Hey Bartolo Colon, Let's Eat!

Let's Eat!

Video: Back in Cleveland, Julian Tavarez Had to Buy Bartolo's Pizza

�I used to take care of Bartolo when he first came with the Indians, I was on the 40-man [roster] when he came to Winter Haven, and I was the one who ordered the pizza for him�� -- 2.26.08, Julian Tavarez to Noah Pransky, ABC7 Naples / Fort Myers

Mr. Big Has Arrived

Mr. Big Has Arrived

Bartolo Is In Camp, He'll Speak Tomorrow,
And, Yes, He Needs to Drop a Few,
And, No, He Doesn't Have 3 Arms

WEEI Audio: Papelbon Was Asked to Be on Dancing with the Stars
And He's Got a New Dunkin' Donuts Commercial Coming Out
CapeCast: Papelbon Attempts to Speak Spanish

Two Pair Could Be Losing Hand for Clemens

Two Pair Could Be Losing Hand for Clemens

Case Against Clemens Enhanced by Information That Jessica and Debbie Compared Their New Assets at The Party

Roger May Have Joked About Wife's Chat with Jessica Canseco

"The Daily News has learned that in the days since the Feb. 13 public hearing on steroids in baseball, another major leaguer has informed congressional investigators that Clemens often joked in the clubhouse about a memorable account of the party - a scene in which Debbie Clemens and Canseco's ex-wife Jessica compared the results of their surgical breast enhancements." -- 2.26.08, NY Daily News

Koby Clemens: 'Chest-Proud and Head-High, That's Our Motto'
More: McNamee's Attorney to File Motion to Disqualify Clemens' Lawyer

Screws Tighten on 'Titan'

Screws Tighten on
'Baseball Titan'

First Steps Taken Toward Asking the Department of Justice to Start a Clemens Criminal Investigation

NY Times Report: Congress May Single Out Clemens on Perjury

"A Congressional committee has taken the first steps toward asking the Department of Justice to start a criminal investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury during testimony about performance-enhancing drugs, according to three lawyers with knowledge of the matter."
-- 2.25.08, New York Times Report

Is Colon Going to Be the Next Big Thing? Sincerely, El Guapo
Theo on the Low Risk, Big Upside Signing
Mike Greenwell, Mo Vaughn, Bill Lee Headed to Red Sox Hall

Terry's Take

Terry's Take ...

... About $20 Million If Everything Works Out

Extra Bases: Hurst Hired | Colon Misses Plane

Hello Bartolo!

He Ain't Heavy, He's My
Curt Schilling Insurance

Hello Bartolo!

Sox Reportedly Sign the Big Man to a Minor League Deal

Three Cheers for Tito

Three Cheers for Tito

... And Three More Years, Too

The Hardest Working Manager in the Game,
With an Astounding 22-9 Postseason Record,
Who Remains a Cool Breeze Under the White-Hot Boston Spotlight,
Finally Gets a Little Job Security with 3-Year, $12M Deal

�I want to thank the Red Sox ownership and management for their tremendous support. From the resources provided by the ownership group and front office to a great collection of players and the passion and loyalty of the fans, there is no doubt that Boston is the best place to manage in the major leagues. I look forward to being in a Red Sox uniform for many years to come.� -- 2.24.08, Terry Francona, Red Sox release

Canseco Party Photos? Roger That.

Canseco Party Photos?
Roger That.

Party Pictures Have Roger and Rusty Backpedaling, Again

Clemens's Lawyer: Maybe Rocket Was at Canseco's Party
So McNamee Wasn't Lying Then, Too, Right Rusty?

"Clemens attorney Rusty Hardin issued a statement Friday that in part reverses course. 'We know that baseball announcers broadcasting the games at the time said Roger was not at the party. Jose Canseco has said Roger was not at the party, as has Canseco's former wife. Roger was playing golf at the time of the party, and has stated that he may have stopped by the Canseco house after playing golf before heading to the ballpark for the game,' read Hardin's statement." -- 2.23.08, New York Daily News

Manny Moves to Scott Boras

And Manny's Next Contract Will Be ...

