Friday, November 30, 2007

Por Larrañaga Petit Corona

Name: Por Larrañaga Petit Coronas
Length: 5 in (129mm)
Ring gauge: 42
Origin: Cuba
Manufactured: Hand Made
Format: Mareva
Weight: 8,46 gr.

Info:
Por Larrañaga was registered in 1834 by Ignacio Larrañaga. By the end of the 19th century, Por Larrañaga had become a well-known premium cigar brand producing both expensive and inexpensive cigars. In 1925, Por Larrañaga became the first factory to make machine-made cigars which soon resulted in a boycott by factory workers. At the time of the revolution, Por Larrañaga was the sixth largest producing Cuban brand.

Up until the 1970s, Por Larrañaga remained a respectable and popular premium cigar brand. In the 1980s production fell dramatically and due to trademark litigation in the 1990s, export of the brand was reduced to only a few countries. For some time the brand was been reduced to almost entirely machine-made or hand-finished and was mainly sold in Canada and the Middle East. Now the brand has made a bit of a comeback, with two of it's four vitolas being totally hand-made.

In 2006, Habanos produced a few thousand boxes of Por Larrañaga Lonsdales (a discontinued vitola much mourned by aficionados of the brand) for release in Germany. The cigars were packaged in 25-count dress boxes and marked with a special second band that read "Exclusivo Alemania" (Germany Exclusive).

Cigar Aficionado's December 2006 issue reviewed its first Por Larrañaga outside of its "Connoisseur's Corner". The petit corona selected scored an impressive 91.

Appearance: What a beautiful little cigar. Graced with an oily honey cinnamon hued wrapped, there was nary a blemish or vein in sight, looked like the apex of cigar construction.

Prelight: Clip was simple, and the prelight draw was free and easy. The pre light notes were sweet, cinnamon/sugar, and honey, with a smidge of earthiness as an undertone.

Burn/Draw: The burn and draw were never an issue on this cigar. The burn wandered a little tiny bit, but generally self corrected. The burn was also slow and cool, lasting about an hour and producing an appropriate volume of smoke. I never had to reach for my lighter after the initial light, which is a bit of a feat because I can be neurotic about the burn line. The draw was free and offered just a tiny bit of resistance, which kept this cigar from getting to hot. The ash was mottled and held for about an inch.

Flavors: These are very pleasant sweet little cigars. Most of the notes you experience are of the dessert variety. Thankfully the whole length of the cigar is underpinned with a lovely woody/earthy note, just a hint that keeps the cigar together and keeps it from becoming cloying. This cigar starts sweet and floral like clover honey. At about the third marker it becomes a bit more complex, with molasses and brown sugar notes. Over the final third it becomes a tiny bit more complex with dessert spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg become evident. Overall a nice Mild/Medium cigar that would make a great early day or afternoon cigar and would go nice with a mellow coffee. A nice change of pace.

TomC

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Miracle Donati Goal Saves Celtic FC Day!



UEFA Champions League – Group D
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Celtic Park Glasgow

CELTIC…2
(Jarosik 45, Donati 94)

SHAKHTAR DONETSK…1
(Brandao 4)

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc, Caldwell, Kennedy (Pressley 40), McManus, Naylor (Donati 14); McGeady, Brown, Hartley, Jarosik; Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 79), McDonald

Subs not used: Brown, Zurawski, Sno, Caddis

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-4-2) Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Chygrynskiy, Rat; Hubschman, Lewandowski, Jadson, Isinho (Yezerskiy 83); Brandao, Lucarelli

Subs not used: Shust, Duljaj, Vukic, Shevchuk, Bielik, Gladkiy

Celtic FC moved to within touching distance of a coveted place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after a stunning 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – Massimo Donati scoring a dramatic injury-time winner.

A win or a draw in next Tuesday’s final Group D match in the San Siro with AC Milan, who have already qualified, will be enough to see the Hoops progress past the group phase for the second successive season, while Celtic would also qualify if Shakhtar fail to beat Benfica.

