Ward Just Doesn't Get It

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was made to sit out Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers coaching staff along with team doctor's determined that Big Ben shouldn't play because he was suffering headaches when exerting himself, a symptom of post concussion syndrome. Wide receiver Hines Ward still wanted Roethlisberger out there because it was a big game. Ward said that in the past he has lied to doctors about how he felt after a concussion and intimated that Roethlisberger should have done the same thing for the sake of the team. Now I am not a Steelers fan and I really didn't have any good or bad feeling towards Ward, until now. Hines Ward let me tell you this you are an idiot. I am all for playing through pain and "manning up," except when you are dealing with the brain. Do you really think Roethlisberger and his family would care if the team beat the Ravens if in the process he received another concussion and suffered permanent brain damage? This is his fourth concussion since 2006 should he really be taking any chances with his future health? For Ward to suggest that he lie to doctors just proves he doesn't care about Ben the person only about wins and losses, what a great team captain. I think Ward owes Big Ben an apology and should be made to look up the names Mike Webster, Justin Strzelczyk, and Merrill Hoge all former Steelers who had issues with concussions. Two of the three are dead, is one game against the Ravens really worth it?

Today's Song of the Blog: Promises in the Dark - Pat Benatar. Benatar is one of my favorite all time female singers and the song is one of her best. I love the way the song starts off nice and slow and builds. Just one of many quality songs from the height of her career.

Hey all if you like this or heck if you hate it at least go and check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

A Dozen Sports Things I am Thankful For.

Well as we all know Thursday is Thanksgiving Day and so without further ado I bring you the sports things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:
1. The one handed catch football, except when that catch is being made against the Patriots or by any member of the Colts.
2. A curveball that makes a hitter's knees buckle.
3. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson running over would be tacklers.
4. The Yankees pinstripe uniforms, to me they are classic and classy.
5. A nice clean solid board and bone rattling check in hockey.
6. A basketball player that drains a three and instead of cheering for himself hustles back on defense.
7. Watching a right fielder with a cannon for an arm throw a seed to home and snuff out a potential run.
8. The flea flicker in football, especially when it is Tom Brady and the Patriots.
9. That my brother is a Red Sox fan. We cheer for the same team in every other sport, but we are polar opposites in baseball, yet we find a way to discuss baseball and be civil, which I can't say about too many fans on either side.
10. The shine of the ice at a hockey game after the zamboni has been out.
11. Guys like Kevin Faulk that don't put up the biggest numbers, but are there when the team needs them.
12. The MLB Network. I watch this channel way too much, but if my cable company took it away I would revolt.

I hope you all enjoy time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving, and maybe next year the NFL will give us better games to watch on turkey day.

The Song of the Blog: Today's tune is Misery Business by Paramore, a rocking song by a a strong female lead singer.

Hey all if you like this or heck if you hate it at least go and check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

The Biggest Problem Facing the NFL

This past week two star running backs have visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and that isn't good news. The Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook and the Washington Redskins Clinton Portis both went to Pittsburgh because of problems after suffering concussions on the field of play. There is much debate on the long lasting effects of multiple concussion on players, but there have been links to depression, dementia, and a decline in cognitive skills. Names from the past such as Andre Waters, who committed suicide, and Mike Webster, who died at age 50 not being able to care for himself, are the horror stories that show what can happen when concussions aren't treated properly. Stars like Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and Merrill Hoge have had their careers shortened by multiple concussions, but seem to be doing well in their post NFL careers in broadcasting. The main thing it appears is knowing when to hang them up and even though I am not a doctor I think that time has come for Brian Westbrook. Westbrook suffered two concussions in the span of three weeks among numerous other injuries he has had during his career. Obviously it is a decision that is up to Westbrook, the Eagles, his doctors, and his family, but I really hope I won't hear Westbrook's name on ESPN ten years from now in a story comparing him to Webster and Waters.

Song of the Blog: A slow sappy song is today's Song of the Blog, Everything I Own by Bread. You might say what 38 year old man would ever confess to liking such a song, well that would be me. I remember this song from way back in the 70's when my older siblings would be listening to WJBQ out of Portland, Maine. I've always liked it and still do, so let the taunting begin.

Hey Guys check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel, 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html

Another Strange NFL Weekend

Another week of NFL football is in the books and there are plenty of stories to talk about that I won't even bother to touch on the biggest one Bill Belichick's fourth quarter call. We will start off with the Cincinnati Bengals who went into Pittsburgh and took care of the Steelers 18-12. The win put the Bengals one game ahead of the Steelers in the AFC North. The Bengals then fortified their running back corps by signing former Kansas City Chief Larry Johnson. I don't blame the Bengals for signing him, but I do hate to see a guy get rewarded for acting like a complete ass and leaving the Chiefs with no real option other than to cut him. Instead of playing out the string for the woeful Chiefs, Johnson is now in the middle of a playoff race. Is it wrong of me to hope that he blows out a knee on his first play with the Bengals. Speaking of the Chiefs today it was announced that wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will be suspended four games for using performance enhancing drugs. Of course since this is the NFL and not Major League Baseball this will be a story for a day and will quickly be swept under the rug. Only baseball gets screwed by the media for drug violations. Finally we check the crazy old person file and find Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams. While his team was playing the Bills in Buffalo the 86 year old owner starting flipping the bird several times to Bills fans. One would think at 86 years old that the guy would have grown out of such childish behavior, but maybe like his fellow owner Al Davis he has gone over the edge with no hope of coming back. Adams was fined by commissioner Roger Goodell $250,000 for his antics. Some will say the old dude was just having fun. I say the old dude needs to realize that there are kids around and maybe its time he acted his age and set an example.

Song of the Blog: Today's random song of the blog is Cumbersome by Seven Mary Three. A good rocking song from the 90's grunge scene. The band had a few other hits but this is the only one that struck a chord with me.