Extra Bases: Manny Moves to Scott Boras

"General manager Theo Epstein confirmed that Manny Ramirez has switched agents from Gene Matos and Greg Genske to Scott Boras. ...

Ramirez said, yesterday, that it would be up to the Red Sox to determine whether or not he retires with Boston. The team holds $20 million options for 2009 and 2010, which Epstein said the team would decide on at the end of the season" -- 2.22.08, Amalie Benjamin, Boston Globe

YouTube: A Sneak Peak at 'Schilling's' Rehab
Pravda's Take: 'Manny Ramirez May Leave Red Sox'
More Trouble for Roger and Rusty:
Photo May Show Clemens at Canseco Party

Not Bob Lobel

Not Bob Lobel

And Other TV Stations Might Be Asking:
'Why Can't We Get Reporters Like That?'

Donaldson Isn't Quite at Home Yet

"It [being crowned Miss Florida USA in 2001] really helped launch and get me into this business. So I don't, by any means, take it for granted. I will say it was back in 2001. It's just something that I did. To me, it's just something on my r�sum�. I've grown a lot beyond that. Since that, there is a huge list of things I've accomplished. I think that defines who I am today, not that I wore a crown and knew how to wave. It definitely hurts and it definitely helps." -- 2.22.08, Julie Donaldson, Ch. 7 Sports

It's Coco By a Hair ...

It's Coco By a Hair ...

... In the Battle for Biggest Hair on the Sox This Century

(Pokey Would've Had It in 2004)

Big Manny on Campus

Big Manny on Campus

Manny's Flip-Floppin' Around in Fort Myers

Manny Meets with the Media... Everyone Included

Manny Being Happy: "It's great, man. It's a blessing. A lot of people play and they never get one. What can I say, man? So many people played for the Red Sox, Ted Williams, so many guys. Such great players, and they didn't get a ring. I'm just happy to be here and blessed." -- 2.21.08, Manny Ramirez speaking to the media in Fort Myers today

Cheer Up Coco

Cheer Up Coco ...

... The Sox May Move You Out of 'Mega-Media Central' Soon,
Then You Won't Have to Be a Highly-Paid Cheerleader All Year

"I can cheer lead with the best of �em, that's not where I want to be though." -- Coco Crisp

Coco Prefers Trade to Bench

"Like I said, I wouldn't be happy sitting on the bench. A lot of people say, well, I don't deserve it. That�s understandable too, I didn�t have a good offensive year like I�ve had in the past. I think I�ve proved myself that I can, when healthy, and shown that my defense is way better than what people thought. People think that my offense is terrible. Now it's time to show them that my offense really isn't. Went through a couple of bruised up years, everybody goes through that. Unfortunately I just went through that when I came over here to mega-media central.

"I want to play everyday, I think everybody wants to play every day and if you don�t, you know, I think there�s something wrong with you. I don�t want to sit on the bench, I mean, I can cheer lead with the best of �em, that's not where I want to be though." -- 2.20.08, Coco Crisp in Fort Myers today

From the Fort: Manny's in the House! | Wednesday's Sox Camp Photos
Spring Training Video: NESN, WBZ | Beckett Responds to Bellygate

Papi's Got a Brand New 'Do

Papi's Got a Brand New 'Do

And He's 'Getting Almost 100 Percent'

Ortiz Feels Good, Takes Swings in Cage
Schilling: 'I Will Pitch Again, and Win'

Pumped and Jacked

Pumped and Jacked

Ellsbury's in Camp Early, and He Strikes the Pose for Vogue

Fort Myers Updates: Ellsbury Hits the Batting Cages (Ortiz, too)

"Jacoby Ellsbury, asked whether he has demonstrated that he should be the team's everyday center fielder, said that is for the club to decide, but he has worked hard this off-season to win the job. 'It's their decision,'' he said. 'I'll respect it either way.' '' -- 2.19.09, Ellsbury in Extra Bases

(Today's Secret Media Meeting Place Moved)

(Today's Secret Media Meeting Place Moved)

The Few, The Proud, the Media Members
Who Got the Shoulder Tap from Schill ...

