Our Reigning Parade

What a joyous Tuesday it was in the small New England town of Boston, as tens of thousands of people lined the three mile parade route through the city. Everybody was happy, and the chants of "Sign Lowell" could be heard echoing through the twists and turns of the downtown area. At one point near the end of the festivities, Larry Lucchino picked up a megaphone and yelled to the crowd, "We hear you!" I sure hope so.

It looks as if we've seen the last of our rugged warrior Curt Schilling, and that makes me sad. Nobody gave more of his heart and soul to his team the last four years than Schill did. I will miss him immensely. We ALL will. Bobby Kielty also joined Curt in filing for free agency. Mike Lowell has not, as of yet. When, or only hopefully if, he does, he can be sure to hear from the New York Yankees, for they have no third baseman and would want him for that reason and to prevent the Sox from getting him. I hope Theo and company do the right thing, and do it fast. A three year deal, with an option for a fourth, seems like something both sides should be agreeable to. If not, someone needs to get their head examined by one of the Three Stooges. Stat. "Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard!! Report to Fenway Park immediately. A MR. T. Epstein needs to see you."

In between smiles of utter joy and happiness these past three days have been, for me, quick bouts of sadness, for 2007 is history, great history, and all that's left to look forward to is a couple of Championship sweatshirts (any day), the inevitable World Series DVD (widescreen, please!) and the memories. The memories will last forever. The team, however, will undergo change. Yes, they'll be competitive. Yes, they'll upgrade the pitching staff with another A starter to take Schill's place and be Beckett's #2, with Matsuzaka, Buchholz, Lester and Wakes to follow, and yes, they'll be the favorites to win it all again in '08. But I'll miss THIS bunch of guys, and what they did for us....bigtime. Have a great Wednesday. If there is any news about the Sox or baseball itself, I'll be here, all winter long, until that magic day in February when pitchers and catchers report. Count on me, just as I count on you. Have a safe and happy and fun All Hallow's Eve.