This must be how (really) bad rumors get started:

New York Newsday Columnist, Jon Heman, suggests that the Red Sox trade Manny to the Yankees straight-up for Gary Sheffield:

"Perhaps there's one crazy way that baseball's bitterest rivals can help themselves, and if they absolutely have to, help each other. Here's my fanciful idea: Trade one mixed-up malcontent straight-up for the other."

"To this point, there's no evidence this is something that's been discussed, thought of or perhaps even imagined in the wildest dreams of the two teams. The first problem, among many, is this: Who makes that first painful phone call?"

Tell Me More

Note to Boston Globe and Herald staff writers, columnists and ghost writers: I want to read more about Jonathan Papelbon. Okay, so I'm just another Red Sox fan starved for home grown talent, but can you blame me when the only two significant prospects to come through the Sox farm system in the past decade were Trot Nixon and Nomar Garciaparra?

I have heard more than enough about Theo Epstein's teenage prom date. Tell me more about how impressive Papelbon is in batting practice. I want details! Hire somebody to follow him around all day if you need to. I want to hear about the huge role that Papelbon is going to play on the 2006 Sox.

A daily does of this type of stuff from the Hartford Courant would work just fine:

"From the moment he made his major league debut July 31, Papelbon looked like he belonged. He struck out the first two batters he faced and showed tremendous poise to go along with a high-octane fastball. He allowed three runs (two earned) in 51/3 innings. He struck out seven, walked five and received one loud standing ovation as he walked off the mound."

"Believe me when I tell you, he's going to have a lot of responsibility," manager Terry Francona said Sunday. "How that ends up, we just don't know yet. He doesn't have to prove anything to me. I like him. He knows we think he's good."

You can throw in some comparisons to Roger Clemens or debate about whether to put Papelbon in the bullpen. Maybe even get a few "good guy" quotes from the man himself:

"I just want to earn the respect of my teammates. It feels good to have your guys want you on the team."

Ahhh.

Steinbrenner: "We'll Win It!"

Red Sox fans, I guess we can throw in the towel. George Steinbrenner has guaranteed that the Yankees will win their 27th World Series title in 2006:

"We are going to win it this year. We are going after it."

Let me get this straight. The Yankees spent $200 million last year but they weren't actually "going after it"? Riiight.

Johnny Damon also made some interesting comments after his first workout with his new Yankee teammates:

"My time in Boston was great, but now I'm here playing for the greatest franchise in the world."

Thanks Johnny. We're never really going to get rid of you, are we? I guess I will just have to wear this.

The New Episode: 2006

Let the entertainment begin. It has been less than a week since pitchers and catchers reported to Red Sox camp and this Spring Training has already had more drama than the Bruins and Celtics seasons combined -- heck throw in the Olympics too where Manny may or may not be. It's time to enjoy the new episode that is 2006:

"I'll never be channeled toward baseball -- that just won't happen, I'm not a baseball fan. The reason why I play this game is [that] I love to pitch and I love being around my teammates. All the down time of baseball is what I don't like." -- Keith Foulke

"I talked to Manny a couple of weeks ago and he said he's going to Italy. He might've been (joking). I don't know how he's going to go (today) and be back (tomorrow). I guess he's going to go on a round trip on the same day." -- David Ortiz

"With the permission of the Boston Red Sox, Manny Ramirez will report to Spring Training in Fort Myers on March 1, 2006. Manny is in Florida (or Italy) completing an extensive training regimen and is prepared to have an exceptional season." -- The Red Sox

Last but not least, my personal favorite: David Wells disses Shaughnessy

It Won't Be Long Now

Photo from Boston.com

The Red Sox equipment truck left today for Spring Training in Fort Myers, FL.

This just makes me giddy.