Celtics: As good as the Celtics looked against the Bulls, they looked equally awful against the Pacers. I’m going to chalk this one up to fatigue and assume it won’t happen again any time soon *knocking on wood*. Speaking of the Bulls, could Tyrus Thomas be any more of an overrated tool? I know he and Baby are BFF and all, but I’ve never liked his attitude. I don’t like that attitude on anyone, but if you’re going to have that attitude, you better be able to back it up with great play — and he doesn’t.

NBA: Allen Iverson to the Pistons? Billups to Denver? I did not see that coming. I will have to visit my favorite Pistons blogs to see how that news is going over.

Patriots: I couldn’t watch. Based on all the post-game analysis I’ve listened to today, I’m glad I didn’t. *sigh* Also, there is just something that still frosts my cookies every time Adam V. (too lazy to Google the last name for correct spelling) kicks a game winner against the Pats. Grrrr.

Manny: Latest from the worldwide leader has spawn-of-Satan uber-agent Scott Boras sitting down with the Dodgers to haggle over Mannywood’s services. I’m still crossing my fingers for the Yankees. Something about putting Manny and A-Rod together into the utlimate haterade sandwich would just make my life complete.

• When did I turn 80 years old? I was all pumped up to watch the Laker game last night and ended up falling asleep instead. Blah.
• I’m annoyed that the smelly Rays won last night. I wanted the Phillies to sweep. I don’t have any actual affinity for the Phillies, I just hate the Rays.
• Was I smoking crack Monday night or did the Patriots really demolish the Broncos? I was shocked and awed by the whole thing. I know the Broncos defense sucks, but Cutler is usually an offensive juggernaut. Yay for the win either way. I’ll take them any way I can get them.
• Does it really matter where Tom Brady gets his poor mangled up knee worked on? Also, I love it when ESPN reports on a story for two days and then has to report on how the report is being denied. It’s good times.

• I’m excited for the first Celtics game of the season. It’ll be awesome to see the new banner and the guys get their rings. I just hope they don’t lose their focus because of it (like the Heat did against the Bulls the season following their championship run).
• Rumors are that the Dodgers are planning to offer Mannywood a 2-year 27.5 million dollar contract. He wanted a 4-5 year contract so I imagine in order for this to work, they’ll have to meet him halfway at 3. If that happens and he stays in LA, I will be bummed. I was really hoping he would sign with the Yankees so I could spend the next few years booing him heartily and shaking my fist at the TV.
• Just heard about Isiah Thomas. If the story is true, I feel honestly sad for the guy. Somehow though, I feel like it’s going to end up being like T.O. where his publicist is going to come out and tell us how many millions of reasons Isiah has to live.

Blah. I hate that line. But really, what is there left to say? I think the Red Sox did a great job this year. They exceeded my expectations. Another world series would’ve been greedy probably, but I had high hopes after they dodged the Game 5 bullet. I wish I had something more eloquent to say on the subject, but that’s about it. My only solace is that the they went further than Manny’s Dodgers. That’s petty, right? Oh well.

Just when I think Manny has sunk as low as he can sink in my eyes, he goes and tops himself. Following the Dodgers getting bounced out of the playoffs, Manny answers inquiries about his future:

“I want to thank the fans for their great support. I think it was a great trade.”

“I’m not talking, guys. I said all I had to say yesterday. I’ll send you guys a Christmas card.”

“I just want to go home and spend some time with my family. I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I.”

Sweet baby jesus. Gas is up and so am I? Really Manny? Really?

Blah, whatever. I pity the fans of whatever team he ends up with. They have no idea how quickly Manny will become Manny and turn into a lazy sack of turnips.

Man. Beating LA. It just never gets old. 

Oh and Manny, tsk tsk on torturing poor long-suffering Cubs fans. Shame on you!

The football gods decided to take a huge crap on me this year. First, Tom Brady goes down and my beloved Patriots lose to the lowly sack-of-crap Miami Dolphins… Then, Oregon State rounds up my Trojans and makes them their bitch. Total bummer.

In MLB news, I hear the Dodgers won their division thanks to Manny. What-ever. That Colin Cowherd teaser about Manny on ESPN Radio makes me groan every time. He yammers some nonsense about Manny never being a Boston type of guy (well, that’s true), but how he’s totally perfect for LA because he’s a free spirit and has a unique style - blah blah blah. That’s total horseshrimp. Manny is in LA because of a trade, not because he was destined to be there. If he could’ve chosen his home, I’m sure it would’ve been with the Yankees… and I’m sure then Colin would’ve been waxing philosophically about what a NY guy he is and how great he fits in the pinstripes.

