Ricky Vaughn reincarnate!

Papelbon on pace for 81 saves...

When's the last time a Sox closer had 7 saves this early in the season?

This morning at 1:02 and three seconds

it was 1:02:03 04-05-06

:)

I Don't Heart Huckaby

With 3 past balls in his first game catching Wakefield, Josh Bard really didn't impress anyone. In fact, I wonder how long it would take the Sox to recall Ken Huckaby for "Wakefield-duties." It's one thing if Bard could actually contribute some offense, but his .237 lifetime BA and .288 career OBP says otherwise (157 games over 4 seasons). Unfortunately, Huckaby's numbers are worse (.223/.256 in 153 games).

The impact of Mirabelli's absence won't be known until the end of the season, but the most past balls Mirabelli let up in a season (40+ games started) was 15. Bard might hit that by mid-May.

I heart Mirabelli.

Red Sox '06 Opening Day: Sox vs. Rangers at Ameriquest Field in Arlington

Trivia: When's the last time the Red Sox opened the season at home?

Red Sox '05 Opening Day Lineup:
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Johnny Damon, CF
Edgar Renteria, SS
Manny Ramirez, LF
David Ortiz, DH
Kevin Millar, 1B
Jason Varitek, C
Jay Payton, RF
Bill Mueller, 3B
Mark Bellhorn, 2B

David Wells, SP


Red Sox '06 Opening Day Lineup:
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Covelli "Coco" Crisp, CF
Mark Loretta, 2B
Manny Ramirez, LF
David Ortiz, DH
Trot Nixon, RF
Jason Varitek, C
Mike Lowell, 3B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
Alex Gonzalez, SS

Curt Schilling, SP