Weaverball

The last two games against the Red Sox were reminiscent of games played in the '70s. Pitching, defense and the three-run homer off the bat of Luke Scott beat the Red Sox, 5-4 last night. I listened on the radio, as I had done for years as a kid, as the Red Sox loaded the bases in the seventh with none out and Manny Ramirez at the plate. Jim Johnson of the Orioles battled one of baseball's best hitters. It was an excruciating ten pitch affair with Manny finally giving in and grounding one back to the mound for an easy double play. Johnson escaped with no runs scored--a remarkable achievement--given the fact that the Red Sox line-up keeps coming at you like a threshing machine. Today, it was a grand slam by Jay Payton and four double plays. This season has already produced more bright spots than all of last year. Trembley is using all the parts to get the job done as Earl Weaver once did. It's still early, but there are many things to be thankful for.