Sports Redux: (Almost)Manny-Free Friday

We’re not going to talk too much more about yesterday’s big news. Bill Simmons gets really sad , and Dan Shaughnessy must be trapped under something; it’s the only explanation why he’s not on Page One and all over this. The Red Sox react . Other than that, let’s move on until the news breaks that Manny actually was trying to get pregnant. The Sox who are still in Boston and still playing made some headlines of their own. Tim Wakefield ran his record to 4-1, but he has to give a lot of credit to his offense, which pounded three Cleveland pitchers senseless in a 12-run sixth inning. With an even more patchwork lineup than the night before (no Ortiz, and Lugo leading off, which originally had us poring over the state laws on involuntary commitement), the Sox got all 12 runs before making the first out. Lugo had two hits (carry on, Tito) in the inning, Jason Bay 4 RBI, Rocco Baldelli 2 RBI, and we’re pretty sure there were also hits by Wakefield, Dennis Eckersley, Wally the Green Monster, and a mysterious character named "Manuela". There was some sad news for the Sox, however. Dom DiMaggio ("better than his brother Joe", went the old

(if questionably accurate) jingle) passed away at the age of 92. Dom still holds the Sox record with a 27-game hitting streak, was a seven-time All-Star (despite losing some prime years of his career to military service) and was called "the best leadoff man in the American League" by his teammate Ted Williams. It might be time to reread The Teammates again. Both of our winter playoff teams know what they have to do tonight. The Bruins have to remember the fire and the energy that got them the #1 spot in the East. Claude Julien gave them the day off (we hope they went to The Pit , which this Bostonist thoroughly enjoyed in Raleigh) to think about how to be better hockey players. And the Celtics have to grab back home-court advantage in Orlando. The Magic will be without Rafer Alston, who got suspended for slapping Eddie House, who makes people want to slap him . And, finally, if you have any friends in the Sacramento area, tell them to get out of town as fast as they can. The worst person in the world has expressed interest in coaching the Kings next year.

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Sports Redux: (Almost)Manny-Free Friday