The Red Sox did exactly what they needed to do this weekend in Detroit, take two of three from the Tigers. Done.

Though the Tigers' young pitching staff tried to hang in there it simply wasn't enough. Jeremy Bonderman of course was the only difference maker. He is something special.

Luckily, I guess, I was unable to watch thay game, the satellite dish on Frye Island, where I spent the weekend, was kicking out. Bummer. There may be some correlation between the losses and my viewing, but I'd have to do some extensive research to prove that theory. I'm not saying the Sox always win when I watch, but they always lose when I don't. Hmm. Needless to say, I don't miss many games - out fo fear.

Sunday, the day was a little brighter and the results also were favorable. The Detroit Free Press reports few things went right for the Tigers leading to Jim Leyland's ejection.

One thing is for sure, Zach Miner is yet another up-and-coming pitcher on the Tigers' staff. Yesterday's outing was not a bad one considering who he faced for his first time out.

Now, the Red Sox head to New York. This series is most important as the Yankees and Red Sox are only separated by 1/2 of a game.

I look for a split in the Bronx. Tonight, the Sox arguably put their best on the mound, Josh Beckett vs. New York's best Mike Mussina. I'm pretty familiar with Moose's stuff. That knuckle-curve is a killer.

The N.Y. Post tried to persuade Mussina into talking about the heated rivalry, he wasn't biting. "Just because it's the Red Sox doesn't mean we go to another level. If we get hyped up we don't play as well," he says in today's article.

I can see where the players are sick of the question, but there must be a little more to this rivalry than say playing Tampa Bay. Don't any of the players feel what the fans feel or see that recently these head-to-head battles have historical reference going further back then the "Summer of '49." I wish for once, a player would simply come out and say," Yea, I hate the Yankees and beating them gives us the added advantage."

I understand it is not as it was in the 70s. But at least then, Bill "The Spaceman" Lee said what the fans wanted to hear. Nobody gives us that anymore.

Perhaps, the two teams are simply scared to talk about it. Especially with all the injuries. The Yankees after losing Hideki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and Carl Pavano, now have to worry about Derek Jeter. The New York Times reports that he may miss out, while the The New York Daily News says Jeter is looking to play.

If New York's best player is unable to go, look for the Red Sox to take three of four. He's that valuable.

Tuesday's matchup is less than exciting. Boston pits David Pauley vs. Chien-Ming Wang. Why hasn't Jon Lester gotten the call? The lefty has a 2.95 ERA and a WHIP of 1.38 - very respectable - and 40K in 42 innings.

The Pawsox apparently are adjusting his schedule to Lester can make his first major league start on Saturday against the Rangers in a day-night double-header. I can't wait.

Seems a bit too late for me. He should have been called up a week ago to take Pauley's starts in my estimation. No offense to David Pauley. I've watched Lester pitch and can honestly say that in my un-professional opinion he's ready. There is nothing to be gained by pitching in Pawtucket. When considering David Wells is down, perhaps forever, why not go to another lefty?

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Since I've been doing this blog, I have often wondered who reads it. Well, I think I may have gotten a little hint. Shoe of The Big Jab's morning show has invited me to sit in on his show on Tuesday. Needless to say I'm flattered at the opportunity, if not a bit nervous. It's one thing to sit confortably behind a computer screen and spout off. It's completely another to be accountable on the radio.

Regardless, I'll be his guest during the 9 a.m. hour. Tune in at 95.5 FM or 1440 AM and talk Sox.

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