Rajon Rondo didn't score 44 points or play 53 minutes Friday night.

Didn't have to.

Rondo stole the ball, he faked out the Heat, drove the lane, played defense, had 10 assists, pushed the tempo. If it was possible for him to play more complete a game than he did in Game 2 he accomplished in Boston's closer-than-it-should-have-been 101-91 victory over the Heat.

Boston, we have a series.

"My goal was to win by any means necessary," Rondo said. "My job is to be the leader out there, to be an extension of Doc."

Rondo, who played 96 minutes in about 51 hours starting Wednesday night, is nowhere close to being tired.

"I feel great," he said. Life is great when you're 26. His rebound and coast-to-coast drive and one with 4:28 to play put Boston up 95-82 gave the Celtics ample cushion to absorb Miami's final burst. Complete coverage.

Rondo's been the unlikeliest of superheroes for Boston ever since his breakdown and ejection in Game 1 against Atlanta. He was somber and succinct after losing Wednesday. Contrast that with the clown show put on by LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, who had no trouble yukking it up wearing their Tom Brady glasses despite failing miserably with the chance to put the Celtics away. Wade can always smile, he already has a ring.

After three games - this series is tied up at 1-1-1-1. Heat 1, Celtics 1, Rondo 1, refs 1. Friday's sweetness makes Game 2's loss just that much more bitter. A month into the playoffs, the Celtics also found their bench.

The Celtics generated offense from some unexpected sources - namely Keyon Dooling, and Marquis Daniels, who left a marquis d' excellence on the Garden floor by gunning, cutting and slashing their way for 16 points. The Celtics were a combined +24 with Dooling and Daniels. Stunning given the invisibility of the bench throughout the playoffs, not just in this series. The play of those two in particular paid dividends beyond the box score, lessening the impact of Miami's defense on the starters.

"I've been here three years," Daniels told Comcast Sports rookie reporter Brian Scalabrine. "I just know to keep moving when he's got the ball."

The raucous Garden crowd, well lubricated and loud long before the 8:30 tip helped move the home team as well.

KG: "Jungle was rockin' tonight. I wanna thank the fans who came out. The ----- Jungle was rocking' tonight. We loved it. We ---- loved it."

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 2, 2012

Every member of The Big Four hit double figures, with Paul Pierce (23), Push-Ups Garnett (24) and Rondo (21) combining for 68 points. Truthfully, things could have been even better for the Celtics as Pierce missed 14 of his 21 attempts. Thanks to Rondo's ball movement early the Celtics were able to hammer away inside and finished with 58 points in the paint. The Celtics shot 50 percent (38 for 76) and Garnett hit on 10 of 16. Allen, thankfully, only took eight shots, hitting four, as the offense moved away from him except in those circumstances where he was either wide open or given a clear path to the basket.

The Heat wilted early and were never really in this thing despite the mini-scare in the fourth quarter. Boston's 24-point lead was too much for LeBron to overcome by himself. The Celtics winning this game was no surprise with the home crowd and all that. The big lead and coasting to the finish was not. While the non-call against D-Wade's rake of Rondo was pivotal in Game 2, there were no cries of corrupt officiating or refs taking payoffs from Pat Riley or David Sterleone at halftime. Funny how the fouls are evenly called (44-44) in a game that the Celtics win decisively, if not 100 percent comfortably.

No need for those Tim Donaghy masks - but they could always come in handy Sunday night at the Garden.

"The Green Hornet" and friends vow they'll be ready to defend their turf again in Game 4. NBA playoff series never really begin until the home team loses a game. Let's hope things don't get underway in this one until Tuesday in Miami.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Talk about a couple of monster tight ends.

Rob Gronkowski and Kim Kardashian.

Together.

We can't make this stuff up.

Maybe someone else can, but MediaTakeOut.com reports that Gronkowski (seen in the photo above) and Kardashian were spotted hanging out together at her Harrah's Atlantic City pool bash for about 30 minutes this past weekend.

The site reported two were "into each other" while "talking and flirting" and that Gronkowski gave her his number when it was over.

Kim's still wondering how to dial "87" on her iPhone.

This could be the biggest catch in Foxboro since Gisele.

Kardashian's web site included several photos of her in Atlantic City with gal pal Lisa Gastineau but offered no evidence of her encounter with the Patriots tight end.

Just last week, Kardashian's boyfriend Kayne West skipped a scheduled performance at a nightclub in Cannes to have dinner with her. Kim's appetite obviously was not satisfied.

This story does provides us with an excuse to post this epic tweeted photo of Gronk with another noted female admirer.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Step aside Tim Thomas, Jose Canseco has thrown his hat into the ring.

At least on Twitter.

The 47-year-old member of the Worcester Tornadoes told his 472,000-plus followers that he has plans for his eventual career after baseball.

I want to run for office

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 29, 2012

That promise/threat was preceded by this Jeffersonian quote:

Politics is easy if you use your ears and not your mouth .Just listen you goverment morons listen

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 29, 2012

Even if he's not being serious, this stuff's just too good to ignore. It all started with this question:

Can a cuban born american be a mayor or governor in new england ?

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 29, 2012

Canseco solicited tweets about various troubling local issues affecting his followers. Here's a sampling of the political discourse:

@JoseCanseco Big Man, our most urgent problem in Boston and throughout the state is the bars must close by 2am. I know you can fix this.

— Ed Ryan (@EdzoRyan) May 29, 2012

And:

@JoseCanseco fix the refs in miami

— Dan Iel (@TheRealDanAllen) May 29, 2012

Canseco's promise is simple:

I am here to help and want to do good for all the people

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) May 29, 2012

There you have it.

Deval Patrick, you've been warned. Just don't tell Canseco the Massachusetts governor is not up for re-election until 2014.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

"C'mon, Eddie."

Wallow in the absurdity of Doc Rivers being hit with a technical foul for not properly genuflecting before referee Eddie Malloy.

Cringe at Kevin Garnett drawing a team technical after tapping the ball.

Vent at the travesty of what passes for officiating in the NBA when you're favored team is facing the Miami Heat in South Beach.

Get it out of your system.

