of the job was, Heidi answered, "I'm part of the Red Sox organization, I travel with them and I love to travel. I get to know the guys really well and they'll all great guys." Hedi is looking forward to the 2009 season and is excited to leave for Spring Training in February.

Later in the night we made our way to the Paradise Rock Club for the "Cool Music" portion of the evening. O'Malley hosted and had Theo and Peter Gammons on stage for some baseball talk in between music. Lady luck was on our side again as we chatted with Theo Epstein and Peter Gammons for a few minutes.

Overall, I'd say the event was a resounding success. I don't have the actual dollar amount raised for The Foundation to be Named Later, however judging by the crowd and auction items I'd say they did pretty well. I'd encourage everyone to attend this event in the future, the day is for charity and talking with the Gammons, Epstein, Heidi and others is an experience no Red Sox fan can pass up. Definitely a top 5 day in my book.

Recapping the Round Table at Fenway; Part 1

Earlier today ITM went down to Fenway Park to take part in the Hot Stove Cool Music Round Table Discussion. The panel included baseball writer Peter Gammons, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein, Manager Terry Francona, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, pitcher Justin Masterson and from the Tampa Bay Rays Fernando Perez. CC Sabathia was available by phone for the first few minutes; Harold Reynolds and Torri Hunter were scheduled to be on the panel as well however, inclement weather stranded them at Airports. Mike O'Malley MC'd the event and the lovely Heidi Watney was on hand as well.

The event allowed fans to ask the panel questions and raised money for The Foundation to be Named Later; the charity that Theo started to help children in and around the Boston area. Gammons spoke highly of Theo, the Red Sox and Sabathia's tireless efforts to be positive influences on youths, providing support for parents and children.

ITM was fortunate enough for the opportunity to ask 2 questions during the event. I asked Peter Gammons what were the biggest differences between the current Red Sox ownership and the past, specifically his opinion on why the Red Sox have won two World Series titles since the new ownership took over. Gammons first pointed out the Red Sox ability to find new revenue streams which allows them to have one of the top 5 payrolls in baseball every year. He also pointed out that Theo has done a remarkable job as General Manager, especially the organizations ability to "draft and develop players", referencing Pedroia and Masterson.

Fellow blogger D Vicino asked Theo Epstein how the current economic conditions has affected the game as well as strategy for the 2009 season. Hearing Theo speak about this topic was really impressive, he pointed out that "The season ended before the economy really bottomed out.", however he expects that the game as a whole could be hit really hard. Theo also spoke about the Yankees contract commitments, near $1 billion while the Red Sox have around 20% of that . "We (the Red Sox) have a number of short term deals that allow the us increased flexibility."

Answering other questions, Epstein spoke about stockpiling pitching saying "you can never have enough pitching throughout the year", and having all these arms puts them in a position to hold onto their young prospects at the trading deadline.

(Fenway construction)



Peter Gammons stated that if Josh Beckett was healthy the Red Sox will win the World Series; Terry Francona agreed if gives them a really good chance.


Tampa Bay outfielder Fernando Perez spoke about how far the Rays came last season and what it was like to be on the field celebrating after defeating the Sox in game 7 of the ALCS. Pedroia jumped in half way though his answer telling Perez, "Don't get use to it!"


Keeping with the theme of the event, athletes getting involved in their communities, Francona spoke about how his dad who was a pro baseball player worked as a recreation park director in the off season to make ends meet. Certainly athletes today have a greater opportunity to be positive influences to children in their communities. Theo added every guy on the roster has the ability to help out the less fortunate.


Justin Masterson spoke about how he helped some of the Latin players in the rookie development league who didn't speak English very well. Masterson joked that his Spanish sucked, so he used that to get the Latin players comfortable speaking English.


