Wakes And 'Belli Make Quite The Pair, And Then It Was "Pap Time"As The Good Guys Win First Of 19

This one was a joy to watch, a feeling of Red Sox Nation banding together as one to show their feelings in a surpising amount of ways. From lead off batter Damon, showered with boos and a smattering of cheers. It was the cheers that prompted Johnny to show some class: he doffed his hat and saluted the crowd, turning in all directions as the avalanche of boos turned to mostly cheers, if only during his salutations. Later on, when he was in centerfield, he was showered by bills, some real, some fake, and serenaded with a variety of well timed cheers. Clearly he was not prepared for the entire-game salutations from the once friendly and devoted Boston crowd.
Doug Mirabelli was hailed as the returning hero, and the move to get him, and get him quickly, paid off handsomely. After arriving literally minutes before the game and even changing into his uniform in the police vehicle, he showed that the move to get him was a sound one as he handled Wake's offerings and threw out a runner going to second. Just the confidence instilled in Tim by having "his" catcher back was worth the price alone.
The 8th inning explosion, with the big blow by Big Papi center stage off of Mike Myers (how fitting) was magical in every way. And it made a winner of Timlin, who pitched a quiet and soothing eighth inning. Then it was PAP TIME. And he didn't dissapoint in a non-save situation, striking out 2 of 3 and ending it with an exclamation point.
Synopsis? Mirabelli-great move, and perfect timing. Damon-the hype of how he would be greeted was overwhelmed by the game itself. In fact, the "Boston welcome" story was overblown from the beginning, soap opera where no soap opera belongs. And through Tuesday night's raindrops, Josh Beckett will try to continue his mastery of the Yankees that started in that World Series game victory, long ago when he played for the Marlins. He's our's now, and Josh, KNOCK 'EM DEAD tonight.