Even a spring training game between the Red Sox and Yankees is all the rage. Tuesday was no different.

Halama pitched okay while the Sea Dogs' outfield (Durbin, Lockwood, Hall) played stellar. Portland is in for a real treat.

With four days left before the first game of the season, "The Rivalry" talk is heating up.

The Portland Press Herald's Kevin Thomas writes about Halama's inside pitch to A-Rod Nice lead, but what I found most interesting was Joe Torre's comments.

Apparently when it comes to the Yankees-Red Sox, Torre needs to have special meetings to explain "the madness."

Some "new" people may never understand until it's too late. Boston.com's reports that Randy Johnson is cool to rivary.

The ignorance is a welcome change from the arrogance other Yankees have spewed year after year. I like him in pinstripes.

Regardless, the New York Daily News reports the Unit is working up to the Red Sox. However, he was 100 miles away from Tuesday's pre-season game. I'm not sure what he wishes to learn from that distance.

Perhaps he was still looking for his something. He obviously didn't find it in Tuesdays game versus Toronto's AAA club. The New York Times reports, Johnson was roughed up for 6 earned runs, 10 hits and hit a batter. To his credit he struck out 8 while throwing 98 pitches in 5 2/3 innings.

The N.Y. Daily News' John Harper says Johnson needs to find his "dark place" for the opener. If "dark place" means "the plate" then I agree.

It won't matter. Like A-Rod, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and Kevin Brown, the 42-year-old Johnson doesn't fit in. He, like those before him, is the best at his position. But ever since the Yankees went out and spent the big dollars for Giambi, New York hasn't won a championship.

Speaking of mistakes...It appears New York is going to make another one. According to the New York Post, Joe Torre has announced his starting rotation. Mr. Brown, not Jaret Wright - who dominated the spring - is the No. 4 man.

This is great news for Sox fans. We may face Brown in Fenway's first home series.

It may not have the same ring as 19-18, but when facing the Yankees, I'm going to start chanting "2-0-0-0!" (the last time the Yankees won a World Series) I hope it catches on.

Reader comments: What will you chant when the Yankees come to town?

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