For me, there was an emotional connect with Nomar that I never had with any other player. He is the first player I can remember paying attention to before he entered the Red Sox organization (I think the CWS of 93' in my junior year of college was the first i read about him in Baseball Weekly.) I then saw him play in Toledo for Pawtucket (when I lived in Cleveland.) The most amazing was his 3 or 4 homerun Father's day weekend in Cleveland in 98 or 99. I had flown My Dad up for the 3 game weekend as a Father's day gift. For a year or two prior to Mr. Ramirez arriving, he was the offense. I think his lineup protection consisted of Troy O'Leary and the shell of John Valentin. In 2004, prior to the trade, I wanted to smack Nomar's and Theo's heads together (just as i want to with my own kids most days.) They wouldn't listen to me. Finally, to sum up my meandering, post trade, I have always had that sad and nostalgic "oh, what could have been" feeling whenever I think of Nomar and the Red Sox.

Has anyone ever researched whether a pitcher who joins a new team against whom they've not had success continues to fair poorly in that team's home park? This I would be curious to see since it seems counter-intuitive to judge future success for a team based on success or failure against said team. and yes, I run a butcher's shop. Our special today is the English language

Lackey has never lost a game, nor given up a run, to a non-Red Sox team at Fenway. Bodes well.

haymaker, do you just write a comment on your notepad and keep pasting on every Scutaro related thread? we get it, you like to slam the signing.

@Atheose: I am in Denver. (Tech center). During this series, the overall play of the Rays did not feel like a playoff caliber team. Lots of mental lapses.

Hooray for a series win in that concrete dump. Finally, decided to lose my YFSF virginity. Been lurking for years now.