Sports Redux: Trot Talk

It's hard to work up a frenzy against the Cleveland Indians. They seem like a bunch of polite, plucky kids who we'd be pulling for in almost any other circumstance. Gone are the enemies of the mid-to-late-90's: villains like Roberto Alomar and Manny Ramirez. Gone are the mockable stars of that magical 1988 team: colorful characters like ex-con Rick Vaughan and voodoo worshipper Pedro Cerrano.

Trot Nixon, who you may remember as one of the most popular Red Sox players of the last 20 years, is now the elder statesman of the Indians, and he is trying to impart a little 2004 spirit into his young teammates. Good for him. And for them. And their pie fights. However, they stand in our way and must be crushed. Nothing personal.

The NLCS kicks off tonight in Phoenix. Anyone who predicted back in April it would be Arizona against Colorado, please move to Las Vegas right now. And call us.

Chuck Kobashew scored a Bruins goal a minute into their game last night in Anaheim. Fifty-nine minutes later, the NoLongerMighty Ducks skated off with a 2-1 win. We're not the world's biggest hockey experts, but we suspect even a good goalie needs more than one goal a game in support.

There were a lot of familiar faces in unfamiliar colors in London (so it should be colours) yesterday as the Celtics (with Kevin Garnett) faced the Timberwolves (with Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and several others) in preseason action. Garnett played well, and never mistakenly passed the ball to an old teammate, but it was Ray Allen who stole the show with 28 points. The C's are back in North America and have a few days to get ready for their next game, in New York.