FINALLY!!

I hated the Japan trip and those ridiculous exhibition games in Los Angeles. To me, as well as anyone with a heartbeat realizes that both trips were nothing more than money making ventures for MLB. Enough already! I'm tired of MLB acting like it's very existence depends on overseas monies. But happily, and finally the season can begin and move forward with the excitement of regular season Boston Red Sox baseball. Yet, we are all faced with a late evening in Oakland!!

Instead of a preview of tonight's game here's a list of the top 5 things I don't want to see or hear in the next five games before the Red Sox come home to Boston to receive their 07 World Series Rings.

5. A platoon between Coco Crisp and Jacoby Ellsbury in cf. A decision needs to be made. Trade Crisp or give Jacoby starting AB's in Pawtucket.

4. Mike Lowell struggling to drive in runs. Sorry "Big Guy", you got the money and I'm counting on your usual big first half start.

3. A struggle from the pen. Delcarmen needs to step up so Okajima isn't dragging his arm at the end of May.

2. Two weak starts from Matsuzaka. Right now, he's the guy. here's an idea, let's not allow every batter you face to see an average of five pitches.

And the No. 1 thing I don't want to see or hear in the next five games:

1. "All that early season travel seems to have had an effect of the Red Sox." It's April. I don't want my head exploding this early in the season. I have a reputation of being level headed.

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

It has been a strange beginning to the season for the Red Sox. Such is life for the World Series Champions I guess. I thought the players did a nice job during the off-season of taking it all in stride. At least you would have to agree it wasn't the off-season long party 2004 was! And Manny reported on time and started talking to the press! However, that Japan trip didn't help matters.

Five games are ahead beginning in Oakland and ending in Toronto. The adult in me says I should prepare for the worse, but the kid in me thinks the 07 magic will carry over. I have to keep reminding myself that the 07 season got off to a 3-3 start for the Red Sox. So, coming back home 3-4 or 2-5 isn't the end of the world. Nor is it a lock that the Sox go 4-3 or 5-2 leading to the logical conclussion that the division is locked up! Nothing is decided in the first week of the regular season.

The marathon begins tonight. I may be taking a nap though.

PHANTOM UPDATE

I'm a little late on this, but the Phoenixville High School Phantoms (PA) are 2-0 on the young 08 softball season. Yep, the Phantoms took down the Upper Perkiomen Tribe 10-2 this past Friday afternoon. Just about everyone in the lineup got into the act so I can't single anyone out. And besides, it's a team game! Obviously, this assistant coach is pretty excited. Fortunately the head coach keeps my excitement in check and focused on the task at hand.

The big early season test is slated for this Thurday evening when the Phantoms travel to Owen J. Roberts High School to take on the Wildcats. Owen J. is looked at as a contender for the PAC-10 title. Unfortunately it looks as if the weather might not co-operate as it's wet and miserable here in PA.