Bay Watch: Bay Will Test Free Agent Market

Bay Watch

When the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. tonight, the phone of Joe Urbon, Jason Bay’s agent, will probably be ringing off the hook.

According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, Bay has turned the intial offer of 4 years, almost $60 million and will test the market. Urbon didn’t rule out anything but said a deal won’t happen today.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said that Bay is still a priority for the club and doesn’t blame Bay for testing the waters.

If Bay does decide to sign with another team, the Red Sox will receive two draft choices since he’s a Type A free agent.

Stay tuned folks, the hot stove is warming up and will be at a full burn come 12:01 a.m. tonight.

Bay declines Boston’s initial offer, heading to full free agency [SI.com]

David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic Online Auction Features a Host of Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic

Auction Will Benefit the David Ortiz Children’s Fund

BOSTON, MA  November 16, 2009 –  Can’t make it to Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic for the 2nd Annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic this year?  You can still help David Ortiz raise funds for children in need by participating in the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic Online Auction.  From two tickets to the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park with an overnight stay at the Four Seasons Boston to tickets to the Red Sox Home Opener versus the New York Yankees, there is something certain to please everyone.

The online auction is found at www.davidortizcelebritygolfclassic.com.  The site goes live on Monday, November 16, 2009 and will continue throughFriday, December 4, 2009.

The auction benefits the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, providing children in New England and the Dominican Republic access to the pediatric critical care they need to live full and productive lives.

Perfect for holiday gifts, some of the highlights of the 2009 auction include:

  • NHL Winter Classic Experience – You and a friend will stay for two nights at the Four Seasons Boston and take in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on January 1, 2010.  This sold-out event features the Boston Bruins taking on the Philadelphia Flyers.  Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
  • Costa Rican Vacation – Been dreaming of getting away to someplace warm?  You and a friend can take off to Costa Rica with two tickets on JetBlue Airways and a four night stay at
  • Conan O’Brien Show Taping – Conan O’Brien has successfully taken over the late-night airways, taking the helm of the Tonight Show and you can be there in person.  You and a friend will fly JetBlue to Los Angeles and attend a taping of the Tonight Show plus dinner at trendy Asia De Cuba where “Asian meets Latin”.
  • Tickets for the Red Sox Home Opener – The rivalry begins anew.  The Boston Red Sox will open the 2010 season at Fenway against the New York Yankees! You and a friend will be there – in premium seats – as the season begins and enjoy dinner before the game.
  • Ultimate Dominican Getaway – Can’t make it to Cap Cana for the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic.  No worries. You and three of your friends can win a five night stay at the Sanctuary Cap Cana including two rounds of golf at the Punta Espada Golf Course – the site of the 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic.
  • Jonas Brothers’ Signed Jersey –  Know a fan of the Jonas Brothers?  The perfect holiday gift would be a New York Yankees team jersey, signed by all of the Jonas Brothers!
  • Throw the First Pitch at Fenway Park –  Think you have what it takes to throw one across home plate at Fenway Park?  Prove it as you win an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game at Fenway Park along with four tickets to the game.
  • Vacation Like Royalty in Mustique – Mustique is unquestionably one of the most exclusive islands in the world.  You can win a six night stay in a private 3-bedroom house on this island in the Southern Caribbean, complete with a chef and a butler.
  • Follow the Sox to Spring Training – Can’t wait until the season opener at Fenway Park?  You and a friend will fly JetBlue to Florida to see the Red Sox in two Spring Training games.
  • Party with David Ortiz at Big Papi’s Grille – Surprise that young Red Sox fan with a birthday party to remember!  David Ortiz will host a children’s party for ten at Big Papi’s Grille in Framingham.  The party will take place in Table 34, David’s special room at the restaurant.
  • Autographed Gibson Guitar – This unique guitar is already signed by the Jonas Brothers and will be autographed by David Ortiz and other participants at the Celebrity Golf Classic as well as some very special celebrities!
  • Backstage passes to Dane Cook – Sit front row at the Dane Cook stand up show on New Years’ Eve in Boston then get to go backstage and meet the man that made your sides hurt!
  • Tour of the Callaway Performance Center and a set of Custom Clubs – Never again will you blame your questionable golf game on your clubs.  One lucky winner will have a private tour of the Callaway Performance Center just north of San Diego, CA before being fitted for a custom set of Callaway Clubs.