Hey all if you like this go check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

I'm Baaack!

Sorry about the long break between posts was dealing with a little H1N1, but now I am back and we can take a quick trip around the sports world. The most important thing from this past weekend, at least in my world, was the Patriots winning against the Dolphins, 27-17. The best part is they completely shut down loud mouth Joey Porter who recorded zero sacks and zero tackles. Porter is such a blowhard that it is great to see him avoid the media after the game. I guess he couldn't come up with anything clever to say about his double bagel. I was happy to see that Manny Ramirez picked up his $20 million option with the Dodgers, at least we won't have to hear how Manny thinks he is worth $30 million a year for five years and how 31 teams in MLB are interested in him. Even though I am a Celtics fan I was kind of happy to see them lose on Friday night to the Suns 110-103. People were getting carried away saying that the Celtics might not lose until the new year, well now all that talk can cease and the C's just go about their business and work on improving the team game to game. Okay new blog feature: The Song of the Blog. This will just be a random song from my MP3 player. It may be some lame 70's song or some hair band from the 80's, or even a country tune. You may hate it you may like it, we welcome your opinions.

The Song of the Blog is Desire by Ryan Adams. I first heard this song used on an episode of House and was hooked right away. I don't have any other Ryan Adams tunes on my MP3 player and I can't I have listened to many, but at least this one is a good song.

Hey all if you like this go check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

Mea Culpa and More

Last Saturday I posted my latest entry to this blog and I must apologize for it. I bemoaned the fact that the college football schedule didn't seem to have much going for it, and I was wrong on that one as the Alabama and Tennessee game came down to the last seconds, while Iowa barely beat Michigan State, and USC hung on to beat Oregon State. We had a few exciting finishes while the one game I thought might be a battle wasn't when TCU crushed BYU 38-7. While I was banging on college football, I should have been calling out the NFL. Sunday's games were just plain awful as 10 out of the 12 games were double digit losses, though the ten point Minnesota loss to Pittsburgh was a pretty tight game so lets say 9 of 12 stunk. If it wasn't for fantasy football I probably would have watched something else. I guess all I can hope for is a more entertaining week next week. Well the Yankees made the World Series on Sunday and in turn made me a happy man. I hate to kick a man when he is down, but I fail to understand Mike Scioscia bringing Scott Kazmir and not Jered Weaver right away. One thing about starters coming out of the bullpen is you don't know how they will react, obviously Kazmir did not react well, while that question had already been answered with Weaver and his performance in game five. Some might say the two runs that the Angels let up in the eighth didn't matter and I say it was much more comfortable as a just a fan to have a three run lead I can't imagine what it meant to the Yankees themselves.

Hey all if you like this go check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

More Random Thoughts for the Weekend

Well here we are at the start of another jam packed sports weekend, so here are a few things that have been running through my brain. I'm not big on the NFL playing in England. I know the NFL didn't run it by me before they made their schedule, but really is the game big enough across the pond to warrant these regular season games being played there. I don't mind if you throw them some meaningless preseason game as a bone, but leave the regular season games on this continent. Also while I'm on the London game why would you send Tampa Bay, don't you want the Brits to see good football not a blowout. On to a weekend of college football that really is lacking in a wow match up. The biggest game is TCU versus BYU not really a classic battle. Don't get me wrong some games will probably wind up being good ones, but the chances look pretty slim. Now onto the biggest fish of them all game six of the ALCS. It is supposed to be played on Saturday, but the weather in New York might have other things in mind. As a Yankees fan I hope that the game gets played on Saturday and the Yankees wrap it up in game six, because if they don't then momentum certainly shifts to the side of the Angels. Enjoy the sports weekend everybody.

Hey all if you like this go check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

Random Sports Thoughts

Here are five random thoughts from this past sports weekend. 1. Why did I enjoy watching the Patriots crush the Titans 59-0 so darn much? I know a few reasons are that I love watching snow football and whenever the Patriots pull off a flea flicker I grin from ear to ear. Maybe it was because I could throw the score in the face of all the haters out there. Yes I can be petty, I am not proud of it, but it does happen on occasion. 2. I am a little ashamed to say I also enjoyed hearing about the struggles of the Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. After three weeks everyone was ready to dub this kid the savior of the Jets, well guess what he is a rookie so get used to the ups and downs folks. 3. Watching the end of the USC/Notre Dame game on Saturday I was yelling at my TV that there should be one second left before the referees looked at instant replay, but it did not help my Fighting Irish for they wasted the extra play they got and lost 34-27. 4. Steelers kicker Jeff Reed was cited for public intoxication on Sunday. Dude you realize you are a kicker the team won't put up with this, you are a dime a dozen and this is your second offense wise up. 5. Obviously I am happy my Yankees took a 2-0 ALCS lead after a 13 inning 4-3 win on Saturday. It was a very entertaining game, even though it was sloppy at times. Also as with pretty much everyone else in the country I can't wrap my head around why Brian Fuentes left that 0-2 pitch where he did for A-Rod to crush, I'm just hoping he does it again today.

Hey all if you like this go check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

Like Christmastime in New York

The American League Championship Series starts tonight in New York as the Angels and Yankees face off at 7:57 EST. If you aren't a regular reader of my blog or don't know me I am a ginormous baseball fan and the Yankees are my team so this is like Christmas morning to me. Little did I realize that my Christmas morning would bring winter like conditions to Yankee Stadium. The weather report is a chilly one for game one as rain is in the forecast and temperatures will be hovering around 40 degrees. Oh but wait it gets better for fans and players alike as there will also be a 15-20 mile per hour wind whipping around the new stadium making it feel like it is in the mid 20's. I personally hate cold rain it is my least favorite kind of normal weather, we will exclude hurricanes and tornadoes, but if I could be in the stands for that game I would be. Instead I will watch from home and try not to shiver as I watch all these people that are soaking wet, and I will do my best to gut it out and not break out the Snuggie and the hot cocoa. I really hope the weather doesn't effect the teams too much , it would be nice to see a well played game in a tidy 2 hours and 45 minutes. So good luck to both teams, okay really only the guys in pinstripes, and remember to dress in layers boys.

