Hello all,

This is my first post concerning this year's edition of the Red Sox. From my position grilling sausages inside the park, I have a good view of the mood of the fans, what's on everybody's mind, a few inside tit-bits from park employees and how things are shaping up in '07. I'll be posting from time to time as I'm inspired to comment on all things Red Sox.

Dice-K mania is definitely on the up and up. It's bringing a lot more Japanese fans to the games, tons of journalists, created a fan-club called the Dice-K Girls ( all very pretty from what I've seen so far), lots of dubious sushi in the bars around the ground, and a cautious sense of optimism from serious baseball people. Red Sox Nation wants to love Dice-K, but there is a sense that he has to earn the love of the Nation - it won't be granted unconditionally until the results are posted. The jury's still out on Dice-K, despite two high quality starts already in (April 15).

The park feels more crowded inside - partly 'cos fans are hanging out below the stands to stay warm, eat and drink - and partly due to the extra seats installed along the right field roof. There's a new little stand up there; the owners try to squeeze more people in each year.

With three washouts already on the books, the latter part of the season looks to be filled with double-headers. You have to feel sorry for Seattle, losing a complete three-series in Cleveland, and then one with the Sox last week. Anaheim is copping it over this weekend. Playing a doubleheader at home must be a huge advantage when it comes time to play.

Alright - that's it for this weekend. There will probably be no game in the morning - and no Marathon either. A good day to stay in bed or head to the warm office job.
Seeya,
Sausage Cook