The inaugural David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic in 2008 netted more than $300,000.  At the tournament, David was joined by MLB players Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Martinez, Red Sox teammates Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz and sports legends Jim Rice, John Havlicek and Bobby Orr.

At the 2009 Celebrity Golf Classic, David expects to be joined by a host of celebrities and MLB players, including Torii Hunter, Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, and Vladimir Guerrero as well as Red Sox teammates Clay Buchholz, Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, and manager Terry Francona, among others.

The annual event is held at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, one of the most spectacular resort communities in the world. Guests will stay at the five-star luxury Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, overlooking the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea.  The tournament itself will take place at the Jack Nicklaus-design and signature golf course, Punta Espada.

About the David Ortiz Children’s Fund

The David Ortiz Children’s Fund  (DOCF) is committed to helping children in New England and the Dominican Republic  that do not have access to the critical pediatric services they need. The DOCF is proud to partner with Massachusetts General Hospital to fulfill its mission in New England and with Heart Care Dominicana and International Hospital to fulfill its mission in the Dominican Republic. These organizations are committed to healing as many children as possible by providing critical pediatric healthcare. Working together, these organizations are increasing the number of children that will receive lifesaving services.  For more information on the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, please visit http://www.davidortizchildrensfund.org/.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 11/19

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

UConn Football links

It’s Good For Discussion On The Net Now But The Reality Is… [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Easley goes from walk-on to big-play guy [Big East Blog – ESPN.com]

What to watch in the Big East, Week 12 [Big East Blog – ESPN.com]

Big East picks, Week 12 [Big East Blog – ESPN.com]

Case continued for Jasper Howard case suspect [Connecticut Post]

Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen Will Test Huskies [Hartford Courant]

What Does Playing ND Mean To You? Some Answers [Hartford Courant]

Frazer returns to South Bend for the Huskies [The Republican-American]

Armando Allen takes personal memories of deceased friend to Connecticut game [Chicago Tribune]

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Moore, Charles & Hayes Named To Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List

Maya Moore (L), Tina Charles (C), Tiffany Hayes (R) - Hartford Courant Photos

The Atlanta Tip-off Club released it’s initial list of women’s college basketball players for the 2010 Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List and we find three members of the UConn Huskies women’s team on it.

Reigning Naismith winner Maya Moore, senior center Tina Charles and sophomore guard Tiffany Hayes were all selected.

The watch list is based on player performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2009-10 college basketball season. The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T will be awarded at the 2010 NCAA Women’s Final Four in San Antonio, TX.

Moore is the 6th women’s basketball player to win a Naismith Trophy in high school and in college. The others are UConn’s Diana Taurasi (2000 in high school; and both 2003 and 2004 in college), Tennessee’s Tamika Catchings (1997, 1998; 2000), Candace Parker (2003 and 2004; 2008) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1995; 1998 and 1999) and USC’s Lisa Leslie (1990; 1994).

The full list coming up after the jump.

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Scioscia, Tracy Named AL & NL Managers of the Year

Mike Scioscia (L) - Getty Images, Jim Tracy (R) - AP Photo

The Baseball Writer’s Association of America Awards continued on Wednesday and next up was the American League and National League Managers of the Year.

The BWAA named Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim skipper Mike Scioscia as their AL Manager of the Year while choosing Colorado Rockies manager Jim Tracey as their NL Manager of the Year.

It’s the second manager of the year award for Scioscia who also won it in 2002  after leading the Angels to a World Series crown. Scioscia had to deal with the tragic death of pitcher Nick Adenhart but was able to rally his team to a 97-65 record. The Angels ended up losing to the Yankees in the ALCS.

Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle, who was canned after the Rox got out to an 18-28 start. All Tracey did was lead them to a 74-42 record and the NL Wild Card. After winning the award on Wednesday, Tracy got himself a little job security with a new three year contract.

