Thomas Paine said, "These are the times that try men's souls". Hamlet said, "To take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them." Dr. Peter Venkman said it a bit pithier, as above.

All true. The Red Sox are in St. Petersburg tonight to play the Devil Rays, and if they don't treat the Rays like the second coming of the Big Red Machine, they're going to find themselves in serious hot water. And second place. Luckily, the Sox can give the ball tonight to Josh Beckett, who's gunning for 20 and has been the only reliable man on the roster during the September Fizzle. Unluckily, the Rays are sending Scott Kazmir to the mound, who has kicked our butts all year long. The Sox should pay a visit to Bob Newhart's new psychology digs before taking the field tonight.

If you think the comments here yesterday were tough on Terry Francona, you should check out Gordon Edes' mailbag from yesterday. If the Sox don't sweep Tampa, there may well be a pitchfork-wielding mob at Logan on Sunday night. If we hear anything, we'll post wheres and whens here.

The NFL has completed its investigation into the Further Taping Misadventures of Bill Belichick, and has determined that there will be no further punishment. All the tapes (well...maybe not all the tapes) have been destroyed.

The Globe today profiles Ray Allen, who's thrilled as punch to be back in New England, excited about being part of Ghidorah, and says "If we win, everybody will ride together on whatever float it is on the championship parade. We'll all ride together." Tickets on sale today.