Martin's Musings

If you’ve been to a Dodgers game out in Los Angeles like I have, you know it’s a very different experience than going to one here at Fenway. It’s a bit flashier and showier, and the fans — well, let’s just say the fans are a little less devoted than they are here in Boston (even the pink-hat–wearing ones). So when reading today’s column by CHB about Manny’s first day in LA, I have to admit I got a good laugh out of this line: “Maybe they’ll let Manny leave in the seventh inning with the rest of the fans.” Say what you will about Shaughnessy, but I thought that and his Gladys Knight reference (“In the end, Boston proved too much for the man”) were pretty funny.

Manny may not have been perfect, but I’ll miss him.

I really hate to say it, but after Wednesday night’s loss, it may be time to call the 2008 Red Sox season over. I know we’re not out of contention yet (far from it), but if this week’s games are any indication, the spark’s just not there and we’re sinking fast. But I’d be happy to be wrong. Maybe all this Manny hoo-hah is just a major distraction and all will be fine after the trade deadline has passed. Or maybe it won’t, and we’ll continue this downward slide. I’m not jumping ship just yet (after all, it’s only July 31), but I’m starting to set my expectations really low.

It’s funny how in all the pomp and pagentry that preceded the All-Star Game tonight, and all the recalling of memorable moments that took place at Yankee Stadium, there was no mention of the Yankees choking in 2004. I’m sure that was just an oversight. And I’m sure when MLB was planning this most exciting occasion and recalling all the fond memories that fans have of this hallowed ballpark, they simply forgot about Curt Schilling’s triumphant Game Six performance during the 2004 ALCS with the bloody sock, or how A-Rod embarrassed himself when he swatted the ball away when Bronson Arroyo went to tag him out. There wasn’t even a mention of Johnny Damon’s big grand slam in Game 7 of that series — maybe because he was playing for the Red Sox back then. Those may not be fond memories for Yankee fans, but when the House that Ruth Built is torn down (and we can finally stop hearing about what a great place this is/was), they will be the cherished memories I’ll remember most.

It sure will be good to see my boy Gabe Kapler playing baseball at Fenway again this weekend — even if he’ll be playing on the wrong team. Welcome back, Gabe!

Now that Opening Day is here and more teams than just the Red Sox are playing baseball games that count, I think that makes it official: Spring is here!

Forget Christmastime — but just for a minute. This is the most wonderful time of the year. Baseball is back! Hooray!