Youkilis to the Yankees? NOOOOO!!!!

When the Red Sox traded Kevin Youkilis away this last year, it was part of the bad dream that was the 2012 season for the Nation. The news coming out today makes that ordeal around Youkilis a nightmare.

Less than a year after being traded away to the White Sox, Kevin Youkilis agrees to join the New York Yankees (AKA the Original Evil Empire). The contract seems to be a one year deal worth $12 million. The motive behind the Youkilis signing is the fact that Alex Rodriguez (3rd baseman) is expected to miss part of the season due to a 2nd hip surgery. Youkilis had a off year in 2012 partially batting .235 with 19 home runs, 60 RBI's, and a on base percentage of .336.

It's very sad that another former Red Sox great is now a member of the New York Yankees. It seemed bad enough with Johnny Damon leaving for NYC after 2005. The difference here, however, is that it was ultimately Johnny's decision to leave the Red Sox for the Yankees rather than the team trading him away. While Youkilis ultimately chose to play for the Yankees, it was the Red Sox who parted ways with Kevin.

P.S. When the Yanks come to Boston, will the chants be "Yoouuuk" or "Booooo"? Seeing as he has already played in Fenway after the trade, it will be hard to tell. As for me, he might be the one Yankee I won't curse in 2013.

P.P.S. Key words are "might be."

Roma Beats Liverpool at Fenway, 2-1

It was my last night in Boston and I decided to wrap it up with one more trip to Fenway but this time not to see the Red Sox but Liverpool FC. It was Football at Fenway while the Sox were out of town and I decided it would be fun to see Soccer played in the 100 year old stadium. It was a different experience going to a Liverpool game and see John Henry's other team (lose in front of my eyes). They had managed to bring in AS Roma for a friendly and it was fun to watch.

While no goals were scored in the first half, the second had plenty. American Michael Bradley scored for Roma in the 63' and the crowd went nuts with "USA" chants. Alessandro Florenzi scored another goal for Roma a few minutes later. Liverpool would score one in the 80' but their later efforts were not enough. Roma spoils Liverpool's game in Fenway, 2-1.

A fine game for the folks of Fenway as it seemed to have split the crowd's allegiances. I didn't know what supporters were surrounding me at times. Still a good game that is meant to increase the awareness of Liverpool. A win would've been better and Liverpool needs to improve a lot in order to contend in the EPL again but it was still a nice showing against the respectable club of Roma.

P.S. I head back to the West Coast in the morning. I enjoyed every minute in Boston and the surrounding area. I got a sports craving out of the way as well as an historic craving out the way. From Lexington and Concord to Quincy and the homes of the Adams family, it was a blast. I especially loved Thing. He's too good at Rock, Paper, Scissors though.

My First Trip to Fenway

In all my years as a Red Sox fan, I had never been to Fenway Park. It's kind of hard to do that when you live on the other side of the country and the other half of you is a Giants fan. That being said, it's been a dream of mine to go to the home of the Red Sox and I can finally say that I have done that.

I attended my first game at the 100 year old Fenway Park and it was amazing. I got to see Lansdowne Street and all the shops and people there. Then I went into the park through Gate C and went out to see the Beauty of the park. It was a great view from the Bleacher section as I looked into the field and the Grandstands. It was a wonderful view from there as I got to see all of the Ballpark: Pesky's Pole, the Green Monster, the Nachos in front of me. The Fans were great too except for the Blue Jays fans.

As for the game itself, it didn't go that well. Josh Beckett was on the mound and he didn't have his best stuff. He allowed 4 runs in the first two innings of the game but settled in a bit after that. Still allowed one more run later on. Aaron Laffey of the Blue Jays just stumped us. We managed to get plenty of hits but just couldn't group them together to get some runs. Laffey just kept stranding us on base the whole night. We managed to scrap in one run in the 9th inning to avoid a shutout but the result was still the same. Blue Jays beat the Red Sox, 6-1.

Despite the loss, I still enjoyed myself as I took in the experience around me. The atmosphere was great and I got to see the Red Sox at home. What more can you ask for?... A WIN!!! Going to Fenway again tonight. GO SOX!!!