Hey all if you like this or heck if you hate it at least go and check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

The League Championship Series.

Well we are now down to just four teams in the baseball playoffs, the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, and Phillies. Well when I predicted the winners at the beginning of the playoffs I was half wrong. I thought the Red Sox would be able to take care of the Angels and I also banked on the Cardinals disposing of the Dodgers, but as Mark McGwire would say I am not here to talk about the past. So let us look into the crystal ball and predict what will happen in the League Championship Series. First in the National League I think the Phillies will take care of the Dodgers in six games. I am also hoping this happens because I don't think I could stomach seeing Manny Ramirez in the World Series again. In the American League I am betting on the Yankees taking a close series in seven games against the Angels. I think the difference will be the Yankees bullpen, but then again that could be my heart speaking and not my head. One thing I have learned from the playoffs so far is that you can't count on anything 100 percent. I would never had guessed Joe Nathan, Huston Street, and Jonathan Papelbon all would get lit up like a Christmas tree. Though the series themselves may have lacked some drama the individual games were pretty entertaining so bring on the next round.

Hey all if you like this or heck if you hate it at least go and check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html Or if you just want to go ahead and by one you can go here: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html

The Best and Brightest in Blue, Not Quite.

Watching the Red Sox and Angels game last night was almost a painful experience, the umpiring in the game was just plain atrocious. Joe West was questionable at best behind the plate with the Red Sox Jon Lester getting visibly upset at least a few times. Joe West was fabulous compared to first base umpire C.B. Bucknor. He missed two fairly easy calls last night that both went against the visiting Red Sox. The first bad call came in the fourth inning when a throw by Alex Gonzalez pulled Kevin Youkilis of the bag but Youk made a sweep tag of Howie Kendrick who was clearly out to everyone,everyone that is but Bucknor. The second was in the sixth and another errant throw, this one by Mike Lowell, pulled Youk off the bag but he got his foot bag on in time, but once again Bucknor disagreed. Now these plays probably didn't cost the Red Sox to lose 5-0, John Lackey along with no Red Sox offense did that, but the umpiring needs to be better in the playoffs. This leads me to my main point why in the world is C.B. Bucknor even an umpire let alone allowed to be part of a playoff crew. Bucknor has twice been rated as the worst umpire in baseball, yet he gets this important assignment. Epic fail on MLB's part.
One more note what was with that little display by Torii Hunter after he hit his three run home run last night. Slamming his helmet on the floor of the dugout and acting like they just won the series. What would have been funny is if the helmet had hit Hunter or another member of the Angels and they missed the rest of the postseason because of this stupidity. Torii it is okay to enjoy the moment but act like you have been there before.

Hey Guys check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel, 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/Announcements.html

The Center of the Sports World

For the next couple of days the American sports scene will have a new capital, Minneapolis, Minnesota. It all starts tonight when the Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football. Unless you have been completely sports deprived the last couple of months you know that it will be the first time Brett Favre takes the field in Viking's purple against the team he spent most of his career with and division rival, the Packers. Now granted the bigger Vikings and Packers match up happens on Sunday, November 1 when the game is played in Green Bay and the Packers fans will have to decide whether to boo or cheer their former hero. The thing is this Monday Night Football game has no other competition in the sports world. The baseball season is over and though I like hockey let's be real no one really watches it. The boys and girls at ESPN must be drooling thinking of what kind of ratings number this game will get tonight, I'm thinking it could be a record. After tonight's game the crew at the Metrodome will have to work quickly to clean up the place and get ready for tomorrow's Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins baseball game. This game will determine who has the honor of meeting the Yankees in the ALDS on Wednesday. The Twins have been a great story coming out of nowhere to catch the Tigers. While the Tigers have stumbled and bumbled their way to a tie. The Tigers will send rookie Rick Porcello to the mound while the Twins counter with Scott Baker. Both managers won't be afraid to use their bullpens because it's win or go home. I love when divisions go down to a one game playoff it reminds me of when I was seven and the great Yankees and Red Sox playoff of 1978, I love Bucky Dent. So enjoy the spotlight Minnesota the whole sports world will be watching.

Be sure to check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at www.darrenpare.com Just click on the announcements tab.

Have We Hit Rock Bottom Yet?

The Cleveland Indians today let manager Eric Wedge know that he will not be returning next season. Wedge will be allowed to manage the team's last six games as the Indians play out the string in fourth place in the AL Central. Two years ago the Indians were an up and coming team with a 3-1 lead in the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. Then the collapse began as the Red Sox crushed Cleveland in the next three games and the Indians have never seemed to recover. The 2008 Indians had expectations to live up to and by the end of a .500 season they had an injury plagued season from catching star Victor Martinez and had traded C.C Sabthia and Casey Blake. Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore were bright spots in 2008 and expectations were still running high coming into the 2009 season. The 2009 season has been an utter disappointment for all Cleveland Indians fans as they watched their team deal more players, this time Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez. So it would appear that the 2010 Indinas will be in rebuilding mode and the new manager will need to erase the memories of the 2007 ALCS. The man that might have to do that job is current Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell, who used to be the director of player development for the Indians and seems to be the front runner for the job. Only two real questions remain will General Manager Mark Shapiro be the one to lead this turn around and are the Indians at rock bottom or will Grady Sizemore be the next star dealt out of town. Stay tuned.

Be sure to check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at www.darrenpare.com Just click on the announcements tab.