Now, let's talk about what matters after Boston's 93-79 loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Starting with the amazing end-to-end play of LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

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Miami dances to "The Heatles," but Boston rocks to "The Stones."

The Celtics are (barely) rolling into Miami with that musical moniker for Monday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals after demonstrating ample testicular fortitude during the final minutes of Saturday's 85-75 elimination of Philadelphia. There's little feeling of satisfaction after beating Philadelphia. For Celtics Nation, it seemed more like a beast of burden was lifted. Until Rajon Rondo's effort in the final minutes of the series, fans were pleading "gimme shelter" from this horrid form of basketball.

The Heatles' greatest hit remains the infamous "White Flag" album, which went platinum last June against Dallas in the finals and can be still be heard whenever LeBron James faces a key shot in the fourth quarter.

Against Philly, it was Rondo who had moves like Jagger, dropping daggers while Paul Pierce sat on the bench with six fouls. Minus the Truth, Rondo demonstrated true grit in the final 4:16 as Boston clung to a 71-68 lead. Rondo found his "rhythm" and ripped off nine straight points. His foot-on-the-line jumper was out of desperation as the shot clock expired. He displayed major cojones of his own by calmly draining a 3-pointer from Government Center that left Boston up 80-70 with 1:45 to play. That shot came by design, ignited a Garden frenzy and fueled up the team jet (see photo here), if not the Duck Boats. Those sticky fingers helped Rondo generate his ninth career playoff triple-double (he's closing in on Magic Johnson who has 30 and Larry Bird who has 10). Time to tell those haters: "Get off of my cloud."

Look for at least one more Rondo triple-double this postseason, given his impending match-up against Mario Chamlers. Rondo should own the point in South Beach. Chalmers has struggled and continually hears it from D-Wade and LeBron. "They're just trying to make me better. There's no bad stuff or nothing bad coming out of it,'' Chalmers told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Stupor Mario is averaging 11.3 points but just 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the playoffs while missing 24 of 40 3-point attempts.

Speaking of stones, Doc Rivers spoke of Ray Allen (or is that Ronnie Wood) having "a set" Saturday when asked about Allen launching his sixth 3-point attempt in Game 7 after missing his first five. Allen's second straight 3-ball came just inside the six minute mark Allen and gave Boston a 69-61 lead. “Ray is the ultimate gunslinger,” said Rivers in his post-game press conference. “You have to have a set to be able to do that. You felt if he got a shot, he was going to take it. You don’t know if he’d make it, but he was going to take it.”

When it comes to this Big Four, time is not on their side. The points generated on Allen's last two shots in Game 7 against Philly surpassed his offensive output in games three, four and five. The thought of the hobbled Allen trying to defend Dwyane Wade one-on-one is terrifying. Allen has been bedeviled by age, injury and an inability to score. Expect no sympathy from D-Wade.

"Please to meet me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste. I've been around for a long, long year. Stole many a man's soul and faith." That could be Mick Jagger singing about Satan or Rivers talking about Father Time. The Celtics have gone as far as expected this spring. In HR parlance, the Celtics have achieved their performance benchmarks by reaching the conference finals. They are playing with the house's money from now on. Enjoy it.

Against Miami, it's only pick and roll, but the Celtics could like it depending on Chris Bosh's status. Boston's best matchups will come at the point and - minus Bosh - down low whenever Garnett decides to assert himself (which usually comes in odd-numbered games). Pierce has a shot at containing LeBron in at least four out of seven games. But D-Wade and the bench play could tip this thing to back to the Heatles.

Rondo has been setting the table and doing the dishes for six seasons with the Celtics, but now he's firmly earned the right to dine at the adults' table. He's never delivered like this in Pierce's absence, especially with the season/Big Four's future on the line. "I thought I had a pretty good rhythm, so I wanted to stay confident and continue to shoot the ball. They went in at the right moment," he said in comments aired on Comcast SportsNet.

Boston's "Stones", who like their musical counterparts boast plenty of age, talent and longevity, suffered their 19th, 20th and 21st nervous breakdowns this year courtesy of Rondo. Things bottomed out with his suspension after Game 1 against Atlanta. Rondo has grown immeasurably since then, maturing at least 15 years in three weeks. “I felt I owed him one,” Rondo said of Pierce. “He got me back in Game Two in Atlanta (when Rondo was suspended.)" He's starting to play beyond his 26 years.

And while Allen sported "a set." he also passed up a couple of open jumpers in the fourth quarter. Then Rivers and Rondo delivered Allen a message of confidence. Rondo took the clipboard and drew up a play featuring Brandon Bass and Allen, from which Allen scored. "Rondo is the coach on the floor. It's impressive for a point guard to draw up plays like that." Bass said. (Wondering, does Bass play bass?)

"That's my job. I'm one of the captains. I'm the point guard. I'm the general on the floor. It's nothing new," said Rondo, who dressed like he was on the cover of the Rolling Stone at the podium Saturday. "I take pride in knowing Doc's system. I've been in the system for six years. I think I know it better than him."

Sixers head coach Doug Collins added: "I don't look at them as a Big Three. I look at them as a Championship Four. If you leave Rondo out it's a huge mistake." Collins is half-right. The Big Three won its title as "The Fabulous Five," but Kendick Perkins was forced out of the band. These four were fantastic enough to beat Philly, they have not yet won a title of their own.

"Miami in 6" was trending on Twitter after Boston's victory Saturday. Kenny Smith and Dr. Shaq took "Boston in 6" Sunday night on TNT.

Personally, I like the Celtics in 7.

But you can't always get what you want.

Rock on, Celtics.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Kevin Garnett and the Celtics headed to Miami Sunday and flew a few notches above first class, as seen this photo via Garnett on Facebook. Garnett's "Let's Do It" admonishment toward the Heat was a trending topic on Twitter in the hours after the Celtics' Game 7 triumph, which came within minutes of the Red Sox walkoff victory over the Rays Saturday night. Both brought out congratulations across the Twitter spectrum. Here's a sampling:

Great game tonight celtics @RajonRondo always comingthrough

— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) May 27, 2012

@tbelly56 I roll with the Celtics cuz always have

— Vince Wilfork (@wilfork75) May 27, 2012

Great night in Boston! Walk off Win! Game 7 Win! #RedSox #Celtics

— Jacoby Ellsbury (@JacobyEllsbury) May 27, 2012

Great night in Boston! Walk off bomb from Salty and game 7 win for the Celtics! Yesssiiirrr! #beantown

— Darnell McDonald (@MacDime54) May 27, 2012

Rondo with the dagger!!!!

