Schedule wise the NFC west draws the very tough NFC East, and somewhat less challenging AFC East as common division foes. We see the non-common foes as having a significant impact in what looks to be a wide open division race.

The Vegas pre-season favorite, Seattle, simply has too many questions on offense to pencil them in as the outright division winner. They’ll be in the hunt because they have the division’s best defense, and surprisingly (at #20 overall in the NFL) the Seahawks had the best rushing offense in the NFC West last season. But the Hawks were able to take the division crown on the strength of their pass attack; and they simply are not going to be as strong over the top this year. Couple that with having to play the hardest schedule in the division and we see them as ripe candidates to take a step back. Arizona and St. Louis have made significant strides this off-season, the Rams in particular look to have several key players returning from injury, while Arizona has steadily improved by rock solid drafting. San Francisco is a mess - the ownership group just doesn’t know football; and we don’t see them at the top of the division so long as the York’s control the football decisions. Outside of the Bay team this division should be a dog fight, up for grabs right up to the last few weeks of the season. However, in the end our bet is the Rams come out on top. Our 2008 NFC west division forecast looks like this:

St. Louis 9-7
Arizona 8-8
Seattle7-9
San Francisco 6-9


St Louis

Vegas has installed a pre-season win total for the Rams to win only 7 games. Our win/loss scorecasting models have St. Louis winning 9 games, and the division in the 2008 regular season.

Last year this offensive line had 4 starters miss games due to injury, including mainstay LT Orlando Pace, who was out for the entire season. The upside is several back-ups on the line gained valuable experience. They have several highly rated free agent linemen coming in who should improve the production of this unit immensely. Pace looks to be fully healed from his season ending shoulder injury - this unit should be one of the teams strengths, if not one of the better units in the NFL. The offense is led by All-Pro caliber QB Mark Bulger, surrounded by future hall of fame WR Torry Holt, and stud RB Steven Jackson. The Rams appear to have the strongest offense in the division, and could be one of the top 10 units in the entire league.

The defense gave up a respectable average of 341 ypg last year, but a whopping 27 ppg. Make no mistake this anomaly was primarily due to the difficulties of the offense moving the ball, and leaving the defense with poor field position. This year the defensive line returns healthy, and will be bolstered by first round DE Chris Long. Long will have an immediate impact on the St Louis pass rush making the entire defense better; he has a lot of moves as a pass rusher which is very unusual in a rookie. A player to keep an eye on is all-pro caliber free safety O.J. Atogwe - this guy can flat out play - in a pass happy division he is one of the better DB’s in the division.

What puts the Rams over the top in what will be a tight division race is their strength of schedule - they have the easiest draw of non-common opponents in the league. They play a last place schedule and will host CHICAGO and travel to ATLANTA in the season finale - both are games they should be favored to win. If St. Louis can win those two games, then at least split their division games, and play .500 ball with the division’s common conference opponents (including MIAMI and the NY JETS) - they’ll have a realistic shot at winning 9 games.

Arizona

Arizona is going to be right there, and we won’t be surprised if they pull out 9 (or more) wins and take the division. On offense they have what should be an improved offensive line, with potential all-pro bookend tackles. The Arizona line did get better last season and will probably improve this season, but James will be 30 at the start of the season and is approaching 3,000 carries, very significant landmarks in the career of most running backs. If QB Leinart improves on his decision making in his 3rd NFL season this could be a solid offense. There is a major question mark at RB, where Edgerrin James just doesn’t have the break away speed anymore to make defenses fear him.

Defensively this unit has major question marks up front on the defensive line - where is the pressure on the QB going to come from? DE Calvin Pace left in free agency, and wasn’t replaced. The linebackers and secondary are solid, but without pressure up front no defense can dominate in this league. It’s a shame, because if the Cardinals had a pass rushing threat we think they make some noise this year. The defense will be bringing in a number of new players that will take some adjustment, and they still lack depth.

Arizona unfortunately draws MINNESOTA and @CAROLINA as non-common opponents - both are games where they’ll have match-up problems, and it looks like they’ll do well to earn a split.

