« January 2007 | Main

Quick Three -- and then farewell

Three Things need to be pointed out for posterity:

(1) An excellent diary posting at Over the Monster discussing Lenny's career so far:

His pride wounded but undaunted still, DiNardo was whiffing more than a batter an inning in the AFL, posting a 3.20 ERA for Peoria, and trying to make a case to be invited to spring training for a bullpen spot in 2007. However, the solid lefty (190 pounds) was claimed off waivers by that Computerbrain Billy Beane on Feburary 14th, 2007. It was a dark day in Red Sox Nation history.

(2) Chris from Westboro's thoughtful post on the beginning and end of this blog (this is SO meta). Thanks, dude:

2004 - In a bar in Washington DC, I sat among friends drinking pitchers of beer and watched the Red Sox open the bullpen to reveal a new face. A young guy who actually ran from the bullpen instead of doing that awkward trot/run/walk (or that slow Jabba-like slither that Wells did). And upon seeing this fresh face, a friend of mine became convinced upon hearing the name Lenny, that this kid was going to save the Red Sox...[more]   

(3) Go-RedSox.com (the Boston.com-sponsored Japanese language Dirt Dogs site...did BDD ever think this day would come?) links to the Lenny DiNardo Blog! Look for these characters: ギターを弾いていた.   Here's the whole thing:

残念なことにJ.D.ドルーを40人枠に入れるためにウエイバーにかけられたレニー・ディナルドがアスレチックスに獲得されてしまった。マウンド上の活躍よりも、アロヨが移籍した後もホットストーブクールミュージックのコンサートなどでGMエプスタインらと共にギターを弾いていた印象の方が強い彼だがロングリリーフと臨時先発でそこそこの成績を残せたのでただでアスレチックスにとられてしまうのはちょっと惜しかった。

Be well, and thanks for reading...and who knows...I still place money that Lenny ends up back in Beantown a la Kapler and Merloni (and Burks and Eckersley and Clemens (???)).

 

OakLen: Reactions from Around the Web

We at the LD Blog are certainly disappointed to lose Lenny to the West Coast. I've pulled some of the reaction from around the web below. For all you Oakland fans logging in (thanks for the link, random commenter at Athletics Nation -- though, to be fair, my favorite A's blog name has to be the Athletic Supporters over at MVN with Evan)

First, Jeff Horrigan, the man who gave this blog its first big exposure, had this to say about Lenny's Departure ("Lenny D is now an A")

One of the friendliest and most cerebral players ever to wear a Boston uniform, DiNardo has a passion for rock music and developed deep friendships with many musicians he met in Boston, including members of the Gentlemen, Buffalo Tom, the Dropkick Murphys, Juliana Hatfield, Kay Hanley and Evan Dando. He has been a fixture at Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser concerts, playing guitar in Peter Gammons’ all-star band. He’ll find a kindred spirit in Oakland GM Billy Beane, who shares a love of indie, obscure, punk and cutting-edge music.

Evan, over at Firebrand of the American League, is also disappointed about DiNardo's departure:

Count me unhappy with the move. Nick DeBarr, our Rule 5 Draft pick this year, will definitely not make the team. In my opinion, DiNardo is better than Javier Lopez, and we also just signed J.C. Romero and have one of my favorites, Craig Breslow, on the roster. I was a fan of DiNardo, as he was a good guy and I thought could eventually have a nice run of being a solid middle reliever. He still has a great chance at having that run, but he’ll have to do it donning green and gold now.

The Mighty Quinn Machine doles out a bit of trivia of which I was unaware:

DiNardo was the first former Brooklyn Cyclones player to get a World Series ring.

And Graham from Brookline

"From Dallas, Texas, the flash  --  apparently official. The Lenny DiNardo blog died at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time  --  a half hour ago."

P.S. If you're looking for a really funny sports blog, check Chris from Westboro's Your Fantasy Team Sucks. If you're looking for entertaining, insightful political, social, and rock commentary, check out Graham from Brookline's The Massachusetts Liberal.

 

Sayonardo

BEANE OUTSMARTS EPSTEIN.

LENNY CLAIMED OFF WAIVERS.

RED SOX NATION MOURNS.

Lennywave_2

I blame myself -- this would have never happened if I had blogged more regularly.

Take Care, DiNardo.

Good luck in Oakland.