See ya Dougie...

Even though I am deep into full-on Patriots mode right now, I still keep an eye on The Sox and their maneuvers in the off-season. Today the Sox made a move that actually broke me out of Patriots mode (for a moment) and made me want to write something Red Sox related.

As I've said, I don't generally get 'attached' to players, but I have to admit, I was bummed out when I heard Mirabelli had been traded. I've always liked Doug. Yes he was the backup catcher, but I think it's safe to say he could be the starter on a lot of teams. He just happens to be on the same team as Jason Varitek. I mean, happened, that is. Damn.

I liked the way he would take his at bats with bare hands. There was something cool and very tough about that I thought. I also liked the home runs he seemed to whack over the Monster whenever he was in the game. I liked the way he handled catching for Wake and the way Wake would generally win a game when Doug was his catcher.

I have to wonder, who's gonna catch Wake now? I was joking with my friend, maybe that guy from the Reebok commercial (you're welcome Reebok) can do it. "I just spent 6 weeks in fantasy camp!"

Doug caught the first pitch of the 2004 World Series.

I'm sure this move will wind up being better for him since he'll probably get to play a lot more and it also fills a gap in the Sox infield.

So far I think the moves the Red Sox have made during the meetings have been productive. It just feels weird and it's kind of a bummer to see so many pieces of the Sox core guys from the last few years gone, but hey, that's what happens. That's why I root for the laundry. There's going to be a completely new team on the field next Summah but hopefully not a return to the same old Red Sox...

Even though things seem to be going ok with the Sox off-season move so far, I'm still not 100% sold on this whole GM by committee thing. Hopefully they can sign Damon. If they don't my kids will be crushed and I have to admit, the thought of him in pinstripes is not a pleasant one. Manny will be back. It's the same thing every year. It's almost boring. Manny wants out but he's got that boat anchor of a contract that nobody wants to take. (Must be rough... phhht.)

Now back to the Patriots. Clinch time in Buffalo.