Seattle

Vegas has the over/under on the 2008 Seahawks at 9 games. Take the under and run. Seattle’s time has passed, have no doubt about it their window of opportunity has closed. We’re not Seattle bashers, when many last year were predicting their demise, we went against the flow and correctly picked them to hold on and win the division in 2007. This year things have changed. They no longer have a respected rush attack, No. 1 receiver Deion Branch is coming back from major ACL surgery (an injury he received in the playoffs last year and which typically takes 12-18 months to fully recover from), and they lost their most promising young WR to free agency (DJ Hackett). What was once one of the best run-blocking offensive line units in the league has degenerated into a shadow of its former self. The O-line has declined due to the loss of key players in free agency, and key prospects not fulfilling potential. Rumors from Seattle suggest that they are installing a zone blocking scheme, not that it is hard to learn but changes always require adjustment and Jones didn’t see much of that in Dallas, how well he reads the line will be tested. QB Matt Hasselbeck is a star player, but outside of Engram he’s not going to have anyone to throw to, and he’s not going to last the season lining up to throw behind this unit.

The defense is one of the better on paper in the league. It’s a well disciplined and fast unit. However, the defense is not so good that it can carry a weak offense. When the offense struggles, and we believe that it will, the defense will struggle much the same way the Rams defense of 2007 struggled - they’re not big and will simply wear down from being on the field too long - when that happens they’re going to give up points late in games.

Seattle has never been a good road team, and this year they have several non-division road contests where they’ll likely be installed as dogs (NY Giants, Tampa, and Dallas). We also see them struggling on the road at what should be a much improved Buffalo team in the season opener. The non-common opponent draw is Green Bay and Tampa - Green Bay has always given Holmgren fits and they’ll do very well to earn a split between those two. Combine the obstacles of the tough road schedule, 1st place non-division schedule, improved division teams, with an anemic offense and a lame duck coach and you have the real prospect of a disappointing season.

San Francisco

What is there to like about the Niners? This team is the new version of the penny pinching Bidwell owned Cardinals. They’re a well coached and scrappy team, and we even like to play them in the right spot. But they’re not in contention to win the division. The worst thing that ever happened to the Niner’s was Denise DeBartolo. They could reach 7 wins Vegas has them penciled in for, but it’s probably more likely they’ll falter. The defense is solid, but the offense has the potential to really struggle. Consider that this is a long drop Martz offense, they don’t have the offensive line talent nor receivers to pull it off and you have the recipe for a long season on the Bay. San Francisco is replacing most of their offensive line. Martz requires receivers that run precise routes and have superb timing, a description that applies only to Issac Bruce. (Neither Lelie nor Bryant Johnson make a lot of sense in this offense.) To make things worse Martz minimizes most running backs not named Marshall. The other part of this offense requires that the quarterback makes quick decisions and stand in the pocket and take the hit.

Summary

It will be a tight division race, coming down to St. Louis or Arizona. The value play is on St. Louis, at 6.50 to 1 odds, to win the division (the pre-season number on Arizona is 3.25 to 1 odds to win the division). The better play here is St. Louis to win OVER 6.5 games. Our scorecasting models have the 2008 Rams winning 9 games; a deviation of 2.5 games from the Vegas total - which correlates to a strong betting line play.

About The Author:
Kurt Schumacher is an Editor at Football Forecasters, where he provides football commentary, and College and NFL Picks, leading up to and during each football season. Football Forecasters has been providing NFL team reports and football picks since 1999, through its public and membership websites. When you live for gridiron action, Football Forecasters should be on your browser’s homepage. Get started now at: http://www.footballforecasters.com

Fly fishing is an ancient angling method in which artificial flies are tied onto a hook to imitate naturally occurring food. These artificial flies are made out of materials such as fur and feather. Rods are generally light while the lines are heavy in weight, providing the proper weight and momentum for casting. Because of the ease of learning, fly fishing has become an enjoyable past time for many people of all ages.

Fly fishing is most renowned as a method for catching salmon and trout, but is also known for cathing pike, panfish, bass and carp as well. Fly fishing can also be used to catch marine species such as: snook, bonefish, striped bass and redfish. There are also reports of fly fisherman unexpectantly catching species such as bream, rudd and chub while intending to catch trout. For the fisherman who is hoping to catch a variety of tasty species, fly fishing may be the best method.

