Pride

The Red Sox won't be going to the postseason, but they haven't mailed it in. Tonight they won their ninth consecutive home victory over the Orioles, holding off the Birds 4-3, with Julian Tavarez finishing the season at 5-4 and Mike Timlin picking up his ninth save.

Trot Nixon had an ofer but hit the ball hard several times as he plays out his season as the Sox member with the longest continuous service. Nixon, plagued by injuries, becomes a free agent at the conclusion of the season.

Mike Lowell had a pair of hits and closes in on 80 RBI to accompany 19 homers as he becomes a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. Lowell will also duel Eric Chavez for Gold Glove at third base, and turned in another gem tonight, making a leaping grab of a liner.

Dustin Pedroia played shortstop tonight and turned in a sharp DP with Mark Loretta on a shot up the middle. Pedroia has impressive college and minor league credentials and continues to get his feet wet as he tries to make the leap to the next level.

Trade Manny Ramirez? Sox fans got another vision of life without Manny as David Ortiz had another three walks and gets almost nothing to hit. Ortiz has 119 walks on the season, 10 in the last 10 games and 6 in the past 2. So as the Cosa Nostra might say, "you want protection, you gotta pay for it." Ortiz and Manny both need protection, and although Wily Mo Pena has promise, is he ready for prime time.

In the midst of 'Fan Appreciation Weekend', the Sox are airing spots with players thanking the fans for their support. While we may be disappointed at the outcome, I don't think we should disrespect the effort. To paraphrase Jim Bouton, "all your life you think you have a grip on the baseball, and you find out it's the other way around."