— maria menounos (@mariamenounos) May 27, 2012

As painful as it is right now for Philadelphia 76ers fans, please join us in congratulating the Boston Celtics on a tough 7 game series win.

— Adam Aron (@SixersCEOAdam) May 27, 2012

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

You can't always believe everything you see on Twitter.

With that in mind, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher tweeted Saturday that he has no plans to "bean" anyone on the Red Sox Saturday night at Fenway Park. There was nothing said about "drilling," "plunking" or "planting one in the back."

My catchers mitt...RT @dnc1221: @DAVIDprice14 who are you going to bean tonight @RedSox game?

— David Price (@DAVIDprice14) May 26, 2012

Last week Price re-tweeted Rays' fan @zwendkos, who had urged that Matt Moore hit Adrian Gonzalez after he had guaranteed a home run. “Moore should put one right between his numbers,” Price re-tweeted. And Moore hit Gonzalez, on the first pitch.

Update: Price was a man of his Tweet. He threw 115 pitches, didn't hit anyone and left after seven innings with a 2-1 lead.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

"Excuses only sound good to the people who make them."

An old boss gave me that line once when I tried to explain myself out of some forgotten mess.

In case of loss, just break glass. There are plenty of excuses at the ready if the unthinkable happens and the Celtics lose Game 7 Saturday. Trouble is, none of them will matter.

Among the options:

"Ray Allen was hurt."

"Kevin Garnett is getting old."

"Rajon Rondo took too many shots."

"Avery Bradley would have made a difference."

"Rajon Rondo did not take enough shots." (Yes, some people are thinking that - which is a testament to how far he has come in that area.)

And, there's always this classic.

"We got screwed by the refs."

Coming soon: "The dog ate Doc's clipboard."

On the same day Bobby Valentine had the Charles River cleared for "Beantown Betty," "Fenway Fanny," "Waterfront Wanda" and their siblings in celebration of the Red Sox 22-22 record, Doc Rivers was having none of it as the Celtics fell to 3-3 in their playoff series against Philly.

His simple assessment: "We didn't have it." Now, if only every Marquette grad was so succinct and precise in their ability to communicate, this blog would be a better place.

Doc's four words that might come in handy as the motto of the 2012 Celtics, never mind the Red Sox and Bruins. Our motto for the 2012 Patriots: "Just add Stickum and defense."

If the Celtics don't advance to Miami, it will be because they were outworked, outhustled and outfought by the younger, faster and stronger Sixers. And, dare say, even outcoached. During each win in this series, we've been told the Celtics fought with the tenacity of Rocky Balboa, the toughness of Junior Dos Santos and the skill of "Captain America." With each loss, they're the Peter McNeeley to Philly's Mike Tyson.

Doug Collins has done a masterful job with his virtually talentless team. My praise of Doc has been well documented, but I'm not sure even he could have gotten any more out of Philly's roster than Collins. The Sixers aren't much better on paper than the pre-Big-Three Celtics. While Paul "They would have swept them if he was healthy" Pierce hit all 13 of his free throw attempts, the fact that he went to the line so many times was vindication of Philly's "Hack A Pierce" strategy. All those fouls gummed up Boston's offense in Game 6 and seemed to zap any energy the team had. The slower the game moved, the slower the Celtics followed.

The Celtics' bench in this series has been a hologram of its former self. Allen needed jumper cables to get going and he didn't do much better starting, scoring just nine points in 26 minutes. At least that was an improvement over Game 2 (25 minutes, three points), Game 3 (31 minutes, five points) and Game 4 (33 minutes, five points). Mickael Pietrus led the Celtic bench in Game 6 scoring with five points in 35 minutes. The rest of the Celtics bench scored zero points in 26 minutes.

That's just more proof of Philly's thug-it-up, slow-it-down game-plan paying off. The Sixers are on the verge of becoming the Washington Capitals of Celtic Nation.

Things should improve in Game 7. The Celtics certainly can't get any worse offensively. Everything points to the Celtics "rising to the occasion" at a raucous TD Garden. Grit and all that. There should be no Game 7 necessary.

All we need now is another "guarantee." This team was the same situation just three years ago and lost to the Orlando Magic. And no one Celtics was making any excuses after that loss even though the Magic had Dwight Howard and the Celtics were without the injured Garnett, who watched the series in high-end street clothes from the Boston bench. "We still felt like this was a team that could have gone to the championship and won it, regardless of the injuries," Pierce said at the time. "It felt like we ran out of gas."

One good omen, Pietrus scored 17 points in that game for the winning team.

So the Celtics should win Saturday, right?

But, no matter what happens, we'll have a good excuse.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

The Bruins won the big one again this year, sort of.

A first-round exit and lackluster performance against the Washington Capitals? Those weren't a problem for the Boston Bruins, as they were named "Sports Team of the Year" at the 2012 Sports Business Awards held Wednesday in New York City.

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The NFL off-season has just about disappeared for many players and coaches, as they work on their game year-round. Social media is no different, as the Patriots demonstrated this week making a visual impact with some cool tattoos and a "Gronking" contest on Facebook.

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Stephen A. Smith and "Boston Powers" showed up on-line in this weekend's edition of "Weekend Update" on Saturday Night Live's website, which prompted us to offer our top five sports moments of this past season. Enjoy the laughs.

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An aged but ageless Mick Jagger hosted the season-finale of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" this week and offered his own take on the 2012 presidential campaign - blues style - with "Tea Party" and slipped in a scatological-themed profanity during his performance above.

