What a Difference A Dice-K Makes-by Peter

There used to be a song in the Sixties, "What A Difference A Day Makes". Nice song and a good message. With a little poetic license, it can be better sung as noted in the headline above. Yes, indeed--What A Difference A Dice-K Makes". The Diceman came in today with the Sox on a streak of the wrong kind and in the twinkling (OK; it took a few more innings than a 'twinkling', but let's not get technical here) of an eye and his trusty arm, the Sox ship has, as of now, been righted. Admittedly, there's a lot more baseball to be played in this season, but the timing couldn't have been more precise. The Sox needed, really needed an effort like this and Dice came through like a champ. Well, he is, after all (2007 World Series champion Red Sox). Six and two thirds innings, seven K's and nothing but zeroes on the board for the Bengals from the Motor City.
The 'other Manny' took over from Dice, and Okajima closed it out in scoreless fashion. Still some worries exist. Papi's still not getting hits, ditto Lowell and Manny's not getting many, though, in fairness, today's triple looked awfully good and he is among the early league leaders in ribbies; plus Manny was alert enough so that when the throw from the outfield went awry, he kept right on and scored. Good baserunning can make a difference over the course of a season and this is a good example of same. JD's continuing to hit well enough in the early going to make me begin to think that last year's first two thirds of a season were an aberration, and that he'll definitely be an asset to the team's offense as the year rolls on.
Next two days gives us more Tigers, and then the guys in the Stripes come to town.
Apart from the game, today was both Opening Day at the Fens, and, for the second time in four years, Ring Day--the World Champs got their rings for last year's Series Sweep. As if that weren't enough, the first ball was thrown out by none other than Billy Bucks, Buckner to you. Based on the fan reaction, it appears all is forgiven. I don't think anyone who witnessed the ball going through his legs in the '86 Series will ever forget it, but time and some form of maturity have salved the wounds and he again is a welcome addition around the Sox family table. Welcome home, Billy! It's good to see you.