No, it's just one more walk-off hit.

I've read that the new movie, "Superman Returns," opens this week at local movie houses. Why see that when you can see a real-live superhero every night? Big Papi is my hero!

Okay, so he doesn't wear a cape. He does however come to the rescue day in-day out. And last night he did it again.

I now know why Philadelphia is 12 games back in the N.L. East. Even after witnessing the damage that Ortiz can cause, they still decided to pitch to him. Why? I realize Manny is good but you have a lefty-righty matchup. Until they replace balls with kryptonite, Ortiz will continue to win games.

Is there a better player in Boston? I think not. It's not just his hitting, it's his attitude. He's not greedy. He's in it for the love of the game. He competes for the fans as much as he does for his team.

Now, it's nine straight victories. Amazing!

Can they make it 10? The Mets are crashing Boston's party, writes the AP.

The Mets are easily the best the National League has to offer.

But how do we greet Pedro when he steps on the mound at Fenway? Boos or cheers?

If the boo birds are out, I'll be not only disappointed but downright pissed. Pedro is ithe bet pitcher I've seen in my lifetime. And I've seen a few: Ryan, Clemens, Johnson, Palmer, Tiant.

People like myself flocked to every fifth game. Timing their Fenway excursions with the hopes he'll be on the mound. Though he had only 117 wins with the Sox, they were 117 quality wins.

In the bleachers, Pedro's possy would don red outfits and post every K; counting them off in Spanish: uno, dos, tres, etc. As the "punchados" mounted, we cheered.

Yes, he was a prima donna, but a loveable one. We've seen his smile, heard his laughter. We watched as his clubhouse pranks kept the team at ease. He'd mock hitters from the dugout their fiercely stare opponents down.

Even as his contract negotiations waned, he convinced Ortiz to stay.

Besides he's not Damon; he didn't go to the Yankees. He was true to his word.
It was simply time to part ways.

Can you imagine a Mets-Red Sox World Series in '06? I can. So can the Globe's Nick Cafardo.

Players to watch:

David Wright, third. His numbers are impressive. Pedro calls him the National League MVP. It's early but I agree. Not only is he a good bet for the award, he is the best third baseman in the majors.

Jose Reyes, SS. The speedy Reyes is on a 13 game hit streak. And in his last seven games he's hit .630, with six extra-base hits and four bags.

Alay Soler, tonight's pitcher. The young righty has shown signs of greatness, but has been a little too inconsistent.

Lastings Milledge. The highly-touted left-fielder (truly a rightfielder) has just begun to heat up. He's got all the tools to be a star. And a great name to boot.

And of course, Jon Lester. Tonight is his biggest big-league test. There are quite a lot of right-handers in this powerful lineup.

Tonight the Red Sox organization will honor the 1986 Red Sox. Dan Shaughnessy says it's about time. I wish they would put this Series behind us. Perhaps this is the best way to do that.

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