Before we catch up with issues like the trade (where did Kason Gabard go?) or the rear view mirror (who is that, only five games back?), I have a question about this Saturday's games at Fenway Park.

Are you going? The Futures at Fenway minor league doubleheader (with the Sea Dogs playing the second game) is billed as a chance to see baseball at Fenway Park without breaking the bank or finding a scalper.

So, are you going? Send me a note (either a comment here, or email me).

And now back to the issues:

I sense the Nation getting nervous over the Yankees. They wouldn't be the Yankees if they did not make Red Sox fans uneasy. Yes, the Yankees are only five games back. They have a 21-7 record since the all-star break. Boston is 15-11, which could be a little better.

But 21-7? If the Yankees keep that up, they will win 100 games, and they deserve the AL East ... but, no, I don't believe that will happen. Among New York's remaining games this month are 8 with Detroit, 3 at Anaheim, 3 at Cleveland and a home series with Boston Aug. 28-30 (let the hype for those three games begin now).

And now about the trade for Eric Gagne. It's tough to get news when you're camping, but I did hear that Boston got Gagne for three prospects. That only made my head spin. WHICH three prospects? When I heard Kason Gabbard, David Murphy and Engel Beltre, I thought it was a good deal.

Gabbard and Murphy are fine players, but are spare parts in the Red Sox plans. I saw Beltre, only 17, in spring training and he looks like a gifted outfielder with a smooth swing. He could be the regret of this trade. But Boston can't hold onto every teen-ager who "projects" to be a fine player.

Gabbard got his first win with the Rangers last night, while Murphy made his Oklahoma Redhawks (Triple-A) debut last night (1-for-4).

Two other items of note happened while I was gone. The Sea Dogs became a clear contender for the playoffs, and Jed Lowrie got off to a great start in Pawtucket (.340 average in 12 games).

E-mail this entry to a friend