AC Milan, who drew 1-1 against Benfica tonight, lead the group on 10 points, while Celtic sit second on nine points. Shakhtar have six, while Benfica have four.

Celtic cannot finish any lower than third, meaning European football is guaranteed after Christmas – whether it be in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Cup.

On a night of high drama, Brandao fired Shakhtar into an early lead, but Jiri Jarosik equalised for Celtic on the stroke of half-time. Chances were scarce in the second period, but Donati pounced in the last seconds to fire home a priceless winner.

However, the night was also overshadowed by injuries to Celtic defenders Lee Naylor and John Kennedy. Both were carried off, with Kennedy appearing to land awkwardly on his left leg.


(Article)

Again, Celtic proved they are unbeatable at home, and also guaranteed football in Europe after Christmas. What a wonder strike by Donati in injury time!

HAIL! HAIL!

TomC

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Laura Prepon

Laura Prepon (born March 7, 1980) is an American actress, best known for her role as Donna Pinciotti on the Fox television series That '70s Show and Hannah Daniels on the ABC television series October Road.

Prepon was born and raised in Watchung, New Jersey, the youngest of four children in a family of Jewish and Irish Catholic descent. She is 5 feet 10 inches tall. Her acting experience was limited prior to her audition for That '70's Show. Her first job was a 1995 television commercial for MCI. In 1996 she studied drama with acting teacher Caroline Thomas at Thomas' Total Theatre Lab. In September 1997, she premiered as Chloe on a Levi Strauss-developed show called They Go On, an Internet-based soap opera. Prior to being cast on That '70s Show, she also spent some time as a model in Paris, Milan, and Brazil.

She has graced the cover of Maxim twice — once with her natural red hair and once with her hair dyed blonde — and has done a TV advertisement for GAP clothing, although it was never aired. Prepon was an executive producer of Robert Hall's debut film Lightning Bug


TomC

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Celtic Score Three In Return To Action.

Scottish Premier League
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Celtic Park, Glasgow


CELTIC… 3
(Vennegoor of Hesselink 13, McGeady 27, McDonald 49)

ABERDEEN… 0

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Scott Brown

CELTIC (4-4-2)
M Brown; Caldwell, Kennedy, McManus, Naylor; McGeady, S Brown, Donati (Sno 82), Jarosik; McDonald (Zurawski 78), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 78).

Subs: McGovern, Caddis, Riordan, O’Dea.

ABERDEEN (5-4-1) Langfield; Hart, Diamond, Severin, Mair, Byrne; Smith (De Visscher 73), Nicholson, Clark (Maguire 46), Aluko; Miller (Lovell 76).

Subs: Soutar, Foster, Touzani, Considine.


Aiden McGeady, the matchwinner against Benfica last month, scored a sublime goal and truly bewildered Aberdeen as Celtic maintained their leadership of the Scottish Premier League. "Aiden was flawless and if we play like that against Shakhtar, we have a chance of winning," said Strachan.

Celtic subjected Jimmy Calderwood's side to unceasing pressure in the first half. The goalkeeper, Jamie Langfield, prevented Aberdeen from being cast adrift with a series of fine saves. When Langfield touched a low shot from Aiden McGeady wide of the post, it was a preview of the type of effort that would subsequently beat him.

Zander Diamond aided Langfield in the 13th minute by bravely blocking Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's shot at the expense of a corner, but from Scott Brown's delivery, Jiri Jarosik rose to head the ball towards goal and Vennegoor of Hesselink glanced the ball beyond Langfield.

Just two minutes later, Langfield repelled another attempt by Scott McDonald and then the keeper eclipsed that save by beating away Brown's venomous drive. Jarosik then joined the feeding frenzy by grazing the top of Langfield's crossbar with a dipping 35-yard shot.

The siege delivered a second goal for the champions in the 27th minute and it was one of beauty. McGeady, who was tormenting Richie Byrne, profited from a decoy run by McDonald and cut inside past his marker before thrashing a left-foot finish from the edge of the box that kissed the post on its way into the net.

