It was great to see the offense pick up the bullpen for once, instead of the reverse, which seems to happen on a daily basis. Unfortunately I didn't see a single pitch of this one. I had a good excuse (that you don't want to hear about), it was legit, and left it up to the rest of RSN to put the hex on Tampa Bay.

Pedro Martinez (5IP 4H 1R 1ER 1BB 6K): Who else would I start with? With the exception of the run in the first, which I attribute to 'rust' Pedro looked like Pedro. Probably the best moment of the night was when he knocked Andy Sheets off the plate and then Sheets went and gave Pedro the 'stare down'. Are you kidding me? Oh Andy, you imposing figure you. I thought it was hilarious how for the rest of the night Sheets had no chance to even make contact since he was bailing out before the pitch was even released.

Rolando Arrojo (1.1IP 3H 2R 2ER 1BB): I guess what we see is simply what were going to get from him, which is basically a flip of the coin each time out. He's either great or awful, never in between.

Manny Ramirez (1-5 3RBI 2B): Still slumping, but I'd much rather him get one huge hit a night than go 2-4 or 3-5 and have it be meaningless. Chances are it wouldn't be, but you see my point. If I remember correctly Manny is now hitting in the vacinity of .345 in his career with the bases loaded. Um, clutch?

Carl Everett (2-4 1R 2RBI HR): Continues his Arrojo imitation. One night he takes center stage with the bat and the next he couldn't hit sand if he fell off a camel (from Major League). I haven't found much on the extent of his injury, if it's serious or what not. Maybe there will be something when I head over to grab the links for the Globe.

paul@redsox2000.com