Globe Not Invited: Schilling Restates His Case
Herald: Complete Schilling Parking Lot Transcript
Shaughnessy: Henry Walks Into It | Mound of Questions for Curt
Schilling Video: NESN | WBZ4

"If some people want to believe this was me taking advantage of the situation financially, I wouldn't be doing it here. I would have done it for $14 million in at least two other places."
-- 2.18.08, Schilling says it's not about the money

This Just In: 38Pitches.com Not Invited to Schilling's Summit ...

The Pride of the Yankees, Part Deux

The Pride of the Yankees,
Part Deux

Another Day of Shame for the Bombers
Sorry Roger, Andy Was Just Being Honest
Pettitte Apologizes to Everyone Except
the Players He Cheated Against
How About That Clemens-Pettitte-Giambi
Fueled 2003 ALCS Robbery??

Injecting Some Sense into this Argument

Ron Sen, BDD contributor and founder of Red Sox Reality Check: I don't play a doctor on television; I practice medicine in real life. The mind-numbing, constant barrage of Reality TV (nobody holds the clicker to your head) evidently has rendered us victim to a national stupidity.

I give injections on most days - flu shots, pneumonia vaccine, tuberculin tests, hepatitis immunizations, tetanus, B12. Over the years I'm sure I've given thousands, many to those with serious underlying health problems - cancer, diabetes, heart, lung, or renal disease. How many people have gotten abscesses from one of these injections? I can't remember one (although I'll acknowledge my memory isn't getting any better).

There is absolutely no reason I can think of (absent arms) to give a B12 injection into somebody's buttocks. Studies on cadavers years ago showed that a majority of intramuscular injections wind up in lipomatous (fat) tissue anyway. And as pop culture (movies) remind us, "pitcher's got a big butt" as in fat.

I spoke with an Orthopedist the other day whom I consider an expert in sports medicine, and a very thoughtful guy. He has performed major joint surgery on professional athletes, and attends the latest informative conferences in the field. He described his peers as believing HGH simply to be 'the fountain of youth'. I didn't ask him whether he uses it in his practice, but it certainly makes you wonder.

Let's make this perfectly clear - the use of performance enhancing drugs isn't about right or wrong, vanity, establishing any moral high ground, or staking out new territory in human frailty, it is all about the money. Whether we're discussing Andy Pettitte, Rodney Harrison, Ben Johnson, Lance Armstrong, or other celebrity-athletes, the conversation revolves around the direct link between superior performance and escalating salaries and endorsements.

Yes, professional athletes pride themselves on 'helping the team' and playing at peak efficiency. But society rewards them and their sport for the performance, not the effort. If were all about effort, the Special Olympics would be America's top sport.

But what about Congressional hearings? That's another story, face time for politicians who aspire to power, the other side of the ego and money coin.

Yes, I'm sure Roger Clemens and many of his peers are 'great guys'. After all, isn't shaking down little kids for 20 dollar autographs the American Dream?

In Case You Missed It:
Patriots 'Winning' Super Bowl Shirts End Up in Nicaragua

What's Your Gut Feeling on Beckett's Belly?

Soft in the Middle Now?

Looks Like Josh Did a Lot of Sitting,
and Not a Lot of Sit Ups, This Winter
But Are the Photos Telling the Whole Picture?

It's Time for Josh and Company to Get Physicals
Discuss: What's Your Take on Beckett's Shape?
Eric Wilbur: Not Exactly a Riveting Start to Spring

From Coast-to-Coast, Roger and Rusty Keep Getting Ripped from Pillar-to-Post,
Today, Mark Fainaru-Wada Does the Honors
Clemens Creeping Up on McNamee in Survey
Chad Finn: More Questions for the Ohio, Texas Con Man
Camp: Schill, Sort Of, and More from Fort Myers on Friday

DebbieClemens.com goes down, but her words will be remembered: "Roger came to me one day and told me that we had been asked to do a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated. I had major anxiety! I was a 39-year-old mother of 4! Once I realized that this WAS going to be a reality, I decided I had to give it everything I had. My mind was set. I am not a risk taker, but have since learned that with great risk, sometimes comes great reward. The responses from that experience have been wonderful and I feel it was a turning point in my life. It�s nice to have a goal for yourself and to see it through. The goal kept me motivated and focused. Using common sense and my ability to balance my life, I achieved that goal." -- Debbie Clemens, on the now defunct DebbieClemens.com website, misremembering a few details about her SI photo shoot training regimen

Nanny Being Nanny

Nanny Being Nanny

Did Rusty and Roger Help the Nanny
Get Her Story Not-So-Straight?