Celtic's appetite for goals was not sated. They stretched their lead further in the 49th minute. McDonald peeled into space to gather a fine pass from Brown, after a surging run from the midfielder, and tried to round Langfield. Again the goalkeeper denied him but the ball then spilled from Langfield's grasp and McDonald pounced to drill his shot into the net.

There was no respite. Jarosik ought to have scored Celtic's fourth but somehow planted his diving header wide. Langfield then produced his best with a sublime double save from McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink.

(More Here.)

HAIL! HAIL!

TomC

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Alice's Restaurant



One of my favorite Thanksgiving Traditions growing up in Massachusetts was listening to Alice's Restaurant before dinner was served. WBCN 104.1 FM in Boston plays it every year on Turkey Day at Noon. Even though I have long since moved to Ohio, I always make time to keep up witht his tradition, its as american as Turkey and Cranberry Sauce to me:

"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" (commonly referred to simply as "Alice's Restaurant") is one of singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie's most prominent works, a musical monologue based on a true story that began on Thanksgiving Day 1965, and which inspired a 1969 movie of the same name.

The song lasts 18 minutes and 20 seconds, occupying the entire A-side of Guthrie's 1967 debut record album, titled Alice's Restaurant (Warner Reprise Records). It is notable as a satirical, first-person account of 1960s counterculture, in addition to being a hit song in its own right. The final part of the song is an encouragement for the listeners to sing along, to resist the draft, and to end war.

Guthrie's talk-song, a satirical, deadpan protest against the Vietnam War draft and widespread anti-hippie prejudice, recounts a true but comically exaggerated Thanksgiving adventure. "Alice" was restaurant-owner Alice M. Brock, who in 1964, using $2,000 supplied by her mother, bought a deconsecrated church in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, where Alice and her husband Ray would live. It was here rather than at the restaurant, which came later, where the song's Thanksgiving dinners were actually held.

On that Thanksgiving, November 25, 1965, the 18-year-old Guthrie and his friend Richard Robbins, 19, were arrested for illegally dumping some of Alice's garbage after discovering that the dump was closed for the holiday. Two days later they pleaded guilty in court before a blind judge, James E. Hannon; the song describes to ironic effect the arresting officer's frustration at the judge being unable to see the "27 8-by-10 color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us". In the end, Guthrie and Robbins were fined $50 and told to pick up their garbage. The song goes on to describe Guthrie's being called up for the draft, and the surreal bureaucracy at the New York City induction center on Whitehall Street. The punchline of the story's denouement is that because of Guthrie's criminal record for littering, he is first sent to the Group W Bench (where convicts wait) then outright rejected as unfit for military service.

The final part of the song is where Arlo tells the audience that should they find themselves facing the draft they should walk into the military psychiatrist's office and sing, "Shrink, You can get anything you want, at Alice's restaurant," and walk out. Thus is born, "the Alice's Restaurant Anti-Massacree Movement, and all you got to do to join is sing it the next time it comes around on the guitar."

"Alice's Restaurant" is regularly played on Thanksgiving by many radio stations, especially in the New York City area. It is not often otherwise aired, due to its length. The original album rose to #17 on the Billboard charts.

You can find the lyrics, here.

TomC

Monday, November 19, 2007

Red Sox Re-Sign Mike Lowell!!

Multiple news outlets -- including ESPN.com, the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe -- reported on Monday afternoon that Lowell and the Red Sox have agreed in principle on a three-year deal that is believed to be worth between $36-$38 million.

According to a Red Sox official, no announcement is expected until Tuesday at the earliest.

Lowell was the Most Valuable Player during the Red Sox's World Series sweep of the Rockies, hitting .400 (6-for-15) with a homer and four RBIs. He also had one of the strongest regular seasons of his career, hitting .324 with 21 homers and a club-leading 120 RBIs.

All along, Lowell, who turns 34 in February, wanted to stay with the Red Sox and the club wanted him back. The only sticking point seemed to be the length of the deal.

The Red Sox would only offer three years, while Lowell and his representatives were hopeful of finding a four-year deal.

