Red Sox 3 Toronto 2...UCONN/Duke Women Tonight In Final Eight

I wish you a cheerful and friendly Tuesday hello from north central Connecticut. The Boston Red Sox racked up a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Tony Pena Jr. started for the Sox in place of John Lackey. There was a chance of rain and it's spring training so playing it safe was a smart move by the powers-that-be. Pena went three innings and gave up a single run on one hit. Following him to the mound were Portice, Garrison and Fernandez, who together surrendered another run between them. But there was other news for this Boston MLB team. Hideki Okajima, who I named the Darkman long ago when he arrived with the team, and Alfredo Aceves, who showed such potential for the future, were optioned to Triple A Pawtucket yesterday. They were out of options. Don't worry, we're very liable to see them later this season at Fenway. Here's Boston general manager Theo Epstein with his thoughts on the two jettisoned pitchers...

“The overriding factor was the preservation of pitching depth. Alfredo and Oki both pitched well enough to make this team. It was tough news to deliver, but they both handled it very well and despite hearing the bad news, were able to process the part of the message that we still see them as a big part of the team.’’

We'll see you later this season, Alfredo and Oki. I just know it. And now (drum roll, please), it's NCAA basketball tourney time. Tonight, the University of Connecticut world championship women's basketball team will try to advance to the 2011 Final Four. They have to knock off Duke to do it. They will, too, and for the fourth time in fourth years, they'll make the huge advance to the Final Four. That's just my prediction. ESPN tonight at 7pm EDT.

I thank you for stopping by today, a no-named Tuesday. Tuesdays are so very non-descript most of the time. Don't forget to click on this post's title for more on the UCONN game and as always and forever, BE WELL. GO HUSKIES. Shape up, Red Sox.