Video: Nanny Now Says Roger Was Not at Canseco's Party
McNamee's Lawyer Predicts Clemens Pardon

And Look Out Old Pap is Back

Video: Papelbon Talks Steroids, Clemens
Schilling's in Camp for Some Rehab
Today's Sox Spring Photos

Youk's in the House

Youk's in the House

Paps and Schilling, Too ...

But Curt's Weigh In Isn't Worth Much Anymore ...

Extra Bases: All the Updates and Arrivals in Fort Myers Today
Gallery: Red Sox Spring Training Arrival Photos

More Proof That Roger Didn't Do It!

More Proof That
Roger Didn't Do It!

Rusty Reveals the TV Show That Roger Was Having a Conversation with Andy Pettitte About ...

The Three Stooges, Starring in Long Lost Episode No. 191:
'Three Older Men Getting Back Their Quality of Life from HGH Use'
Which Roger and Debbie Watched ...
When She Wasn't Getting Secret Shots with Mac ...

"... I expressed to him [Andy Pettitte] about a TV show, something that I've heard about three older men that were using HGH and getting back their quality of life from that. Those are the conversations that I can remember." -- 2.13.08, Roger Clemens remembers it well

More from Roger on Hydroxycut, ThermaCore, and More of His Non-Answers to Simple Questions:

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings: Now, Mr. Clemens, I'm reminding you that you are under oath. Mr. Clemens, do you think Mr. Pettitte was lying when he told the committee that you admitted using human growth hormones?

Roger Clemens: Mr. Congressman, Andy Pettitte is my friend. He will be my -- he was my friend before this. He will be my friend after this. And, again, I think Andy has misheard.

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings: I'm sorry. I didn't hear you.

Roger Clemens: I believe Andy has misheard, Mr. Congressman, on his comments about myself using HGH, which never happened.

The conversation that I can recall that I had with Andy Pettitte was at my house in Houston, while we were working out, and I expressed to him about a TV show, something that I've heard about three older men that were using HGH and getting back their quality of life from that. Those are the conversations that I can remember.

Andy and I's friendship and closeness was such that, first of all, when I learned, when he was -- when he said that he used HGH, I was shocked. I had no idea.

When I just heard your statement and Andy's statement about that he also injected himself, I was shocked. I had no idea that Andy Pettitte had used HGH.

My problem with what Andy says, and why I think he misremembers is that if Andy Pettitte knew that I had used HGH or I had told Andy Pettitte that I had used HGH before he would use the HGH, what have you, he would have come to me and asked me about it. That's how close our relationship was.

And then, when he did use it, I'm sure he would have told me that he used it. And I say that for the fact that we also used a product called Hydroxycut and ThermaCore. It had ephedra in it, from what I understand to be a natural tree root. I believe ephedra was banned at some -- 2004, something of that nature. A player in Baltimore passed away because of it.

Andy and I talked openly about this product, and so there's no question in my mind that we would have talked -- if he knew that I had tried or done HGH, which I did not, he would have come to me to ask me those questions. -- Roger Clemens, coming completely undone under questioning from Elijah E. Cummings in Congress

Miss Remembered

The World According to Roger ...

Clemens' Best Defense Is Claiming Andy 'Misremembered.'
Alrighty Then, Case Closed.

High and Titan: Rocket Puts On a Pathetic Performance Before Congress

"Waxman said he considered calling off the hearing, but said he was persuaded to go forth by Clemens' lawyers, an account they disputed. He also accused Clemens of possibly trying to influence statements to the committee by the pitcher's former nanny.