If you are new to the sport of fly fishing, you may want to study up on the best ways to enjoy this exciting activity. Luckily there are many websites, television shows, and books all geared to help obtain helpful fly fishing tips. Of course one of the easiest ways to gather information is to find a fly fishing partner who has some season fly fishing experience. Many find having a mentor to be helpful as well. It’s extremely helpful to tag along on a fishing trip with an experienced fly fisherman. This way it is easy to notice and absorb some of the methods they employ on a regular basis. Unfortunatley this is not an option for everyone so again, check your local video stores or world wide web for more information.

When starting your fly fishing event experts agree you must first determine the environment you will be fishing in. This is important to do even before you begin to gather your equipment. Some people prefer salt water fly fishing over the other options, such as fresh water. There are a plethora of places all over the United States where you can go fly fishing in streams and rivers, which are freshwater flowing environments. There is also the option of fly fishing in ponds and lakes, which still provide flowing water movements and environments.

The next thing to think about before setting out on your fly fishing extravaganza is the proper equipment that will be needed for success. Without the proper equipment you will be unable to properly cast those flies. The proper equipment consists of four parts: a fly fishing pole, line, reel, and of course - the fly. Experts also agree it is important to pack extra supplies because often times a fisherman will break one or more of the components needed to fly fish.

The next hurdle to cross is casting. Casting methods often vary and change depending on the environment in which you are fishing. For instance, saltwater fly fishing often forces the angler to cast further than in freshwater by sheer necessity alone. Another example is fishing in an ocean environment. In order to put your line way beyond the shadow of the space you are occupying you need to cast your line very far away. In a case like this, longer casts will be needed. Saltwater fly fishing rods are generally longer than their freshwater brothers. Shorter casts are in turn made with shorter rods. These rods are useful for fishing in freshwater bodies of water such as: streams, rivers, ponds and lakes.

The type of cast used when fishing varies according to the conditions you are fishing in. The most common cast is the forward cast, where the angler whisks the fly into the air, back over the shoulder until the line is nearly straight, then forward, using primarily the forearm. The objective of this motion is to \”load\” the rod tip with stored energy, then transmit that energy to the line, resulting in the fly line being cast for an appreciable distance. Casting without landing the fly on the water is known as ‘false casting’, and may be used to pay out line, to dry a soaked fly, or to reposition a cast. Other casts are the roll cast, the single- or double-haul, the tuck cast, and the side- or curve-cast.

Dropping the fly onto the water and its subsequent movement on or beneath the surface is one of fly fishing’s most difficult aspects according to experts. In short, the angler is attempting to cast in such a delicate way that the line lands smoothly on the water and the fly appears as natural as possible - a difficult task for many. At a certain point, if a fish does not strike, depending upon the action of the fly in the wind or current, the angler picks up the line to make another presentation - all the while keeping trying to keep their moves very delicate. When fly fishing it is extremely important to remember patience and fluid line movement.

On the other hand of being patient is getting that so desired catch. If a fish strikes, the angler pulls in their fly fishing line while raising the rod tip. This “sets” the hook in the tasty fish’s mouth. The fish is played either by hand, where the angler continues to hold the fly line in one hand to control the tension applied to the fish, or by reeling up the slack in the line and then using the hand to act as a controlling drag on the reel. Some fly reels have an adjustable, mechanical drag system to control line tension during a fish’s run which comes in very handy to inexperienced and seasoned fly fisherman.

Of course, no amount of reading online can really teach you what you need to know for a fly fishing extravaganza. In fact many experts agree that nothing can replace professional, qualified instruction. Since this method is often pricy many feel they benefit from chartered fishing trips geared toward beginners or by learning from example of seasoned fly fisherman. Luckily many agree that if you find an experienced fly fisherman, more than likely they’ll love to take you under their wing - or fishing pole in this case.

About The Author:
Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides fly fishing tips for Fly Fishing Dish - a blog from the Go! Blog Network.

