Don't Panic (Yet)

Dan:

Sure, the Red Sox offense looked pathetic last night. Extremely pathetic. But this was a case of the Sox running into a talented pitcher who was as good as he could be. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other team.

The reaction to Game 1 results is always overblown, especially in a short series. When the Sox took Game 1 against the Indians in 1998, fans talked of a sweep. Three games later, the Sox were eliminated. Twice this decade the Twins have taken a Game 1 against the Yankees; both times the Yanks easily won the series.

You can't help but like the Beckett - Weaver matchup tonight. If the Sox take it, they've earned a split and gained home field advantage. Then the Angels have to try to win at Fenway -- not easy for them. Of course, should the unthinkable happen, then it WILL be time to panic.