Sometimes I wonder why I expend so much energy following this team. The season is playing more like a daytime television drama than a pennant race. I'm not the only one that has noticed. Tribnet.com writes When you play for the Sox, life is one big 'soap opera.'

This club, which last year was all about teamwork, is now moving towards the ugly 25 men, 25 cab scenario. However, the situation may be getting better.

Boston.com reports Manny has returned to left field. We can at least put that behind us.

Nomar's recent success has quieted the trade rumors. But, man he looks depressed. It makes me sad. To think that the fans and media have turned on this All Star.

Will David Ortiz be suspended or not? I can't figure out why it is taking the commissioner's office so long to make a decision. Give Ortiz the four games you gave Milton Bradley (formerly of the Twins, now with the Dodgers), who bumped up against an umpire earlier this season. Ortiz did little more than that. Four games is the penalty for going batty. He'll appeal the decision, as they all do, and still get to play against the New York Yankees. What are you waiting for Bud?

Keith Foulke blew another save opportunity last night. In his last 10 appearances, he has only recorded one save. He has blown three and has two losses during that time. He has already reached last year's blown saves total (5) and we have over 70 games left. He has got to turn it around.

I have to admit I did not see the entire game last night. I tried but these extra inning ballgames on the West Coast kill me. The Seattle Times reports that Brett Boone slams the Sox in the 11th. Ouch.

I do not see how the Mariners could win against the Sox. The Seattle Mariners have a couple of really great players, especially Ichiro, who uses his bat like a tennis racket. However, as a whole the team has played rather poorly.

Seattle's going to the fountain of youth. To make room for some younger players, the Mariners' veterans are moving out. The Seattle Times' Les Carpenter says that Edgar Martinez has reached the end of the lineup. Martinez' at bats are going to the newcomer, Bucky Jacobsen. The Seattle Times reports that the latest arrival, is playing like a seasoned vet. The Times also asks readers, "Is Jacobsen the real deal?" Only time will tell, but in five games, he has two home runs, five RBIs, four runs and batting .500. Not a bad start to a career.

The team has also moved its best pitcher, Freddy Garcia, to the White Sox. They acquired a decent catcher, Miguel Olivo, in the trade to eventually take over for the aging Dan Wilson. It was a good trade but showed two things: the Mariners are thinking of next year (at the earliest) and are trying to save themselves some money.
According to the Canadian Press, the Mariners moved Rich Aurilla yesterday. KIROTV says John Olerud has been taken off the the roster also.

KIROTV reports the youth movement begins with Justin Leone.

Why did the Red Sox lose against such an inexperienced club? Ignorance is bliss. These younger guys do not know that they are not as good as Boston.

Derek Lowe goes tonight against Seattle. This is another pitcher who has got to turn it around. I haven't quite given up on him, yet. We'll see how tonight goes. The Red Sox will face Joel Pineiro, who has recently turned things around. MLB.com reports that Pineiro is looking to build on big win. MLB.com has a game preview.

Reader comments: What should David Ortiz receive as a penalty for pushing manager Terry Francona into an umpire and then throwing bats onto the field?

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