It is unknown if Lowell, in fact, did receive a four-year offer on the open market.

(Article)

TomC

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Ohio State @ Michigan 2007


The Ohio State - Michigan Rivalry is the intense rivalry between the University of Michigan and The Ohio State University football teams. It has attracted particular national interest over the last four decades as most of the games have determined the Big Ten Conference title and the resulting Rose Bowl match ups, and many have influenced the outcome of the national collegiate football championship. The game was ranked by ESPN in 2000 as the greatest North American sports rivalry.

The annual matchup between the two Midwest state schools has been held at the end of the regular season since 1935. Since 1918, the game's site has alternated between Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has been played in Ohio Stadium since 1922 and Michigan Stadium since 1927.

During 1835-36, the State of Ohio and the Michigan Territory engaged in a brief and bloodless border dispute known as the Toledo War. Some have proposed that the football rivalry is a modern manifestation of this historical tension

The November 17, 2007 Game:


Jim Tressel got the best of Lloyd Carr again, maybe for the last time.

Tressel became the first Ohio State coach to beat Michigan six times in seven years, and the seventh-ranked Buckeyes' 14-3 victory Saturday over their archrival gave them consecutive outright Big Ten titles for the first time in a half-century.

The Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) are likely headed to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997. They also hold onto slim hopes of climbing back into the BCS title game, but several teams ahead of them would need to go down.

Chris Wells had a career-high 39 carries (for 222 yards and the Buckeyes 2 Touchdowns), the most by a Buckeye against Michigan, and he ran for more yards than anybody had for them in the history of the storied series.

Ohio State has claimed three Big Ten titles in a row, earning the last two alone for the first time since 1954-55.


Carmen, Ohio (The Alma Mater)

Oh come let's sing Ohio's praise
And songs to Alma Mater raise
While our hearts rebounding thrill
With joy which death alone can still
Summer's heat or winter's cold
The seasons pass the years will roll
Time and change will surely (truly) show
How firm thy friendship ... OHIO!

These jolly days of priceless worth
By far the gladdest days on earth
Soon will pass and we not know
How dearly we love Ohio
We should strive to keep thy name
Of fair repute and spotless fame
So in college halls we'll grow
And love thee better ... OHIO!

Though age may dim our mem'ry's store
We'll think of happy days of yore
True to friend and frank to foe
As sturdy sons of Ohio
If on seas of care we roll
Neath blackened sky or barren shoal
Thoughts of thee bid darkness go
Dear Alma Mater...OHIO!



Go Buckeyes!

TomC

Friday, November 16, 2007

Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Maduro Toro

6 1/2" X 50, Maduro

Appearance: This is one pretty looking stogie. Firm and slightly box pressed, with a beautiful dark maduro wrapper that practically looked chocolate coated and good enough to eat. No visible lines or flaws, very nice.

Pre-Light: Clip was easy and flawless with my Credo cutter. Pre Light draw seemed a tad loose, even for my liking, though the flavor notes were great, cocoa and a rich earthiness. This cigar begged to be lit.

Burn/Draw: The burn was spot on the whole time, relatively straight and self correcting. Never an issue, which is the way it should be. The ash was firm and pretty well mottled ranging from almost white to quite dark in certain specs. As for the draw, the looseness that I detected prelight was initially annoying. Although the draw wasn't quite where I would have liked it to be, it didn't hurt the overall experience.

Flavors: This was a pretty tasty cigar, and very much in the vein of the other Rocky Patel cigars I have had. Notes were of cocoa and coffee, with earthy undertones, and leather. It was rich and full and the tons of rich full smoke produced definitely added to the experience. Overall would like to try more and so far I recommend it.

TomC

Thursday, November 15, 2007

What's NOT In Carrie's Purse??

Hello all! I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome myself as a guest-writer to Tom's blog. This evening, as he was telling me about the blog entry that his blogging colleague, Princesse Ecossaise, had written about the contents of her purse, I sat and thought of the immensely strange things in my own leather lifeline. When he told me that he had made a post relating to it and that I should do the same, I jumped at the chance. HAHAHA here goes... a view into my world.

