Hardball Heaven

Approximately 19 hours from now, the former head Idiot will stroll to the plate at Fenway - against a mixture of boos and cheers - and hit against the team he did so much for during a 4-year career that put both Johnny Damon and the Red Sox back on the postseason map. He came to the Sox in the winter of 2001 - one of Dan Duquette's last moves - and promptly proceeded to become our best, all-around everyday player. He played hard and he played hurt, and make no mistake - he became the leadoff catalyst that we've never had around here. His accomplishments are etched in the brain - particularly his history-making grand slam in Game 7 of the '04 ALCS. When this guy was in a groove hitting, it was something to see. He was, and is, one hell of a baseball player.

He has also done the unconscionable. In a matter of mere months, the Caveman has joined up with the chief rival, and spent many an interview talking about his longstanding love for New York and the rich history and tradition of the Yankees. As such, there's been a lot of speculation in Boston (nahhhhh...) over whether Johnny will hear mostly cheers or boos during his homecoming Monday night. My take is this: while his switch of allegiance makes me want to vomit, we have to give the man his due for what he did here. We're too intelligent and classy not to. Cheer him at 7:08 p.m. and then he's on his own.

*******

The Sox lost again to the lowly Devil Rays today, 5-4. Lowell and Pena went back-to-back in the 9th but it wasn't enough. Not a good road trip -- 3-6 vs. the Jays, Indians and D-Rays.

Lowlights: Josh Beckett's anomaly; 18 for 102 with runners in scoring position; the 7-8-9 hitters go a combined 8 for 58; outscored 14-3 in first innings.

Highlights: Mike Lowell has been Man on Fire - 13 for 33; Manny has come out of his shell (10 for 33, 4 HR, 7 RBI); Ortiz has been Ortiz (4 HR, 8 RBI); and Papelbon now owns the major-league record for saves by a rookie.