Sports Redux: Grip and Grin Edition

Boston's Monday sports scene was all about the media blitz. The Red Sox held their now-customary Rally Monday festivities at Fenway, where Jason Bay, Dustin Pedroia (and his suit, which should count as a whole other person in and of itself), Kevin Youkilis, Terry Francona and Larry Lucchino said they were happy and excited about being one of the eight ("...or nine," quipped Francona, ever the wise and knowing skipper, given the insanity that unfolded between the Other Sox and the Tigers - which ended with a Chicago win and the need for a ChiSox/Twins showdown) teams left with some ballgames on their schedule. The rally served as the official Red Sox send-off, given that the team boarded their buses and headed out to the airport. When next they return to Boston, we're hoping that they are nursing a two-game lead in the ALDS. Keep those fingers crossed - and remember that the team kicked off 2004 in a similar fashion.

In Waltham, the Celtics' Media Day was marked by the return of Sam Cassell - both through announcement of Cassell's re-signing and the sight of Cassell and his 28 jersey. Other good news: Rajon Rondo is all growns up, Darius Miles is thrilled to be on board and the team's hungry for another title. All good things.

Photo by Boston's Victoria Welch, who attended Monday's Fenway rally.