Aviary Up!

FenwayNation spoke with ex-Red Sox hero Kevin Millar yesterday at the Orioles opening day workouts at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. Just prior to a camera shoot for his new Orioles life, Millar spoke with us about the fairy-tale 2004 season. After we recalled his mythic at-bat against Mariano Rivera in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS, the oft-maligned free spirit smiled and simply said, "Thank you....that was a heck of a year, wasn't it?".

It was quite a different scenario for Millar, who worked out with the "second flock" of Birds on the minor league field—while starters like Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora, Brain Roberts and Javy Lopez toiled on the main field in front of a smattering of Baltimore fans. Not unlike the situation at Camden Yards, the most vocal onlookers were Red Sox sympathizers—hooting their adulation for the guy who personified the Cowboy Up culture. Can anyone ever forget his pre-Game 4 hi-jinks, predicting a 4-game sweep in the '04 ALCS?

It was a little sad seeing him accepting the fate of part-time player on this rather anemic Oriole roster. With Javy Lopez reportedly refusing a DH role, and Ramon Hernandez ensconced behind the plate, Millar is unlikely to see very much playing time. His only shot seems to be a red hot Spring that will convince new skipper Sam Perlozzo that his bat can't be kept out of the line-up. Don't count on it. As he signed autographs, for a moment, he was the swashbuckler of Fenway once again. At least for a little while.

"Spinning" Out The Empire

The Lowell Spinners (Single A Affiliate Of the Boston Red Sox) have offered Little League organizations around New England the deal of a lifetime. Namely, get rid of your Yankee teams and we'll PAY you for replacement uniforms emblazoned with "Spinners". In addition, participating teams will get to play at Lowell's Edward LeLacheur Park prior to a Spinners game this Summer. So far, three Massachusetts towns have agreed (Tewksbury, Methuen, and Chelmsford). The real question is: Why hasn't EVERY town jumped at the chance? How much of a no-brainer is this?

For those of you who have experienced the anguish of a son or daughter who has been assigned to the Evil Ones (as your humble scribe has), you know how important this effort is. This isn't just a trivial little PR move by the Spinners; this is a noble battle for the soul of a region. If you have a child of Little League age, I urge you to contact your local organization TODAY and make them "purge the pinstripes". In the name of Pudge, Spaceman and Tek--JUST DO IT!

Don't Ruin Our Summah!!!!!

They almost had me back, the NOG did. Then, like some zombie from a bad George Romero movie, the MANNY TRADE is back. Theo, what are you thinking? Don't let the bean counters upstairs sell you on cutting loose the most prolific pure hitter we've had since Ted Williams. The remaining three years of Manny only average out to around 17.5 mil. Who are you going to get that will provide that kind of guaranteed production for 17.5 mil these days? Chone Figgins?

Even with Manny, our 2006 offense is a bit thin. Only three or four guys have "plus" HR power (Manny, Papi, Tek--and maybe Lowell). Subtract Manny and you're looking at Bulimia City. Our pitching would have to be a heck of a lot better to make the post-season with a Manny-less offense. So, if this little dalliance with the "Greater Southern California" Angels is just another signal to Manny that you tried to deal him, then fine. If you're serious, then a pox on all of your houses. Even you, Theo!