An Odd Duck Has a Good Weekend

For those of you that don't know me personally I am of a rare breed when it comes to my sports teams. I am a Boston area sports fan except when it comes to baseball where I root for the Yankees. Now now before you inundate with cries of blasphemy let me explain a bit. I started watching baseball when I was maybe five or six years old with my dad who is a Yankees fan. This led me to like the Yankees and that will never change. The others sports, football, basketball, and hockey, I picked up in junior high and high school and I went with the local teams, the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. Well sometimes, when I am not quite awake when I leave the house, I can be seen wearing a Patriots shirt and a Yankees hat and people look at me funny, at least I'm assuming they are looking at me funny because of the clothes and not my face. I have been labeled a cross dresser by friends and had strangers call me a bandwagon jumper, which irks me to know end because I am fiercely loyal to my teams. Well this all leads to this weekend which found the Yankees sweeping the Red Sox to clinch the AL East and the Patriots prove the naysayers wrong by taking care of the Falcons. So that made me one of few people in New England very happy about the sports weekend. If you like an odd assortment of teams let me know in the comments area with an explanation on how you starting liking your teams.

Be sure to check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at www.darrenpare.com Just click on the announcements tab.

Not Wild About Another Wildcard

If you watched any of the morning shows on ESPN today you heard about a new idea that Hall Of Famer Peter Gammons has thrown out about adding one more team to the playoffs in each league. I respect Gammons more than I could ever say in just this short blog, but I really think he has missed the mark on this one. The beauty of the 162 game marathon that is the baseball season is that only the best teams get rewarded by making the playoffs at the end of the season. My question is do we really want to dilute the regular season anymore, to the point that it is like the NHL and NBA and just about anyone with half a pulse makes the post season. Also with five teams making the playoffs that would mean you would have to have byes for the first round for some teams and I just don't see that working in baseball. Having 4-6 days off after the season will do more to hurt the bye teams than help, because baseball players really do cherish their routines and this would wreck havoc with them. Just because this season doesn't have any nail biting chases to the end doesn't mean we need to hit the panic button and scrap what has really worked well for 15 years. Also the American League Central race between the Tigers and Twins might just develop into a good fight to the end so it may be too early to say that the last week of the season will be completely devoid of drama. If this becomes a problem for a few years than I would be happy to reevaluate the situation but for now this falls under the old adage if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Be sure to check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at www.darrenpare.com Just click on the announcements tab.

Where is the Star in Dallas?

The star on the side of the Dallas Cowboys helmet and at midfield at the stadium is one of the most recognizable symbols in sports. The problem this season is that those are the only stars on the field. Now some will say wait how about quarterback Tony Romo, well according to former Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett he isn't a star. "I don't know why on God's Earth Tony Romo has been anointed a superstar in the National Football League," he said on Fox Sports Radio. There is no doubting that Romo was terrible in week two against the New York Giants, throwing three interceptions Sunday night for the whole nation to see. If there is such a thing as a big game in week two that was one and once again Romo came up short. A look at his career stats and you can see that Romo had a very good year in 2007, but regressed a little in 2008. For all the attention he gets where are the huge numbers or the big wins, you can stop looking they aren't there. Dorsett isn't the first former Cowboys star to wonder aloud what is so special about Romo, both Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman have as well. I don't think Romo has what it takes to bring Dallas to the next level and in the tough NFC East I think they will finish 8-8 this season. Then the question becomes does Jerry Jones blow this team up in the offseason and start anew or does Jones hitch up his cart to a horse that quite frankly can't carry the load.

Be sure to check out the first few chapters of my baseball novel 33 Summers at www.darrenpare.com Just click on the announcements tab.

What to Make of These Patriots?

Okay yesterday was a tough day for us Patriots fans and a great day for all the Patriots haters out there and there are many. The question, after 24 hours to reflect on the situation, is should we be concerned and I will be like any seasoned politician and ride the fence and say yes and no. First of all Tom Brady needs to find his timing, he hasn't been as crisp as he should be, but I am convinced that will come in time. Wes Welker being out showed to me just how valuable he really is. Welker is Brady's teddy bear, something he can count on when everything else isn't working out, much like Kevin Faulk. I really don't think the defense has played that poorly, but they do need to find a leader and having Jerod Mayo out certainly is not helping. So to summarize quickly here Brady needs to get back to being the Tom Brady we are used to and soon before the division gets away from them. A healthy Welker and Mayo need to be back on the field and making plays. Next week things don't really get any easier with the new look Falcons coming to Foxboro. Tony Gonzalez seems very happy in his new home and the Falcons are continuing what they started last year. So it is time for Bill Belichick to get the team focused and once again earn the genius label that many have attached to him.
A few loose ends for me to tie up. First I was wrong, wrong, wrong about the Jets I thought they would struggle mightily with Mark Sanchez at quarterback, but so far so good for them. I was a fool to believe USC coach Pete Carroll when he said the Sanchez wasn't ready for the NFL. Maybe Carroll was just being petty after all. For all those ready to jump off the Patriot's bandwagon just remember that the Steelers lost yesterday to, so even the best teams have off days, but if you still want to jump off the bandwagon let me give you a push.


Check out the latest review of my book 33 Summers:
Although at first I wasn't certain I would enjoy a book with a baseball theme, "33 Summers" by Darren L. Pare came as a pleasant surprise. The intertwining of important news events, sports news, and music made this story a pleasure to read. I felt helpless as I watched the life of Jack Mathis who had such a promising future as a major league baseball player spiral out of control. I came to understand that he chose at an early age to focus on things outside of his ability to change because it kept him from having to face life and the problems that it held. He put so much effort into trying to understand the motives of other people that he failed to confront his own demons and eventually those demons consumed him. This was an emotional read from start to finish and I recommend it for its insight and honesty.
You can purchase my book at: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html
Or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.

