Red Sox advance; Yankees don't

Just thought I'd remind everyone that the Boston Red Sox are in the playoffs once again. Meanwhile the so-called Bronx Bombers are once again sitting out the play offs. Thank God for the YES Network - where old games showing the Yankees winning each night - can be rehashed as if it were live TV.

If the Yankees Network and Yankees Organization had any class, they'd just simply shut down their operation until next year and stop pretending that the Yankees are relevant.

Meanwhile, the Sox have their hands full this time around. To win any one of these series is going to take work, particularly since both the Angels and Tampa Bay whipped our butts in the regular season serieses.

There is nothing magical about this year. It's been pretty painful if you ask me. Injuries, controversy, and stitching together enough wins to make it into the playoffs.

I consider any playing time in the post season gravy this year. If the magic runs out, it runs out. I'm just glad the Yankees aren't in it.

Let's Go Sox

Finally, baseball season has arrived! I just hate these West Coast games since I'm usually in bed by 10:30 pm (so as to get an early start).

Dice K gets the mound in an hour. The goings are early so there's not much to be taken out of the first week or so of season. But let's face it, every win counts, particularly if it means winning the division or making a play off spot - and doing so by being only one or two games ahead of the next team in the end.

Repeats are rare. We've got the players to do it. But its a long season.

Time to crank up Joe Castiglione and enjoy the sounds of the boys of summer.

GO SOX!

Update on Schilling/ Congrats to Kevin Youkilis on winning the Gold Glove

Click here for the link to the Theo Epstein conference call on Schilling's signing

The details are here on Curt's Blog or here at MLB's Red Sox site.

Also, Kevin Youkilis won the Rawlings Gold Glove today for his perfect season at first base. Congrats Yooooooooooouuuuuuukkkkkkkkk!

Beantown 9 Poised for Repeat Season! Sox Re-sign Schilling!

Boston.com reported that the Boston Red Sox have re-signed Curt Schilling

On the wire:

The Red Sox and Curt Schilling have reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth about $8 million in base salary with an additional $2 million in potential incentives, according to a report by ESPN’s Buster Olney.

The report, which did not cite sources, indicated that the deal was pending Schilling passing a physical. Schilling, when reached today via e-mail, confirmed that he underwent an MRI today.

Additional reports are that the MRI went fine. Also, the big talk in Orlando at the Baseball conference is that Schill was willing to take less money and a shorter contract in order to make this deal happen. This has not been the trend over the past few years - both Pedro Martinez and Johnny Damon chose money over loyalty. And you see how they were rewarded.

It's not always the money.

Let's hope the Sox make a big deal out of this.

Earlier this week the Sox exercised options on Julian Tavarez and Tim Wakefield.

Alright Sox, time to get Mikey Lowell back at third. You can do it!! As Big Papi said on this very topic - "make it happen, Theo!"

Pics from the King's Halloween Red Sox tribute!

Yes, I actually carved these.

And with two Halloweenies like this why would anyone want to go out and trick or treat anyway?

Commentary on the Red Sox Parade

I'm disappointed in Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's decision to hold the parade on a Tuesday at noon. I can understand the desire to keep the crowd's limited, but it's a short-sighted, outright terrible decision on his part nonetheless.

This parade could have easily been scheduled for the weekend - following suit with the very successful victory parade held in 2004 - so as not to conflict with Boston work day commuter traffic, T shifts, and daily work day Boston activity. Moreover, the decision also impacts thousands of fans who work for a living, who cannot simply take the day off at the drop of the hat.

But the biggest victims of this terrible decision are the kids of New England. Even Boston area schools are not calling for a holiday, so it will be more difficult if not impossible for kids who play little league and emulate their Red Sox heroes to attend the parade, and cheer on their Beantown heroes. How can you leave the kids out in the dark?

All around it seems like Menino's decision is a poor one. Yeah, sure, some adult fans will be able to book off of work, and some will even let their kids play hooky for the day, but from a family perspective and a fan perspective - this decision stinks.

