When it comes to interleague play, I'm torn.

It gives fans like myself the opportunity to see the Sox play some teams I have only dreamed about. Until last year, I had only seen the Sox in two World Series. So the chance to witness them play National League teams was indeed intriguing. I'm sure that same sentiment is felt in places like Chicago, where the Cubs haven't played a World Series since meeting the Sox in 1918.

I have enjoyed most of the schedule in the past. I have particularly enjoyed them play the Braves, Dodgers, Giants, Phillies and Mets. But I haven't really enjoyed these last two series. Yes, I like the idea of playing the Cubs. In fact, I have bet on a Cubs-Red Sox World Series meeting for a number of year, obviously to no avail. The payoff would be great.

Losing two series in a row pains me - especially when it involves the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cubs.

Chicago's Greg Maddux pitched like his former self - locating the pitces perfectly. I expected more of a fight there, but the future Hall of Famer prevailed.

Has anyone else noticed that Bronson Arroyo hasn't pitched well since losing the cornrows? Maybe it's just me.

Then Saturday's game came and I couldn't wait. Carlos Zambrano versus Wade Miller. Considering I have them both on my fantasy team, I was hoping for a pitching duel. Heck, Miller would be more comfortable facing National Leaguers and Carlos Zambrano is a Cy Young contender. Midway through the game my dream was shattered. I even felt bad for Zambrano, who jammed a toe while sliding. What a downer. The Sox went on to lose that one too.

When Sunday came I was a bit depressed. I heard ESPN's Joe Morgan say how the Red Sox were not the team of last year; how they don't have the pitching they did; how he didn't understand what Francona was thinking when he decided to sit David Ortiz, Bill Mueller and Trot Nixon.

It was the first time in my memory that I disliked Joe Morgan. This is a man who I have had a great amount of respect for. Perhaps the greatest second baseman of our time. What did he know of the Boston Red Sox? He based his whole commentary on the loss of Pedro and D. Lowe.

Then I saw the lineup: Damon, Renteria, Youkilis, Ramirez, Millar, Payton, Mirabelli, Bellhorn, Wakefield. I was worried. Even though, Theo Epstein told the Chicago Sun Times that he wasn't.

How could a guy like Youkilis be hitting in the three-hole ahead of Manny Ramirez, arguably the best hitter on the team? The three-hole? I just didn't get it.

Yes, you can throw any amount of stats my way. His on-base-percentage is .415 (actually higher after yesterday's game). I can understand loading up on right-handers versus a lefty. Youk can hit lefties.

But, I looked to my wife and muttered something about a sweep. She rolled her eyes, as she often does, and reminded me, "I like Youkilis."

With that we sat and watched as Youkilis hit a solo home run in his first at-bat.

Things were looking up, up, up. Glendon Rusch proved not so tough. Francona proved he knew more about baseball than Joe Morgan. And my wife proved she's wise beyond her years.

The Chicago Tribune says the Red Sox couldn't leave town fast enough after the Sox lost two of the three and four of their last six.

I was just happy to see Wakefield back. Does anyone else think the Doug Mirabelli's return was the difference in Wake's play? Or was it simply being able to hit again, not to mention a chance to show off a little speed? From first to home - nice.

Dan Shaughnessey of the Boston Globe notes that fans of both clubs had a grand time.

Regardless, interleague play continues. I'm no longer torn.

Now, the Red Sox are home against the Cincinnati Reds. This is their first meeting at Fenway since 1975. As a special treat, Carlton Fisk will be on hand when the Boston Red Sox dedicate the foul pole in left to him.

Fisk Pole - I can think of nothing better.

I'm looking forward to the Red Sox hitting the snot out of Joe Morgan's "Red Machine."

One more note: The contract that records the sale of Babe Ruth went for $996,000 at a recent auction - to an Yankee fan, of course.

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