On Saturday, the Portland Press Herald's Ray Routhier reported that Stephen King is starting to research a new book. The book follows a Red Sox fan's experience throughout the 2004 season. He is writing with another Sox fan and horror writer, Stewart O'Nan. I feel a strange sense of security knowing this. I know that whenever I plan on some kind of surety - winning Megabucks, world peace, a Red Sox championship - Murphy's Law comes into play. I'm not a fatalist like King, however. I don't expect the worst or invent it. I try to play it safe. Surely King must be up to something besides a best-selling novel.

Is this King's weird way of reversing the curse? Unless he is trying to write his most horrific story, ever, I think so. Perhaps a seance is needed to exorcise the demons of the past. If anyone can do that, it has got to be King. Good luck, you sly devil, I'm onto your scheme.

The real horror is the loss of Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon for the beginning of the season. These two guys are leaders in every sense of the word. With the two of them injured, the Sox may struggle out of the gate. And that will be tough because this season every game counts. Nah, I do not believe in "The Curse."

Curse or not, the season begins Sunday. We got to see a preview of the first series against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Perhaps see is not the correct choice of words. Now, I know most of New England would love to watch these spring games. Although we did not receive a huge amount of snow, this winter was still long and cold. We yearn for the warm days of summer. It would serve NESN well to offer all of the preseason games. At least give us the final week. I don't care if you give them to me time-delayed, but please give them to me. I would tune in, as would most of New England. Next winter, I'm starting a letter campaign with this request. Join me.

Let's get back to Baltimore. I like the Orioles, not a fan, but I like the team's history. I like the look of Camden Yards. I like Cal Ripken, Eddie Murray and Mike Flanagan. But what I especially like about the Orioles...It was an Orioles' hat that Elaine wore in a "Seinfeld" episode while she sat in George Steinbrenner's seats at Yankee Stadium. That I love.

The Baltimore Sun says, "Scoop on Orioles infield is that change is for the better". I tend to agree. Baltimore did well this off-season in improving the club. In a way, the team pulled a coup by signing free-agent pitcher Sidney Ponson. In July the Orioles traded Ponson to San Fransisco for pitchers Kurt Ainsworth and Damion Moss. Ainsworth is still with the club. This was a huge move and I commend Ponson for returning to his roots. He is a quality pitcher who will do well in Baltimore, especially if he gets some run support. He will.

This off-season, the Orioles also acquired Miguel Tejada(ESPN profile), giving them the fourth best shortstop in the game; catcher Javy Lopez(ESPN profile), who had tremendous power numbers last year for Atlanta; and Rafael Palmeiro (ESPN profile), free-agent first baseman from Texas. Tejada, Lopez and Palmeiro have power. This will undoubtedly increase their run-scoring. Add these veteran bats with the versatile Melvin Mora at third, and this team could go places. By the way - Palmeiro should go to the Hall. He the only Cuban-born player to hit 500 home runs. That alone should get him in.

The only question mark in the infield is Brian Roberts. He fills in at second while Jerry Hairston Jr. recovers from injury. Roberts has speed and a glove, but his bat is still unproven.

Baltimore has a nice offensive team, but I'm certainly not afraid of its pitching staff. It does not come remotely close to Boston's. The Orioles' rotation has a lot of talent, but experience is lacking. Ponson should pitch the opener versus the Sox on Sunday night. The Baltimore Sun announced that rookie-lefty (unless you count 6 innings last year) Eric Dubose will try to out smart the Sox with his 90-mph fastball and great curve in the second game. The third starter remains a mystery, although I expect Rodrigo Lopez, who has just three years experience, to get the nod. Ainsworth also is in the mix, probably fourth in the rotation. Either way, these four pitchers will see a potent and hungry Red Sox club. I see the Sox taking this first series, 3-1. I would say a sweep, but it's early and we are without Nomah! Remember it's all about winning series, World and otherwise.

E-mail this entry to a friend