Mayor Menino - the RED SOX belong to all of us in New England. You are robbing a great number of families of the opportunity to celebrate the moment with Red Sox Nation. Even from a business perspective, you are missing an opportunity for businesses to reap the benefits of a hungry crowd.

Is this another example where you've picked the expedient decision over the right one? Just trying to "get it over with?"

Shame on you, Mayor Menino, and shame on the Boston City Council for going along with the idea of shutting out the fans. I hope that at least Boston residents remember this treasonous act against RED SOX NATION at the next election.

We all hear that you plan to do a dance. Well, we hope to do a little jig when you are out of office!

Red Sox Victory Parade set for tomorrow (10/30)

This just in from WEEI and the mayor's office:

October 29th, 2007 Red Sox parade plans rolling out

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino will announce plans for a Red Sox parade in one hour at City Hall (12:30 p.m.). Meanwhile, the team is set to land at Logan Airport today at 3:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.

City Hall sources tell the Herald’s Michele McPhee the “rolling parade” will be tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon.

The Red Sox will go directly to Fenway Park after landing at Logan, and the World Series trophy will be with them.

BOSTON RED SOX : 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!

BOSTON RED SOX - 2007 WORLD CHAMPIONS!

Congrats to the most dominate team in Red Sox history!

And congrats to Most Valuable Player Mike Lowell!!!

Sox Patron Saint: Michael "Nuf Ced" McGreevey & Tessie

The Boston Red Sox have plenty of lore and yarns that can keep you smiling, but there is one particular story that is actually worth viewing in its entirety and committing to memory. You might have caught the special DVD, Rooters: The Birth of Red Sox Nation on NESN, but if you haven't I strongly recommend it to true Red Sox fans. It seems that the heart pounding, fanatical behavior of being a diehard Sox fan didn't start yesterday, it started back in 1903 - so we can proudly say that there's never been "just another ballgame" in Boston.

One of the Champions of fanaticism is Red Sox Nation's Patron Saint - Michael "Nuf Said" McGreevey. McGreevey was the local owner of a pub called "Third Base" near Huntington Fair Grounds (The Boston (Red Sox) Pilgrims/Somersets/Athletics) used to play.

McGreevey was the leader of the Royal Rooters, which was pretty much a wild fan club of Sox fans that used to pile into the stadium, paying 50 cents a ticket, and cheered the team on through the early years of the Red Sox franchise. A few pics can be found here.

The Royal Rooters used to sing the song "Tessie" which is much different from the one that the Dropkick Murphy's sing. If you caught the 2004 Championship series you heard the original version sung by a Barbershop Quartet. The Lyrics to Tessie are:

The chorus to the original "Tessie" goes:

Tessie, you make me feel so badly.
Why don't you turn around?
Tessie, you know I love you madly.
Babe, my heart weighs about a pound.
Don't blame me if I ever doubt you,
You know I wouldn't live without you.
Tessie, you are the only, only, only.

And this is what is sounded like based on a 1903 recording sung by Harry MacDonough via Phonograph.
During the 1903 World Series against the Pirates, the Royal Rooters substituted "Tessie, you make me feel so badly" with "Honus, why do you hit so badly?"

So what's the big deal about "Tessie", and why has it come back from Lore to active superstition?

Before the 2004, the last time "Tessie" was sung was 1918 which was the last time the Red Sox had won the world title. Someone in the back office learned this and it was resurrected - and with all the talk of curses and superstition, the Sox ownership wasn't about to take a chance. The Red Sox to this day still use the old version and the new Dropkick Murphy version.

Also see: http://baseballguru.com/omi/SEPT.htm

Sox Watch: Watching the enemy!

Sorry, liberal dems and tepid Republicans (like Kelly Clark), its time to take a break from the lackluster and boring campaign here in West Hartford to focus on an even greater enemy - The Colorado Press.

