Sports Redux: Atlanta Is Ours, And Fairly Won

The bewhiskered gent at right is General William Tecumseh Sherman, who split the South in two during the Civil War with his famous march through Georgia.

Last night may not have been as deeply psychologically scarring for residents of the Peach State, but it was a pretty good whuppin' just the same. The Red Sox pounded the Braves 11-0, behind a slew of home runs and another great outing by the astounding Julian Tavarez.

J.D. Drew started the party, homering off sad-sack Buddy Carlyle on the fourth pitch of the game. Also contributing to the rout were Coco Crisp (newly homer-happy in the Southern air), David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Eric Hinske. Throw in a couple of RBI doubles and it all adds up to a fun night for the Red Sox.

At least the ones that were still in Atlanta. Curt Schilling was home, getting a bad diagnosis. His shoulder is still aching, and the team thinks a 15-day stint on the Disabled List will give him time to mend. With the travel day off today, Tito Francona can still keep Beckett and Tavarez pitching on four days' rest. (Which gives Sluggin' Josh Beckett another chance to hit in an NL park).

Steve Bulpett reports that things are heating up in trade talks between the Celtics and Minnesota, regarding Kevin Garnett. The current asking price involves Al Jefferson and the C's #5 pick, which seems a bit steep to us, even for a confirmed superstar like KG. We've been sold this "team of the future"; now we might trade away the best youngster for a guy who might not stick around more than a year or two? Secretly, we hope the Celtics get KG for Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff; then Kevin McHale can rip off his "Timberwolves GM" suit to reveal a Celtics jersey underneath. With an evil, supervillainy laugh.

Image of General Sherman from the University of Wisconsin(!)