I wish everyday was yesterday. Taking the day off to celebrate my anniversary, I was able to spend some quality time with my family. Quality time sometimes means watching a day of baseball. I was able to get some fresh air during the first game featuring the Cardinals and Dodgers. I knew the Cards would win handily. They are a scary team and fun team to watch, but for me, the highlight was the 4 p.m. game - Red Sox vs. Angels, of course.

I thought it was going to be tougher than it was. The Angels' starting lineup looked anemic without Tim Salmon, Jose Guillen, and to a lesser extent Adam Kennedy. Even the powerful Vladimir Guerrero looked human.
Troy Glaus was the only Angels' standout going 3-3 with a home run and two doubles. Anaheim will surely miss this free agent next year.

Jarrod Washburn didn't have his stuff yesterday, not that I ever thought he had stuff. The only man he seemed to control was Johnny Damon. And, I suspect that it was Damon's mind set more than it was Washburn's pitches.

Washburn hasn't stepped up in a big game for quite a long time. In fact, when the Angels won the 2002 World Series, Washburn was 0-2. He's no ace, but I can not totally fault him.

Uncharacteristically, the Angels made some big errors, especially 3B Chone Figgins. Figgins' adrenaline must have played a factor in his two mishaps. It wasn't until he was moved to second did he play more confortably.

The LA Times says the Angels are off to a bad start. What is Anaheim's manager Mike Scoscia to do? Two of his most productive players are off the field - one suspended (Guillen); one seriously injured (Salmon). His defense-first mentalilty failed on Tuesday. His only saving grace will be if Bartolo Colon can outpitch Pedro. After tonight's game, it becomes increasingly difficult for him. Like the Yankees, the Angels pitching isn't that deep.

On the other side of the field, Kevin Millar offers his perspective on the first game. He writes in his postseason report for MLB.com "We set the tone early."

While we are on the subject of Millar. I must apologize. I should not have emphasized his weaknesses. Instead, I should have touted his spirit and his threatening power. It's nice to see him in the lineup, at least against lefties.

MLB.com also has a great feature called "short hops" which gives up to date information regarding the series including trends and who's hot stats. Read Angels short hops; Red Sox short hops.

A lot of the Red Sox success can be atttributed to Curt Schilling. Even without his best stuff, he was able to close the door on Anaheim. Schilling's performance was so efficient that the New York Times wonders if the Yankees pursued the wrong Boston love interest?

The newspaper is actually questioning whether former MVP Alex Rodriguez was a good aquisition. The shortstop, err I mean, third-baseman hit .286 with 36 HR, 106 RBIs and 112 runs scored. I think the answer is obvious. Of course the Yankees should pursued Schilling. There's no comparing the two. Regardless of A-Rod's stats pitching is a most valubale commodity. And, Schilling is a proven winner where as A-Rod hasn't won a thing (well, except for the MVP). I hope the trend continues.

After being shutout by Minnesota's Johann Santana, it's no wonder New York has questions. Santana didn't even have his best stuff relying instead on some pretty spectacular "D." Minnesota had five double plays. That means New Yorkers hit into five double plays in front of the hometown fans. How embarrassing. I'm sure the Boss is pleased.

But instead of finding blame within itself, New York newspapers try to divert attention to the Red Sox. The New York Post takes the time to write Martinez a no-show in pregame interviews and down the stretch.

They also use Damon's "Idiots" comment to post Red Sox score, as in "Idiots" 1, Angels 0. However the newspaper redeems itself by calling the Red Sox idiot savants.

Idiots or not, the Sox have the first win under their belts.

Pedro takes the mound tonight at 10 p.m. against a tough Colon. That's right 10! Hey MLB, you need a better way to deal with east coast-west coast games. This is ridiculous. This game will not end until after 1 a.m. EST. Wow. Meanwhile the Yankees-Twins game is again scheduled at a reasonable hour - 7 p.m. If you want to increase your audience and get those wee-ones' interest piqued, I suggest you try to accommodate the east a little better. Especially when it comes to the Red Sox, perhaps the most followed team in the league.

Regardless, I'm looking for the Sox to go two-up. MLB.com reports Martinez armed and ready. I agree. I just hope he doesn't try to over pitch to prove some worthless point.

If the pace continues, the Red Sox will be in the ALCS against the Minnesota Twins. I'm not sure I want this. Wouldn't it be terrific to beat the Yankees one more time? Vote in the poll

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