Happy Pitchers and Catchers-Reporting Day!

As a palette cleaner from the politics of the day, I give you Jonathan Papelbon, the happiest man on earth. He held court at the first day of spring training for the World Champion Boston Red Sox, waxing poetic on everything from traveling to Japan to play ball, driving down the Florida highway to spring training, whether the ball from the final out of the World Series was really chewed up by his dog, and probably a million other things, most of which likely would be unsuitable for children.

Have I mentioned how much I adore Paps? I love his lightheartedness and childlike approach to life. But what I like even more is THAT face - the one he uses to stare down opposing batters. It's the face of a psychotic, and he uses it to help put himself into a trance of epic proportions. It's the face of the last out of the 2007 World Series. And just when I had finally gotten over the celebratory Riverdancing of last fall, he's back on our TVs marking the opening of Spring Training 2008.

Let the games begin!

*Photo at top from AP and is probably the best one I've ever seen of Mr. P; second photo from Sports Illustrated.

Whew!

Baseball has sucked the life out of me, even more than usual. There's not much room for politics or other pursuits that typically occupy my mind. The Sox are up 2-0 in the World Series after two games that couldn't have been more different. Game 1 was an orgy of Red Sox hits - they set a number of records, including the most doubles ever in a World Series game. Final score: 13-1 on a game pitched magnificently by Josh Beckett. Game 2 was a nailbiter. Final score: 2-1 in a well-pitched game by my favorite Republican, Curt Schilling.

Everyone's saying the Sox are going to take the series, unless you are a native of Colorado (or a MFY fan, I suppose). I'm feeling very good about it and wouldn't be surprised if it was a sweep.

Luckily, I have XM Radio and I've been listening for my roughly 90 minute daily commute to the MLB coverage. I'm not familiar with all the analysts, but I'm finding it really interesting to hear the national coverage of our boys. Today, for instance, there was a lengthy interview with Mike Lowell, talking all about where he positions himself depending on which pitcher is on the mound. I found it a fascinating discussion and something that hasn't been covered a lot locally.

I'm having the most interesting reaction as I listen to the national news - a feeling of pride in the Red Sox organization, and in the individual players. Something tells me the country is going to embrace a few of the young stars - especially our Riverdancing Closer, Jonathan Papelbon.

So, along with other Sox addicts, we will be tuned in to each of the last few games...won't you?