Once you have tasted victory and brought home the ultimate prize, a world series title twice in four years how can you blame the boy wonder. He even had the stones to trade Nomar Garciaparra and everyone thought he was nuts. The end result of that trade was a championship. The problem is that he knows what he's up against. George Steinbrenner's son "Stank" Steinbrenner whose tailor makes his suits a couple of sizes too small. He looks as if he is gonna pop any minute. The Yankees may have bought themselves a championship this year and that is not sitting too well with Theo. The reason it took so long for Boston to win a world series is because former Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey did not care about his fan base, all he cared about is the mighty dollar. These new owners do care and that's why the Sox payroll is on par with New York's.

Red Sox ace Josh Beckett has been replaced as tonight's starter against the Toronto Blue Jays due to mild back spasms. Michael Bowden will replace him. Hopefully they can figure out a proper regimen for Mr. Beckett as he is still being counted on to carry this franchise's short term goals. I do think this may also be just a nice little rest for him with the playoffs approaching. He is still the best arm of this rotation but the last two seasons have been humbling.

David Ortiz is nursing a sore shoulder claiming he slept on it the wrong way a couple of nights ago. I don't want to sound like a pessimist but that sounds like old age creeping in to me. Let's hope not. Also newly acquired Rocco Baldelli is not taking part in these early workouts as part of his "take it slow" regimen due to his medical condition.

The team also took some live batting practice with the pitchers throwing hard and reportedly looking good. Sounds like things are in full swing down in Fort Myers, we'll keep you posted.

Red Sox star Jonathan Papelbon candidly admitted he was tiring down the stretch of last season. He and other teammates have high hopes for this year and I applaud Papelbon for being a stand up guy and speaking truthfully which is rare for most of today's sport's stars.

Check out this video courtesy of Chris Forsberg of the Boston.com staff.