It's now time to get back to business. We all enjoyed the Red Sox players' performances in the "Mid-Summer Classic," but now the Yankees come to town.

I can think of no better way to start the second half. Boston.com's Gordon Edes has a few predictions for the remainder of the season.

A bonus: Curt Schilling was activated last night and will come out of the pen at some point during this series, you can be sure.

I'm torn on the issue. I think Schilling could be a great closer, but putting him in that role, almost certainly ends is starting career.

We all knew his courageous act, during the playoffs last year, may end his career. We knew of the sacrifice he was willing to make to get Boston that all- evasive World Series Championship. But we do not want to believe it.

When a starting pitcher becomes a closer it is most difficult to change in the first place let alone switch back. He is not Atlanta's John Smoltz who has returned to the starting rotation after a couple of years dominating the ninth inning.

His ankle isn't going to last seven innings a game any longer. We have to face the facts. The Red Sox and Schilling however realize that once again Schilling has to make yet another sacrifice for the good of the team.

I'm saddened by the news.

While losing him as a starter hurts, having him close games couldn't be better. Perhaps, not right off the bat but give him a little time and he could be the best closer of our time. He will dominate.

I would also expect that Mike Timlin will get a fair amount of saves for the next couple of weeks as well, easing Schilling into the role.

What will happen when Keith Foulke returns is anyone's guess. My guess: Foulke joins the crew as a set-up man. He won't be happy in that role either.

As I said it is Red Sox/Yankees weekend. Four games! Boston.com says Anything goes in this set.

My friend Clarke Canfield, who I've known for, I don't know, 15 years, just came out with a book. Now being his friend and at one time colleague, I'm a bit biased, but I highly recommend this history of the Yankees.

It's history of a different sort. In this book you will not find antedotal pieces of the often-heralded 26 championships. You will not find loving stories about Babe Ruth visiting young fans in hospitals. You will not find Yogi Berra quotes.
No in this book, "Those Damned Yankees: The Not-So-Great History of Baseball's Evil Empire," you will find all the mishaps, the huge losses, the ugliness in pinstripes.

I love it. How can you go wrong when Bill "Spaceman" Lee writes the forward. We all know he is the biggest Yankee hater.

It is refreshing to find a book that will tell it like it is. That is not afraid to face the Evil Empire. A book and author willing to look at flaws and expose cracks. I admire Mr. Canfield for his candid, albeit, comedic point of view.

I thought the historical references were nice, obviously needed, but I really enjoyed Canfield's voice. His point of view and passion made the book readible. The historic reference just re-enforced the message.

Buy the book! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

See, the Yankees are not that great franchise everyone in New York (and a few million elsewhere) make them out to be. They are well on their way to ruining baseball.

Hate is a strong word, and while I respect some of its past and present players for what they have brought to the world of baseball and sports in general, I absolutely hate the Yankees.

I hate Mr. Steinbrenner's obnoxious, arrogant ways of doing business. I realize his success. But if a thief were to steal millions of dollars and get away with it, am I to respect him? No.

Steinbrenner may not be a thief in the traditional sense, but if he is allowed to continue getting away with the things he does, than he is no better and doesn't deserve my respect.

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