4/16

Until yesterday, the Red Sox bats have been underwhelming. Despite finally breaking out, I'm concerned with Big Papi. Reggie Jackson once described himself as, "The Straw that Stirs the Drink", much to the irritation of his late 70's Yankee teammates. David Ortiz can rightfully proclaim that he IS the straw that stirs the drink on the 2009 Boston Red Sox. If he's not at least the 2007 version of himself, the Sox have no thunder from the left side. J.D. Drew provides punch, but he can't consistently stay healthy.

As much as I bash Tim Wakefield, he put in a masterful performance yesterday and provided the team exactly what it needed. That was Wake's first victory in Oakland since 1999.

The Bruins and Canadiens meet tonight for the umpteenth time in the playoffs, in a best of seven series. Montreal has emerged the victor in most of these playoff series meetings, but this time the Bruins clearly have a better team and should win the series in six games. Under Claude Julien, the Bruins have put an emphasis on defense, and have been solid in that regard in front of Tim Thomas all year. As long as Manny Fernandez doesn't make an appearance between the pipes, the Bruins should advance and win their first playoff series in TEN years.

Considering it was tax day, I forgot to post this yesterday. Here are the first few verses, in which George Harrison's lyrics are still timely 43 years later:

Taxman - George Harrison (performed by the Beatles)
Let me tell you how it will be
There’s one for you, nineteen for me
’cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

Should five percent appear too small
Be thankful I don’t take it all
’cause I’m the taxman
Yeah, I’m the taxman

(if you drive a car) I’ll tax the street
(if you try to sit) I’ll tax your seat
(if you get too cold) I’ll tax the heat
(if you take a walk I’ll tax your feet
Taxman!