The Boston Red Sox -- Are they cursed or blessed?

As I prepared this article, Boston finds themselves tied for first-place with their arch rivals, the New York Yankees, in the A.L. East. Both sport a record of 56-40.

Your first thought might be -- how can Boston sustain itself, with so many injuries they've had to endure during the course of the 2001 season. They must be cursed. How can they run with the big dogs, like the New York Yankees?

Boston has lost it's share of key players all year long to the dreaded DL(disabled list). Currently, Boston's best pitcher, and probably the best pitcher in all of baseball, Pedro Martinez, has been on the DL for several weeks. He's not expected to come back until September 1st. That's when he will be needed most. Now, you must be thinking, how can you say Boston may be blessed?

First, Pedro has plenty of company with him on the DL. Catcher Jason Varitek was lost due to a broken elbow. He's not expected back until September, if he's lucky. Third baseman John Valentin has been on the DL most of the year. He has a bad heel now. Outfielder Carl Everett has been out for several weeks due to a knee injury. Pitcher Bret Saberhagen has been out all year due to a shoulder injury. He may be ready for rehab in the minors now. Pitcher Frank Castillo has been out with a pulled lat-muscle. Pitcher Pete Schourek has elbow problems. But, the biggest blow was when two-time batting champion and shortstop Nomar Garciappara opted to have wrist surgery before the start of the 2001 season. He's not expected back until August 1st. Still, Boston continues to win.

The good news for Boston and it's faithful fans is that this team has been playing with plenty of heart, good starting pitching, hitting and team work. Slugger Manny Ramirez, who was acquired from the Cleveland Indians during the off-season, has been his usual great self. He is a RBI machine. Could he be the first triple crown winner since Boston's Carl Yastremski did it back in 1967?

Ramirez is currently tied with Cleveland's first baseman Jim Thome in homeruns with 30. He leads the A.L. in RBI's with 91, leads his team in hits with 117, and is batting .322. Now, that is what I call being blessed. And yes he could win the triple crown, if anyone could.

Ramirez has been a big reason for this team's success so far, but he hasn't done it alone. Boston has hovered near first place all season long. Why? Mainly, because of their starting pitching. Even without Pedro Martinez, Boston leads the A.L. in pitching with a team ERA of 3.63. They are sixth in hitting, in the A.L.

Pitcher Hideo Nomo, acquired from the Detroit Tigers during the off-season, has been a godsend. He is 10-4 with an ERA of 4.01. He tossed a no-hitter against Baltimore earlier this year. Knuckleballer, Tim Wakefield has been a pleasant surprise as a starter. He is 6-4 with an ERA of 2.99. David Cone, who is trying to regain the winning form that once made him a big winner with the New York Yankees and the Mets, is 5-1 with an ERA of 4.23. His ERA is not that impressive, but luckily the team has been scoring runs for him when he pitches. Rolando Arrojo has pitched well as a starter. He has five saves as a closer. Unfortunately, he is on the DL right now, though, he's not expected to miss his next start. Pitcher Tomokazu Ohka has pitched well at times. He is 2-4 with an ERA of 4.99. Closer Derek Lowe leads the team in saves with 19. Rod Beck has four to his credit.

So who, besides Ramirez, is carrying this team? Everybody that plays it seems.

The most pleasant surprise has been outfielder Trot Nixon. He has hit 16 homeruns and driven in 51 runs. Those aren't great stats, but it seems all his homeruns and RBI's come at crucial times. The same with first baseman Brian Daubach, who has slammed 15 homeruns along with 49 RBI's. DH and outfielder Dante Bichette has been a key offensive player on this team. He's batting .316 and has hit eight homeruns with 34 RBI's. Second baseman Jose Offerman has hit five homeruns with 30 RBI's.

They all seem to get key hits when they are needed the most. Everybody is contributing on this team. Third baseman Shea Hillenbrand has done his part too. He has hit seven homeruns with 32 runs batted in. Another second baseman by the name of Mike Lansing has filled in nicely. Outfielder Troy O'Leary has played well when called upon. Catcher Scott Hatteberg has filled in nicely for injured catcher Jason Varitek. Shortstop Chris Stynes has done his part while Nomar has been on the DL. Chris is batting .306 with six homers and 21 RBI's.

Let me tell you again, everybody is contributing on this team.

Manager Jimy Williams was criticized earlier in the year by some of his players and the press for not posting a regular starting lineup. Actually, he was criticized by one player that I know about. Can you guess his name? Need a hint? He's real moody and argumentative. Very competitive player. His name is Carl Everett. Why he was complaining, I have no idea. He played everyday, except when he was hurt or ailing. I think Mr. Williams knows what he's doing. He puts whatever player he thinks will help the team win, on that particular day, in the lineup. Makes sense to me. Can the Boston Red Sox stay even, or pass, the New York Yankees by the end of the regular season? I think so. I think they believe it too. Just think how potent this offense will be, especially when Nomar Garciappara and Carl Everett come back. If Pedro Martinez comes back by September and pitches effectively, it will be quite a pennant race. May even be a runaway. Pitcher Frank Castillo should be back by then too. Maybe, pitcher Bret Saberhagen will be ready to help his team. Catcher Jason Varitek is questionable, though, for returning this year.

So is the "curse of the bambino" gone? Well, we really won't know that for sure until Boston plays in the World Series again. That is a very real possibility for them this year. If they don't win their division, I believe they will be the wild-card team. Even if they don't win the World Series or play in one this year, they have proven to me, that they are a team with plenty of heart and character. That's winning in my book. See you at the game.