As the Beantown 9 begin their battle against the alledgedly frightening Colorado Rockies, we thought we'd add some context to the Fall Classic from the enemy's point of view. Oh yes, the Rockies are our enemy. It didn't take them long to copy-cat the Boston Red Sox who have long had the logo "Soxtober". The Colorado Copy-Cats have purchased the logo "Rocktober". Don't worry, we plan to ROCK their October. Just wait.

First, let's remember that Colorado gets the handicapped edge during our visit out there with the "No Designated Hitter Rule" thus causing some complexity for the BoSox's regular line up plan. And we are even shelving our knuckleballer Tim Wakefield due to injury. So we are giving you the added edge and no excuses to fall back on. Hell, we're even substituting a rookie center fielder (Ellsbury) for a gold glove winner (Crisp).

I see your team is already talking smack. You guys play one three game series in Boston and you think you know us. LOL. Yeah right. So did the Yanks in '04, the Angels in '07, and even the Indians who looked fantastic on paper and on the field. And you guys at the Denver Post are all about the stats - but the Sox and Fenway are magical, and the laws of physics and reality don't apply. Ask Jeter, Haffner and everyone else who's entered Boston's version of the Bermuda Triangle and the Twilight Zone combined.

At least one reporter seems to get it at the Denver Post. His article is here.

The rest of you guys can enjoy the ride. Don't be surprised if you take the first three games, and suddenly we win it in seven. Like the Dallas Cowboys of the 70s and 80s, we don't give up until the end. Better wake Rod Sterling... you guys are toast.

Congratulations to the Boston Red Sox!

Another tantilizing comeback victory for the Beantown 9, as they make short work out of a well-respected, and outstanding Cleveland Indians team.

But the Indians simply couldn't overcome the heart and soul of Red Sox Nation, and the magic of Fenway Park. Some things have nothing to do with stats and strategy, and the win by our Beloved Boston Red Sox this time around is yet another example of this very thing. Some things are simply meant to happen.

The team celebrated like wildmen, if not a bit overdone - Jonathan Papelbon is certainly a little wacked - how many relief pitchers do you know that perform an Irish Jig on the mound?

The team deserves to celebrate, they beat out the Yankees, the Angels, and the Indians to win the American League Championship. Everyone contibuted from the mighty David Ortiz to the unstoppable MVP Josh Beckett, to the offen ridiculed JD Drew. It was a team effort with a big result.

Now its on to face a whole different caliber team - the Colorado Rockies. It's a mountain to climb, but with Red Sox Nation's legions, we can take Mount Everest.

To be continued.....

Memo to Tavarez: PLEASE don't roll the ball to Ortiz

Big Papi is being stretched as it is.

During regular season play, the big slugger is usually Boston's Designated Hitter, but when inter-league play rolls around, in order to keep his bat alive, the Sox usually make a move to put him at first and slide Youkilis to third (obviously, this is so that the hot hitting Youk can keep contributing as well).

Well, it should be interesting tonight with Julian Tavarez on the mound. Consistently, due to some "head-thing", Tavarez has been noted rolling the ball to first base instead of the customary toss to first that most pitchers make in order to make a fielded play to first.

Now Big Papi is what he is by statue, height and weight. For all the great things Ortiz is as a baseball player, and for all the stats he can boast including often hitting in the game winning RBI, we have to take note of what he ISN'T - which is to say that he isn't the fastest, most agile, or most flexible guy on the field.

And this being the rubber game of a tied series with Atlanta Braves, and the obvious need to hold off the Yankees from making any further gains in the standings, we hope that Julian Tavarez maintains his solid pitching practices, but we ask him for Big Papi's sake:

PLEASE NOT TO ROLL THE BALL TO FIRST!

The last thing we need is to complicate things in the field for a guy that usually DH's, and sweats playing first base. As it is, I expect that the Braves will pull out all the stops including laying down a bunt to first in order to test Papi.

Go Sox. Let's win this series and build on the momentum!

Bean Barry! Give Bonds* the Fenway Welcome he deserves!