If you have ever watched the Kentucky Derby or other events in racing’s Triple Crown, you have had the opportunity to see Thoroughbred horses. If you’re not a racing fan, but watch the news on a regular basis - particularly after the 2006 running of the Kentucky Derby and on through the rest of the year, you’re likely familiar with the story of Barbaro, the 2006 Derby winner that was put down after shattering a hind leg during the 2006 Preakness Stakes: the beautiful, calm Thoroughbred Horse was beloved by many.

Many of the reasons why Barbaro was much beloved share similarities with the reason why many people express love and adoration for Thoroughbred horses. The breed is known for a noble beauty, a dignified appearance, a determination, coupled with speed and drive.

Of course, it’s the speed and wildness of the Thoroughbred horse - known widely for its racing abilities - that make Thoroughbreds a less than ideal choice for those who are looking for a horse for their family, as well as for inexperienced riders. Many find that Thoroughbreds are too fast, too unpredictable and dangerous for those who aren’t experienced with horses.

Just how fast can Thoroughbred horses be? On average, Thoroughbreds like those that are used in racing run nearly forty miles per hour, but remain agile, able to turn quickly and change pace without much notice, when necessary. The hindquarters of Thoroughbred horses often are the seat of their power; long, well-developed muscles in the hip and thigh are things that you should pay attention, whether you are picking a horse out of the line-up in race five or if you are looking to buy a Thoroughbred horse for your own use.

In addition, when you look at a Thoroughbred horse, you will want to also look for other characteristics that define the breed. Thoroughbreds stand between 15 and 17 hands. Colors range from dark bay to black or gray. White Thoroughbreds can occur but are extremely rare, however, that doesn’t mean that there cannot be white hairs or patches of white on a Thoroughbred horse.

As many Thoroughbred horses are bred specifically for racing - and, as a result, it’s not surprising that many Thoroughbred horses for sale have been born in Kentucky. Other states where Thoroughbred horse breeding is extremely common are Florida and California.

Still, not all Thoroughbred horses are bred for racing - and, of course, very few that are make it to the Triple Crown races. Based on the athleticism of the breed, the drive that most Thoroughbreds have to succeed and excel at a task, many are also trained for other equestrian sports. Though the Thoroughbred is uncommon in dressage, it is not unheard of; the same is true for show jumping. Likewise, because Thoroughbred horses move with a smooth gait, some have been used for classical jumping and as show hunters.

The best of the breed are taken one step further and trained for event performance. In event competition, dressage, cross-country and show-jumping is all combined into a single equestrian event. Because of their success in event performance, many Thoroughbred horses make it to World Championship and Olympic competition levels.

This athleticism of the horse and its competitive potential is something that, when one is looking at horses for sale, often puts young Thoroughbred horses out of the price range of many families. When making an investment with two or more partners into buying a Thoroughbred horse for racing, buyers can expect to pay up to $5,000. To own your own Thoroughbred, you’ll need to invest at least $10,000, and understand that you are buying one of the least expensive Thoroughbreds. At this price level, many horse owners are only partial owners of the horse that they have invested their money. Prices only climb from there.

However, those who do own Thoroughbred horses - either on their own or as a part of a partnership - tend to find that there are many rewards. There’s camaraderie among Thoroughbred owners, an excitement that comes from getting together at the track (even if your horse is not the one that ultimately wins the race).

If you are committed to owning a Thoroughbred horse and do not have the financial backing to buy one outright, you may want to consider contacting the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Charity service to learn more about adopting retired racehorses.

About The Author:
Robb Fowler writes about horses and horse ownership. To find horses available for purchase in your state, please visit the HorseClicks website to review Thoroughbred Horses for Sale. Many breeds of horses around the country are listed for sale at: http://www.horseclicks.com

Most kids will be thrilled to go on a whitewater rafting trip or adventure, and it’s a terrific opportunity for a family vacation or get-together. You’ll need to pack a few extra items to make sure the trip is fun and safe for everyone involved, and kids will need to dress appropriately for both water and on-shore activities.

