We all saw the game last night, so I'm not going to labor over it. I have something else to rant about.

About the game...
Manny is back! I knew it was going to be a good week. He just couldn't go that long without reaching his lkevel of play. Having once played for Cleveland, I think he enjoys being back in front of that crowd.

Manny is starting to hit to the opposite field and the results have been magnificent. In his last 10 games he has hit safely 14 times, raising his average from .205 to and even .300, during that span. I will also mention his three home runs, including last night's three-run shot.

After seeing the results of Cleveland's decision, I doubt very many other pitchers will intentionally walk David Ortiz any time soon.

Schilling as I predicted had a rough outing, allowing five runs in seven innings. But as he said the linescore is worse than he pitched. What was particularly surprising: Cleveland's batters thrived on his curve ball and he kept throwing it - more than I've seen in the past.

I find it eerie that Schilling's outing was so similar to Josh Beckett's.

Indians' starter Jake Westbrook pitched pretty well, but walking six batters certainly won't help his WHIP. He was set for the win, allowing only two runs in five innings, before the Indians' bullpen destroyed his effort. Mota was particularly bad. (Which makes me like the Crisp deal even more.)

Ortiz hit another home run and Sox win! They remain in first place. 'Nuff said.

Now on to other matters...
Today, I picked up the USA Today's Sports Weekly which I get religiously every Wednesday. It isn't the same publication is used to be. With all the access on the Web, it's a wonder why I continue to purchase it. I guess in a strange way it's loyalty. Besides its great bathroom reading.

Speaking of loyalty. On the cover of said magazine, Johnny Damon stands glaring down at the camera lens, looking like some sort of giant.

While I do not mind that so much, I don't care for the headline: "They loved him in Boston, but not anymore. Just don't hate him for wearing pinstripes. Johnny Damon: It's a business."

Wow. This guy is really getting under my skin. Doesn't anyone remember when Johnny Damon, acknowledged that the Yankees "will come after me hard," vowed he wouldn't become a turncoat?

In the interview Damon says: "I don't want them (the fans) to hate me. I don't want them to think I'm a traitor." Pah-lease.

If you felt any loyalty you would have signed your John Hancock at the $40-million offer (a price More than fair).

While you may believe the Sox didn't pursue you, the fact is that you were offered the same amount as team captain Jason Varitek (winner of a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award). Do you really believe you deserve more than he?

My wife wore your T-shirts, loved your smile. I respected your hitting ability, your speed. And you were a part of a championship team, the first for the Red Sox in 86 years (You have already been thanked by the organization and the fans for that effort) But when you come to town on Monday, you will be booed; there will be signs, if not the first day for sure the second.

I know, it must be tough to be a Yankee, but you made that decision - not the Sox, not Red Sox Nation - you. So stop whining and take your medicine.

Man, I've got to trade this guy from my fantasy team.

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