Buckner Filter
Chemists have a sense of humor, although it is a bit cruel. Today in my chemistry class, we were working on a lab, the biggest lab of the year. We have to identify an unknown substance, and so far I am convinced that it is crack. Today, we were doing gravimetric analysis (I still don’t know what that is) and we had to filter out our precipitate (the thing that went to the bottom of the beaker after the reaction) and we used a ‘Buckner Filter’.
When my teacher first described the procedure, my friend Kathleen (another Red Sox fan) and I looked at each other when we heard ‘Buckner’. A little while later, I let out a small laugh during the procedure.
Me: ‘Ha, that’s clever. Buckner filter. Because things go right through filters. Just like that ball went right through Buckner’s legs’.
Kathleen: ‘It looks like chemists actually have a small sense of humor. Although, this one could have either been a bitter Cubs fan or a Yankee fan’.
I don’t know if this is actually named after Bill Buckner, but when you think of the similarities, it’s almost undoubtedly named after him.
Motivation by Failure
It is becoming more evident that blogging is becoming a significant new sphere to bring news and opinions to an audience. This is how Curt Schilling announced his retirement– on his blog, ’38 Pitches’.
Believe me, I am not surprised that he retired. In fact, I thought that he would retire after the 2007 season. That look on his face when he was leaving Game 2, and then when he tipped his cap– I knew (or at least, I thought) that would be his last pitch.
We all know how incredible Schilling was, and he will mainly be remembered for his outstanding performances in the postseason. He went 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA in 19 starts during the postseason.
One of the most interesting things to me about Schilling is the fact that he is motivated by his intense fear of failure. I don’t know if I could be motivated by a fear of failure, I think it would make me too anxious. I mean, I fear failing chemistry but if I think about that too much than I perform poorly on the tests. So I think that it is really admirable that Schilling can be motivated by his fear of failure.
I know that everyone is probably pretty tired of the ‘Bloody Sock Story’, but I am still pretty impressed that Schilling had surgery on his ankle only two days before one of the most important games in Red Sox history.
I am really going to miss Curt’s presence, and I hope that he will return someday as some sort of coach for the Red Sox.
Saturday’s Game
Although my bag was completely soaked, I was still able to pry apart the wet pages of my legal pad to take notes on the game– from behind the dugout.
Our seats were great to begin with anyway, but since so many people had left already, how could I deny myself the opportunity to sit right behind the dugout? I was very well behaved too, I wasn’t obnoxiously yelling at the players.
I was able to refresh everyone’s memory about who exactly Michael Bowden was, then I went on to describing some of my dear projects. Then, one of the guys behind me asked,
‘So you seem pretty knowledgeable, what are your opinions on how the Red Sox will matchup against the Yankees this year?’
I gave him a concise (yet still thorough) breakdown on how I thought we matched up. Pretty evenly if I do say so myself. After I finished talking he said, ‘Alright! Let’s go to Vegas!’.
I bet a lot of people at the game were disappointed with the fact that Jason Bay was the only regular starter playing. But I wasn’t. I have come to love the minor leaguers with their work ethics, and their willingness to sign autographs.
Michael Bowden looked amazing, definitely his best outing of the Spring. He was exhibiting great command and has a great fastball and a beautiful changeup. I cannot wait to see more of him in the Majors. I am thinking the Justin Masterson process: Come up a few times during the year, and then stay with us during September.
Junichi Tazawa (this is for you Jacobyluvr!) continued to show some great form, and a fast delivery. It is incredible how quickly he is assimilating to the big change between Japan and America. He doesn’t seem to be struggling, and I think that the Red Sox are going to want to hang on to him. He is already pitching at a Major League level so can you imagine how he will be after a year of extra work in the minors? It’s very important not to move too fast, we learned that lesson with Clay Buchholz last year.
Overall, this game was all about the defense. George Kottaras is stepping up to the plate (or rather behind). He has a great throw down to second, and that is becoming increasingly important in what we want in catchers. I think that the Red Sox are looking more for a defensively sound catcher than an offensively sound catcher right now.
The
outfield, which consisted of Jason Bay, Brad Wilkerson, and Jeff Bailey all showed off some great arms. A lot of the time, I think that defense is underrated because as of late, everything has been measured on lots and lots of hitting. We have to remember that it is important.
outfield, which consisted of Jason Bay, Brad Wilkerson, and Jeff Bailey all showed off some great arms. A lot of the time, I think that defense is underrated because as of late, everything has been measured on lots and lots of hitting. We have to remember that it is important.
I have to say, Anibal Sanchez (the starting pitcher for the Marlins) looked great. He had a no hitter for five innings until my project, Nick Green, broke it with a single. Unfortunately I was unable to stay for the whole game. We had to meet my grandparents for dinner, and I didn’t really want to persist seeing that my mother agreed to go to the game two and a half hours early, sat through the rain delay, and through the game.
What a great finish to the WBC, but more on that later. I have got to go consume as many vitamins as possible to avoid being sick!
The Future Blog of the Red Sox 
Haha about Buckner. I wonder if Curt will ever be a pitching coach or a manger?
Bob, http://bostonsports.mlblogs.com/
Don’t get sick! I great tribute to Curt and great coverage of the game! Thanks! Now go drink some soup!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Sorry you’re getting sick. Take some Airborne! As for the game, it’s so funny that Nick Green is your project because I always liked him as a Yankee. Glad he’s doing well.
– http://janeheller.mlblogs.com
Bob: I think he could do great as either.
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Julia: Soup? Okay sounds good!
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Jane: I’m downing Emergen-C! It is funny how I have taken in Nick so kindly! And you are still rooting for him!