Rafting with kids also requires a few extra safety precautions and considerations, and you may need to contact the outfitter to find out about extra amenities, safety protocol, and rafting lessons for your kids’ first experience.

Here are some other key things to keep in mind as you plan your adventure:

Activities for Kids

Many whitewater rafting trip packages offer a number of activities beyond the river. From camping on the riverfront to hiking across the wilderness, kids can take part in a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities as part of their experience. If your kids have special needs, you’ll need to make sure they will be all right with any activities, games, or adventures scheduled along with the trip.

Types of Trips Available

Beginner’s whitewater rafting trips are usually perfect for kids, as these contain milder waterways and rapids. Review the different options available; there are many wonderful and exciting beginners’ trips in Northern California, and these offer unique views, attractive camping sites, and adventurous rivers to watch the area’s wildlife and scenic landscapes. You’ll need to find a whitewater rafting trip that is simple, fun, and not too challenging; the South Fork American is one of the most appropriate whitewater rafting adventures for beginners, and is a great choice for kids of all ages.

Length of the Trip

Not all kids will enjoy an entire day or overnight trip for their first whitewater rafting adventure, so you may want to consider just a half-day trip instead. Many outfitters offer a wide range of packages and trip options, and you can still enjoy some of the best trips with just a half-day course. Consider different options depending on your kids’ skill level, age, and general interest.

Rafting Company or Outfitter Protocol

Find out what the rafting company allows and doesn’t allow for your trip. Some outfitters will provide all rafting gear and food for your entire trip, and others will offer facilities and camping equipment for your trip. You’ll need to let them know how many kids will be joining you on the trip so that they can accommodate accordingly. If the outfitter is providing food and snacks, make sure they are aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies so that you have the right type of food on hand throughout the trip.

Packing Comfortable Clothing

Kids need to wear comfortable clothing that’s appropriate for their trip and rafting experience. They’ll need clothes that can be worn on the raft, and also the right clothing for any camping and nature trails that will be a part of the trip. Sandals, light shoes, and swimsuits work well for kids as they go on the water; then they’ll need to layer for any hiking or camping activities on the shore. Pack these in a backpack or tote that’s waterproof, so your kids can travel with exactly what they need.

Sleeping Bags and Camping Gear

If your whitewater rafting trips will last longer than a day, make sure you’ve packed along the right sized sleeping bags and camping gear. These can be stored in waterproof bags, and need to be kept separate from all dry clothing in case they do get wet along the trip. Make sure the kids have plenty of snacks - granola bars, non-perishable foods, and a few pieces of candy - to keep up their energy level until meal time.

Appropriate Shelter

Whitewater rafting trips that extend overnight need to include appropriate shelter and facilities for a good night’s rest, this is not negotiable. This is especially important if you’re sending kids off on a rafting adventure on their own; still, you’ll need to plan for an appropriate camping spot that is safe and secure. Plan ahead by reviewing guides and maps from your outfitter, and get recommendations from experienced whitewater rafters in the area to find out where to set up camp.

Organizing a whitewater rafting adventure for kids is a great way to encourage them to try something new and exciting in the great outdoors. Just keep these important considerations in mind as you plan that trip, and be prepared for a unique and memorable adventure!

About The Author:
Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California white water rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with \”Best in Class\” standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating river rafting trips down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com

When you look at horses for sale, you may be looking for a horse that will be good with the kids. You might be looking for a horse that you can bring into the racing world. But some of you will be looking for something more specific; those of you who have seen barrel racing at rodeos or even on television events might be thinking that barrel horses may be a great option.

Contrary to what some people believe, not every horse is an ideal candidate for barrel racing. Though there are fewer particulars than there are when looking for a Thoroughbred that will be a winner on the race track, there are a number of different characteristics that will be found in great barrel horses. Temperament can play a role in the success of barrel horses just as much as the horse’s skills, character, training and lineage.

You read that right - even with barrel horses, you’ll find that one of the major considerations that many buyers have is the lineage of the horse. A barrel horse’s bloodlines can help to identify how successful past generations in the line were, what the horse was bred for and can provide a sense of what the horse will be able to accomplish during the race.