THE PURSE

It's not too special, no... in fact, its a Wal-Mart special. Its probably very last season, but I don't care too much. I tend to use and abuse my purses quite heartily, so as long as it fits my needs and is cost-effective, I'm all about it.

THE BASIC ESSENTIALS

Wallet with way too many cards that I never use... debit card, driver's license, membership cards, insurance cards, etc, etc... checkbook, calculator, pen, paper, and a few stray pennies that had somehow escaped my change purse.


HEALTH & BEAUTY

Yes, like the aisle in your corner supermarket. The nurse in me feels it necessary to bring along half a pharmacy everywhere I go, as evident by the 3 different pill boxes. Incidentally, they are all empty at the moment save one lonely Loratadine allergy pill, which Tom uses when his nose becomes unruly. Tom lets me carry all his junk for him (see post below regarding Tom's necessities). Gum, brush, and body spray for freshening up. And a Zippo lighter that just happens to be out of fuel at the moment...

And now for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

A spoon... don't ask, I'm not entirely sure myself. A piece of caramel candy, slightly smooshed, that's been there way too long to try to eat. Some gum wrappers. A rather vile pile of old receipts that I was sure I needed to keep at the time. And the most bizarre of all... shoe insoles (they balled up inside my shoes, forcing me to remove them and, to Tom's disdain, head for the nearest shoe store. Fear not! I got a brand new pair of shoes... with the insoles intact!)


So, during my own self-reflection I realized that I needed to clean out my purse. The insoles are gone. So men make fun of us women for carrying everything plus the kitchen sink in our pocketbooks. I say, when men decide they can start carrying their own stuff in their own purses, then we can go back to carrying our cute little cigarette-pack-sized purses. Thanks Princesse... this was fun!!!

Carrie-Poodle!

What's In My Pockets

This is a kind of response to Princesse Ecossaise's recent post regarding Inside Princesse's Bag.

In an effort to show how ridiculous girls are with stuffing crap into their purses, I present to you a picture of all I take with me when I got out:

My Wallet (which I admit is rather large)
Cellphone
Torch Lighter
Cigar Cutter (I have 3)
BIC Lighter (also known as "Carrie's Backup")
& my Keys (not shown here because she took them this morning when she couldn't find hers)

See, very simple and minimalist, all you could ever need. Any why is that all you would ever need you ask. Simple. I have a girl friend with a purse packed full of everything under the sun, so I don't have to, LOL.

TomC

Friday, November 9, 2007

San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe


Country: Cuba

Length: 4 3/8 (110 mm)
Gauge: 42
Weight: 7.46 gr.
Format: Minuto
Tobacco Procedence: Vuelta Abajo
Factory: La Corona


Info: San Cristobal de la Habana was officially launched in Havana on November 20th, 1999. It was named after the original name of Havana which dates back to the 16th century.

Before the Revolution, a brand by the name of San Cristobal de la Habana existed, and it was produced until the Revolution. However, this new brand is completely unrelated and not a resurrection of the old brand.

The brand initially launched with 4 cigars (El Morro, El Principe, La Fuerza, and La Punta). In 2004, to celebrate the brand's fifth anniversary, 3 additional cigars were produced for the V Anniversary Humidor and eventually released for public sale. These new cigars, the Officios, Mercaderes and Muralla, also feature an additional "La Casa del Habano" band as these cigars were only available at La Casa del Habano retailers.

Appearance: This was a pretty little stick, a nice even roll with no visible veins or soft spot. the oily wrapper had a decidedly cinnamon looking reddish hue to it.

Pre-Light: Clip was simple, and the pre light draw was nice and easy. The noted I picked up were black pepper and earthiness. Pretty straightforward.