Jagger spoke of his passion for the blues before delivering the out-of-nowhere politically-themed ode with a masterful Jeff Beck about the election that alluded to Mitt Romney's "hair-cutting" prank ("You better not let him cut your hair") in prep school after calling him a "mensch." "If you want to sleep in the West Wing, you got to strategize a bit," Jagger sang, before using a lyric that sounded a lot like "ship." His election prediction melody ended with: "Who will be the president come November? Well, it's anybody's guess ... I'll betcha in six months he'll be screaming, 'Honey, won't you let me out of this mess?'"

Anytime you can catch Jagger perform live and curse on national TV, even at 68, it's worth the effort to lift the clicker. The music and musically-themed skits justified the 90-minute effort required. The rest of the show was pretty much filler. In his monologue, the front-man of "The Rolling Stones" said "The Free Credit Report.Com" band is his new favorite musical group and joked he once was approached by "Ruby Tuesday's" to sing for the opening of one of their restaurants.

Jagger was accompanied by Arcade Fire as he delivered a timeless version of "The Last Time."

Jagger experienced an electric "19th Nervous Breakdown" with the Foo Fighters, who also joined him for "It's Only Rock and Roll."

The show closed with a full-cast musical dancing farewell tribute to Kristen Wiig, SNL's funniest cast member, who is leaving after seven seasons. Jagger started it as a school principal speaking at "graduation" and it evolved into a mass sing-along of "She's a Rainbow" and "Ruby Tuesday."

The best laughs: Jagger was a dead-ringer for Steven Tyler, who joined host Dave Matthews (Bill Hader) and judges Jewel (Abby Elliott) Carlos Santana (Fred Armisen) on the very grunge "So You Think You Can Dance at an Outdoor Music Festival." His "Burger King" plug was bitingly sweet.

Jagger showed a coy dead-pan side as "Kevin Miller" - a flummoxed insurance agent who had to watch a couple of his pals, Armisen and Bobby Moynihan, perform some over-the-top "Mick Jaggers" at a karaoke night. Jagger/Miller couldn't perform because of stage fright. But he closed with an a cappella version of "Satisfaction" that was neatly brilliant.

During the week, Jagger tweeted: "At Wednesday's script read through. Read 36 sketches to narrow it down to 7." They could have cut it down to just those two and added five more songs.

Jagger showed up in a web exclusive "Kings of Catch Phrase Comedy Tour 3" commercial.

He played several flamboyant, brash characters, including Chaz Bragman," a 1960s action filmstar in the throw-back game-show "Secret Word" skit, the lost dad in "The Californians," (Steve Martin made a surprise cameo there.) and left Al Sharpton (Kenan Thompson) speechless as a J.P. Morgan financial analyst. Not an easy feat.

On the non-Jagger front, we were treated to "Lazy Sunday 2," given some New York travel tips by our old pal, Stefon, during "Weekend Update" and saw a pretty cool real "Spiderman" ad. Jon Hamm, who became a regular of sorts this season, handled the guest spot on the show's "Lawrence Welk" opening.

See you in September (if not before on-line), SNL.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

What turned it around for the Red Sox after Josh Beckett's Thursday Night Nightmare and epic fail against the Indians on May 10?

According to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, David Ortiz called a players-only meeting before the next day's game during which "the hitters challenged the pitchers" to step things up.

The revelation of the meeting came to light during Saturday night's telecast of the Red Sox-Phillies game from Philadelphia. Rosenthal said the "meeting grew heated" and that the overall theme of the meeting was "taking responsibility" and that it "cleared the air."

The Red Sox won five straight in the wake of the reported meeting and six of eight heading into Saturday night's affair.

Given how well the team played following its internal rap session (as opposed to Bobby V.'s "Nightly Wrap"), you have to wonder what took so long? Facing the Indians and Mariners probably didn't hurt either. But this certainly reinforces the notion that the players are running things in the Red Sox clubhouse. Bet the affair wasn't catered by Popeye's.

When can we get a transcript?

Update: Here's a no-so-exclusive video of what could have been the meeting. (Is that Beckett in the cowboy hat?):

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

The last guy in Rhode Island who welshed on a $1.1 million payment probably ended up in the weeds, stuffed in the trunk of his car, dumped in the harbor and tossed in the woods -- all at the same time.

Tommy and Michael Caffee of "Brotherhood" fame were ruthless in politics and crime. One of Michael's "associates" shot a bar patron just for wearing a Derek Jeter shirt. Even Frank Costello, Billy Costigan and their crew from "The Departed" had issues with the boys from Providence. Fact or fiction? We report, you decide.

So, in a sense, it's probably extrodinary that Curt Schilling and his video-game company, 38 Studios, are still with us after burning up $50 million of the $75 million in Ocean State aid they received. At least their latest $1.1 million check cleared Friday.

38 Studios posted the above trailer promoting its latest Amalur effort - Project Copernicus World Fly-Through - on You Tube as Governor Lincoln Chaffee announced the game was on track for its June 2013 launch. More like "38 Studios - Cash Burn-Through."

Perfect timing. Fitting on the day that the Facebook IPO flopped. My money is still on Solyndra, Enron, today's SpaceX launch, "New Coke," the Celtics in Game 4 and the 2011 Red Sox. Glad to see Jonathan Papelbon get the save Friday, about 232 days too late. We now also know Bobby Valentine has a greater vertical leap than Asante Samuel or Ryan Hollins and enjoys ABC Gum.

The 76ers pulled off a miraculous comeback, why can't 38 Studios?

Schilling was shilling for views via his @gehrig38 Twitter account Friday with several pitches, including this one:

youtube.com/watch?feature=… Can my followers help this go viral?

— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) May 19, 2012

As a service to the taxpayers of Rhode Island and Amalur fans everywhere, we're happy to oblige twice. Happy gaming.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Tom Brady has a new hair style, now he has a new theme song. Zack Murray, a self-proclaimed "average student" from North Andover, may have also one-upped the Harvard baseball team and SMU's women's crew team in the nuclear "Call Me Maybe" war that's raging on You Tube.

Murray, under the moniker "ToxicKlay," posted "Call Me Brady" Wednesday and it had more than 17,000 views in less than 24 hours, thanks in part to a tweet by @Patriots and posts on various blogs. According to "ToxicKlay's" You Tube entry, he wrote the song in about 90 minutes during MCAS class. He definitely gets an "A" for the lyrics but admits "I didn't spend a lot of time perfecting my voice."

