As fans, we can afford to be capricious. That's why the Kevin Garnett-to-the-Celtics rumors, which seemed way too expensive back in June when we thought we were building for the future, have us a little giddier now.

ESPN is reporting that the trade talks are starting to swirl around again; the deal would still involve Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff (who is the Celtics MVP based on how much everyone lusts after his expiring contract), and possibly Gerald Green, now that the #5 pick is off the table. As capricious Celtic fans, we see Pierce, Ray Allen, and KG together and wonder who the hell in the East can stop us. But it seems no fan is as subject to the winds of change as Danny Ainge (there's a song lyric in there somewhere; someone call the Scorpions!), so we refuse to get too fired up until something actually happens.

You can't win 'em all; apparently, not even when the Devil Rays are involved. Daisuke Matsuzaka once again got himself in and out of trouble, and the Sox bats reverted to their non-RBI ways in the 5-2 loss. Dice and Tampa starter Scott Kazmir matched zeroes for six and a half innings, then Matsuzaka blinked, surrendering a solo home run to Dioner Navarro. In came Manny Delcarmen, and out went two more home runs: a majestic 3-run shot by B.J. Upton and a serviceable solo shot by Carlos Pena. Manny and Youk went deep in the eighth, but it was too little, too late.

The Yankees won, so they are back within eight. This week, the Red Sox host Baltimore for three before going back to the West Coast, while the Yankees get the White Sox/Royals package in the Bronx.

Not a lot of news out of Patriots camp. Brandon Meriweather is raring to go. Tedi Bruschi is getting older. And Tom Brady would like to just talk about football. With only eleven days left until the first exhibition game, we don't blame him.

Kevin Garnett photo from NBA.com.