Sox getting into it

Ah, the Sox may finally be back. Each year, the Sox need a spark plug, and last night may have been it.

First things first. There are a lot of subplots still surrounding this team. It was great to see Mike Lowell finally being used. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason and there was no doubt that he was not traded for a reason. Now, we know why.

Second, hopefully the Jacoby Ellsbury saga comes to an end today. It appears he is ready to be called back. This is HUGE. There are too many lingering questions about his work ethic, effort, and desire. He needs to return to put those to rest and settle the angst that fellow teammates have regarding him.

However, probably they most important event of last night involved the brouhaha in the late innings. Every Sox team that was successful benefited from a jump start and this may have been it. After the Indians failed attempt to hit Papi and Beltre, the subsequent bench clearing argument - definitely not a brawl - was interesting. A lot of steam was let off during that event and I think it was important to notice how the team came together and what personalities were into it.

JOSH BECKETT - he definitely showed the most fire he has shown in a year. His gripe with Duncan shows he still has the fire to be THE man in the rotation.

JOHN LACKEY - great to seem him be the first man off the bench into the gathering. He flew in, was keepin everyone from fighting, but was certainly vocal to the Indians. Shows you that he can be THE MAN when needed.

DUSTIN PEDROIA - the man with the broken foot was in the middle of things. While that may garnish him a fine, this tells you all you need to know about the man. He is HUGE and can't wait to get back.

ADRIAN BELTRE - nice job protecting himself. This dude is not to be messed with.

JOHN FARRELL - it is always important to have a coach who is a protector. This guy is it, which is phenomenal. He definitely was in the middle of things, doing what he does best. Talk about leadership.

TERRY FRANCONA - it is rare to see him all worked up, especially in a gathering such as this. But his tet-a-tet with 3rd base coach Smith definitely showed where the leadership is on this team. That was impressive.

This is the type of game you remember. The season just got a little more interesting!!!