Burn/Draw: The burn and draw on this cigar was a breeze. This was surprising to me because in the past I have had a myriad of issues on minuto sized cigars (namely Partagas Shorts). But this was not the case with this stogie in the slightest. It was a self correcting beauty with an nice draw that produced ample amounts of smoke. As for the ash, as shown above the ash was rather dark and mottled. It was fairly firm and held for an appropriate length. It took me about an hour to smoke this little guy.

Flavors: This was a pretty decent cigar. Started off very sweet with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. About half way through the cigar started to lose its sweetness, and regained more clasic Cuban cigar notes, with the trademark earthiness leading the way. Over the last third or so there were a plethora of woody notes and a nice burst of pepper finished it off. Overall this was a nice straightforward habano smoke that could find a spot in your humidor.

TomC

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

McGeady Strikes In Celtic Win Over Benfica!

UEFA Champions League – Group D
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…1
(McGeady 45)

BENFICA…0

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Caldwell, Kennedy, McManus, Naylor; McGeady, S.Brown (Sno 88), Hartley, Jarosik (Donati 65); Vennegoor of Hesselink (Killen 65), McDonald

Subs not used: M.Brown, O’Dea, Riordan, Zurawski

BENFICA (4-5-1) Quim; Luis Filipe, Luisao, Edcarlos, Leo; Maxi Pereira (Di Maria 61), Rui Costa (Bergessio 77), Binya, Katsouranis, Rodriguez; Cardozo (Nuno Gomes 77)

Subs not used: Butt, Zoro, Nuno Assis, Adu


AIDEN McGEADY produced a match-winning performance as Celtic kept their last 16 dreams alive with a vital UEFA Champions League victory over Benfica.

The 21-year-old topped off an outstanding individual display with the winning goal in a compelling Celtic Park showdown. The Portuguese side finished with 10 men after Augustin Binya was sent off for an x-rated challenge on Scott Brown.

In the other Group D match, AC Milan beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0. The Italians now top the table on nine points, with Celtic locked on six points with the Ukrainians. The two sides meet at Celtic Park on November 28 in what is sure to be a pivotal match.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan elected to stick with the same side that beat Kilmarnock 2-1 on Saturday. Shunsuke Nakamura was ruled out through injury, but McGeady more than made up for his absence.

Make no mistake, this was a huge match for Celtic. Beaten 1-0 by a late Benfica goal in Estadio da Luz last month, the Hoops were out for revenge and, urged on by the phenomenal Celtic fans, they knew how much was at stake.

However, it was Benfica who fashioned the first chance in seven minutes. Oscar Cardozo, who scored the winning goal in Lisbon, spun into space in the box and sent a fierce left-foot drive towards goal. Artur Boruc, springing to his right, saved superbly.

TomC

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1

(Comparison Photo With An Epi 2)

Name: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1
Vitola:
Corona Gorda
Size: 143mm (5 5/8 in)

Ring: 46

Weight: 11.41 gr.


Appearance:
This was a beautiful cigar, as I expect Hoyo's to be. No visible veins or soft spots, just a pretty light cinnamon brown wrapper, that both looked and smelled amazing. A cigar that begs to be smoked.

Pre-Light: The wrapper on this cigar was wonderfully fragrant. Notes of earthiness and sweet, pungent spices wafted to my olfactory glands. Cinnamon and nutmeg. Delicious. When I finally got around to it, the clip was easy, and the pre light draw was perfect. The same notes that I smelled in the wrapper transferred through magnificently to the palate

Burn/Draw: Like most of the Hoyos I have smoked, the construction was generally spot on. The burn wandered just a little bit at the beginning, but after a simple self correction, there was never another issue again, burning straight and even. The draw offered just a bit of resistance while still allowing more than acceptable amounts of smoke. the ash was mottled and firm.

Flavors: This was a very pleasant cigar. On the light side of medium in body and strength, it offered flavors that compliment this level of power quite nicely. It has toned down notes similar to the Epicure No. 2 (tangy tobacco and earthyness, cinnamon and peppery spice), while adding some light floral notes playing around on top. This cigar was also sweeter, with earthy molasses notes playing out. This is a great counterpoint to the Epi 2 (probably my favorite Habano to date) and a great addition to the Hoyo line. Recommended for those who like their Hoyos with a more ethereal quality.

