i'd spend the rest of the night walking around with my fists pumped high in the air if i didn't have a sore left shoulder

a very nice write up on Pedro in honor of his return to Fenway. i am pleased with the cheers of recognition. i am sorry that he got his backside promptly clobbered (well not THAT sorry--i wanted another Boston victory of course, but i would have settled for something less painful for him). i am disappointed by whomever was in attendance at Fenway, classlessly taunting a former Red Sock deserving of appreciation with "Peyyy-dro! Peyyy-dro!" after giving up 8 runs in 3 innings--let it be known that i cannot believe these were *true* Red Sox fans capable of this sort of behavior. (spare me the JD commentary if you're thinking it & keep reading!)

words from One Who Clearly Does Not Understand
"[Yankees manager Joe] Torre added he's 'curious' to see Pedro Martinez's welcome tonight. 'They beat up on Johnny Damon, so it wouldn't surprise me what they do,' he said of the Fenway fans. 'Johnny was sort of a cult hero over there, more than anyone else, and they didn't treat him too favorably.' " -- 6.28.06, New York Newsday

and words from One Who Does & i am heartily glad for this
Pedro Martinez: "Johnny still holds the Red Sox in his heart. He was a part of that championship team. He just chose the wrong uniform."


in the midst of all the Pedro-romancing
let's not forget one Josh Beckett who *brought it* again tonight! good to have you back Josh. we missed ya!

a favorite quote (can you determine why this quote appeals to me so?) from Surviving Grady about my favorite (and believe me i find it near impossible to pick an actual favorite this year!) Boston player
Lowell provides that potent stick toward the bottom of the order -- all while maintaining Major League Baseball's most dashing salt-and-pepper beard, we might add.

a quote that made me laugh because in some ways i won't be over the Traitor until he leaves the Evil Empire
Damon Wants Applause: For Pedro. Why do Boston reporters continue to think any Sox fan gives a flying s**t about anything that comes out of Damon's mouth? He is a Yankee. His opinion matters less than mine. (Surviving Grady)

still more quote-worthy Surviving Grady because i LOVE what i'm seeing
Another trouncing. Another National League team sent scrambling to the gates of Fenway, clutching what's left of their pride and their teeth, imprint of Ortiz' massive cleat firmly ensconced on their backside. A-Gon is chipping in with a coupla hits each night. Alex Cora -- Alex freakin' Cora -- is tearing it up like the Incredible Hulk.

what i am in no way ready to see the return of any time soon, though i am starting to hear some rumblings on the former
Matt Clement developed a mysterious arm injury (that everyone knows is really a problem just north of his shoulder) and also ended up on the DL. Wells is still...hurt? Old? Fat? Whatever.


Gabe Kapler on Big Papi & the Walk Off Phenomenon
I don't know how he does it, to be honest with you. At this point it's semi-cartoonish.

and speaking of Gabe
watching his fine footwork as he scrambled around the corners of right field late in tonight's game is a moment of wonder when you recall that he had, what has been for many, a career-ending injury less than one year ago.


last but not least
not to be forgotten is last night's opener against the "other boys from New York"...and in my opinion, quite a performance from The Kid. i have good feelings in my gut about Jon Lester. i think he fits right in here.

can't say *anything* else about the Sox. it goes against the rules of The New Superstition. but i encourage you to look up the stats for yourself! ;-)