Given all the controversy, given all the negative comments he's had to say about the City of Boston, given that he's one of the biggest cheaters in Baseball History, given that he's about to break Hank Aaron's homerun record - Barry Bonds* deserves the beaning of his life.

Some might get angry at me for this direct and flippant post, and that's fine. I stand by my call for someone to take Mr. Bonds* out of the game once and for all.

Barry Bonds* (asterisk emphasizes the illegitimacy of his so-called baseball accomplishments, i.e. statistics) has done a major disservice to Major League Baseball. His steroid use is well known to team-mates and fan alike, and much has been documented in books penned by those who played with him. He's such a creep that even the United States Congress has been hearing testimony about his drug company - Balco, and his obvious steroid use to intentionally cheat his way to become the greatest homerun hitter in history.

+

Bonds* is such a dishonest creep, that he's willing to arrogantly cheat his way to the top of the record books. What kind of person behaves like this? And why does ESPN kiss Barry's illegitimate arse?

+

On par with Bonds* (at least for now) is Bud Selig - our so-called baseball commissioner, who out of fear of intimidation, continues to act like a coward, and allows Bonds* to continue his steam-rolling toward baseball, record-setting glory. Selig should be ashamed for allowing that steroid-enriched body to play on the field with real athletes who are competing on even footing with out drugs.

Red Sox fans: Let Bonds* know he's not welcome or appreciated in Beantown. Not for his attitude, not for his racist remarks, not for his wife-cheating ways, and most of all - not for his steroid use. Boo him, chant against him, bring signs, and come up with whatever creative, visual idea you can imagine with to let Bonds* and the world know what he's really all about.

Red Sox pitchers: If you can spare that extra pitch. Give cheating Bonds* the beaning he deserves. In the name of every heroic Major Leaguer who does and who has played the game fairly, let him taste some leather. Every fan of every team, and every ghost of every player who's gone before will cheer you for letting Bonds* feel justice.

Write in Kevin Youkilis as American League All-Star first baseman!

Some guys go to the All-Star game every year based on popularity and not merit. And that's a shame.

Unlike quite a few players this year on the ballot, Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox - who plays every day but is NOT on the official ballot - is deserving of the first base slot on behalf of the American League.

Drawing on statistical facts, take the following as evidence that Youk belongs in the AL Line up: Based on 48 games played, Youk is hitting .354, with an On Base Percentage of .427, and a Slugging Percentage of an incredible .561. With 198 at bats, Youk has 70 hits, 17 doubles, 8 homeruns, 40 runs scored, and 30 RBIs.

As of this writing, Youk has the third highest batting average in the American League, and is on fire with a 21 game hit streak still alive as we head into the weekend series with the Yankees.

Please click here and vote for Kevin Youkilis, he is deserving of the honor!

Red Sox continue to dominate! But there is work to do!

Ok, so its only May (almost June), but the Boston Red Sox are on fire. It's hard to fathom this early out from September that the Sox are absolutely guaranteed to win the division. It's almost asking for trouble to make such claims - even with the New York Yankees dying on the vine and 14.5 games out. But its noteworthy, that his has to be one of the first times I can remember the Sox being this far ahead of the entire AL East pack.

It's the way the Sox have managed to win that surprises me most. Most Sox fans would agree that in the past several seasons its been about Manny and Papi and their heroic homeruns that have given the Sox their go-go juice. But that's not the case this year at all.

While both of those guys are contributing (and Manny batting around a mediocre .268), its been the bats of Mike Lowell, Kevin Youkilis, and the rest of the cast and crew stringing together victories in almost a small ball fashion. It's bizarre to think that a team that has players (like Coco Crisp) who seems to try to bunt his way on base every time seems to keep rolling over the opposition. And Sox have done just that - most notably over the pitching staffs of Detroit, Anaheim, and Cleveland.

Sox pitching has been a surprise in both directions. Curt Schilling has fallen out of the "Ace" category by his inconsistent starts, yet "wacky" Julian Tavarez and Sox veteran Tim Wakefield have had better than expected outings. Dice-K (Daisuke Matsuzaka) and Josh Beckett (8-0) have been - as advertised: Lights out all season long.