AL Manager of the Year NL Manager of the Year
Manager 1st 2nd 3rd Points Manager 1st 2nd 3rd Points
Mike Scioscia, LAA 15 10 1 106 Jim Tracy, COL 29 2 151
Ron Gardenhire, MIN 6 12 6 72 Tony La Russa, STL 2 13 6 55
Joe Girardi, NYY 4 3 5 34 Joe Torre, LAD 1 7 7 33
D. Wakamatsu, SEA 2 2 3 19 Bruce Bochy, SF -0 5 3 18
R. Washington, TEX 1 1 11 19 Bobby Cox, ATL 3 6 15
Jim Leyland, DET 2 2 Charlie Manuel, PHI 2 4 10
Fredi Gonzalez, FLA 4 4
Bud Black, SD 2 2

Here is the rest of the schedule of the awards:

  • Thu, November 19 – NL Cy Young
  • Mon, November 23 – AL MVP
  • Tue, November 24 – NL MVP

UConn-USF Gametime Set For December 5th

South Florida Bulls @ UConn Huskies

The Big East Conference and ESPN announced on Wednesday that the game between the South Florida Bulls and UConn Huskies on December 5th will start at 8 p.m. and be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

It could be a meaningful game for the Huskies if they can pull out wins in their next two games before facing the Bulls. The first test will be this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. when they are in South Bend, IN to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Aloha Also Means Goodbye Georgie Boy

Tim Wakefield #49 (R) of the Boston Red Sox celebrates with catcher George Kottaras #16 after defeating the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum April 15, 2009 in Oakland, California. All Major League Baseball players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson day.

With Victor Martinez being able to catch Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek back for what’s likely his final season in a Boston Red Sox uniform, George Kottaras temporarily found himself out of a job on Wednesday.

According to Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the Red Sox put Kottaras on release waivers. He was picked on Wednesday afternoon by the Milwaukee Brewers, who placed a claim.

M

Kottaras won the right to catch Wakefield during spring training beating out Josh Bard. Kottaras was a vital reason why Wakefield went to the All-Star Game last season. He caught 18 of Wake’s 21 starts while VMart caught his final three of the 2009 season.

He appeared in 45 games during his rookie year, hitting .237 with one home run and ten RBIs.

How Far Have The Irish Fallen?

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Logo in 1988Just how far have the once mighty Notre Dame Fighting Irish fallen on the gridiron.

When UConn Huskies sophomore running back  Jordan Todman was told the Irish last won a title in football in 1988, all he could say was this:

“I wasn’t even born yet”

For the record, Todman was born on February 24, 1990.

Quote courtesy of John Silver of the Journal Inquirer.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 11/18

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

I apologize for the late roundup today. Sometimes real life gets in the way. Anyways on to the links for the day.

UConn Football links

Huskies prepare for the 10th game on the schedule (against some school in Indiana) [Chip Malafronte – New Haven Register]

Depth Chart Changes [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Edsall Trying To Keep ND Game In Perspective For Team [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Video View: Randy Edsall Talks Notre Dame [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Thoughts From Zach On His Grandmother And Other Notes [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Things To Do If You’re Making The Trip To ND This Weekend [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

A Report Out Of South Bend Just For You [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Who To Contact About A JH Plaque Or Bust? [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Is Staff Practicing What It Preaches? [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Could UConn Add MWC, Pac-10, Etc., To Sked? [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Should UConn Change Strategy In Secondary? [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]

Big East stock report [Big East Blog – ESPN.com]

UConn’s Frazer takes on former Irish mates [Big East Blog – ESPN.com]

Tuesday presser– What is mystique? [John Silver – Journal Inquirer]

Tuesday’s with Randy [Neill Ostrout – Connecticut Post]

The Zach Frazer chronicles [Neill Ostrout – Connecticut Post]

Wake Up With Quotes From UConn’s Scott Lutrus [Thoughts From a Fat White Guy]

Frazer gets his chance against Irish [Connecticut Post]

Edsall’s task: Preparing UConn for Notre Dame, not 100-plus years of tradition [Connecticut Post]

After Prolonged Rest, Huskies Hungry For Irish [Hartford Courant]

Some Minor Discussion Of UConn-Notre Dame Future [Hartford Courant]

Frazer Needs To Stay A Kid At Heart At ND [Hartford Courant]

QB Frazer going back as the enemy [New Haven Register]

In Edsall-Weis tale of the tape, edge goes to UConn coach [The Day]

Frazer goes back to where he started [The Day]

Notre Dame: It’s just another game for UConn football team [The Republican-American]

New offer for Palm Harbor University OL [St. Petersburg Times]

Notre Dame coach keeps focus on next opponent [News-Sentinel]

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