Only Time Will Tell

I was giving the remote a workout last night looking for something to watch and I found myself on NESN watching the last few innings of the Red Sox game. Last night's Angels vs. Red Sox game had the feel of a playoff game with the entertaining back and forth action, though both teams will probably safely make the playoffs. The Red Sox have had the Angels number all season long and since these two will most likely be meeting up in the playoffs in a few weeks I would think the Angels would want to make some kind of statement, but maybe I'm wrong. It didn't look like the game mattered to Angel's left fielder Juan Rivera. The effort he gave Alex Gonzalez's pop fly down the left field line was just embarrassing. He jogged towards it at first and then didn't even bother to dive for it, did he not realize the game hinged on that play or did he not care. If Juan Rivera sniffs the starting lineup tonight then I have lost faith in former tough guy manager Mike Scioscia. The Angels can bitch all they want about the umpiring crew not calling Nick Green out on strikes, but when you get a bad break you have to ramp yourself up and get the next guy. One of the worst things you can say about an athlete is that they quit, well last night Juan Rivera quit on his team and now I wait to see how Scioscia responds. Will he have the guts to sit him down for a good spell or will he let the team know that he has lost his passion and he has quit as well.

Check out the latest review of my book 33 Summers:
Although at first I wasn't certain I would enjoy a book with a baseball theme, "33 Summers" by Darren L. Pare came as a pleasant surprise. The intertwining of important news events, sports news, and music made this story a pleasure to read. I felt helpless as I watched the life of Jack Mathis who had such a promising future as a major league baseball player spiral out of control. I came to understand that he chose at an early age to focus on things outside of his ability to change because it kept him from having to face life and the problems that it held. He put so much effort into trying to understand the motives of other people that he failed to confront his own demons and eventually those demons consumed him. This was an emotional read from start to finish and I recommend it for its insight and honesty.
You can purchase my book at: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html
Or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.

Fighting the Foolish Fight

We have all heard the expression fighting the good fight, well on Tuesday Yankee's catcher Jorge Posada decided to fight the foolish fight. Last night against the Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jesse Carlson threw a pitch behind Posada about butt high. This took place after two members of the Toronto Blue Jays a been hit by a pitch. Posada should have just shut his mouth and the beanball war would have been over. Posada held himself in check for a little while, but later on that half inning while scoring a run Posada threw a weak little elbow towards Carlson and soon after the benches emptied. Posada is enough of a veteran to know how baseball justice works you hit one or two of mine and I will send a pitch towards the ribs of one of yours and it will be done. If the pitch is up by the head then you have a reason to bitch and moan, but that wasn't the case here. So everybody got to rush out on the field and push and shove a little and Carlson wound up with a huge knot on his head. Today MLB issued three game suspensions on both Carlson and Posada, along with a three gamer for little used Yankee Shelley Duncan. It pains me as a Yankees fan to say it but Posada should have received a longer suspension than Carlson for he was really the instigator. Posada can be a fiery guy, but he has to know when to stay above the fray, pun intended. Someone in all the pushing and shoving could have injured themselves. Just think of how Posada would have had to explain his actions if a guy like Mark Teixeira would have blown out a knee and been lost for the playoffs, and don't tell me it can't happen just look at the Padres and Milton Bradley in 2007 and that was only Bradley and his coach pushing. So Posda bring the passion and fire but also remember to bring the brain that tells you when to fight and when to let things go.


Check out the latest review of my book 33 Summers:
Although at first I wasn't certain I would enjoy a book with a baseball theme, "33 Summers" by Darren L. Pare came as a pleasant surprise. The intertwining of important news events, sports news, and music made this story a pleasure to read. I felt helpless as I watched the life of Jack Mathis who had such a promising future as a major league baseball player spiral out of control. I came to understand that he chose at an early age to focus on things outside of his ability to change because it kept him from having to face life and the problems that it held. He put so much effort into trying to understand the motives of other people that he failed to confront his own demons and eventually those demons consumed him. This was an emotional read from start to finish and I recommend it for its insight and honesty.
You can purchase my book at: http://www.eloquentbooks.com/33Summers.html
Or at Amazon and Barnes & Noble online.

Playoffs don't talk about playoffs.

Ah the immortal words of former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora, but we won't listen and we will talk about the playoffs. On Thursday I gave my predictions for each team. So lets recap shall we. In the NFC I had the teams seeded as such 1. Vikings 2. Eagles 3. Saints 4. 49ers 5. Giants 6. Falcons. When all the dust settles form the NFC playoffs I think the Eagles will be left standing. Brett Favre's recent play in big moments doesn't impress me and thus I think the Vikings will make a quick playoff exit. Now I am sticking with the Eagles even after Donovan McNabb hurt his ribs Sunday because it doesn't look all that serious. Now on to the AFC. we have 1. Steelers 2. Patriots 3. Chargers 4. Titans 5. Ravens 6. Dolphins. This will all come down to a battle between the Steelers and Patriots for a trip to the Super Bowl. I think the Patriots will win but I am not sure if I am saying that with my head or my heart, but either way it is written and so it shall be. So there we have it the Eagles and the Patriots in the Super Bowl again just like the 2004 season and just like Super Bowl XXXIX the Patriots will be holding the Lombardi Trophy when the confetti starts to fall from the sky. Well these are my predictions and we welcome your as well, I am just hoping when the playoffs do roll around that someone isn't pulling up this post as evidence of just how stupid I truly am. Enjoy the Monday Night Football doubleheader and see you again soon.

If you would like to pick up my new baseball novel 33 Summers you can do so by clicking this link: http://www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605

Marking the 9/11 anniversary.

