Manny Ramirez (2-3 1R 4RBI 2B HR): Just the potential that he could hit a home run each time up is enough to keep us in games. But when he actually leads the way (which is usually), like he did in the first inning with a 3-run jack the rest of the pieces need just fall into place.

Starting tonight the Sox are in Cleveland, I think it will be interesting to see what kind of welcome Manny gets from the crowd. I expect it will be a healthy dose of boos with a spattering of cheers. Either way I would be surprised to see Manny out in left for the first game of the series if at all, no need to risk an 'incident'.

Brian Daubach (3-5 3R 3RBI HR): I think it's safe to say that away from Boston Dauber likes it in the Sky Dome. With another huge day yesterday Brian grabbed 10, yes 10 RBIs in the four game set. If that's not production then I have no idea what is.

Scott Hatteberg (3-5 4R RBI 2B): With the regular playing time now that Tek is on the DL Hatteberg is proving that Jimy wasn't so off base by naming him the DH over Bichette before Manny's injury in Spring Training. I think we all got an idea last season that this guy could hit when he got regular time. Most teams would kill to have a back-up catcher this good. Yes, the defensive side is a bit suspect, but if he can make up for it with the bat I think it evens out in the end.

Chris Stynes (3-5 2R RBI): When healthy this guy simply gets it done. Stynes was a good ball player out in Cincinnati, but he just couldn't stay off the DL. The runs will keep pouring in with him healthy and in the line-up.

Hideo Nomo (6IP 4H 1R 1ER 4BB 5K W): I thought it was frustrating to see Nomo only go six innings in this one. With the pen needing some rest this should have been an easy game for Hideo to go 7 or 8 innings. Just put it over and let them hit it to someone. I realize he only gave up the one run in his six, but he also had 115 pitches by that time as well, and with the rotation banged up as it is there's no way that Captain Hook is going to allow anyone to throw extra pitches.

With Castillo ailing Tomo Ohka is going to take his spot in the rotation today against the Tribe. I have no idea what to expect out of him, I only know that he's been scuffling a bit on the farm as of late. Maybe a change of scenery and being back to a place where it really counts will do him some good.

The Indians broke a four game skid with a 2-1 win over KC yesterday. Most of the skid was due to poor pitching the bats are still the same ole Cleveland bombers we've known for a while now. Hopefully their pitching will continue to sink and our bats will stay hot, we're going to need it in this series.

Can you believe this is the first meeting between the Sox and Tribe this season? Who the heck made this schedule?

paul@redsox2000.com