For Paul Rudd, the decision to star in Jay Roach’s new comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks,” was an easy one. “I thought the script was really funny,” he says. “That was it. It was kind of a no-brainer.” Of course Rudd, who’s built an impressive resume of smart comedies, was just as enamored of the man behind the camera. Cliff who? The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has just gotten quite a bit of company: As many as 6,600 graves at the country’s hallowed Arlington National Cemetery for fallen U.S. service members may be mislabeled, one lawmaker said on Thursday.New claims for unemployment benefits slipped last week, but stayed at a stubbornly high level that underscored the labor market recovery was having trouble gaining traction.J.A. Happ said all the right things, just as the crafty lefty always has.Julian Assange, founder of the website that published more than 91,000 secret U.S. military reports from Afghanistan, says he’s revealing injustices. President Barack Obama says he’s concerned that disclosure of sensitive information may harm military operations.1. Will the Jets regret cutting Faneca?For many job-hopping careerists, smuggling a resignation letter in their bag like a guilty secret, there are few workplace rituals so hard as saying so long.Subletting in NYC typically involves some kind of covert transaction. Try to find a budget traveler who hasn’t enjoyed the risk of Craigslist’s lease-free rentals. But thanks to a bill Gov. David Paterson signed into law last Friday, renting an apartment for less than 30 days isn’t kosher. Fortunately, there’s a saving grace for those in search of short-term living: Jersey City.Could nail mats like the Acushakti be the next Snuggies?
He lost the love of millions of fans when he left town for New York, still hears boos at Fenway and has had his last name altered to connote evil. But Johnny Demon, er, Damon, still deserves exaltation in Boston.
A cornerstone of the Red Sox for four years — in my mind, the team MVP in 2004 — Damon is starting to prove why as he shows signs of physically breaking down with the Yankees.
Before New York signed Damon to a four-year, $52-million contract, he provided Boston with four stellar seasons, during which he recklessly careened around the bases, crashed countless times into center field walls and violently butted heads with teammates in a dead sprint. He played an admirable all-out style, but one bound to take its toll.
Essentially, Damon laid it all on the line in Boston, and New York is left to deal with whatever is left, a win-win scenario for Sox fans.
It’s hard to fault the Yankees for signing Damon as they were in dire need of both a quality leadoff man and a capable center fielder to replace the fading Bernie Williams.
But due to a litany of bang-ups — Damon, 33, has had injuries this season to his ribs, back, Achilles tendon, hamstring and both calves — that simply scream wear and tear, the two-time All-Star has been thrust into the designated hitter role (he has played center field just twice this month) and has continued to see his offensive production dip.
In his last 92 games dating to 2006, Damon is hitting .238, and although his power numbers spiked in his first season in the Bronx, his batting average has dropped dramatically the last three years, from .316 to .285 to his current .250 pace. His on-base percentage has fallen each of the last four seasons, including this one. And, after smashing 24 homers in 2006, he currently sports the worst slugging mark of his career.
For those around here who lamented Damon’s departure each time Coco Crisp chopped a weak one to second, consider this: in the time frame Damon accrued the aforementioned .238 mark, Crisp has hit .267 with more stolen bases and a far greater number of run-saving catches in center.
This is not an indictment on Damon, whose hustle, grit and will to win is notable. Boston knows this well. It’s also not an indication he is washed up. There are some good playing days left for Damon.
However, when his career ends and he is rightly recalled as a very good player who gave his all, those interested in remembering him so may have to dig a bit deeper into the vault. Those Boston days may be a good place to start.
Tony Lee is a news reporter for the Boston Metro.
|
|
| Advertise with us | About Metro | Contact us | Careers | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Classified Advertising © Copyright 2010 Metro International |
|