The Wellesley College Tennis team also entered the fray, and posted this version of "Call Me Maybe" on You Tube, complete with a blooper reel at the end. Nice touch, there. They definitely score points for nicest bus.

Game, set and match on this. Are there any more out there? We're afraid to ask.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Donna Summer delivered many show-stopping performances during her epic career - including this one of "God Bless America" during Game 2 of the 2004 World Series at Fenway Park.

Chilling and beautiful - all at the same time.

May the "Queen of Disco" finally rest in peace.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

New England Patriots wide receiver/kick/punt returner Julian Edelman was back on the gridiron Wednesday, but he wasn't in Foxborough.

@Edelman11, with some help from QB Ryan Mallett, took on Anthony Parziale (@spazwaaf) of WAAF's Hill-Man Morning Show at Havard Stadium in a series of football drills after "Spaz" had questioned Edelman's football skills on the air. Here's a look at how things went, courtesy of WAAF. Edelman dominated up and down the field and never looked so fast, even at half-speed.

The experience of being on the Harvard campus obviously went to Edelman's head.

I feel like my IQ just raised from the two hours I was on #harvard s campus. I walked by a chalkboard, saw a equation, solved it. #boom

— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) May 16, 2012

The Harvard Crimson athletics department later issued this challenge to Edelman and Mallett, neither of whom was ready just yet to accept.

We challenge @edelman11 and @Ryan_Mallett_15 to an academic decathlon with our football team, Billy Madison style: ow.ly/aWQHu

— Harvard Athletics (@harvardcrimson) May 16, 2012

Here's a play-by-play pod cast of the event, with morning host Greg Hill and the rest of his crew making the call:

Football season can't start soon enough.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

She sure is pretty. #igotaring twitter.com/Weatherford5/s…

— Steve Weatherford (@Weatherford5) May 15, 2012

Just looking at this bling could sting Patriots fans.

The Giants will receive their Super Bowl XLVI rings Wednesday in a ceremony at Tiffany's in New York. Punter Steve Weatherford (@Weatherford5) offered what appeared to be a sneak preview on Twitter Tuesday. The New York Daily News reported the image of a 14-karat white gold ring covered with diamonds — and diamond footballs — surrounded by a sapphire band was nearly identical to the version tweeted by Giants linebacker Clint Sintim and running back Andre Brown in March,

This tweet came after @WesWelker posted the news that he signed the Patriots' tender offer to his nearly 347,000 followers:

I signed my tender today. I love the game and I love my teammates! Hopefully doing the right thing gets the right results. #leapoffaith

— Wes Welker (@WesWelker) May 15, 2012

Now, if only Welker's fingers were just a bit more steady for just one more play in the Super Bowl . . .

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Ok everyone- This IS my real account. Working on verification. Will tweet more once that's taken care of. @RangerBlake is working on it!

— Josh Hamilton (@thejoshhamilton) May 15, 2012

Eight home runs in 7 games wasn't enough for Texas slugger Josh Hamilton. @theJoshHamilton made his Twitter debut on Tuesday afternoon. There's nowhere left for pitchers to hide.

Welcome aboard, Josh. Of course, Hamilton is best known for being the first Josh taken in the 1999 amateur baseball draft. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, one player ahead of Josh Beckett, who was drafted by the Florida Marlins. Beckett celebrated his 32nd birthday Tuesday with a start at Fenway Park. We'll see if Hamilton ends up making the bigger splash.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Five straight wins.

Jon Lester throws a complete game.

Still, no respect.

Just ask any Red Sox fan today "How are you doing?" You might likely get this answer, even with the team still in last place: "I'm all right, don't nobody worry about me."

With that tune in our heads, birthday boy Josh Beckett (he's 32) had a 4:05 p.m. tee time at Fenway Park Tuesday. Snobs. Slobs. Golf. Dysfunction. Beckett, who was dealing Tuesday with nine strikeouts and seven shutout innings, almost single-handedly turned Fenway Park into Bushwood. So here's a look at the 2012 Red Sox through some of the classic scenes from the original "Caddyshack."

Rodney Dangerfield got "no respect." Beckett has not earned any respect. But they both put family first. Sort of. And each have some questionable doctors. We begin with Beckett (portrayed by the legendary Al Czervik) showing little patience or concern while John Henry (Judge Smails) takes his time trying to set up the perfect tee shot.

Things aren't much better on the course. Beckett continues to cause one distraction after another, whether he's getting shelled by the Indians, whining about his 18 days off, not caring, tormenting Henry. Meanwhile, Henry's caddy, the young, idealistic and impressionable Ben Cherington (Danny Noonan) watches helplessly. "The man is a menace," exclaims an exasperated Henry.

How true.

After that ill-fated outing, Beckett sits down with his agents and members of Red Sox management over dinner to discuss his sore lat:

Unsatisfied with the assistance offered by Henry, Cherington talks shop and seeks life guidance from the slick and smooth Larry Lucchino (played by Ty Webb), as he carries the bag for the Red Sox president.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine (another brilliant acting job by Carl Spakler) continues to struggle while trying to make sense of the mess he's been left to clean up, on and off the course. Before he invented the wrap, Valentine served as the inspiration for another mythic figure, detailing the incident for a member of the Red Sox press corps.

Beckett continues wreak havoc and crashes the party when Henry launches his new yacht. Listen for Beckett's boat horn. It says it all.

Poor Bobby V. Stuck in last place, his mind begins to wander. He has big dreams of his own.

Cherington, meanwhile, still aches for the approval of Henry. They meet in Henry's office and come to an understanding. Henry asks: "What do you stand for ... goodness or badness?"

Oh, poor Ben.

Cherington eventually figures it out. Henry can't be trusted. The young caddy is on the verge of acing out Henry (and his pal Carmine) to win the club championship. All the stress, meanwhile, takes a toll on Valentine, who takes his quest to root out the trouble in the clubhouse a bit too far. In the end, there's nothing left but fireworks and a big hole in the ground.

