Monday was a day off for the Red Sox and Sunday was an off day. Let's not jump to any conclusions yet. On the radio Monday, Jim Rome talked about the loss on his syndicated talk show. He thinks it's time to panic and says Pedro Martinez is not the same ol' Pete. I don't usually disagree with him, but I will here. Pedro is still the best pitcher going. His velocity may be down a bit, but it will return regardless of what Romie says. Pedro's arsenal also includes a change, slider and curve, so as long as he can mix up his pitches effectively, he will dominate.

Also "in the jungle" people from New England were asking for the manager's head. Saying that Terry Francona doesn't know how to manage. Poor Terry Francona.

Boston fans are very knowledgeable and let's say quick to judge. Sox fans start every year with high expectations. We expect to win, although history proves us wrong.

Give this guy a chance. If I remember correctly, the Red Sox lost the opener last year also. In fact, on NESN, I saw that the Red Sox haven't won an opening game in Baltimore since 1982. Is that right? So why are fans so surprised? Let's keep some perspective. Let's not forget that New York lost its opener to Tampa Bay. And, the Detroit Tigers, last year's worst team in baseball, beat Toronto with Roy Halladay, the 2003 Cy Young Award winner, on the mound. Although it would have been nice to have the W, one game is not going to make or break this season.

The troubles for Francona don't end with the fans. The Boston Globe's site reads Sox: A situation right off the bat This is more of a problem - Pedro left the game before it ended. I'm a big Pedro fan, but whether intended or not, his absence showed a disrespect to his teammates, Terry Francona and Red Sox fans. But why act so selfishly? Was he upset about contract negotiations as MSNBC reports? Was he disappointed with his performance? Although, one bad inning on opening day is nothing to beat yourself up about. This is not the Pedro I 've scheduled vacations to watch pitch. Last year the Red Sox showed they could come back from any deficit. This is a problem that Francona will have to address. You can not walk out on your team.

The Boston Globe reports "Respect for manager just didn't show up". You can't let this one go, Terry. Sometimes you have to be tough one player so you do not lose control of the team. At the very least give Pedro a fine. He deserves it. If he has any respect for you and his teammates, he will accept the fine and apologize for his actions.

Now, back to the games. Curt Schilling takes the mound for the Red Sox today. The Providence Journal says, for Schilling, the situation is bizarre. He started his career with the Orioles pitching against the Sox. Weird. Schilling is going to come into this game fired up. Combine his mental readiness with a free-swinging Oriole offense and I predict 10Ks. In order to get the victory, the Sox are going to have to get their players home. They left 14 people stranded on base Sunday night. 14. For a team with such scoring potential, that's dreadful.

Eric Dubose takes the mound for the Orioles. While we may think it is a menace to be matched up against one of the best pitchers in the game, the Baltimore Sun reports that O's starters aren't nervous, just young and restless. Well, no matter what they may say, I'm sure anxiety will get the better of them. Facing Schilling and a tough offense will be a daunting task for these youngsters. The Orioles oldest starter is Dubose. He is 27.

Back on the home front

If ticket sales were the measuring stick, we would have a Cubs vs. Red Sox World Series. Both teams have sold 85 percent of all their home games. Ouch. The Miami Herald posted a story Monday by ProJo's W. Zachary Mallinowski that Boston Red Sox fans are clamoring for tickets. The Red Sox continue to be the highest priced ticket, at an average of over $40. The Cubs are second at an average of about $28.50. The USAToday also makes a case for the dream matchup in its article "Next year here for Cubs and Red Sox" We almost saw this last year. With the improvements both teams have made in the offseason, both are favored play in the World Series. I won't hold my breath, but I will cross my fingers and toes.

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