Congressmen noted that Pettitte and another former Yankees teammate of Clemens, Chuck Knoblauch, both acknowledged that McNamee was correct when he said they used performance enhancers.

At times, Clemens struggled to find the right words as he was pressed by lawmakers. Clemens said Pettitte "misremembers" things. He mispronounced McNamee's name at one point. Toward the end, Clemens raised his voice to interrupt Waxman's closing remarks. The chairman pounded his gavel and said, "Excuse me, but this is not your time to argue with me." -- 2.13.08, A very bad day for Roger Clemens

Shaughnessy: Hearing Fallout: Somebody's Lying

"I think Clemens is lying. He may never face a perjury charge and he may yet sail into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot. But when the mud stopped flying today, Clemens was the one who looked dirty." -- 2.13.08, Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe

Committee PDF's: Read the Pettitte Deposition; Nanny Interview Here
Cummings: 'Mr. Clemens I'm Reminding You That You Are Under Oath'
Survey: Whom Do You Believe? | Discuss the Hearings
Remember the Red Sox? First Photos from Spring Training

Rocket Meltdown

Smoking Nanny

Nanny TKO's Clemens

Rusty Rushes to Roger's Defense Because Nanny Interview Knocks Out the Rocket
Roger Tried to Get Nanny to Come to His House Before House Interview
Nanny Places Roger at Canseco's House for Pivotal Party

Clemens Can't Answer the Question of Why McNamee Was Telling the Truth on Knoblauch and Pettitte But Lying About Him...
And Why Honest Andy and His Wife Would Lie, Too

2:26 p.m.: Rep. Elijah Cummings (D., Md.), whose questioning began all of this 4 1/2 hours ago, came back to how it is that Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch swore to the veracity of Brian McNamee's testimony that they used HGH but that somehow, in Roger Clemens's case, he was lying. Cummings told Clemens and McNamee that after all the testimony, if he came into the room today and everything was "Even Steven," he would be inclined to believe "Mr. Pettitte." Why would Pettitte and Knoblauch admit that McNamee's testimony was accurate, but Clemens does not? "Andy and I are close friends, we were plane travel mates," Clemens said. "If he misheard me, on the subject that I was talking about, some gentleman using HGH for quality of life, like I stated, then he misunderstood that. I�m telling you again that he should have had no doubt in his mind when he came into the locker room when the ... LA Times report was released, about having us implicated in that ordeal, he sat down and looked at me, I still at that time did not know ... again, he looked at me wringing his hands white as a ghost, and asked me, 'What are you going to tell them?', and told him I�m going out there to tell the truth, I didn�t use any of this stuff, that alone should have took Andy off any kind of wavering about whatever he said."

"I take you at your word,'' Cummings said. "You say Andy Pettitte is an honest man. His integrity is impeccable. It's hard to believe you, sir. You're one of my heroes, but it's hard to believe you.'' -- Read the rest of the steroid hearings play-by-play in Extra Bases

Body Language Expert Pans Clemens' Performance

Lillian Glass, body language expert on MSNBC after hearings: �A lot of lip-licking going on [with Clemens], wrinkling of forehead, he�s reading� that makes you question what�s really going on with him. [On McNamee]: Direct eye contact� he was not nervous, the voice was flowing.�

Rocket Meltdown

Roger Stumbles, for Umpteenth Time, on Why He Kept Mac Around
Clemens Can't Get His Story Straight on Debbie's HGH Timeline
And Claims Debbie Did It Without His Knowledge
Waxman Keeps Whacking: Roger Talked to Nanny About Talking to Congress
Congresswoman Maloney Crushes Clemens on Mitchell Meeting Discrepancies
Congressman Lynch Hammering Roger on Blue Jays' MRI Report
Lynch Digs Up Doc Who Thinks Clemens' Abscess in Buttocks Caused by Winstrol
Roger Also Doesn't Recall 'Bleeding Through His Pants'
Dan Burton Calls Clemens 'Titan' and He's Worried About Roger's Reputation
Burton Puts Heat on McNamee for Past Lies Confirmed by Mac
Clemens Keeps Coming Undone Under Fierce Questioning
Congressman Tierney Has Clemens on the Ropes with Credibility Issues
Roger Gets Caught Telling Two Stories About HGH Conversations
Roger Thinks Andy 'Misheard' and 'Misremembers' Past Conversations
Clemens Stumbles and Bumbles Under Questioning About Discrepancies
Andy and Laura Pettitte Strike Decisive Blow to Roger and Debbie's Credibility
McNamee's Account Sounds Clear as a Bell, Believable
Shameless: Clemens Says Mother Turned Him Onto B-12

