It wasn’t that long ago when the Angels swept the Sox and with the Manny being the topic of every sportswriter’s columns across the country, the fans weren’t sure what they'd see last night. Would it be the shining star that makes the great catches and drives in runs two or three at a time? Or would they get the Manny we knew a few years ago who wouldn’t run out a grounder, or maybe even... this? Manny’s home run off of K-Rod didn’t help much when the Sox lost to the Angels, 7-5.

Not counting last night, Matsuzaka had only allowed three runs in the last five games he had pitched and during those five games, he had an ERA of .088. That brilliance we had been seeing didn’t shine last night. Dice-K lasted only 5.2 innings and gave up six runs and struck out three. On a somewhat positive note, he only walked two. During the five previous games, he walked a combined 19 batters. Matsuzaka also gave up two home runs last night, something he hadn’t done since June 21st.

We won’t bore you this morning with Manny trade talks. Let’s be honest, no one is going to take him and if they do, we’re not going to get what they want for him or deserve for that matter. Anyone want to take bets there'll be an impromptu press conference where Manny professes his love for Boston and announces he wants to stay on Thursday? According to reports, theHouston Chronicle had said the Sox were interested in Miguel Tejada, which makes no sense. The man has just as much baggage as Bonds does--there's no way he’d come here.

Randy Moss didn’t participate in yesterday’s Patriots training camp, Wes Welker was also on the sideline and on the physically unable to play list. Rookies Jerod Mayo and Kevin O’Connell got in a full day of work. And the Bruins re-signed Nate Thompson and Martin St. Pierre. Look for Thompson to possibly fill the role left vacant by Glen Metropolit.