I feel as though I've been dreaming the last two weeks. 12 straight games? Somebody pinch me. If the N.Y. Mets are the best the N.L. has to offer, the upcoming All Star Game should be a joke.

The Sox, like the energizer bunny keep going and going. This current streak is tied for the longest in team history. The Sox have not had an error in over 16 games. Alex Gonzalez hasn't committed an error in over 50 games. And we all have seen or heard about Coco's Superman immitation.

The starting pitching has been stellar - both Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett have 10 wins each. Only Detroit shares that honor. Papelbon's just awesome; he holds the rookie record for saves and it isn't even the All-Star break, wow! As for the offense I have just two words: Big Papi! (He of course is not doing it on his own, but man, he just doesn't ever let you down. Stretching doubles out of singles, hitting mammoth longballs and doing it all with style and a smile.

It may seem like I'm jumping on some band wagon, but aside from the less-evident pitching holes, I love this team!

More good news: Silver Slugger winner Manny Ramirez now wants to finish his career in Boston, leaves me a bit dumbfounded.

Why the change of heart? He must have liked the way Boston fans showed Pedro proper respect. That display alone may have tipped the scales. Maybe Pedro said something to him like, "Man, you'd be foolish not to stay there. There are no better fans."

Besides, Boston will continue to place character guys on the field. They will continue to surround Manny with a supporting cast. The have a committment to winning. That of course is really the bottom line.

Manny also must realize that his numbers will continue to grow in this lineup, in this ballpark. He is most definitely a Hall of Famer regardless, but it would be nice to go in with some flair.

I was actually debating Manny's future with a colleague recently. He suggested that the Sox try everything they could to keep Manny. And while I love him in the lineup, I just do not trust his fickle ways. Besides, what is he worth? Lord knows, Boston is not going to award him with a $20-million-a-year contract next time around. But what would they give him? $15? Something similar to Ortiz?

The bad news: The Globe reports that Manny is hurting and might miss the All Star Game. Sorry, fans. It is the All Star BREAK afterall. Manny is always hurting around the All Star break. This time however, I do not care as much. He's been absolutely amazing during the winning streak and if he wants three days off, so be it. I'm sick of beating a dead horse.

And even more good news: Interleague play continues. The Boston Red Sox face the Florida Marlins beginning at 7 p.m.

Mike Lowell and Alex Gonzalez will get a chance to see some former teammates though most have departed via yard sale. Those aquisitions along with Josh Beckett have proved fruitful. As you all know both have been huge defensively. But they have contributed quite a bit offensively. Of late, A-Gon has been a giant. During the win streak, he has hit .441 with 10 runs scored and five rbis.
Not bad for a guy hitting in the 8 or 9 hole.

Long weekend, I'll be off until Wednesday. Enjoy and be safe!

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