Of course, more than the bloodlines, most buyers find that, with barrel horses, it is about the build and health of the horse. A good barrel horse has legs that are straight, and if you’re buying a horse that’s already been raced, you will want to be sure that its legs are free of any bumps or external scars. It’s important to be sure that the horse’s hooves are healthy, that its back is strong and that the horse is flexible and athletic.

To some extent, you will be able to tell whether or not horses for sale are healthy based on looks, however, before you make a commitment to making a purchase it is usually a good idea to have a veterinarian check to make sure that there’s nothing underlying that cannot be seen by the human eye.

If barrel horses have been worked with by trainers to get them ready for the sport, you will want to gather information about the trainers and their experience. The trainers, much like the horse’s lineage, can tell you a lot about whether the horse that you are looking at is going to be ideal when you’re looking for barrel horses that you will be able to take around the country to ride at events with the hopes of - someday - competing in some of the sports’ biggest competitions.

On the other hand, if you only plan to participate in a race or two during the local rodeo season, you’re likely to find that you are looking for a very different horse. Yes, the animal’s health and build will still be important to you, but you won’t want to focus as much on professionally trained barrel horses. Choosing a horse that is good for overall riding as well as barrel racing can, quite possibly, save you $20,000 or more.

In either case, you are going to want to focus more on the health and build of the horse than on the coloring and markings - characteristics that those who are looking for a horse for afternoon rides can focus on a bit more. When you are looking at horses for sale and trying to find barrel horses, you’ll want to focus your attention on Quarter Horses which are great at running at high speeds in short bursts, or, if you prefer, Pintos and Paints.

Whichever horse you choose as your barrel horse, it is important to recognize that you won’t just be heading into the ring to compete. In order to keep barrel horses ready - and to get them ready if they haven’t previously been used for barrel racing - you are going to need to focus on building the horse’s lung capacity with long trotting on a regular basis. A good goal to set for barrel horses that you are conditioning is the ability to keep a fast pace for six to eight miles at least three days a week.

To that end, keep in mind that conditioning barrel horses is not just exercise for them; it’s also exercise for you.

About The Author:
Robb Fowler writes about horses and horse ownership. To find horses available for purchase in your state, please visit the HorseClicks website to review Barrel Racing Horses for Sale. Many breeds of horses around the country are listed for sale at: http://www.horseclicks.com

Invented and designed by Alfred Butts during the great depression and originally known as \”Criss-Cross Words\”, Scrabble was renamed into the board game we know today in 1948.

Today, Scrabble is not merely just a board game. It is an internationally competitive \”mind sport\” with an active competitive circuit, Scrabble Clubs, National Associations and World Championships.

Growth of Scrabble Clubs across the globe continues each year and the standard of competition grows along with it. As a mind sport, Scrabble is quickly approaching the level of intellectual challenge and respect that is held by other mind-sports such as Chess.

The growing popularity of Scrabble today defies the myriad of similar rival word-based board games that have emerged over the past two decades.

Successful Scrabble players know that there is far more to this game than just spelling and vocabulary skills. Scrabble is a mind sport, requiring mathematical skills, analytical and strategic skills, and a mild dose of luck.

To the recreational Scrabble player who enjoys a game with the family over the kitchen table, the lack (or bad luck) of drawing the best (or worst) collection of tiles out of the bag is a major component of whether a player wins or loses. The more advanced and competitive the player, the less luck plays a part. Strategic skills largely eliminate the luck component.

There are several reasons why Scrabble is growing in popularity year by year.

In earlier eras, there were problems with different dictionaries allowing or disallowing various words. Today, Official Scrabble Dictionaries have been almost totally standardized internationally for English language play. There are now just two slightly differing sets of official words - one for North America and another for the rest of the world.

The Scrabble Clubs themselves generate publicity in their communities, offering not just competition, but also a social scene for the less serious yet still enthusiastic recreational player.

Inter-club tournaments, Nation Championships and World Championships draw major media attention.

Even ESPN has trialed televising Scrabble competitions and is believed to be keen on expanding their coverage of Scrabble as a competitive mind sport.

