I'm back from a holiday break. I couldn't have picked a better time. While I watched the Atlanta series, I'm glad it's over. Being swept by an inferior team is not my idea of fun. The Yankees also got swept by the surging Mets which eased the pain. Who would have thought I'd be rooting for the Mets? But I have found that at least twice a year I become a Met fan.

The return to Fenway has been good for the Sox. Boston.com reports the Red Sox pounded the A's for 11 more runs. We have begun to see the offense that propelled Boston to the playoffs last year. 22 runs scored in the last two games - fantastic! Plus, the pitching has been stellar.

Tim Wakefield continues to dazzle. I should be used to his performances, but Tuesday was especially nice. Pedro added to the A's malaise, allowing only two earned-runs and striking out seven in seven.

I almost feel bad for the A's lefties. Southpaws traditionally do not pitch well in Fenway. First Barry Zito got rocked on Tuesday and Wednesday Mark Redman had a poor showing. Zito's recent troubles has SFGate.com's Glenn Dickey wondering if he is just another flaky lefty?

SFGate.com also reports the the A's are overdue for a break.

The A's may do better putting the right-handed Rich Harden on the mound, but I doubt it. They will face the very tough Curt Schilling. I can't wait. MLB.com takes a look at tonight's match-up.
Schilling will be pumped. He was just selected to represent the AL in the All Star Game and a sweep is very likely.

The Red Sox have indeed been fortunate against the A's. Boston is 4-1 going into tonight's game, but have not faced the A's tougher pitchers (Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder). Fortunate indeed. If the Sox should win tonight, both teams would be tied for the wild card spot.

The recent success of the offense hasn't changed the Nomar situation. ProJo.com's Jim Donaldson suggests Nomar's departure is still very likely. I was hoping his recent hot streak and Wednesday's home run may change people's perspectives, but that is not the case. In fact the Boston Herald writes, Nomar is rumored to be part of a deal that would bring Randy Johnson to Boston. The Boston Globe says Boston's GM Theo Epstein is denying the rumors. Reuniting Johnson with his former World Series teammate Schilling would be terrific. Can you imagine a rotation of Pedro, Schilling and Johnson? Could there be one better. No team could compete against that trio in a playoff series. Johnson is one lefty I wouldn't worry about in Fenway. Add Derek Lowe and Tim Wakefield to the mix. Wow! Arroyo who?

The Sox are trailing the Yankess by only six games now. If the team can stay focused they can close the gap. I guess I am what SI.com's John Donovan's would classify as a sick Red Sox fan.

Reader comments: Would you be willing to trade Garciaparra and minor-leaguer Shoppach to acquire Randy Johnson?

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