Roger Takes the Oath

Clemens Licks His Lips Before Telling His Story
Waxman Whacks Rocket in His Opening Remarks

Extra Bases: Live Coverage of the Steroid Hearings Here
ProJo: Live Streaming Video of Hearings

Flower Power for Debbie

Former HGH User Debbie Clemens Brings a Flower
And Roger Just Keeps Licking His Chops

Numero Uno!

Judgment Day for Roger and Rusty
The Beginning of the End ...
Pettitte: Clemens Revealed HGH Use

Numero Uno!

(AP Photo)

The Crowd Favorite Was Unbeatable

Uno, 'The People's Dog' Wins Best in Show at Westminster

"With fans calling out his name and clapping, he soaked in the cheers as he paraded around the ring, the cheers becoming more thunderous with every step. And when he made his final stop in front of Jones, Uno went to town, baying over and over." -- 2.12.08, Uno wins best in show

Extra Bases: Hansen's Not Snoring (But Is His Slider Still Sleeping?)
Eric Wilbur: Roger Clemens: Snitch in Time
Newsday: Congressman: Pettitte's Account Backs McNamee
NY Times: Freakonomics: A Guide to Analyzing Roger Clemens

The Truck Stops Here

The Truck Stops Here

The Truck Is In Fort Myers

Ft. Myers Video: Dice-K, Buchholz Arrive
NY Times: Pettitte Will Not Testify at Public Hearing
More Bad News for Bud Selig and Donald Fehr:
Rocker: Union and MLB Docs Gave Rangers Advice on Steroid Use
Rusty Reprimanded by Waxman; Criminal Probe Expected for Clemens

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Showers

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Start Your Showers

Rusty's Act Is Coming Back to Washington,
And We're All Going to Feel Dirty Just By Watching

Mike Lupica: Rusty Hardin Can't Stop Talking
More Lupica: More Outlandish Ramblings from Rusty

"As you know by now, Rusty Hardin, an attorney for Roger Clemens who somehow never seems to run out of saliva, has now compared Clemens' circumstances to the circumstances of three Duke lacrosse players falsely accused - and later officially charged - with rape in Durham, N.C." -- 2.10.08, Mike Lupica, New York Daily News

While You Were Sleeping ...

Roger Clemens Was Creeping Around More Offices in Washington Signing Autographs for the 'Jurors'

Mike Lupica: Clemens Turns Hearings Into a Joke

"These are no longer congressional hearings anybody can take seriously. They have turned into nothing more than a show, and occasionally a clown show, before they even start up again, Roger Clemens having been allowed to go door-to-door with his story the way guys used to go door-to-door with vacuum cleaners." -- 2.10.08, Mike Lupica, New York Daily News

Let's Take Another Look at Little Debbie

Source: Brian McNamee Testified Debbie Clemens Took HGH

This Is About All That's Left of Roger's Legacy ...

"It was so cold today, Roger Clemens was injecting soup in his ass." -- 2.11.08, David Letterman

It Was All Just a Dream

It Was All Just a Dream

... And You Were All There

Video: Manny Goes to Hollywood

Truckin'

Truckin'

It's Truck Day. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
The Much Anticipated Truck Day Photo Gallery

With Truck Day, Life Rolls On

A Red Sox season used to be something that you ran away from. With the final heart-breaking out, fans would turn to the Patriots - and, before them, the Celtics � as antidote for the pain of another Fenway collapse. Now, in the wake of back-to-back gut-wrenching Patriots finishes, the baseball season has become Boston�s salvation.

