Tina Cervasio, whose aerodynamic behind put Papelbon in a state of awe, is leaving NESN at the end of March. Wailing and gnashing of teeth ensued, as New England--not to mention players--were besotted with Cervasio.

What happened? Cervasio was a big enough name that it would be surprising if NESN didn't fight to keep her. The Track Girls say, however, that Cervasio wanted more money in her contract, and NESN wasn't willing to cough up. Then they dumped Cervasio from Super Bowl coverage. Now she's on her way to New Jersey, where her husband lives.

Extra Bases had the official word, which was that Cervasio is leaving "to be closer to her family," but, as anyone who follows the comings and goings of the Bush administration, that phrase always smells funny.

Surviving Grady quoted Tom Waits upon hearing the news: "So she left Monte Rio, just like a bullet leaves a gun." NESN, the fans are hurting.

Photo of Tina Cervasio from NESN.