Reach out and touch someone...

Does anyone recall the old Ma Bell commercial: "Reach out and touch someone"?

That's what John Henry did last week when he personally picked up the phone and called Mike Lowell. It's about time. Didn't Shakespeare say: "The first thing we do, Let's kill all the agents"? Oh, wait, that was lawyers...right. Same thing. It was the right thing to do, John, I'm always a believer in the personal touch. The Red Sox wanted Mike Lowell and Mike Lowell wants to be a Red Sock. That's what is most important. To me...and to most of Red Sox Nation. I haven't met a person who isn't thrilled about the deal but I've met a lot of folks who'd have been really pissed if it hadn't gone this way. Say what you want about Damon, and business is business...but, if the rumors are true, the same Evil Empire who snatched Damon in 2005 offered Lowell 2 more years and a lot more money - to play first - and, he's still a Red Sock. It's not all about the money for everyone....sometimes, it's the love of a team. That's what Red Sox Nation is all about and guys like Lowell fit in beautifully.

A-Rod is back exactly where he belongs. All just seems right with the world once more.

I don't want Curt Schilling's return to the roster go unmentioned. I'm glad to have him back for his final year. I think that his quick trigger finger on the signing for free agency was just Curt being Curt (learned it from Manny?) - I don't think he had the confidence the Sox wanted him back...thus all the hype/talk/lists...whatever, Curt, I understand, you did what you thought you had to do. Welcome home. I respect and admire your willingness to put the physical aspects into your contract - come back in February in great shape, make this your year. Just don't be like Roger - you say you want to end your career in a Red Sox uniform, you say it's your final year - don't stand on the mound on your final start of the season and bring your loyal fans to tears of memories, only to come back as an Astro next season, that will just cheapen it.

Now. I've heard rumors about a major trade for Johan Santana. Ok, Theo....here's the situation. Go ahead and give 'em Coco. Go ahead and give 'em Lugo. Heck, throw in Wakefield and Mirabelli as a set....Ok, that's not enough? Then, give 'em Buchholz or Lester (though I'm not as willing). Fine. It's not that I'm not loyal to these players, I am....but, again, I do understand this is a business. But, whatever you do - do NOT give 'em Jacoby. I know that you can't give 'em Crisp and Ellsbury....and I know they want Ellsbury. Let Santana go to the Yankees, then - don't give up the kid. You gave up Gabbard for Gagne...and I'm not about to let you live it down. You owe me (and the rest of Red Sox Nation) one. This is it...I'm calling it in.

11 weeks to Spring Training! Enjoy the time off, guys...

Sincerely yours,

Ann, the Red Sox fan