Photo by Kelly O’Connor
Hello everyone! It’s the final day of 2012! I know you all are busy setting up a party celebrating the end of the year, so I’ll get straight to the links post. Also, don’t forget the chips & dip. Very important.
- The dumpster fire known as the 2012 Red Sox wasn’t fun. Geez, even Marlon Byrd happened. Looking back, though, it could’ve turned out better. Hindsight’s always 20/20. (How it all went wrong)
- It’s been nearly a month since Mike Napoli‘s contract was agreed on – and now it’s heavily in doubt. However, Cherington reaffirms that it’s very important to resolve the issue. Like it ever wasn’t… (Mike Napoli remains a priority for Red Sox)
- Bluffing? Of course we want Adam LaRoche! I mean, why wouldn’t we! …yeah, we’re never playing poker together. (Red Sox probably aren’t serious about Adam LaRoche)
- Felix Doubront exploded out of the gates in 2012 – but crashed and burned at the end. Expectations for 2013? Not even Sherlock Holmes could solve that riddle. (Felix Doubront: Mystery Man)
- Joel Hanrahan had a walk problem last year, and it’s something to keep an eye on. Here’s the Pirates’ pitching coach on how he would’ve kept Hanrahan from handing out free passes to hitters like party favors. (Pittsburgh pitching coach explains Hanrahan’s walk problem)
- Before we move forward, we must also look back. 37 years ago, baseball was changed forever. For better or worse? Well, that depends on what team you cheer for. (This Week In Transactions History: Messersmith-McNally Decision)
- As writers & bloggers, all of us here at Fire Brand strive to be great in what we do. But there are those that, no matter what, always hit rock bottom. (The Year In Worst: Baseball Writing)
We all thought the Mayan Apocalypse was a hoax and it was over and done with. We were wrong. So very, very wrong.