Today I will steer away from the usual sports frivolity and remember what happened eight years ago today. I think it is safe to say that the September 11 attacks changed how all Americans view the world or at least did for a little while. I for one used to think that such crazy things only happened in Israel and the rest of the Middle East, I was rudely awakened on that day. I was watching ESPN that morning and they had a post in the corner about a plane hitting the Twin Towers, so I quickly turned the channel to NBC thinking only that it was an awful plane crash. I wasn't on NBC for more than minute before the second plane hit the towers and then I knew something was not quite right. I spent that entire day glued to the television waiting for more information and often finding tears rolling down my cheeks. I never cried so much in all my life as I did in the following days, as the stories of the brave men and women who lost there lives were told. My son, Nicholas, was only a year and a half old and I was so thankful that I wouldn't have to explain what was going on to him, because I'm not sure if I could. A wave of patriotism swept over us in the months that followed, something that seems to be long gone as we once again find political parties sniping at one another like ill mannered children over some of the most foolish things. Sometimes I wonder how much we really learned. I visited New York nearly six years after and went to the museum that commemorates those who were lost that day. I read the stories of the missing people and the few that survived and I once again found myself crying openly. It was an emotionally draining visit but one I was glad I made. So to finish up here I would like to thank all the firefighters, police officers, EMT's and other public servants that help us out when things get dangerous. I want to thank the men and women in the armed forces who put there asses on the line everyday to secure our freedom. You are the true heroes. I hope God blesses you and keeps you safe.

NFL predictions sure to go awry.

Well tonight the NFL season kicks off with the Tennessee Titans in Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. So as will every other sports blogger in the nation I will share with you my NFL predictions.

NFC WEST
49ers 9-7 I predicted the last two years that they would have a winning record, I think I may be turning into Chris Berman.
Cardinals 9-7 Even though they made the Super Bowl last year they don't inspire me with confidence.
Rams 5-11 I only give them five wins because I really like Steven Jackson.
Seahawks 4-12 I just don't see enough talent here.

NFC SOUTH
Saints 10-6 I think Drew Brees will finally take this team to the next level, but I have thought that before.
Falcons 9-7 Year two of Matt Ryan can't be as smooth as the first, can it.
Panthers 5-11 The Panthers won the division last year because Jake Delhomme stayed healthy all year, it won't happen to years in a row
Buccaneers 4-12 I can't even decide who will be their lead running back or if any of them deserve to be.

NFC NORTH
Vikings 12-4 With the addition of Brett Favre they run away with the division, the playoffs might be another story.
Packers 8-8 I don't know what to make of this team so a .500 record sounds about right.
Bears 8-8 I think Jay Cutler will help some but not enough.
Lions 3-13 It is better than the 0-16 of last year and that is all that can be said.

NFC EAST
Eagles 11-5 Philadelphia will be the winners of the NFC's toughest division as long as Brian Westbrook stays healthy, which is no samll feat.
Giants 10-6 The Giants could make some hay in the playoffs but they do play in the toughest division so they will have some setbacks.
Redskins 9-7 The team that is constantly adding new parts was at it again this off season when they added Albert Haynesworth. I still think they fall just shy of the playoffs.
Cowboys 8-8 After this disappointing season I believe this team will be blown up and that may not be a bad thing for Cowboys fans.

AFC West
Chargers 12-4 San Diego is in an easy division and they will take advantage of it this year.
Broncos 8-8 This team is in disarray right now and an 8-8 record could easily be 4-12 if they played in any other didvision
Raiders 5-11 As many people have said before this team is going nowhere until Al Davis steps aside, it doesn't matter if Richard seymour shows up or not.
Chiefs 4-12 A rebuilding year and nothing more, but I think they are taking the right approach now.

AFC SOUTH
Titans 11-5 How long can the ride Kerry Collins? I think for a little bit but he is a way better option than Vince Young who has gone off the rails.
Texans 9-7 Andre johnson is one of my favorite players in the NFL he is a game changer.
Colts 8-8 Getting used to a new caoch will cost this team and they will miss the playoffs.
Jaguars 6-10 I look at their wide receivers and wonder if this is actually an NFL team.

AFC NORTH
Steelers 13-3 One of the class organizations in the NFL, they rarely seem to have a down year and this year won't be one.
Ravens 11-5 I love when they meet up with the Steelers you just know there will be tons of hard hits in the game. Lets see if Joe Flacco can do more than manage a game.
Browns 5-11 Eric Mangini is at the helm and that has to be better than Romeo Crennel, doesn't it?
Bengals 4-12 This team is a joke nothing more to say.

AFC EAST
Patriots 13-3 The defense will be the only question on this team and I think Bill Belichick will have them ready.
Dolphins 10-6 This team will still be on the rise and next year will challenge the Patriots for the top spot.
Bills 8-8 I hope that the Bills will enjoy the one good year they might get out of Terrell Owens because that is all they will get.
Jets 4-12 Mark Sanchez will have many growing pains.

Saturday I will cover the playoffs enjoy tonight's game.

Support a new author and check out the first few chapters of my new novel 33 Summers at: http://www.darrenpare.com/ Just click on the announcements tab on the homepage.

Bad to the skull and cross bones.

I was cruising around online a few days ago when a discussion came up of the worst franchises in sports and the name of the Pittsburgh Pirates quickly came up and that person just might be right. Well yesterday the Pirates secured their 17th consecutive losing season when they lost their 82nd game of the season. Now it takes some real special non-talent in the general manager's chair to come up with 17 straight losing campaigns. The streak started in 1993 when Cam Bonifay started his nine year tenure, which was followed by a stellar seven years under Dave Littlefield. Current GM Neal Huntington has been on the job less than two years so for now he gets a pass. Lets start with Bonifay who drafted minor league washouts like Chad Hermansen, J.J. Davis, and Bobby Bradley and left the minors barren of talent. Littlefield liked making bad trades like shipping out Jason Schmidt for Ryan Vogelsong, John Vader Wal, and Armando Rios, none of the three made an impact for the Pirates. Some will cry that the Pirates are a small market team just can't compete against the big spenders like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers and I say phooey. Minnesota seems to be in the race almost every year while Oakland has had several decent teams in that span, they are both small market teams. The Pirates main flaw is that they can't seem to stick to a plan. They seem to bail on their five years plan about three years in. This once proud franchise that used to field Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, and Roberto Clemente now has a roster littered with names like Ronny Cedeno, Ramon Vazquez, and Andy LaRoche, not even household names in their own homes. Maybe Huntington can right the Pirates ship, but I but I wouldn't bet any booty on it.

