While Searching For A Silver Lining...

The Red Sox will attempt to avoid an embarrassing sweep tonight at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals. Was this expected? Actually, yes. I was talking to a friend the other day and hinted at the thought that the Cardinals would want definite revenge for the Red Sox manhandling of their team last October. They’ve been waiting for us all winter, circling these games on the calendar, plotting the most painful way to disappoint our fans and team. Well, I was right, wasn’t I?

Tonight, we need a win desperately. It’s time to shake this salt off our shoulder and grab a nice, easy win (barring a delay, rain is expected in St. Louis tonight). Maybe Boomer can have another big night on the road, but our main goal is to stay in the game. Our offense is due for a massive explosion, and the time is now.
Interesting quotes from Remy and Eck regarding Manny sitting tonight:

"Is it a slap on the wrist (Manny's) not playing tonight with the day off tomorrow?" -- Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley

"Well he's (Manny) been walking around the clubhouse all week saying 'I got Thursday off, I got
Thursday off'... he was begging for a day off." -- Jerry Remy

That Remy quote not only scares the living shit outta me, but it worries me even more. What if Manny was telling the truth last year- he just wanted to win a World Series, then he would possibly tank and call it quits very soon. Behind all that joking, hugging and laughing is actually a very serious man out to do what’s best for him and his family. I’m not trying to jump to the conclusion that Manny will never be MVP potential anymore, I just don’t think he cares as much. Not nearly as much.

Also, Damon is close to grabbing that last All-Star outfield spot. Vote now.