R.I.P. GEORGE CARLIN

Legendary comedian George Carlin died of heart failure yesterday. He was 71 years old. What I always loved about Carlin's stand-up was that it wasn't time specific, and it was ingeniously crafted. You could turn on one of his cable specials from the 80s and get a good laugh from it, without having to brush up on your 80s pop culture references.

He was also a master with words. The way he'd put words together to construct a joke was simply brilliant. He understood the relationship between words and how best to sequence them in order to make his jokes funnier. You see "comedians" like Dane Cook and Carlos Mencia ramble on, without even considering which words to use and in what order; and it makes you appreciate someone like Carlin.

SOX GET LUCKY IN 13TH

The Red Sox avoided a 3 game sweep yesterday afternoon, thanks to a Kevin Youkilis walk off homerun. It was Youk's second blast of the day.

A good start from Lester (7.1 innings, 2 earned runs) was nearly wasted when Papelbon blew his 4th save of the season. The Sox had to dodge a few bullets in extra innings as Hideki Okajima continued to struggle (1.2 IP, 4 H, BB). JD Drew was 0 for 5 at the plate, but had a vital outfield assist to keep the game tied.

This was the first series the Red Sox lost at home since April. But now the struggling Diamondbacks come to town for three games. They're first in the NL West, but were swept by the Twins over the weekend.

Josh Beckett goes against Dan Haren Monday night.

Source:
ESPN.com

Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Winslow Townson