You can read the first few chapters of my newly published novel, 33 Summers, at http://www.darrenpare.com/ Just click on the announcements tab on the homepage.

Don't Try Suicide: Michael Vick sports third rail.

Well NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decided today the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick can return in week three of this season. I am sure that the sports message boards are going crazy right now with Vick supporters and haters waging war with one another. The calls of racism won't be far behind and then the less than clever insults will start flying and absolutely nothing will be accomplished. I will probably alienate at least half of my readers, and when you only have four followers that is a dangerous proposition, but I think it is time for Vick to come back to the NFL. I know, I know that he did some awful things with dogs and some people will never forgive him and I understand that to a point. I do sometimes feel that people are more outraged because Vick's misdeeds involved dogs than they would be if they involved people. It just might be time to let the guy get on with his life and maybe use him as part anti animal cruelty campaign. We as a society are usually very forgiving and maybe we should do that for Vick now. Please remember though I said forgive not forget. If you have comments to make please make them just try to make them constructive.
Check out the first few chapters of my newly published novel, 33 Summers, at http://www.darrenpare.com/ Just click on the announcements tab on the homepage.

Missing You an ode to Tedy Bruschi

Patriot's linebacker Tedy Bruschi retired today. First of all I will state that it was probably the right time for him to call it a career, he has lost a step or two in the last year or so. Second let me say that Tedy you will be missed. Bruschi to me is what a professional athlete should be approachable, team oriented, and looking like you are having fun. Tedy always seemed to have a smile on his face, like he knew how good he had it and couldn't keep the look of joy off his face. I believe that if you asked any of the Patriots players about Tedy one of the first words they would use is leader. He led by example and also got his team mates pumped up with a pep talk if necessary. The passion that he showed on the field made the game more enjoyable for me. I loved to see him playing with his sons on the field before a game, it proved he knew what was really important. When he played his first game after his stroke against the Bills I had goosebumps and a tear or two in my eye, that is the emotion that sports is supposed to bring. So Tedy to make a long story short you will be missed. You will always be one of my all time favorite athletes. Also to the Patriots haters out there that I have seen on numerous boards trying to diminish his career maybe you should just stop watching sports because you just don't get it at all. Thanks Tedy!

Check out the first few chapters of my newly released novel, 33 Summer, at: http://www.darrenpare.com/

Life is just a fantasy, can you live this fantasy life.

The following statement for those who know me won't be a surprise, I am a fantasy sports fan. I stick mostly to baseball and football but have been known to dabble in basketball, hockey, and even NASCAR. To some people this admission will make me a geek, a nerd or harsher still a loser, but still I sit here getting ready for my fantasy football draft that is taking place tomorrow. While some will have a binder full of printouts, I usually just keep a bunch of windows open during the draft and pray that my computer does not freeze. I try my best to keep up on the latest injuries for I don't want my fellow competitors to snicker at me when I pick the guy that just blew out his ACL and is out for this season and most of next. I always have a plan in my head that is usually blown to bits by the third round when I have a quarterback and two wide receivers yet no running back. I do find that it keeps guys , and some girls, connected that might otherwise lose touch. Also if you win you getting bragging rights for a whole year which are always good. So there it is my dirty little not so secret. Now if I start up a soccer or curling fantasy league it just may be time for an intervention.

You can check out a preview of my novel 33 Summers at:

http://www.darrenpare.com/

Steroids and baseball

Okay here we go, everyone's favorite issue, steroids in baseball. Baseball has been beaten about for years now because of steroids in the sport, but for some odd reason football seems to get a free pass. Well the latest on this issue is the the list of 104 names from 2003 that was seized by the feds was taken illegally according to an appeals court. I am sure we are all surprised that the federal government did something illegal. Here is where I come down on the whole matter, the names on the list need to be kept secret for this is what was agreed to when this testing took place. Now some holier than though people will say that these guys are cheats and they just get what was coming to them, but I ask you do you know what MLB was testing for? No and neither do I, but I am sure there are supplements on that list that aren't illegal in day to day life. So to wrap up the government screwed up again and now can we just move forward.

Now off topic today is my 14th wedding anniversary so I just wanted to say I love you Rebecca and hope for many more years together.

You can check out my new baseball novel, 33 Summers, at: http://www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605

One more in Boston.

Well two brutal games down and one more to go in this weekend's Red Sox/Yankees match up anybody up for a close game. Well With C.C. Sabathia and Josh Beckett on the mound tonight I can only hope that a pitcher's duel will break out in Fenway, but the way this weekend has gone I am not holding out much hope. Tonight is when Sabathia can show that he can step up and pitch the big game for the Yankees and earn that monstrous contract of his. While we already know that Beckett is a big game pitcher and has made the Yankees look foolish as far back as 2003 when he was with the Marlins. So here I am five hours from game time and I am getting all psyched up and then I remember that tonight's game is on ESPN and I will have to put up with the moronic insights of Joe Morgan. If someone could please explain to me how in the world guys like Joe Morgan and Tim McCarver are paid money by major networks to be analysts, maybe I could sleep better at night because I sure can't wrap my head around it. Well here's hoping for a good game tonight and a Yankee's win of course.

Check out my new baseball novel, 33 Summers, at: www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605

Another big series.