And the biggest surprise, and the guy that's on track for my vote for MVP is Hideki Okajima. Wow, out of Heaven on a chariot comes Hideki. This guy is the real deal in the bullpen! Reliever or closer, it doesn't matter - he just shuts them down - 1-2-3!

But this wouldn't be a Red Sox column if I didn't whine and bith about something, so let me list my criticisms and concerns - in WEEI-fashion about the team here:

• Manny Ramirez has to become more productive in the line up. It seems each year his "late start" gets later and later. I don't know if this is a product of age, or if they've just scouted Manny to death and the AL has his number. I have noticed that he gets the no swing, high and inside strike often. He only has eight homeruns so far, and for Manny - that's dismal.
• Jonathan Papelbon seems to be struggling in his closer role, or at best has been inconsistent. Loading the bases on Monday is another example where he puts himself in a very tough spot by allowing baserunners in the 9th inning. Eventually (and it already has once) this will come back to bite him and the Sox will lose a few in the late hours.
• Willy Mo Pena needs to step up. He was supposed to be the next big thing and he's a young gun shooting water pistols. He's batting a lackluster .237, and his fielding ability is poor. We can excuse a guys fielding ability (we tend to overlook David Ortiz on this point) when he's contributing to run totals. But Willy Mo is in trouble, and from what I've seen he'd be lucky to be able to throw out someone at home if he were standing on the mound. At minimum, he needs to get the lead out and pick up the ball and get the damn thing back in the infield more quickly. Perhaps its not enough playing time, but whatever it is, he needs to fix it.
• J.D. Drew is another guy we expect more from, particulary when he was brought on to replace Sox-legend Trot Nixon at such a phenominal price. Drew is batting .232, and he's no Dwight Evans out there in right field. And it should be pointed out that he's battled back to .232 from the abyss. He seems like he's a solid player. Let's hope he picks it up or shouts of "Nancy Drew" will be echoing in Fenway.
• Coco Crisp. Ok, his fielding has been heroic out there - particularly diving to catch fly balls and so forth - some catches were game savers (he'd better since he clearly doesn't have a strong arm out there as evidenced by the extra bases taken by the opposition when he retrieves the ball on one hop). But instead of swinging the bat, we find him bunting out to third. I'm not sure what that is all about but its not helping his .234 average. I'm still waiting for Coco to help me forget about why we didn't need Johnny Damon.
• Dustin Pedroia is finding his groove. Three weeks ago, this entire column might have been about him and his inability to get on base. However, his defensive play is unbelievable. It will be interesting to watch his career though, can a guy who's 5'9", small, and lacks power make it in the big leagues? Time will tell.
• Jason Varitek. Tek is one of my favorite players and his homer last night shows that despite his .270 average comes through when needed. And moreover, he's the strategist behind much of the success from the mound. Tek is the heart and sole of this team, but I hope and pray that he stays healthy, and doesn't break down or get an injury. If Tek goes down, I would expect to see some backpeddling by the Sox to a certain extent. Mirabellis is good, but he's another guy up there in age, and its asking a lot of him to catch Wakefield and everyone else day after day.

But notwithstanding all my criticisms, our team continues to put up numbers in the "W" column. The 2007 Red Sox play as a team, with a sprinkle of offense here and good pitching there. There are no heroes as in previous seasons - every win is a team win. And I think the best is yet to come.

And my only gripe with the Red Sox organization doesn't involve any of the players, coaches, or trainers. It's actually the only thing that I would change about the Sox organization if I had my way. Last year the Red Sox didn't renew the contract of long time Red Sox play by play radio announcer - Jerry Trupiano who has been a staple and fan favorite sitting beside "the voice of the Red Sox" Joe Castiglione for many years. I miss his homerun calls "Waaay Baaaack" - even those that were caught in deep right field.

