Dustin Hoffman Watch Out!

Dustin Pedroia's acting career has begun. In this priceless commercial with Jim Rice, Dustin shows incredible range, emotion and a true talent. Why Hollywood hasn't come calling is a baffling question!

old friend update

ESPN.com notes that Trot Nixon is playing Triple-A ball for the Tucson Sidewinders, in the D-backs system. Coincidence that their GM is Josh Byrnes, former assistant GM with the Sox? Good luck to Trot. We'll always remember your gutsy play.

Virtual no hitter

Billy Wagner of the Mets has yet to give up a hit after 9 scoreless innings thus far this season. Impressive for a pitcher born in 1971.

A or Fluke?

Oakland A's have a 3.18 ERA thus far.

Old friend Keith Foulke has a 0.86 WHIP and a 2.57 ERA.

Think they're for real?

Yankees Ban Candy

Looks like Joe Girardi has banned candy from the Yankees' clubhouse. Unfortunately, you can't take 7 years off Jason Giambi's life that easily!

lucky 13

Pedroia's got a 13-game hit streak going. I love that kid.

Sox Hit By Plague; Hansen Back; Events Unrelated

The Sox have been hit by the flu. The latest casualty? Dice-K, scratched from his start today.

In unrelated news, the million dollar minor leaguer Craig Hansen is back. Though hopefully following surgery for sleep apnea, he has regained the ability to throw his slider for strikes.

Happy Bday, Tito

Joe Castiglione just said it's Terry Francona's 49th birthday.

His first birthday present is a Jacoby Ellsbury leadoff home run!

At least it's not blisters

MLB.com is reporting that Josh Beckett's been scratched for tonight's game, with David Pauley taking the start instead. Boston.com is saying that Beckett's also fighting Jason Varitek's flu, and that's why we have a Pauley-Kevin Cash battery tonight.

Yankees at .500, run differential under .500

The Yankees have been outscored by 8 runs so far this season. That won't last long but maybe it portends good things for our Sox.

Lowell Recovering

The Boston Globe reports today that Lowell's on the right track. "'I was really encouraged by how it felt,' he said." Can't wait until he's back!

Also, sad news that '80s Sox catcher John Marzano died.

Necessity is the mother of $60 blankets

Chilly night tonight at Fenway. Leaving the old blanket in the car resulted in the need to purchase a Sox blanket: $60!!!! When will there be an end to this kind of price gouging! I love the Sox as much as anyone but really... And the final indignity: check the prices on the same blankets outside the park--one half. I hope this pays for some more great pitching!

Red Sox Come From Behind To Beat Rangers

Inaugural posting on the Oil Can Blog. Here's the report from Fenway tonight: Lester struggled with his control a bit but managed to keep us in the game for 6 1/3. Their pitcher, Jason Jennings, didn't look too hot either but managed to limit us to 3 hits even with an 85 mph fastball.

The Sox came from behind with a timely double from Pedroia and a Monster shot by Manny in the bottom of the 8th.

Loved hearing "Wild Thing" followed by the Dropkick Murphys as Papelbon came in!

Photos by Nick Loss-Eaton and Sandy Eaton at the game!