I feel a lot poorer than I did yesterday. Celtics tix went on sale at 10:00am this morning and I went at it with both barrels and two credit cards. I only managed to score 4 tix though. I could’ve gotten a few more, but I wasn’t exactly jazzed about paying $150 to see them play the Timberwolves or Bucks. The tix that I did get were 2 for the Magic game on Dec. 1 and 2 for the Heat game on Apr. 10. Hello Florida. I wasn’t surprised that the Lakers and Cavs tix in my price range went so quick, but I was surprised that I couldn’t get the Bulls or the Suns. Oh well, I’m happy I got something. Bring on the season!

ps. What the fk is a “convenience charge” and why is it so much? Jessy h. christ on a cracker!

I just listened to the Curt Schilling radio interview where he blasts SPEAKS THE TRUTH about former teammate, Manny Ramirez. It is truly spectacular. I read about it at WickedPissaDude.com, but hadn’t had a chance to check it out. I was reminded about it this morning, because I’m watching First Take on ESPN and it was a topic that Skip Bayliss and Rob Parker were batting around. Rob Parker always takes the anti-Boston side of any argument, so I wasn’t surprised that his take was that Schill should shut his piehole. Skip said he thought it was great that Curt was speaking out, since he’s nothing if not brutally honest. As a Red Sox fan, I love hearing the first person account of the carnival that was Manny. Everything we already knew about Manny in the clubhouse was confirmed. He was a shitty teammate who got away with murder because he was a great player. Skip compared him to Barry Bonds (minus the roids) and I don’t think that’s a bad comparison.

That being said, I miss Manny and that’s why I’ve had such a hard time letting go of him. I miss the entertainment he provided even if it drove me batshrimp crazy. It’s like having an annoying little brother who drives you completely nuts and then he goes off to summer camp and you suddenly miss having someone to yell at.

Sumbitch. 14 innings? Seriously? I knew we were toast. The bullpen is just not dependable this season. I love them, so it pains me to say it, but they kind of suck monkeynuts. Well not all the time. That’s almost worse though… you just never know when they’re going to come through. At least with that godawful chokemaster, Gagne, you knew what the outcome would be. Another thing that fries my tofu, is that I had to get up this morning and see Manny highlights on ESPN — hitting game winning homers for the LA fracking (I’m over frack. Frack is dead. Long live fk.) fking Dodgers. Bastard. Yes, I’m still bitter. I think I shall dress up as Manny for Halloween. I’m sure I can order the hat w/the dreads sewn into them from MLB.com store or whatever. I will dress up as Manny Ramirez for Halloween………………………… and punch myself in the face.

I’m scared that the most interesting thing about the Red Sox was Manny Ramirez because since he left, I find myself with absolutely nothing to write about. Jason Bay is great. He’s another consistent lunch pail guy with a fantastic work ethic. Christ, what am I supposed to do with that? Schilling used to provide some nice material once-upon-a-time, but he’s gone now too for all intents and purposes. *sigh* I suppose Manny being on another team doesn’t mean I can’t still talk about him, right? So, I decided to see what he’s been up to and Google Newsed him. I was not disappointed. The first article comes up is from the LA Times and is called, “Manny Ramirez’s mixed-fashion sense fits in L.A.” and the subheading is, “Dreadlocks. A suit. Shades. Expect the unexpected from the newly minted Dodger.” Cod damn it, that’s fracking fabulous! Seriously. Manny must be happy as a pig in shit right now. He’s the toast of the town. The center of the universe. King fracking tut… and apparently, a fashion trend setter. Here’s my favorite line from the article:

“From the length of his hair to the number he wears (99), he knows the impact every stylish detail can have.”

You just can’t make this shit up.

Ok, let’s just face facts here. I’m a delinquent blogger. I think I’ll blog a lot more when the NFL and NBA start up again. Every time I even think about blogging these days its to bitch about Manny Ramirez. I think he’s clearly occupied enough real estate on my blog already. I spend a lot more time on the internet on my phone these days too. Twitter and Facebook are particularly easy to update from my Sidekick. Maybe I’ll see if Wordpress has a plugin to make it easier to update from my phone.

Anyway, enough about my dereliction of duties… Paul THE TRUTH Pierce is co-hosting with Greeny on Mike & Mike this morning. It’s like I died and went to heaven and Christmas morning all rolled into one. An entire episode devoted to talking about my beloved Celtics and their championship. Even Donnie Wahlberg called in. Good times, good times. I’m tired because I stayed up until after 1am watching the Wms Gymnastics All-Around competition. Congrats to Nastia and Shawn, but I’m exhausted. Oh and a shelf collapsed in my kitchen around 3am and scared the bejesus out of me and my dogs. My boston terrier was completely traumatized, so I had to console her for a half hour before going back to bed. Aye yay yay.