Tony Graffa-Buckner

Just when Sox fans think with all their hearts that they have moved on, forgiven and forgotten the follies of Red Sox years passed, this happens.

Tony Graffanino recreated the Bill Buckner play of 1986, except this time a routine double play ball at second base rather than first. My stomach dropped when I watched it. The replay makes my body tense. I won't be able to watch Sportscenter for at least a week, for fear of seeing a repeat of this horrific play.

Last night and tonight have made me realize something that had not dawned on me until now: these are not "the idiots". This is not the 2004 Boston Red Sox. This team has no chemistry other than the lovefest between Manny and Ortiz (which even seems to be waivering). When Gabe went down on (surprise, surprise!) GRAFFANINOS home run in September, all unity was lost.

Thinking back, Theo Epstein said something a few weeks ago to the tune of "even idiots grow up". Well, does that mean they stop having fun playing baseball? I haven't seen a Red Sox player smile in months, no hugs, no handshakes (COME BACK ORLANDO!) and no kind words in the clubhouse :cough: Foulke :cough:.

Bottom line is, I don't like the grown up idiots. The grown up idiots don't come back from 0-2 deficits in a 5 game do-or-die series.

Friday is a complete toss up. Apparently Wake is starting which means we'll either see 15 strikeouts or 15 homers. We could go a postseason series this year without seeing the hero and Papal representative Curt Schilling make an appearance. The so-called ace of Boston will potentially not even make a start. This could be a terribly devastating series if we get swept. Affecting possibly whether we see Johnny Damon in a Red Sox uniform ever again. Not to mention Keith Foulke, who already has his flight booked out of Boston, never to return right now.

I fear this game and I hope to God that the Sox don't lay down to a team that hasn't won a postseason series since 1917. Please, this is a calling of bats and arms, knuckle up Red Sox and save this season. Lets keep playing some baseball for a few more days.

And don't listen to Kevin Millar, the fans are with you Red Sox, you have more than just your team.

Go ahead, it's time.