It is another big weekend here in the Northeast for those who love baseball. The Red Sox and Yankees will once again square off, this time for three games at Fenway Park. The Yankees currently lead the American League East by 6 1/2 games over the Red Sox, so if New York captures only one game they will come out of the weekend okay. As for the Red Sox they need to win this series so the can stay in first place in the wild card standings. I am sure the match ups will be intense and maybe Kevin Youkilis can throw his helmet at someone again, and the get taken down like an 80 year old Don Zimmer afterwards. One thing I am sure of is the game tonight starts at 7:05 and will probably still be on well past 11:00, for it seems when these two teams get together it takes a long time to decide a winner. So grab yourself a cold one and make sure you have plenty of snacks and enjoy the game be it on TV or radio because this is what baseball is supposed to be. Now if we could only do something about getting rid of the designated hitter in the AL life would be grand.
Be sure to check out my baseball novel, 33 Summers at: www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605 or at www.barnesandnoble.com

Oh Brett!

Well Brett Favre will be back on a football field after all this season. He decided today to sign with the Minnesota Vikings after all his posturing and I am sure Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are doing cartwheels right about now. Jackson and Rosenfels were going to battle to see who was to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings, but now the point is moot. I used to like Favre but these days he seems almost slimy. It is like he thinks he is so damn special that the world of the NFL revolves around him. I don't mind that the guy wants to continue playing just stop with the drama and the lies. If you want to retire stay retired, if you don't know tell us you don't know it is that simple, do you really need all the attention that ESPN gives you? Well one thing is for sure you are sure to take a beating in Green Bay and I'm not so sure you don't deserve it. Mr. Favre you are still one of the all time great quarterbacks, but these shenanigans have definitely tarnished your legend, so don't tell us any more lies and maybe someday we will remember you a the gunslinger you were instead of the bullslinger you have become.


You can find my new baseball novel 33 Summers at : www.amazon.com/33-Summers-Darren-Pare/dp/1608602605

Youk, Youk, Youk.

Oh my goodness what the heck was going through Kevin Youkilis' mind last night, he is lucky he didn't get his clock cleaned. Throwing his helmet like a spoiled kid was just the icing on the cake and he looked like he didn't know what to do once he got to the mound. As a Yankees fan I like many players on the Red Sox, Jason Bay, Rocco Baldelli, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, Jon Lester, and even Dustin Pedroia. But there are a special two that I don't like and they are Jonathan Papelbon and Kevin Youkilis. Papelbon to me just seems like a punk, but hell at least he is having a good time out there. Youkilis is just a sulky, whiny baby who I think really hurt his team last night. The Red Sox offense has been sputtering at best lately and Youkilis is one of the few that has been doing something, but soon he will be watching from the sidelines for his helmet toss. There is something about Youk that rubs me the wrong way. I know some would compare him to Paul O'Neill, but I think O'Neill just got mad at himself and water coolers, and it didn't hurt the team. I find that Youk lets his emotions get the better of him sometimes and that doesn't help the team. Maybe I would like him if he was a Yankee, but he isn't and I don't. The next 50 games are important for the Red Sox and their playoff hopes can they afford to be without Youkilis for foolish reasons, just remember that next time you find yourself chanting Youk at Fenway or at home.
My baseball novel, 33 Summers is available at: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608602605

Musings on Red Sox vs Yankees.

It was a good weekend for me as a Yankees fan, not so good for my brother the Red Sox fan. Now I am not going to bag on Red Sox fans, even though many of them can be loud and irritating most of the time. No I will state here for the record that I think the Red Sox will make playoffs if they do two things. Number one get another starter. Injuries have taken their toll and I don't think the Red Sox can wait until September 1st for Paul Byrd. You don't know what Byrd will have. Find a starter that can eat up some innings and give the bullpen a break. Next go get Cristian Guzman he is better than anything you guys have right now. These two little moves have been bandied about by other, I am not reinventing the wheel here, but they need to take place sooner rather than later. The Rays are on your heels and the Rangers are by your side and I don't think you can count on the usual Texas swoon to help you out. It is to the point that every game matters so Red Sox management make something happen.

A few spare thoughts about baseball.

Just a few random thoughts:

1. I find it kind of sad that John Smoltz finished his career in such a poor fashion or maybe this isn't the end maybe some other team will actually pick him up.

2. Although I will never be confused for a Red Sox fan it was nice to see Josh Beckett in the dugout, after he was out of the game, cheering on Daniel Bard.

3. Why was Robinson Cano put on waivers by the Yankees. I can't see them trading him at this point in the season so why do it. Maybe I will find an answer to this question in a day or two, but I don't think so.

4. I am writing this blog in the middle of the tenth inning of the Red Sox/Yankees game on Friday night, is it just me or is a well pitched 0-0 game in the middle of a pennant race better than a 12-10 slugfest.

Thoughts on Red Sox ,Yankees and Rays.

The four game set between the Red Sox and the Yankees this weekend is huge no doubt about it, but let us Red Sox and Yankees fans not forget about the Rays. I believe the wild card will once again come out of the AL East, my only question is which of these three teams will be sitting on the sidelines come October. The Rays go on to the Mariners in Seattle starting Friday and the fans in Boston and New York can only hope that they suffer jet lag and fall on their face on the west coast. I still think both the Red Sox and Yankees will make the playoffs, at least I think this for one more day.

Darren

My baseball novel, 33 Summers is available at: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608602605

The First Blog

Here it is my very first blog. Well let's just start with a few things about myself. I am a 38 year old, married, father of two, living in central Maine and a huge Yankees fan. I recently just had my first novel published titled, 33 Summers, and I am really excited. The novel is a fictional story about a baseball player who has all the talent in the world, but life is getting in the way of his dream. I will give out more details as we go along and if you have any questions please feel free to ask, and I will answer as quickly as possible. So there we go that is the first blog out of the way. I thank those who have supported me and purchased my book and to those who haven't yet what are you waiting for.

You can check out the book at: www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608602605