Wow, what a disappointment. The events that transpired in Texas have me guessing if I know anything about baseball.

I guess there are other words that "R.A." could represent. Bostondirtdogs.com says the letters in Dickey's name stand for "Really Awesome." He was pretty good. Losing one game I could live with, but what happened Saturday?

Was it too much to have two double-headers in one week? Maybe, the team was tired, working so much within a short span of time.

Was it the Rangers stellar pitching staff? Come on they aren't that good. They gave up 9 hits the first game and 11 in the second.

Was it the law of averages? Maybe, Boston has not played that well in Arlington, and the Rangers were hitting .363 at home going into Sunday's game.

Was it Pedro? Pedro Martinez started talking to the media again. Mercury News reports that Martinez will be entering the free agent market at the end of the 2004 season. He went on to say that he would play for the Yankees if they offered the right money. New Yorkers are chomping at the bit. The New York Post says Pedro would be welcome in the Bronx." Pedro also said his contract negotiations or lack there of would have no affect on his performance this season. Yeah, right. Take a look at Saturday night's line: 4 innings, 9 hits, 1 walk, 6 earned runs and 3 strikeouts.

I do not think it is any coincidence that after he made those comments, the team lost three consecutive games.

Pedro, on more than one occasion, has been the lifeline for this team. In the past, he was the stopper, the go-to guy. Every fifth day, he was The Man! And he's my favorite player on the team.

What is he now? Another disgruntled employee?

I'm blown away, angry, sad, disappointed, overwhelmed, and embarrassed. I've defended this guy to everyone. "He'll come back..Give'em a chance...It's early...," I said. Now I am thinking maybe its time the Red Sox organization explore its options.

Pedro has me worked up. I could care less about the three-game losing streak.

He must have the rest of the team worked up too. The Boston Herald reports that Manny Ramirez would defer some of his contract in order for the Red Sox to re-sign Pedro. Wow. Manny is taking on a new role this year - clubhouse leader. Even the Cleveland Plain Dealer is noticing Manny's actions.

What are we to do? The Boston Herald's Michael Gee thinks its time "to stop listening to what players and teams say about contract negotiations"? Perhaps he has a point, but it's so hard when players use the media to plead their cases to the public.

The Red Sox owners put together a winning, top-notch, first place team. They made one huge mistake with the Nomar trade discussions.

They can not make another with Pedro. If it does not get resolved soon we may be looking at another sweep in Cleveland.

Pedro's comments are not the only problem. The Red Sox continue to leave men on base - 23 over the weekend in Arlington - the American League's version of Coors Field. This has been an issue since the beginning of the season.

It's time to change the lineup. What good is a guy getting on-base if you do not have anyone driving him home? Such is the case with Mark Bellhorn, who's leading the league in walks and has an on-base percentage well over .400. Put him second in the lineup, especially with Bill Mueller struggling. It may be temporary but the shake up may do some good.

Tonight's matchup looks like it could be a pitching duel with Curt Schilling facing Jake Westbrook and the Indians at "The Jake." The Plain Dealer says that Westbrook is ready to pitch.

It seems that all of Cleveland is ready. As for me, I'm not so sure.

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