The Olde Town Tired Take the Field

TBA To Pitch Today – During last night’s NESN telecast, Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy reported that Tim Wakefield would pitch one of today’s two contests, but did not know who would take the hill in the other. As of 9:00 Eastern Time, ESPN.com has Wakefield scheduled to pitch both, while Boston.com lists "TBA" taking the mound in the afternoon game and Wakefield starting the nightcap. This is intriguing. I would like to see Wakefield pitch both – has this been done in the last 75 years? Or, maybe the Sox will create another player. Maybe TBA has a mean slider. I’ll bet he isn’t worse than Derek Lowe.

You Da Man – Kevin Youkilis was called up from Pawtucket for another stint with the big club, and went 1-for-4 in his return. Along with a knack for laying off bad pitches and his occasional pop with the bat, the third baseman possesses another attribute that will help his career in Boston – his surname. The Fenway faithful salute Youkilis with chants of "Yooooooou," similar to the manner in which appearances by Lou Merloni were signaled from 1998-2003. Being so conveniently named should not be underestimated. Even when mired in a slump, Youkilis can always pretend that the fickle crowd is just saying his name as usual.

He’s Back – One of the few bright spots yesterday was Karim Garcia’s return to Fenway Park. In Game 3 of last year’s ALCS, Garcia took exception to being beaned by Martinez, setting off a colossal melee. Martinez went on to throw 72-year old Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer to the ground, while Garcia assaulted a Red Sox groundskeeper in the bullpen. And the rest is history. Garcia, who signed with the Mets in the offseason and was traded to the Orioles earlier this week, struck out twice and finished 0-for-5.