A colleague talked this morning about how everything happens for a reason. She weaved a pretty convincing story to prove her point.

Now, I'm not sure if there is anything to it, but as I was radio surfing on my way to work, two songs were playing on the radio that may be sending me a message.

The first I heard on CLZ, "Faith in Me" by Elvis Costello. I like the song, my daughter however apparently does not. I listened for a moment, until the "No, Daddy"s forced a change. I then moved to WMGX, where George Michael was singing "Gotta Have Faith." My daughter started dancing and I started to puke, I mean, think.

Could the radio be sending me a message? Is there a reason for all of the "faith" talk? Was it merely a coincidence? Is Karma driving over my Dogma?

I haven't always had faith in the Sox. Truth be told, I didn't trust management for the longest period of time. Before 2003, the team was content being in second. It filled seats every day. That's all the front office seemed to care about. Yes, they were competitive, most of the time, but until the wild-card format was introduced, the chances of the Red Sox getting into the playoffs was remote.

But this ownership group has rebuilt my faith. I trust them to put not only a competitive team on the field, but one of character.

And there is no bigger character than, Big Papi. Yesterday, the Red Sox and David Ortiz agreed to a contract extension. Four more years! (Maybe five).

Even when David Ortiz was a part-time player with the Twins, I had taken an interest in him. If given the chance, I thought he could bring a lot of power to a lineup. I was right. Not until he came to Boston for a song (there's that radio again) did I realize the type of person he was.

Now, I'm not in the Red Sox inner circle, but you do not have to be close to realize what his presence means to the Sox on the field and in the market place.

His smile says it all. More importantly he loves, truly loves, Boston and its fans.

Even when his clubhouse buddies, Pedro and Manny were squabbling with the Red Sox about contracts, money and threatening to leave, Big Papi wanted to stay.

Though he brings more to the team than numbers, $12.5 million-a-year is still cheap by today's standards.

Timing is everything. Opening day at Fenway, perfect. You start your newly-acquired future ace, Josh Beckett; your team is in first place; you sign Big Papi. Genius.

As if I wasn't excited already, now I'm faithfully theirs.

Opening day notes...
Boston Herald: Josh Beckett throws the "first real pitch" of the season.

Boston Globe: Plenty on Varitek's plate.

Dan Shaughnessy: Takes a look at the new, old ballyard.

MLB.com: Crisp out with broken knuckle.

E-mail this entry to a friend