I hate the use of the word "if." Whenever I hear it I pretend the word doesn't exist and usually the truth of the matter is apparent. Such is the case with Terry Francona's quote "If there is blame, I'll take it" found in Kevin Thomas' article in Friday's Portland Press Herald. By using the word "if," Francona believes there isn't any blame. Omit the word "if" and you will see "there is blame. I'll take it" - a much more accurate statement.

Is there anyone else to blame? Some may say Ramiro Mendoza. Others may say Byung Hyun Kim. But no, it's all Francona. Afterall, it was his decision to put Kim on the mound. I'm not a manager, but even I know that the ninth inning of a must-win game is not the time to test a pitcher just off the DL. Especially when it involves Byung Hyun Kim, who the fans already have doubts about. Heck, the Sox were only down by two runs.

Terry, what were you thinking? Did you give up? Did you have that much confidence in Kim? A man that struggled before he went on the DL and has an ERA of 7.11. Is you name secretly Grady?
The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman says one good thing came out of Kim's evening - he didn't flip off the fans.

There is another good thing that came out of Thursday night's game, we won't be seeing Kim anytime soon. Well at least I hope we learned that. Right, Terry?

I've seen Francona mismanage his pitching staff all too often this season. It's time to let Dave Wallace take more control over the pen.

One more learning. Red Sox and plasma make for bad television. It turns out that every time I watch a game on a plasma tv, the Red Sox lose. So maybe it is not Francona's fault afterall. Perhaps I am to blame.

IF only I knew. Whoops.

So here we are ready to embark on another tough weekend series. I'm excited.

The New York Post suggests that the series will depend on Pedro's outing tonight. The newspaper says as Pedro goes, so go the Sox. There is some truth to this but it has nothing to do with tonight's start. Pedro has kept this clubhouse loose, fun, and happy. As long as he continues to do that, the Sox will be fine.

Some things are more important than winning the division. Ensuring a playoff spot is one of them. Home field would be nice, but not making the playoffs would be devastating. Besides who wants to face the Twins.

According to the New York Times, the Yankees have already qualified for the playoffs.
The New York Post's Joel Sherman doesn't find this weekend's series all that important. He says it's time for the Yankees to prep for the playoffs.

But the New York Daily News reports there was little celebration in the Yankees' clubhouse. They are focused on winning the division . Only one team stands in their way.

In an effort to clear Harry Frazee's name and perhaps even reverse "The Curse," the Times tries to clear up the whole sale of Ruth. I still do not believe in "The Curse;" Harry Frazee' was not the best owner, but he is not the reason for a finishing second to the Yankees year in year out.

You may think I'm crazy, but I can't watch these games this weekend. It's too much. My heart won't take it. So, instead, I'm taking a transistor radio and a sleeping bag and heading to the woods. It has worked in the past. Why not now?

Reader comments: Are you doing anything special for the weekend series against the Yankees?

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