Nice game recap. I watched the Memphis Redbirds play in OKC last year. It was great to get to know the up and coming talents, so that when they come up, you know what you are getting. And, you don’t get as nervous when a player gets injured because you know “we got this guy at Triple-A” that can step in. Great job, as always!
-Kathy
http://redbirdchatter.mlblogs.com
Wow, that Buckner thing is pretty funny! So cool how you can find baseball anywhere! I’m so glad you enjoyed the game. I am one of those people that would be disappointed if the regulars didn’t play, but it would be cool to see all the prospects.
http://kaybee.mlblogs.com
Kathy: It’s like those futures games. I am beginning to truly enjoy minor league baseball, and I am very confident in our farm system.
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Kaybee: Isn’t it a weird coincidence? I mean I was a bit disappointed as well, but I have really begun to enjoy these guys!
Elizabeth,
I can appreciate your frustration with Chemistry; what a painful class. At least you had a baseball reference thrown in there to keep it interesting! Thanks for all of the Red Sox updates, and for your comment on my blog. Much appreciated.
Paige
http://bestof162.mlblogs.com/
I think Curt did the blogging world a big favor, retiring that way. Brings more legitimacy to the reporting format.
Well, don’t get sick! Try Airborne and lots of Vitamin C – usually works for me :O)
Jenn
http://philliesphollowers.mlblogs.com/
Paige: I hate chemistry, and my mind is always on baseball during that class anyway!
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Jenn: You’re right, it does bring legitimacy to the reporting format!
Haha, that’s my new favorite filter. There wasn’t much competition, but still.
http://newmexicanyanksfan.mlblogs.com
I am so glad Schill retired as a Red Sox. I’m with you, I thought he should have retired in 07 after the WS. I only hope he does not “un-retire”.
“Fear of failure”? That’s why i don’t go anywhere NEAR a chem lab–I would be the guy who would find two chemicals (completely by accident) that would detonate the lab if they were combined! (Kind of the chemistry equivalent of “So, what does THIS button do??” Hmmm…;) Besides, I (literally cannot see straight to measure correctly!
Hahaha the Buckner filter. Awesome. Had I not found MLBlogs, I wouldn’t find that funny now. 🙂 I loved seeing the minor leaguers too. I definitely will have to study up on my young guys before I go next year!
Jen
http://ajroxmywhitesox.mlblogs.com
Neal: That WOULD be your favorite filter.
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Greg: Yeah I hope he doesn’t un-retire either like Clemens lol. I don’t WANT to be anywhere near a chem lab.
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Jen: Yeah I had to do the same! The next year I was eager to find out who everyone was!
Buckner filter- remember filters filter the trash and keep the treasure, an example when panning for gold. 1986 was painful, I know, I rooted for Boston then against the Mets. And so 18 years later, the gold of a title was earned. What is the significance? 6(Bill Buckner’s number) seen as a curse by manymultiplied by 3, a perfect number, some say representing the Trinity, or God =18 Imperfection redeemed by perfection= the end of the curse in 2004 and then blessed again 3 years later with a title in 2007. Ah, #3 is also the Babe’s number. See, all things are done for bringing good out of difficulty. Talk about some great chemistry :>)
Aaron, the philosopher
http://mlbtribefan.mlblogs.com
Buckner filter.. that is kinda funny, lolz.. [Sorry].
Be glad you aren’t taking physics though. It’s a whole bunch of blah blah blah, yada yada yada.
Sorry to say this too, but it’s about time Curt says adios! hehe.. 😉
– V [ http://flairforthedramatic.mlblogs.com ]
I voted for you at the MAX. I always enjoy reading you no matter what others think. Good luck to you.
Aaron
http://mlbtribefan.mlblogs.com
Congrats Elizabeth – your #5!
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Hi Elizabeth, I personally don’t care for Curt Schilling but that was a very nice tribute and of course I know that he means a lot to the Red Sox Nation. He, and Big Papi, are the two primary reasons the curse was broken…at least from my perspective. Congrats on #4! Are you going to dedicate your next blog to Lou Gehrig? Just kidding. Great job with your blogs! I always enjoy reading them.
Scott
http://fotr.mlblogs.com
Congrats on being number 4 on the leader’s list, Elizabeth! You deserve it :)-Erinhttp://plunking-gomez.mlblogs.com
Aaron: So we finally got the gold! It took a while, but filtering takes a while too! And thank you for your vote!
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Vanessa: Great, that’s what I’m taking next year!!
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Scott: I wouldn’t exactly be opposed to dedicating it to Lou Gehrig. In fact, I may mention him! He and Joe Cronin, both great players to wear then number four!
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Erin: Thanks!!
Hey, Elizabeth! Congrats on your #.4 blog ranking! Keep it up! I hope you check us out at Brownie Points, and join in on blogging during the games like you did during the Yankee game! You are always welcome to join the mayhem there! 😉 Take care.
wow, number 4 on the list? I’d say the “future” is closer than you think. keep up the good work. http://eatsleepmlb.mlblogs.com/
Congratulations on your #4 ranking!
Shelley
http://diamonddiva.mlblogs.com/
#4 doesn’t surprise me at all. You’re a gifted and knowledgable writer. The stuff on the Buckner filter is priceless. How you make constant connections like this only reinforces the likelihood that you will be at that table for MLB! Thanks for the shout on Tazawa! I don’t have the access you seem to have (seeing all these games!). I also admire your willingness to acknowledge Gehrig (as hard as it must be to do so with any Yankee). You’ll need that objectivity at the table! Bring on opening day! Can’t wait! Thanks for your insights, Elizabeth!