In several countries, Scrabble Clubs and associations are working actively with Government Education Departments to introduce \”School Scrabble\” - combining the academic and the sporting aspects of Scrabble into the school curriculum.

The internet is playing a role in the growing popularity of Scrabble with numerous websites available for playing Scrabble online. Educational resources and advice from Scrabble experts is also readily available online.

The future growth of Scrabble internationally appears assured. Given that the International Olympic Committee is now considering a number of mind-sports, such as Bridge, for possible inclusion in future Olympic Games, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that at some future point in time Scrabble itself may become an Olympic sport.

About The Author:
Trevor Johnson is the author of the highly acclaimed \”Scrabble Bonus Word Techniques\” e-book series, available at: http://www.bonuswords.com

Scrabble

The oldest and smallest park in the entire Major Leagues, Fenway Park has made a myriad of improvements over the past few years and with the 2007 season just underway, one thing is certain for Red Sox fans; they’ll have a much easier time getting tickets.

Selling out every home game last season, with an average attendance of 36,180 fans per game, the Red Sox organization has continued to make continued improvements to Fenway in an attempt to squeeze even more fans and media into the park. Making various improvements around the stadium, including a new 5,000-square-foot back section club officials are calling the \”third base deck,\” Red Sox front office management has somehow managed to increase stadium capacity without adding any new seats. As well, new concession stands will be added in that area, while a new restaurant will be built under the bleachers in center field. Red Sox team President Larry Lucchino believes the addition of the deck around the third base area will provide thousands with a better experience at Fenway.

\”It’s something that will affect just about everyone who sits down the third-base line, which is the most congested part of the ballpark,\” Lucchino told the Gazette. \”The opportunities for a more comfortable ballpark experience are going to be enhanced dramatically.\”

In addition, in anticipation of the arrival of Japanese pitching phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka, the club has also renovated all 26 of their private suites and expanded the size of the press box, making enough improvements to bring the legal capacity of the park to over 38,000. However, despite so many improvements this winter, Lucchino and the rest of the organization’s dreams of any improved Fenway Park are far from complete as Janet Marie Smith, the club’s senior vice president for planning and development has vowed to eventually get the capacity to close to 40,000.

\”We are well over $100 million in terms of investments we have made at Fenway Park,\” Lucchino told the Associated Press. \”And we’re still not finished.\”

Since John Henry and associates bought the team in 2002, Fenway Park has somehow managed to add seats above the green monster, a pavilion on the right field roof and various club sections, in addition to all the changes being implemented this season. However, despite those changes, Fenway still harbors the same nostalgic and old time baseball look that has made it a national landmark. To Lucchino, maintaining the park’s look throughout the development period is just as important as the changes themselves.

\”You could, I suppose, graft onto Fenway Park some monstrous addition, which is utterly incompatible with the ballpark, \”Lucchino told the Associated Press in January. \”We feel what we are doing on an incremental basis is more in line with the preservation and protection of Fenway.\”

If those changes weren’t enough, other small renovations have been made recently around the park as well, including cup holders on all field box seats, various vending machines were fans can buy transportation tickets and the addition of a ladies bathroom on the third base side and renovations to men’s restroom that was built in 1912. More importantly however, there is also a proposal to replace the old wooden seats in the grandstand section before the 2012 season, allowing fans a more comfortable game watching experience.

Considering all of the recent changes to the park at 4 Yawkey Way the past few years, it’s easy to see how any young baseball fan could form memories that could last a lifetime there. However, with all the nostalgia and tradition that embody Fenway Park, it’s a safe bet to make that loyal fans will still flock there despite the various cosmetic changes.

With a few hundred more tickets now available because of the various changes, it’s a safe bet to make that the Boston faithful will continue to keep Fenway packed for years to come.

About The Author:
Patrick Hickey Jr. enjoys this Red Sox Fenway Park Tickets Website - A great place to buy tickets to the Boston Red Sox or any MLB or other major league sports game. http://www.bestshowticketslasvegas.com/buy-boston-red-sox-fenway-park-tickets.asp and http://www.oakwebworks.com/tickets/mlb-tickets/Boston-Red-Sox.htm