3.09.2006

8-6

That was the final score of yesterday's Canada-US game in the World Baseball Classic: Canada 8, US 6.

Adam Stern, my new favourite player, hit an inside-the-park home run. I mean, come on, the man's a Red Sox, he's Jewish, and he's Canadian! What's not to love? Stern also hit a triple and a single, plating half of Canada's runs - while batting ninth.

The score was actually much more lopsided in Canada's favour, until Jason Varitek, also of crimson hose fame, hit a grand slam.

We watched a couple of innings before our first meeting with our new dogwalker. It was the first baseball I've seen this year, and it got me really psyched.

We've found a dogwalking service in our area, for those occasions when neither of us can be home. It was a bit surreal for us - in that it was normal. For so many years, because of Buster's many special needs, employing a new dogwalker was a long, expensive and somewhat stressful process. We had an elaborate method, learned from a professional trainer, of acclimating him to a new person. And in turn, that person had to learn how to walk a dog like B. That is, a dog that wanted to kill every dog he saw. Plus there was all his medication, his special food... We always managed to make it work, but it was quite a production.

Now it's: here's Cody, here's her food, here's a key, see you later. Any trustworthy, reliable person who likes dogs can walk her. Life is easier without B. But god do I miss him.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually, Stern's greatest moment was what should be known forevermore as "The Catch" which stopped the US team's comeback in the 8th inning. Two on, two out, down by two, and what looked to be a homerun (or at least a game-tying double) was snuffed at the wall by a great effort on the part of Stern. This guy's not just a great hitter; he's a complete player (and is a key reason the Sox felt they could survive without a declining Johnny Damon).

Haven't been by much; haven't been blogging much lately - but that will change soon enough. Some time away has been good, but I do miss stopping by. :-)

laura k said...

It was a hell of a catch. I wouldn't call Stern a great hitter yet, but he's an exciting prospect, for sure.

Some time away has been good, but I do miss stopping by. :-)

We miss seeing you here. :)

James Redekop said...

Off topic:

A while ago we were talking about how the US$/CA$ exchange rate affects things up here. I got a great example today at work, at a presentation of the 2006 business plan.

80% of our expenses are in Canadian dollars, since we're located in Canada. But because we're an Internet company, 85% of our revenues are in US dollars.

This means that, if the exchange rate were to drop from US$1.18/CA$1 to US$1.17/CA$1 over 2006, it would cost us about CA$124,000 in revenue (even if nothing else changes), and our expenses would drop by CA$49,000, for an overall reduction in income of about CA$75,000.

This generally isn't a concern in the other direction -- there aren't many, if any, US-based companies with mostly Canadian customers.

allan said...

This guy's not just a great hitter; he's a complete player (and is a key reason the Sox felt they could survive without a declining Johnny Damon).

Err, no. Stern may not even make the Red Sox team. He's 26, which is old for a prospect with only 15 MLB at-bats (all from last year).

Before they traded for Coco Crisp, Boston was a bit of a laughingstock in the national media for having lost Damon (to the Yankess, of all teams) and having to possibly begin the season with Stern in center. That wasn't going to happen -- Boston was going to get somebody else -- but it still provoked chuckles from every mediot that the Sox were in disarray, clueless, dumb, etc.

Now, I wouldn't bitch if he went north as the Sox' backup outfielder (which is probably the best he can hope for at the major league level), but all he really has going for himself is speed.

It was a hell of a catch, though. Glad I saw that one live. Stupid Chase Utley (who hit it) raised his hands in a "I hit a home run" celebration right away. Sorry, Chase!!

I hope any confidence Stern gets carries over when he returns to the Sox camp.

Now, though, I want Mexico to beat Canada tonight by either 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0. If that happens (Mexico wins but scores fewer than 3 runs), the US is out of the tournament no matter what they do in their game against South Africa Friday. Canada and Mexico would advance.

Of course, the same thing would happen if Canada wins and the US loses, but it would be amazing for the US to get sent home, but have to play a meaningless game first!

laura k said...

Now, though, I want Mexico to beat Canada tonight by either 1-0, 2-1 or 2-0. If that happens (Mexico wins but scores fewer than 3 runs), the US is out of the tournament no matter what they do in their game against South Africa Friday. Canada and Mexico would advance.

Viva la Mexico!

MSS said...

Well, Mexico put a quick end to the suspense with 4 quick runs in the first en route to 9-1 smacking of the Canadian team.

So, Canada's fate rests in the hands of the amateurs from South Africa!

laura k said...

This means that, if the exchange rate were to drop from US$1.18/CA$1 to US$1.17/CA$1 over 2006, it would cost us about CA$124,000 in revenue (even if nothing else changes), and our expenses would drop by CA$49,000, for an overall reduction in income of about CA$75,000.

Ouch.

laura k said...

So, Canada's fate rests in the hands of the amateurs from South Africa!

And they were up against Roger Clemens.

laura k said...

amateurs from South Africa!

Allan told me the South African team includes 11 high schoolers. One of them was concerned that his acne medication might cause him to fail his drug test. Time for that Mercy Rule!