I'm in an abusive relationship

I'm probably going to catch a lot of smack over this article, but you know something... It's all in good fun and if you can't laugh then screw ya.

Baseball season is in mid-swing and headed for the all-star break, but at this time I feel like I need to step back and take a good look at this relationship that I'm having.

It's a relationship that I've been in for many years, and no matter what happens between us I've always come back.

It's funny because I've had friends who felt the same way, but after putting up with the abuse they packed their bags and headed off to places like Atlanta, New York, or in some cases Tampa Bay.

Nope not me. I'm still here holding to hopes... Broad hopes that maybe someday we can make that journey together.

You see, I'm a Boston Red Sox fan, and lately my emotions have just been mangled this season.

From Pedro missing some time to Manny hitting below .350 in May.

But, what else am I supposed to expect? My heart has been broken so many times and I just keep coming back.

You want some heartache? I can give you heartache.

In 1986, I watched Roger Clemens dismantle the Seattle Mariners with 20 strikeouts and break a major league record.

Later that year, our relationship grew as they captured the ALCS by eliminating the Angels.

I was on cloud nine, and stood by my team as they went into NY to take on the Mets in the World Series, but the relationship turned abusive with one wild pitch by Calvin Schiraldi, and then the historical error by Bill Buckner.

At that time you would think someone with smarts would walk away, but instead I chose to stay.

These things continued. In 1988, a guy named Joe Morgan took over the team and led them on one hell of a winning streak, but my hopes were smashed again as they were swept under rug by Oakland A's in the ALCS.

Did I leave then? No, I remained because I had hope that things would change, and here we are today with nothing but hopes.

But, how can you stay when you have one week where someone can just take your emotions and show no mercy, no compassion and no heart.

It got bad about a weekend ago when they went to Philly. The rain was falling here in Boston as usual, and the mood was already gloomy.

So I sat down and decided to watch the game at a friend's house. When it was over I was hurt and wondering how you can have the lead three times and lose in 13 innings.

I want to blame the bullpen, but I just can't even though that this bullpen has been the very thorn in our side for our whole relationship this season.

The next night I tried to forgive, but they were shut out.

Later that week, our relationship bounced back as they stomped the Detroit Tigers for four days straight. I know it was only the Tigers, but it felt good... We felt good.

Then, just when you thought it couldn't get any better, almost an exact week's time from our Philly disaster they make me forget everything by breaking all types of major league records and ending a game with the Marlins with a 50 minute, 14 run first inning.

But, it didn't end there, because when my team was done they had put 25 points on the board to Florida's 8.

You would have to think the Marlin's were done for the series after this whooping, but instead they came back the next night, and I watched that thorn give up a three-run homer with two friggin' outs in the ninth and lose 10-9!

How am I supposed to live like this!!!

Now they come back from that and win 11-7.

Oh yeah, I guess I should be happy now with Tampa Bay coming up and then the Yankees on Friday for a four game stint.

Did I say the Yankees? I can't leave them now. I have to stand by them. I've got to be there for support.

Okay, I'm sorry, but we have to do something about this relationship. I can't keep doing this, but we'll talk...

After the Yankees though.

Email me at sinista1@msn.com