That was no more evident than on Yawkey Way Saturday morning. It was Truck Day, cause for several television crews, Dirt Dogs staff, and a hundred fans to celebrate this distinctly Boston tradition so unique in all of professional sports. For all, it was the precursor to spring and hope. And for many, it was also an occasion for healing after Sunday�s Super Bowl. I know. I was one.

My son and I started last week bent on attending a parade. Although Truck Day was not what we originally had in mind, we hopped in the car just the same, I maneuvering traffic on the Southeast Expressway, my son doing likewise on the radio whenever the first chords of Runnin� Down A Dream or Breakdown could be made out. After only six days, we weren�t about to let Tom Petty back into our lives yet. When we arrived at Fenway Park, we found our parade. Not one with confetti guns and rolling rock bands and a day free of school and work. Not one with conquering warriors riding duck-billed chariots among the liberated masses lining Boylston Street. Not one of triumph; but rather, of consolation. And among the intimate crowd awaiting the 10 a.m. send-off, consolation was working its mission.

�I had nothing else to do on a Saturday morning so I figured, why not ease the pain after the Patriots,� said Jonathan Flanagan of Canton, who also persuaded his father, Larry, to join him. Like many assembled under the gray skies outside Gate D, it was a first for both.

�I saw it on NESN, and figured it would be a fun thing to do,� said the senior Flanagan. �It doesn�t help the undefeated season thing, but life goes on.�

Indeed it does. Banners draped on either side of the Atlas Van Lines trailer parked on Yawkey Way proclaimed as much. Only 59 Days To Opening Day.

�Bring on the spring,� echoed Jonathan.

Aft of the 18-wheeler, a small flatbed sat curbside, hitched to a Ford Super Duty. Within its plywood sides, a group of Fenway Ambassadors led by Wally the Green Monster lobbed sponge baseballs out to passers-by.

�It was a letdown with the Patriots,� acknowledged Declan Power of Milton, who brought his son, daughter, and a Pug puppy named Wally into town for the send-off and some souvenirs. �We read about it in the paper and we said, what a great idea to come see [the original] Wally and start off the next run.�

For Cheryl Giuliotti, an East Boston resident who grew up in Wisconsin a Packers fan, her motive was not as therapeutic.

�I was going to B.U. to get a Valentine�s Day present,� she explained. �I�m not a Belichick fan, so I�m not a Patriots fan. I was kind of glad the Giants won because they�re NFC.�

Shortly, a buzz started through the crowd as aluminum ladders were pulled away from the trailer and its rear doors swung shut, sealing the efforts of three and a-half months.

�It�s almost an off-season-long process - ordering the equipment, packing it,� explained Red Sox VP of Media Relations John Blake. �Our equipment people work all winter. They�ve been packing boxes for several weeks, getting everything ready. They packed all day yesterday and finished this morning.�

With a burp of air, the tractor�s parking brake released and puffs of heated exhaust lifted from the twin chrome stacks, melting the leaden sky that had enveloped The Hub in a week of wintry melancholy. The first Florida-bound roll of wheels brought the assemblage to spontaneous clapping and whistling. Under police escort, the procession headed down Yawkey Way and onto Brookline Avenue for the first leg of a two and a-half day journey to Fort Myers. The 2008 season was officially underway.

�We�ll get into Fort Myers Monday night, and we�ll start unpacking Tuesday morning,� said Blake. �There is kind of a science to the way they pack the truck, because they do have to unload in two places.�

The first destination is City of Palms, which hosts Grapefruit season games beginning February 28. After that, it�s on to the Minor League complex, where pitchers and catchers report Thursday. But on this Saturday morning, it was comfort enough for a city reeling with disappointment to watch a new chapter roll in as the convoy disappeared around the corner.

And to the glee of all, the truck did not see its shadow. That can mean only one thing. Just 59 days left until spring. -- 2.10.08, Bob Ekstrom, Boston Dirt Dogs contributor

Muscle Manny

Muscle Manny

Now Why Couldn't Roger Workout Naturally?
Manny in Motion at API

Photo Gallery: Check Out Manny's Workout
Schilling to Get Cortisone Shot Today
Dr. Morgan Says Schill May Never Pitch Again
Gallery: Schilling's Injury History

VP Time for Schill?