After all those fireworks, Beckett puts the screws to Henry to collect an $80,000 performance clause he's owed for pitching into the third inning of his last start.

Things end on a high note, but that pesky gopher who was tearing things up all over the place gets away.

Meanwhile, Beckett throws another party.

A few more outings like Tuesday's and we might have a reason to celebrate.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Let's start the workweek on a positive note.

Dustin Pedroia. Latin for "he who gives a damn."

Pedroia is the anti-Beckett. He sleeps with more intensity than Adrian Gonzalez brings to the plate. He's the Pepto-Bismol to all that chicken and beer that made us queasy and ill. The brightest spot on this team remains covered in dirt at second base.

That above photo was taken in the 16th inning of last Sunday's debacle as Pedroia turned a double play. On the next at-bat, he back-pedaled into center field to make a shoestring catch. In the next inning, A-Gonz struck out on three pitches against a DH. Fast-forward a week. Pedroia laced a double Sunday to extend his MLB-leading hitting streak to 14 games. Joe DiMaggio need not worry. But Pedroia had been refreshingly consistent this season - he's hitting .362 in May and had nine RBIs in the past seven games.

As Red Sox fans across the continent vented about 2011 and offered solutions for 2012 – one positive sentiment was universal – Pedroia never quit. He was the "Charlie Hustle" of that broken-down Red Sox Machine – minus the criminal record and baseball banishment. It was his home run gave the Red Sox their final lead of 2011.

Pedroia's uniform is filthy before the National Anthem is finished. “The Laser Show/Muddy Chicken/Dusty Two Sacks looks like he’s 15 with his cap on while clean-shaven and 50 when it’s off and he isn’t. Pedroia's work ethic makes Cal Ripken look lazy. He's so old school he should playing for Boston Latin. He jumps in the field before every pitch – meanwhile Gonzalez has barely moved all season. Has Pedroia ever even taken an off-day, never mind counted them?

The in-game passion we admire in a KG, Tom Brady or Brad Marchand drives Pedroia, as well. Pedroia plays like the guy most fans wanted to be when they were kids. Even with this three-game winning streak, Pedroia's style of play remains an anomaly for this edition of the Red Sox. It's easy to step up when the team is winning, but Pedroia spoke just as loudly after last Sunday's loss as he did after yesterday's victory.

Pedroia's biggest misstep this year was his slapdown of Valentine after the manager dared to question Kevin Youkilis. But even then, Pedroia spoke up out of loyalty to a teammate. And who doesn't complain about their boss or about how things are done at work. The difference here was that Pedroia had the job security to do it publicly. Pedroia is not the manager. He's not even a team captain. But he demonstrated as much leadership potential in that one statement than anyone else at 4 Yawkey Way. Still would love to see him as player manager of this team. I don't think he'd put up with anyone like himself questioning his leadership style. Just imagine the theatrics involved in Pedroia trotting over to the mound to remove Beckett from last Thursday's game? That one moment alone would have been worth it. It's not an issue of age. Pedroia is 28, the same age as Theo Epstein was when he became GM of the Red Sox. Also turning 28 today, Mark Zuckerberg.

Since the Red Sox played Sunday afternoon, Bobby V. got to spent part of his birthday with Beckett's family. Beckett probably celebrated Mother's Day with a quick 18 before lunch at Popeye's. By the way, Bobby V. not only invented birthday cake and candles, but learned how to sing "Happy Birthday to You" in four languages when he was 2.

Valentine isn't the big problem. Organizational leadership, starting pitching, occupied seats in right field, Jenny Dell's on-camera time all remain in limited supply around Red Sox Nation this season.

As of midnight - you could get a ticket in Section 7, Row 12 for tonight's Red Sox game on Stub Hub costing $4.99. The tickets are cheaper than the beer.

The 2012 Red Sox began their season celebrating the 100th birthday of Fenway Park, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's demise. The season crashed and burned eight days ago with that 17-inning loss to the Orioles that fell on the 75th anniversary of the Hindenburg explosion. Things bottomed out with Beckett's golf outing and his spectacular 2.1 inning, seven-run, cascade-of-boos performance on Thursday night. That came 82 years to the day that Winston Churchill became England's prime minister.

Churchill lauded the RAF for its performance against Germany's Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain with these famous words: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few."

The motto of the 2012 Red Sox: "Never was so little accomplished by so few for so much."

Pedroia can't pitch, so 25 Pedroias wouldn't help this team as long as Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz continue to pitch like Beckett, Lester and Buchholz.. And the leadership issues with the Red Sox start at the top. Ownership threw in the towel on the 2012 season last November when Jonathan Papelbon walked without an offer and Valentine was brought in for public-relation purposes over the objections of the rookie general manager. On top of all that, the payroll and roster was left in shambles by the previous GM. It may take another 86 years to repair the damage caused by Theo's legacy.

You have to wonder if John Henry and his pals are starting to get their affairs in order to put the entire monstrosity on the market, Liverpool, Roush-Fenway racing and all those bricks. Several minority partners in Fenway Sports Group reportedly just bought back $63 million worth of themselves from The Parent Company of This Blog (TPCOTB).

(A side note: after reports of Beckett's golf outing last week, I notified the board of directors at TPCOTB that I could no longer be on the same team as Beckett. The ultimatum was simple: One of us had to go. Fortunately, they saw the light and divested themselves of the Red Sox. OK, that did not really happen, but I'm glad it did.)

Overall, TPCOTB ended up with about $288 million for its 17.5 percent stake in Fenway Sports Group. That puts the minimal mathematical worth of Red Sox, Inc. at $1.65 billion. Magic Johnson shelled out $2 billion for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox Empire would fetch at least that, even with this, ahem, sellout streak. If Ben, Larry and Carmine continue to restrain payroll, that value will only increase. The legitimacy of the "sellout" streak could become a material issue for anyone who might be willing to drop a few billion on Wally and Friends; so could the contracts for Carl Crawford, John Lackey's and Gonzalez. A potential deal for the Red Sox could trigger the ugliest fire sale this side of Bear-Stearns.

