As I drove to work today, I heard many radio listeners speak out against Pedro Martinez. Some were saying Boston's star pitcher is "all washed up", "time for him to go." Wow. What a bunch of fickle fans the BoSox have in New England. I'm not surprised. Having lived in the area my entire life, I've heard it all. These people had they been around would have traded Ted Williams too. As soon as it gets a little rough, fans start crying.

Today, manager Terry Francona is looking like a genius for sitting Pedro. In fact the Boston Herald's Tony Massarotti says"Pedro is out of control" and perhaps he should sit out the rivalry out afterall.

Is Pedro injured? Fighting an illness? Even fans on the Sons of Sam Horn website are curious, What's wrong with Pedro? It's early. Let's not throw in the towel just yet. We still have a few rounds to go. Pedro would have pitched better against the "Evil Empire" I'm sure of it. Just the rush of the rivalry would have been enough for him.

When it comes to Red Sox vs. Yankees, there is no better rivalry. Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessey writes New season, same red-hot rivalry. The New York Post is using every Star Wars reference they can including "May the curse be with you" Even the Arizona Republic is getting into the action with its storyYankees vs. Red Sox: Nothing like it, players say. The Arizona Republic. The Diamondbacks are playing so poorly Arizona has to follow Curt Schilling's new team. Needless to say, this is big.

I've been waiting for this since the Yankees signed A-Rod. So have many others. The New York Times says with A-Rod now a Yankee, Red Sox fans have someone new to boo. That's true but he is not the only one. You'll be able to hear the boo-birds throughout New England.

We Boston fans may be fickle about our own team, when it comes to hating the Yankees, we stand united.

The Yankees have potential MVPs at third (A-Rod), short (Derek Jeter), outfield (Gary Sheffield), and All-stars Hideki Matsui, Jorge Posada, Jason Giambi and Bernie Williams. Wow, there is really only two weaknesses in the lineup - if you can call them that - Lofton and Wilson. I'm not scared. None of it matters. Pitching wins championships - just ask the Marlins. Boston's pitching is superior.

The Yankees lost Roger Clemens, Andy Pettite and David Wells. They only were able to fill two of the three holes by acquiring Kevin Brown and Javier Vasquez. Net loss of one pitcher. In fact, the New York Post's Kevin Kernan says Vaz the right guy for Fenway. Whether that be true on not, the Sox are waiting. Tim Wakefield starts tonight, followed by Curt Schilling on Saturday. I'm sure Schilling can't wait. With Keith Foulke closing there is nothing we can't do.

Georgie, I know you are trembling. I also know you are not done. I know you stil need a second baseman. I'm ready for when you ask Jose Vidro to join former teammate Javier Vasquez. But even with all your additions, you have forgotten one thing character. You've forgotten about team unity. Although you've had the highest payroll in baseball for the last three years, you still have not won a championship during that time. You will miss out again.

This is the best weekend in Boston sports history. Go Bruins. Go Celtics. Go Kenyans. And Go Sox!

E-mail this entry to a friend