The last question asked of the panel was for their best Manny Ramirez story. After some hesitation and nervous laughter Tito told a gem. In the 2004 World Series Manny was up at the plate and yelling back and fourth with the catcher. Tito ran out before umpire Chuck Merriweather could throw Manny out of the game, Tito heard Manny jawing in Spanish with the catcher. Apparently Manny was being accused of stealing signs, to which Tito told the umpire, "Chuck, Manny doesn't even know our signs!"


Overall the event was very successful, check back tomorrow for our interviews with Mike O'Malley and Heidi Watney (including more photos). Yes, we were able to string together coherent sentences when talking with Heidi.

The Sox Sign Their Biggest Free Agent: Heidi Watney

...and by biggest I mean most talented...and by most talented I mean....yeah, you get it....Heidi Watney has been signed to a multi year contract extension by NESN. NESN was beginning to treat their sideline ladies like Red Sox shortstops, however, the first runner up in the 2002 Miss California pageant will be gracing our collective TV screens here in New England for some time to come:

“Heidi is a talented reporter whose versatility and work ethic help her deliver the news and stories that consistently connect the fans with the team,” said Joel Feld, NESN’s executive vice president of programming and executive producer. “We are very happy to extend her contract and expect her to take on an even larger role with NESN and NESN.com."

Whether the Sox sign Texiera or not over the next few months, this off-season is now officially a success in my book (kidding....of course.....well, kinda).

Go Sox.

Sox Clinch Playoff Spot

It never gets old does it; grown men wearing goggles showering each other in beer and champagne. No this isn't an episode of the Road Rules vs Real World Challenge, the Boston Red Sox have clinched their 5th playoff spot in the last 6 years. Now that the whispering of the Yankees not being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention has ended the Sox campaign to defend their World Series can begin.


The Sox took it to probable Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, scoring 5 runs on 9 hits in Lee's 7 innings of work tonight. Lee had won 11 straight games, dating back to July. Kevin Youkilis hit a two run home run and Dustin Pedroia had a two run double that tied the game in the bottom of the 5th. Jason Bay put the sox ahead 5-4 with a single scoring Dusty from second.


The Bullpen was shaky, loading the bases in the 7th and 8th innings. Okajima was able to bail out Delcarmen in the 7th, and in the process is returning to last seasons form with another solid outing. Masterson continued to struggle throwing strikes, however Papelbon came in for a 4 out save, his 41st of the year.


NESN covered the the post game celebration as players poured champagne and beer over one another in the locker room. Highlight of the celebration had to be Heidi Watney getting drenched during the celebration, things then spilled back out onto the field where some fans waited around for the players to come back out. Jonathon Papelbon rewarded some lucky fans as he gave out 1st, 2nd and 3rd base. I'm not sure those fans really deserved such a gift, hopefully we don't see those on ebay in the next couple hours.

The Sox still have a shot at the division however the Rays still control their destiny; at the very least the Sox will get the Wild Card and will head out west to play the Angels. The main goal is now to get everyone on the roster healthy, except maybe Lugo, and line up their pitching staff for the playoffs. JD Drew and Mike Lowell have been out with injuries and it will be important for the Sox to get these guys back in the lineup for October baseball.



One final thought; Jonathon Papelbon is not right in the head, and I like it.



ITM Notes from the game:

The Red Sox are retiring Johnny Pesky's number 6 this weekend.

Jed Lowrie continues to struggle at the plate, he was 0-4, although he did have several foul tips.

Johnny Bench took in the game tonight and Heidi Watney interviewed him...he's a very weird guy. Look for that interview on youtube.

Remy offered some dynamite analysis of the Red Sox defense in the bottom of the 7th. Ellsbury and Cora made key plays that didn't result in outs, but prevented base runners from moving up and potentially scoring later in the inning.



All furniture store commercials are just terrible, especially Bob and his 'no gimmicks' gimmick. I don't know if this is a northeast phenomenon or furniture stores across the country just make awful commercials. Perhaps some of our out of market fans can comment on this...



Congratulations to the Red Sox.