Those big-picture issues could club fans in the head someday, but they don't immediately matter when the team sits in last place 6.5 games out. Right now, much of Red Sox Nation would simply be happy with four straight wins and a few players like that dirty little guy at second base.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

This week we learned that Vice President Biden still has a poster of Philadelphia Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt in his bedroom, which he shares with fellow sports buff George W. Bush. The opening skit of this week's "Saturday Night Live" featured host Will Ferrell reprising his role as Bush, who appeared as a very real "imaginary" friend of a chastised Biden in the show's opening.

Things got much more risque as Andy Samberg offered up his 100th digital short with help from John Hamm, Michael Bolton, Natalie Portman, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, the week's musical guest Usher and Ferrell. Samberg and his colleagues pretty much obliterated the line when it came to raunchy on broadcast TV. Adults only, please. You've been warned:

Samberg scored "In the Cage" as Nic Cage opposite the real Liam Neeson during "Weekend Update." Ferrell played an inebriated ESPN reporter who was stationed outside O.J. Simpson's house during the the 1994 Stayfree Maxi Pad Long Drive championship. Not quite the perfect skit and sponsor for Mother's Day, but funny nontheless:

That skit, and others, also featured former cast member Will Forte. Sadly, neither Ricky Bobby nor Alex Trebek made an appearance.

Mick Jagger hosts the season-finale next week.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

The "Avengers" have control, esteem and ego issues that intensify their emotional baggage.

The superheroes on the Celtics Saturday night were no different. Kevin Garnett delivered another monstrous performance for the aged with a season-high 29 points, extending his May resurgence to two games and leading the Boston Celtics past the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series at the Garden 92-91. Not lost in KG's expansive shadow was Rajon Rondo, who produced another triple-double (the 21st of his career) cemented in his 17 assists.

"Big Ticket" meets "Season Pass."

The Hulk is big and green, giving the "Avengers" incredible strength triggered by fury (as opposed to Nick Fury) and gamma rays. While Garnett doesn't carry the bulk of his on-screen counterpart, he wears green, plays with an unmitigated rage and tore up two teams in just three days.

It's Rondo, however, who has been radioactive this postseason. He's averaged 16.1 points, 12.6 assists, had two triple-doubles, an ejection, a suspension, an on-camera outburst and some delicious outside shooting to punctuate everything else. He's now fifth in playoff triple-doubles with eight and only trails Magic Johnson by a mere 22. (Bird had 11.) As Ray Allen labors off the bench, continues the quietest postseason this side of Milan Lucic and slips into the twilight of his career with the Celtics, Rondo is becoming that floor leader and offensive ignition coil we'd always hoped he would be (he always thought he was).

Rondo even dribbled the ball to run out the clock, but this time it was by design - a brilliant scheme courtesy of Rondo and Doc Rivers.

Up by one with 3.4 seconds to play, Paul Pierce inbounded the ball to Rondo and he sped into the backcourt and outran Evan "Never Going to To Catch Him" Turner. Planned and executed to perfection. "I told Doc to give me the ball and I would try to use my speed. I thought about the throwing it up but we have the Jumbotron and it would have hit it ... I just tried to use my quickness and escape," Rondo said in his postgame press conference.

Rondo sprinted untouched in the backcourt - Phily had a foul to give - and was faster than Turner and the clock. Rondo's outburst/temper tantrum at the end of Game 1 against Atlanta seems like a million years ago, or in Rondo's case, way back in grade school. Something happened to Rondo after that game and the suspension that followed. The petulant point-guard has managed to keep his composure since shoving Marc Davis and has begun to demonstrate the makeup of an adult capable of floor leadership and clutch shooting.

The Celtics did not need the refs to give them this one. Nor was there reason for caterwauling about those dastardly officials who had the nerve to call a foul on someone sporting a shamrock. This one was all about making plays, hitting shots and hustle. Three of the main ingredients when it comes to stitching together one of those banners.

Rondo dribbled things out and got caught by a dancing Al Horford at the end of Game 5 against Atlanta. But that was as much as result of solid defense as it was any mental lapse or emotional failing on his Rondo's part.

The victory over Philadelphia ("victory over Philadelphia" being the second sweetest phrase after "victory over New York") was a necessity for Boston because Game 2 is Monday night. That caps off stretch of three games in five days. Even the "Avengers" eventually need a break (Note: Make sure you stay until the end of the all of the credits). Garnett has a Larry Bird-like 57 points and 25 rebounds in his past two playoff games. KG is chugging from the Fountain of Youth, but three such efforts in a row from the 35-year-old KG (he turns 36 Saturday) in such a tight span might be too much to expect. After all, he's no "Iron Man." (Hopefully Garnett will use stuff like that for inspiration.)

While Rondo has not replaced Allen in terms of position (that would be Avery Bradley), he has taken over for Allen when it comes to dropping those key jump shots that Boston needs to ignite its offense. Philadelphia led 77-67 with 11 minutes to play before Boston ripped off a 23-7 run. It was Rondo's 20-foot jumper that cut it to 80-79, and Rondo's 17-foot jumper from the left-key with 3:47 left that gave Boston the lead at 83-82.

Garnett must continue to perform at his 2004 level for the Celtics to manifest any hopes of defeating Miami - never mind sewing up Banner 18. "We're going to ride Kevin all the way until his wheels fall off," said Pierce in postgame in comments aired on Comcast SportsNet. "He's bringing it every night ... He's looking magnificent."

Rondo, however, has seized control of the team and his temperament. Forget about his so-called "outburst" after Game 5. The Twitterverse went crazy because he had the nerve to ask a cameraman to get out of his way while he walked with his family outside the interview room. Hard to rip Rondo for that. At least he was with his family and not on the golf course.

Most important, Rondo continues to do the dishes. With the Celtics down 79-71, Rondo hooked a feed to Garnett who was loitering underneath the basket. Garnett's slam cut it to six with 9:03 to play. Rondo assisted on four of the five baskets Garnett scored in the fourth quarter. Easy pickings thanks to quick and efficient passing.

"I didn't think I would play the way I played tonight, I didn't get a nap tonight," said Rondo, who struggled early and didn't score for the first 22:43. "I didn't know what to expect ... I came up with some rebounds and came up with some assists and ended up with a triple-double."