The Sox decided to replace Trup with two other guys meant to split the duty with Castiglione - Dave O'Brien and Glenn Geffner. Of the two, I prefer to hear O'Brien. O'Brien is informative and his voice doesn't aggitate the listener in the way that Glenn Geffner's does. He seems to have good chemistry with Joe, and the two compliment each other well. Moreover, O'Brien comes across as having respect for Castiglione over the airwaves, seeking Joe's thoughts and supplementing his comments.

Listening to Glenn Geffner is like listening to a little league baseball game on your local cable access channel. Geffner is downright hideous in his play by play routine, giddy, and full of useless statistics that annoy the listeners. He often provides statistical detail that leaves Joe Castiglione quiet and fans yearning for Jerry Remy. It's really becoming an issue as fans have really voiced their negative views of Geffner's style and hope he isn't renewed next year. Some fear that he is a friend of Theo Epstein's and he's probably not going anywhere. (I recommend checking out www.38cliches.com for some great commentary on this top.)

Please Theo. Forget your ties to old friend Geffner. He's killing the games, and forcing Joe to carry him through 9 innings. Please, set things right and send him to the Sea Dogs. Or better yet, West Hartford Little League just might create an opening for him so he can shine at the level where his talent lies.

Baltimore Orioles' announcer Gary Thorne should resign: alleges Curt Schilling's "bloody" sock was a fake! Go to hell Thorne!

Fewer things are more sensitive to Sox fans than hearing their hometown heroes get bashed by the outside media. But when it comes to Baltimore Orioles' announcer Gary Thorne's insinuation last evening during the Red Sox-Orioles game that the bloody sock worn by Curt Schilling during the 2004 World Series was a fake, and a stunt by the Sox to create a public relations stunt - then it means going too far.

As Sox fans will remember, Sox Ace Curt Schilling suffered a traumatic injury to his ankle during the 2004 season which worsened by the time the 2004 play-off series against the Yankees came around. The only option available was for Dr. Bill Morgan to drill sutures directly into the ankle . A few weeks later during the World Series, the surgery was repeated, but this time blood clearly leaked through the stitching, and soaked Schilling's sock - enough for the media cameras to pick up on. Despite the pain and agony, Schilling went on to lead the Sox to the 2004 World Series victory.

And now, Gary Thorne, citing Red Sox catcher Doug Mirabelli as his source reports the bloody sock was "painted" red for effect and drama. Mirabelli came out swinging in a television interview today, ripping Thorne and referring to him as a liar. Later today, Thorne has backed off on his comments, citing it as a joke, and a misunderstanding.

Well, its no joke.

Schilling could have sacrificed his career to pitch under those circumstances. The injury was very serious. And to wrongfully put back up catcher Mirabelli in a bad place with his own teammates by making false accusations that he was the "source" of this lie is about as foul as it goes. It's not just shoddy journalism, its close to slander as it gets.

Even current Baltimore first baseman, Kevin Millar, who was a member of the 2004 Championship team came out in defense of Schilling saying, "it was 100% blood... why are we even talking about this?"

Good question, Millar.

But the next question is why is Gary Thorne still employed by the Orioles? Do they make it their business to run a libel or slandermill? Maybe its high time that Gary Thorne hit the high road and the Orioles separate themselves from this kind of madness. Baseball has enough controversy in it without the like of Thorne poisoning the environment with lies!

Life is Good as Sox sweep the Yanks at Fenway! And Chelsea can't gain on United's draw!

As I mentioned in my last post, I usually don't call these things, but for the Sox to sweep the Yanks at Fenway was simply an amazing accomplishment. Plus to add a little historic flair - the Sox hit four back to back homeruns off Yankee pitcher - Chase Wright. The homers came courtesy of Manny Ramierz, J.D. Drew, Mike Lowell, and team captain, Jason Varitek. This is the first time this has happened off of an American League pitcher since 1964 - and as coincidence would have it - Terry Francona's dad was one of the players who hit one of the four homers in '64.

