My camping trip was cut short by family illnesses. It was somewhat a blessing in disguise; I'm not sure I could have listened to another static-filled game on the transistor.

Friday night's loss was a heart breaker. Pedro actually pitched pretty well, but came up short. Yes, the Yankees seem to win against him. Calling them his "daddy" seems a little harsh. NYNewsday.com reports on Pedro's comments.

Pedro's giving New York a little too much credit. You could almost blame Friday's loss to umpires making bad calls. This series was plagued by them. The umpires could not see tags or strike zones. Batters on both sides were left shaking their heads. I'm glad that the umpiring crew has left Fenway. I hope we do not see the same crew in Tampa Bay.

So Saturday, I watched the game from my usual spot on the couch. When the Yankees went ahead in the top of the fourth inning, my wife asked, "Why don't you wear the hat anymore?"

"The Red Sox lost two-in-a-row, actually three," I replied.
"You have given up too early. I think you should start wearing it again," she suggested.

I got up and headed to the coat rack where the cap had rested for a couple of weeks. I placed it on my head.

Double-play inning over. Bottom of the fourth Red Sox score a couple of runs to tie.

"Hey this thing really does work," I exclaimed.

"Told you so," my wife stated with a smug grin.

The Red Sox came back and walloped the Yankees in the ninth.

It's sad I know. My superstition has gotten so bad, I've sucked my wife into it. But it works. And I've learned a valuable lesson. Don't give up on something you believe in no matter how dumb others may think it is.

So on Sunday I placed the cap back on my head. It's looking a little worn, faded but it still contains the magic.

Later that day, the Sox went ballistic against a very ordinary Kevin Brown. The game was virtually over before the second inning. The New York Times' Jack Curry writes about how Brown had hit the wall, in a game this time. The New York Post went so far as to say "If the Yankees do not win the World Series, you can blame it on Kevin Brown.

And I thought Boston writers were tough.

Sunday's game was a blowout, but blaming a World Series loss on a pitcher just back from the DL, that's plain dumb. The Post's Mike Vaccarro says Brown has become more trouble than he's worth. This may be true, but the Yankees knew that Brown is a little volatile.

Sunday's win was not all about Brown's outing. It was more about Curt Schilling's. The veteran leader proved his worth once again allowing only one hit over seven innings on Sunday. He did walk three straight batters, but I blame the ump. The New York Post's Kevin Kernan noticed. In his article he writes about what Schilling can do for a team like the Red Sox.

The home-town newspapers noticed too. In fact, the Boston Herald believes Schilling should start Game 1 in the playoffs regardless of opponent.

I'm not sure I agree. Yes, Schilling is outstanding. He has pitched well against just about everyone, including the Yankees. However, the decision really is about showing proper respect.

You can go back to high school when seniors make the varsity team just because they are seniors. The same is true in the majors. Pedro Martinez is the Boston Red Sox. He has been a leader since he arrived. Even though he has struggled against the Yankees, he dominates Oakland. In two starts against the A's this year, he is 2-0, with an ERA of 1.39 and 13Ks in 13 innings. And his one game versus Minnesota produced 11Ks in seven innings.

It's a tough decision but manager Terry Francona will actually have to look at the matchups. If the Sox face Anaheim or the Yankees again, I'd have to agree with the Boston Herald.

When the decision is made, I hope both pitchers understand it's about winning a Series.

I was surprised by all the hoop-la surrounding Kenny Lofton's elbow. No, he really shouldn't have elbowed Doug Meintkiewicz while running out an infield grounder. I'm not surprised that they intended to hit or attempt to hit him with a pitch, but waiting five innings after the fact is ridiculous. It was Schilling's job to do it, if at all. If th Sox could not afford to lose Schilling than they should not have started anything. I'm sure Doug would have understood. Instead, a serious injury could have occurred when Brad Halsey sent some chin music to Dave Roberts. That was a bit too close for comfort.

I understand protecting your teammates, but how and when need to be established. Five innings aftert the fact is too late. According to the New York Times, the "creative tension" will remain until next time.

Needing just one more win to clinch a spot in the playoffs, it looks like there will be more baseball played in Boston. But first, the Sox face Tampa Bay. The Red Sox are 12-4 against the Devil Rays this year, but a sweep is needed in order to win the title. Bradenton.com writes about the Devil Rays' lost season. The record doesn't show it, but Tampa Bay always plays Boston tough. Tonight will be no different. MLB.com reports that the Devil Rays will look to phenom Scott Kazmir to stop Boston.

The Sox remain 3 1/2 back from divisional title with six games left. Can it be done? That is asking a lot out of a silly hat.

Reader comments: Who do you think should start Game 1 for the Red Sox, Pedro Martinez or Curt Schilling? Why?

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