Rondo should be able to squeeze in a nap or two before Monday night. And Garnett can only improve with age.

The rest of us can just sit back and watch the special effects.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

Kevin Garnett has one thought on his mind getting ready for the Celtics series against Philadelphia...

Take the Celtics in six.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.

He’s been Jesus and Judas.

He’s had long hair, short hair and indescribable hair.

He’s appeared clean shaven, bearded and bedraggled.

Johnny Damon and his baggage return to Fenway Park Thursday – Caveman and Indians. Damon signed with the Tribe in April, making Cleveland his seventh stop in the American League. He sandwiched his four seasons in Boston with terms in Kansas City, Oakland, New York, Detroit, Tampa Bay and now Cleveland.

Here's why we love him:

And this:

Before we witnessed those heroics, there was this momentary scare, punctuated by a moment of sheer crazy courage:

On Oct. 6, 2003, with the Red Sox on the verge of a three-game comeback in the ALDS against Oakland, Damon and Damian Jackson collide head-first while chasing a shallow fly ball. His thumbs-up while being wheeled off the field was pure idiot, especially since Damon was so out of it at the time he thought he was standing up. "I didn't know until later that I was on a stretcher." He also didn't know the Red Sox had won until several hours after the game. Damon, who suffered a concussion, returned for Game 3 of the ALCS against New York.

Damon is less than 300 hits away from 3,000 for his career and he said last year he’d like to go into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Royals - take that Wade Boggs.

Damon is one of a select few hundred - including but limited to Babe Ruth, Waite Hoyt, Roger Clemens, Alfredo Aceves, Don Baylor, Sparky Lyle, Danny Cater, Elston Howard, Boggs and Mike Torrez - who played for both the Red Sox and Yankees. Thus, Damon has been loved and loathed by Red Sox Nation. Kissed and cursed. At various times, both the middle and index fingers have been waved in his face at Fenway.

Thursday's Indians starter Derek Lowe, who went 3-0 in the 2004 postseason and got the win in Game 7 of the ALCS, bolted Boston for greener pastures, too. But he never jumped to the Yankees.

Damon's part of a much more exclusive club - which also features Carl Mays and Ruth - of players who have won the World Series with the Red Sox and Yankees.

The relationship between Red Sox fans and Damon is not much different than the one shared by Damon and his first wife. They went through a bitter divorce but she's still the mother of his children. Red Sox fans carry the same heartache toward Damon. He was a key member of the 2004 champs, but he dumped Red Sox Nation, too. At least he left us for love ... of money.

Are you more of a Red Sox fan for flat-out hating him because he went to the Yankees (and eventually Rays)? Or should you greet him with gratitude each time he comes to down for what he did in 2004? That's been the issue since Damon first returned to Fenway as a Yankee on May 1, 2006 and since.

The economic decision for Damon to jump to New York was a no-brainer, even for this "Idiot."

Damon spent four seasons in Pinstripes and his career in New York ended in 2009 with when the Yankees beat the Phillies to win the World Series in six games. Damon stole two bases on the same pitch in Game 4. We never said he couldn't play.

"I'd like to thank everyone here for making me feel at home as a Yankee. I've had the greatest four years of my career."

- Judas, Nov. 5, 2009

The Yankees jettisoned Damon in favor of Curtis Granderson before the 2010 season. That breakup mirrored his exit from Boston when it came to angst. The Tigers eventually signed Damon, but would place him on waivers during the season. He was claimed by the Red Sox on Aug 23. The decision to return to Boston was Damon's to make. "I have to think about if once again I'll be probably one of the nicest guys in baseball, but also the most hated guy in baseball. That's what it boils down to," he said at the time. Eventually, his answer was no.

In an attempt to recreate the Red Sox 2004 World Series championship, the Tampa Bay Rays signed Damon and Manny Ramirez before the 2011 season. The move was only half-idiotic, as Manny found himself suspended after five games under the Major League PED policy and eventually "retried."

Damon, who didn't play at Fenway in 2010, returned early last season with Tampa Bay. Even before he showed up, he was prepared for the worst.

“I guess whenever you put on the Yankees uniform they get upset about it. I get booed. They absolutely despise me. I just have to say, ‘You’re welcome for ’04. You’re welcome for making it fun again over there.’’’

- Damon, April. 10, 2011

He led off that game with a home run off Dice-K. A mixed reaction of cheers and boos when he came up had evolved into all boos as he rounded the bases. The Rays won 16-5 as the Red Sox joined them in last place at 2-8.

"Yeah it was great coming back in here on a different team other than the Yankees. A little more mixed (ovation) tonight. I was very happy hearing some of the cheers."

- Damon, April. 11, 2011

Damon cracked 16 HR and hit .261 with 73 RBIs for the Rays in 150 games for the Rays. He continued to haunt the Red Sox as Boston sank into the 7-20 September abyss.

He suffered a delirious loss of perspective in the euphoria of Tampa Bay's 8-7 12-inning victory over Scranton Wilkes-Barre on the final night of 2011 season. Then again, we were all a little crazed that night.

"You know what, I didn't think anything would top the (2004) World Series in Boston, but this does, regardless of whatever happens during the playoffs," Damon said.

- Damon, Sept. 29, 2011

That brings us to 2012. Damon remains bitter toward the Rays, who ditched him the offseason in favor of Luke "I hate Fenway Park" Scott. More heartache for poor little Johnny. How much pain can one man take?

Now, he's back in Boston with Cleveland. Damon's lucky Josh Beckett is pitching for the Red Sox. No one will have more "f-bombs" hurled in his direction at Fenway tonight. If Beckett can't take the heat off Damon, no one can. Or perhaps playing in the A.L. Central will give the "sellout" crowd of 26,000 or so enough space to give Damon some respectful applause before his first at-bat before he's treated with the same apathy reserved for the rest of the non-Lowe-ly Indians.

But in any case, it has to be a two-way street.

As always, let us know what you think. Post your thoughts here, on our Obnoxious Boston Fan Facebook page or e-mail them to me at obnoxiousbostonfan@hotmail.com. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter @realOBF. Thanks for reading. Pass the clicker.