There Goes the Perfect Season

And just like that, the dream of 162-0 is gone...

Some quick thoughts about last night's game:

- Coco Crisp looks like he's going to be great. And he's fast.
- Jerry Remy is now reading the catcher's signs, i.e., "fastball away". This could get old really fast.
- Josh Bard looked scary behind home plate. I was reminded of Varitek trying to catch Wake in the 2004 ALCS.
- Demarlo Hale actually prevented a runner from being thrown out at home plate last night. Looks like it might not be the Sveum old song and dance after all.
- Manny looks awful right now. Just like April and May of last year. He looks lost at the plate.
- Ortiz is already locked in. Every year he gets better. Sign him to an extension NOW.
- Why was the radar gun for NESN not working last night? Opening day is one thing, but two days in a row?
- Why was Alex Cora playing last night? I don't care if he's 12-for-13 against Padilla. This smells rank, like Francona starting to play the veterans too much.
- Why is J.T. Snow playing today? Is Youkilis so out of shape that he can't play 3 days in a row?
- Why does Bill Simmons, ESPN's Sportsguy, spell Youk as "Yook"? Just abbreviate, Bill, don't over think.

I'm looking forward to Josh Beckett's first start today. He and Schilling give the Sox a legitimate chance for a pair of 20-game winners. The Sox haven't had that since... oh, Pedro and Schilling in 2004. Things worked out well for the Sox in 2004. Let's hope Beckett can stay off the DL this year.