Signature Moments

With a lot of time on our hands, and not much news, let's think back to 'signature' moments in current (and recent) Sox players' careers.

Jason Varitek provides reliable if often unspectacular play behind the plate. In the 2003 playoff series against Oakland, Varitek blocked the plate and ultimately tagged out Eric Byrnes. Sure, Varitek has had some walkoff homer action and a game-tying homer against Seattle (if I recall correctly), but I'll always remember his defense first.

Kevin Youkilis had the ninth inning two runner homer against Detroit last season to help the Sox win. I'm hoping that we don't hear too much of Youkilis behaving badly (surly) off the field to diminish his potential contributions on it.

Manny Ramirez has had a lot of moments, but I think his first inning homer off Jeff Suppan in Game 3 of the 2004 series was his greatest moment. Suppan just pulled down 42 million for 4 years, making Manny's contract look cheap.

Coco Crisp played hurt, but had the spectacular diving catch to left center in Fenway against David Wright. Let's hope that Coco returns to good health and a .300 average this season.

Trot Nixon may be gone, but his ninth inning two run blast off Roger Clemens in the epic Sunday Night Duel between Clemens and Pedro has to be Trot's signature moment for the Sox. We won't forget his three-run double in St. Louis in the series, but...

Curt Schilling has the bloody sock, Game Six performance at The Stadium. Need we say more?

Tim Wakefield's most memorable moment may be the 2003 homer to Aaron Boone, but he was never tainted in Red Sox Nation because he always contributed above and beyond the call of duty.

Well, that's a start as we all try to keep the Hot Stove burning.