Josh Hamilton’s story would melt even the most hardened Boston writer’s heart. The man has gone through hell and--much like the mighty phoenix--has risen from the ashes. The former top draft pick for Tampa Bay turned drug addict turned 2008 sports comeback of the year hit a record-breaking 28 home runs in the first round during the homerun derby last night at Yankee Stadium. The previous record was held by current Yankee Bobby Abreu, who hit 24 in the first round of work back in 2005.

Hamilton brought 71-year-old Clay Cousil to throw to him. Cousil was Hamilton's coach when he was growing up in North Carolina. Unfortunately, hitting a grand total 35 home runs didn’t crown Hamilton the derby winner--though the crowd in the house that Ruth built would probably disagree. The winner of last night’s event was Minnesota’s Justin Morneau.

In the land of the Red Sox news, Theo Epstein denied reports by Peter Gammons that that Red Sox would be seeking to trade Kevin Youkilis and Craig Hansen for Mark Teixeira. This is where you’d put a huge picture of a cat with the phrase DO NOT WANT on it.

Not surprisingly, Manny didn’t show up to media day. Although teammates and team spokesperson John Blake did say he was there. Ramirez did however campaign again for a Gold Glove during an on-field interview with Yankees announcer John Sterling during last night’s festivities. Red Sox closer, part-time Milli, and acting President of the Red Light Society, Jonathan Papelbon, announced what everyone already knew: that Mariano Rivera would be closing Tuesday’s All Star Game. Francona has yet to make a decision himself, but having Rivera close would be the obvious answer. Sorry, K-Rod .

Leave it to the New York media to spin this story to make Papelbon to look like an ass. The New York Daily News is quoting Papelbon saying , "If I was managing the team, I would close...I'm not managing the team, so it don't matter." So don't be surprised if the boo birds come out when Pap's introduced. Listen,he was being truthful and if we were in in his position - we'd say the same thing. He thrives off that role and who wouldn't want all the glory that comes off it.