TomC

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Sox Retain Tavarez/Wakefield, More Free Agents File

The Boston Red Sox today exercised the 2008 contract options on righthanded pitchers Julian Tavarez and Tim Wakefield.

In addition, Boston has acquired outfielder Sean Danielson from St. Louis to complete the trade that sent righthanded pitcher Joel Pineiro from the Red Sox to the Cardinals on July 31.

The announcements were made by Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein.

Tavarez was 7-11 with a 5.15 earned run average in 34 games/23 starts for the Red Sox in 2007, his second season with the club. The righthander was 6-11, 5.22 in 23 starts and 1-0, 4.50 in 11 relief appearances. His 77 strikeouts were the second most of his career. Tavarez is 84-70, 4.42 in 734 career major league appearances.

Wakefield posted a 17-12 record and a 4.76 earned run average in 31 starts this season. He ranked second on the staff and eighth in the American League in victories, matching his career best, and was third on the club with 189.0 innings and 110 strikeouts. The righthander earned a decision in each of his first 26 starts, the longest such streak by a Red Sox pitcher since 1929 and was 4-1, 2.45 in August to earn team player of the month honors.

Wakefield is 168-146 in 511 career major league games and ranks second on Boston's all-time list with 474 appearances and 337 starts. He was limited to one post-season start due to inflammation behind his right shoulder.

Danielson combined to hit .296 with four homers, 36 RBI, and 19 stolen bases in 103 games with Single-A Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield in the Cardinals organization. After beginning the year with a .355 average in 12 games at Palm Beach, the switch-hitter spent the rest of the season in the Texas League, batting .291 in 91 games. Danielson has a career .283 batting average with 61 stolen bases in 263 games in his three seasons in the St. Louis system. He led all Cardinal minor leaguers with a .407 on-base percentage and ranked second with a .342 batting average in his pro debut in 2005.

Danielson has been assigned to the Double-A Portland roster.

The Red Sox also announced that catcher Kevin Cash has elected free agency after declining an outright assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Cash batted .111 with four RBI in 12 games with the Red Sox in 2007.

More Info

TomC

McDonald Strikes Twice In Hoops Win!



Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Rugby Park, Kilmarnock


KILMARNOCK…1
(Wright 55)


CELTIC…2
(McDonald 34, 36)

KILMARNOCK (4-4-2) Combe; O’Leary, Hay, Wright, Ford (Jarvis 88); Fowler, Invincibile, Hamill (Locke 46), Gibson (Bryson 46); Wales, Nish

Subs not used: Harpur, Dodds, Clancy, Taouil

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Caldwell, Kennedy, McManus, Naylor; Jarosik, S.Brown, Hartley, McGeady; McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink

Subs not used: M.Brown, O’Dea, O’Brien, Sno, Killen, Riordan, Donati



Scott McDonald grabbed a clinical double as Celtic warmed up for Tuesday’s vital UEFA Champions League match against Benfica by beating Kilmarnock 2-1.

The SPL leaders maintained their position at the top of the table as the on-form Australian continued his prolific scoring run with two first-half goals.

McDonald has now scored 10 goals in 10 league games – an impressive record in his first few months as a Celt.

And what a goals they were. Paul Hartley dinked a pass on to the head of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who played in McDonald. Faced with Simon Ford, the Aussie twisted into space and curled a sublime finish into the bottom corner.

It was a stunning strike, but McDonald wouldn’t have to wait long for his second. Barely two minutes later, McGeady burst free on the right and delivered an inch-perfect cross to the front post.

McDonald, showing superb sharpness, eluded his markers and glanced a header home from four yards to leave the Hoops 2-0 up at half-time.

Yet, Killie were looking far more dangerous and they pulled a goal back just 10 minutes after the restart. Locke floated a free-kick into the penalty box and Frazer Wright climbed above the Hoops defence to nod home. Thankfully that was the end of the scoring.

HAIL! HAIL!

TomC