VP Time for Schill?

If Curt Can't Shoulder the Load for the Sox Any Longer,
Should He Toss His Hat into McCain's VP Ring?

SCHILLING OUT UNTIL AT LEAST ALL-STAR BREAK

Extra Bases: Schilling Blogs About the Shoulder

"Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will not be ready for the start of spring training because of shoulder issues, and is engaged in a dispute with the club over whether he needs surgery, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Furthermore, the sources said the Red Sox attempted to void his $8 million contract for 2008." -- 2.7.08, More shoulder woes for Schilling

TMZ: Pedro and the Cockfight -- The Horrifying Video

Mac is Back

Mac is Back

McNamee Goes Back to Congress, Keeps the Heat on Clemens

Brian and Roger Both Visit Congress Today

"Richard Emery, another of McNamee's lawyers, said the committee was going to be given a description of the evidence that was turned over to prosecutors. 'It does change the nature of the case from a he-said, she-said to something about physical evidence,' Emery said." -- 2.7.08, McNamee, Clemens Both Visit Congress

Sox Trolling for Catching Help in Japan | Donnelly to Tribe
Publicity Stunt: Topps Features Rudy Celebrating with Sox (Yawn)
The Excitement is Building: Saturday is Truck Day
Pedro Martinez, Cockfighter

Meanwhile, Down the Hall from the House ...

Senator Specter is Making a Spectacle of Himself

Goodell May Meet with Eagles Fanatic Next Week,
Keeping Spygate Wide Open

There Will Be Blood

There Will Be Blood

McNamee Reportedly Gave Investigators Vials with Traces of Steroids, Growth Hormone, and Bloodstained Syringes

Lawyers: McNamee Has Evidence on Clemens

"Lawyers for Roger Clemens's former trainer say their client has "corroborative physical evidence" for congressional investigators that the pitcher used performance-enhancing drugs." -- 2.6.08, McNamee has evidence on Clemens

Old Time Baseball in Boston?

At an Average Age of 29.8 Years Old
The Red Sox Are the Oldest Team in MLB
... But the Yankees Are Still the Fattest

Sox Come to Terms with Kielty | Casey Meets the Media
Edes: 10 Sox Spring Training Storylines
From Fort Myers: Jon Lester Arrives | Video
Congressman Stephen Lynch: 'Burden of Proof on Clemens'

The Party Crasher

The Party Crasher

Papelbon Just Can't Help Himself

New York Hails Giants with Super Parade
And Could This Explain Why the Pats Looked So Dazed and Confused on Sunday?

�Now, we have a chance to be part of �ever.�� -- Junior Seau, 1.20.08

This Just In

This Just In ...

Tom Brady and the Heartbreakers

Tom Brady and the
Heartbreakers

Pats Choke in Super Bowl XLII and Mercury Morris
Sleeps Alone; Giants Win in Super Stunner, 17-14

Are You Ready for Some Beanpot?

The Ace We Never Met

The Ace We Never Met

Santana, Mets Finalize Deal

And Jacoby's Where He Belongs

Happy Day in Ellsbury Household

Meet the New Mayor

Meet the New Mayor

Casey's at the Bat in Boston: Sox, Casey Have 1-Year Deal

Globe Archives: Casey Steps in with Local Priest to Fight Hunger in Lawrence

A communications major in college, Casey makes Kevin Millar of the Sox look bashful by comparison. His nickname on the Reds is the ''Mayor," because he has a word for everybody, including sportswriters, whom he stunned one spring at the Reds training facility in Sarasota, Fla., when he sauntered into the press room, introduced himself and welcomed them, all before even saying hello to his teammates.

The San Diego Union-Tribune once surveyed the Padres on which first baseman was the league's chattiest. Casey won going away. ''Casey takes it to a different level," Padres infielder Phil Nevin said at the time. ''He's like that guy in 'Seinfeld,' the close-to-your-face talker. You think Casey is going to lick your face." -- 6.13.05, Gordon Edes, Boston Globe