The Sox next entertain the Blue Jays at Fenway while the Yanks head to Tampa Bay to recharge before the Sox and Yanks meet up again this weekend for round two.

As for individual performance of some players like Dice K, I have to say that the jury is still out. Yes, he picked up the win, but not without giving up several hits and runs to the Yanks. He's already given up the long ball a few times this year. So far, you have to say we'll be fine if the Sox keep hitting they way they have been hitting. But that's a lot to ask of your players, day in and day out.

We need some consistency on the mound where our pitchers hold to two or three runs, and not six. In MLB level baseball, you don't expect pitching staffs to give up 6 or 7 runs each time out.

God its great to be Sox fan. And the season has really just started!

EPL mention.

I'd be remiss to mention the other incredible action over the weekend from the world's most popular sport - Soccer. Looks like Chelsea couldn't capitalize on the Manchester United's draw with Middlesborough this weekend. Chelsea found itself drawing with Newcastle United leaving the lead at the top of the EPL to Six point square. As the season draws to a close it will be interesting to see who finds themselves at the top, who gets relegated, and who makes it into European play. What a year for the EPL. Amazing stuff.

It will be interesting to see who gets into UEFA Cup next year.... Pompi? Tottehnam? Reading? Bolton? It's just going to be a fabulous finish that is going to come down to the last game to decide who goes and who doesn't. The the line between who goes and who doesn't will be the slimmest of margins - to be sure.

And speaking of Champions League play, expect first leg action this week of the Semi Final games between Manchester United and AC Milan, and the game between Liverpool and Chelsea to be nothing short of phenomenal. It's going to be another amazing week in Soccer. And I can't wait to tune it!

Red Sox dominate!

For all the billions spent by the New York Yankee ownership, it was great to see that old-fashioned, gut-wrenching, hard-nosed baseball as provided by the roster of the Boston Red Sox still prevails. The Sox had two long, back-to-back come from behind performances the last two nights with yet a third game scheduled for this evening.

While I have to admit that the Sox are third on the list of highest MLB payrolls, one would still expect because the Yanks still lead in the money game - that the result should show it. But obviously, money isn't everything. And it hasn't been for the the past few nights.

While I don't make game by game predictions I can safely say that the Sox actually look like a cohesive team that could sweep the Yanks this time around. The Sox are playing long ball and small ball and doing what needs to get done to move the runners along. Even the defense is picking up despite some unexpected (and unprecedented) errors from Mike Lowell at third base.

There are plenty of weak spots in the Sox line up, but you couldn't tell where they were over the past few days. Even when Red Sox Captain Jason Varitek can go 5-7 and rebounding from a 2-17 slump, then you have to say there's hope. As for Lugo, Cora, and a few others - only time will tell what we can expect from them on a consistent basis. But one things for sure, we can't have a year like last year - where we relied on miracle homeruns from Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz to carry the team.

As a diehard fan, games like the ones over the past few nights are heart-wrenching. Every Red Sox - Yankee game is like an emotional battle of immense proportion. Why the emotional investment in a mere baseball game you ask? You have to grow up with it to understand. It's like good versus evil with George Steinbrenner starring as the Devil himself.

On Friday, I had declared the Sox dead at about the six inning. I was infuriated by A-Rod's homerun and another struggling performance by Curt Schilling. I was annoyed to see the Sox fall further behind at Fenway - with the the thought that we were bound for embarrassment under our own roof. But I'd also forgotten the magic of Fenway, and what the post- 1980s Sox are capable of.

Growing up watching the Sox in the 70s has its impressionable stigmas. One expects that if the Sox are behind after five innings then the game is over. But not so with this new brand of Boston Red Sox - established circa 1990s. No longer is it: its over when Bob Stanley comes to the mound, now its really not over until its over. And Sox fans may have to sit nine full innings this year to see just how it all plays out.

Good luck tonight Dice-K. I'm rooting for your first win at Fenway, and the Sox's best sweep of the season against our arch enemies!

Go Sox!