Okay - I've had enough. I've tried to display patience. I've tried to come up with solutions. At the very least, I've tried talking myself through these rough periods.

I've seen Keith Foulke in this predicament before. Back when he played for the Chicago White Sox, he struggled so miserably, he was demoted to the set-up role. He of course rebounded, enough to make a trade to Oakland possible. The rest, as they say, is history.

Foulke has been a pretty good pitcher, but he hasn't been the best closer since coming to Boston. In fact, if one were to compare his stats from 2003 with Oakland vs. 2004 with the Sox, one would see a definite decline in all caegories - less IP, less Ks, higher ERA, higher WHIP, more blown saves, less saves.

I can understand that after a few years a pitcher's ability is going to decrease over time. I can accept injury, a bought with mental illness or just having a bad day. I can accept a change in stats especially when factoring in the parks. I can accept a lot, but I can not accept a player who insults fans.

In the post-game interview, Foulke went off. It was like watching Tom Cruise on the Today show. Cuckoo. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

For those of you who missed it the Boston Herald retells it for us:

 ``I'm not inviting them to my World Series celebration,'' Foulke said, the consternation apparent in his voice. ``They can boo, they can cuss. . . . If they don't want me to do the job, tell them to go tell management. I've done a lot of good for this team. They pay their money. Let them boo. Does it look like it bothers me?''
     ``(The fans) aren't going to make it any harder for me to look in the mirror,'' Foulke said, ``or more embarrassing for me to walk into this clubhouse and look into the faces of my teammates, then I am to walk out and see Johnny from Burger King booing me."

Yes, Boston fans can be tough. What do you expect? We sit in the most uncomfortable, expensive seats in the major leagues. We have won the Series only once in 86 years, despite having some pretty darn good teams. Some say we are (or were) cursed. And we are the most knowledgable fans in the game.

After some of the most horendous winters anyone could live through, we spend our short summers rooting, cheering, sneering and booing our beloved Sox. It's a luxury we can afford. It's the only thing that gets me through winter. That, and the occasional poker game.

Boston, right or wrong, expects a lot out of its players. And the smell of success can sometimes stink. But whether he feels bad or not, Keith Foulke should have learned a lesson from Byung-Hyun Kim. Ultimately, "Johnny from Burger King" pays his salary.

If he keeps it up, he'll be out of town quicker than one can say Danys Baez.

It's now time to shut him down, at least until he cools off. Put Mike Timlin in the closer role. After Foulke makes a insincere apology, which I'm sure the Red Sox will force him to do, we will eventually forget all about it.

One thing fans shouldn't forget: Foulke was asked to get five outs in Tuesday's game. He is no longer THAT pitcher. Some of the blame has to come on Terry Francona's shoulders.

But there is no excusing Foulke's words.

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