As most of us know three games does not make a season.  For some in Red Sox nation they are crushed for an entire season if the boys drop the opener.  Thankfully it didn’t happen or the suicide watch would be on.  It’s certainly early, but that doesn’t prevent me from having a few thoughts after taking two of three from the Rangers and their ridiculously potent offense.

I don’t care if they talked about it or not, for the first time since he arrived as manager Terry Francona flaunted a huge pair of brass balls in front of the entire nation by having Jonathan Papelbon close that game.  I’m still very much on the Keith Foulke bandwagon and double knee surgery is not an easy thing to recover from, but if your closer’s in uniform most managers go to them in that situation.  A lot of that is out of respect, which I’ve always hated as a reason to play a guy.  It brings about flashbacks of the Jimy Williams classic, “Manager’s decision”.  The second Papelbon came out I knew that game was over.  That kid has absolutely no fear and he looks so angry when he’s on the mound.  He has a scowl that says “Did that guy just punch my mother in the face?” plus his emotion is intoxicating.

Foulke handled it like a gentlemen and I’m sure once he’s healthy he’ll be back in his spot, which will be his to lose.  If he does lose it, I’d actually like to see if the team is willing to experiment with him starting.  It’s not foreign to Foulke as he came into this league as a starter.  He’s publicly stated that he wants to do it so why not give him a chance?  It would be shortsighted to just let him go for $.30 on the dollar.

With the exception of last year, Tim Wakefield hasn’t won more than 13 games in a season since 1998.  Can we just put him in a hyperbaric chamber like they did in the movie Aliens and revive him when it’s crisp and cool in October?

Speaking of Crisp.  One series and his speed was on display offensively and defensively.  When he hit his triple last night Mrs. Giro yelled out “Is that Coco?  He…is…flying!  I’m going to have to pick up some Cocoa Crisp next time I’m at the market.” He completely changes the complexion of this team.  I’ll repeat this a thousand times during the season.

Beckett, after settling down, looked good.  It must have been a double shot of adrenaline last night.  He not only was making his Red Sox debut, but he also pitched in his home state and I’m sure there were plenty of friends and family there to cheer him on.  Like Papelbon, his emotion is intoxicating and I’m sure it’s intimidating for the opposing players.  I cannot be any more excited to see his Fenway debut next week…in person.

I think Mark Loretta has done more in one series than Bellhorn and Renteria did the entire month of April last season.  I was really upset that Bill Mueller left, but Loretta is built out of the same mold. He quietly goes about his business and is consistently good.  I’ll remind you that it’s those players who help you win championships.

Before being abused last night Papi was being Papi.

Manny isn’t Manny yet although I think he received hair coloring advice from former gold medalist Michael Johnson.

Last, but not least, Schilling had a real nice start.  He wasn’t spectacular, but he really focused on pitching instead of overpowering the Rangers.  If he builds on it and goes on a run then he’ll surpass many of our expectations.