The Dirt Dog Returns. With Vengance.

When Angie and I found out our third child was going to be a boy, I immediately knew what I wanted to name him. We had already covered her side of the family with Ciera, and Rakes is MY moms maiden name, so I had a clean slate to work with.

My favorite Sox player since he arrived in Boston was Trot Nixon: how could you not love a guy who gunked his helmet with so much pine tar the B vanished, was perpetually dirty from diving and sliding, and would run through the bullpen wall to make a catch?

Better yet, how can you not love a guy who was on the disabled list and STILL managed to get tossed out of a game? Gabe Kapler had hit a home run and the ump blew it and ruled only a double. Trot ran out looking like he was gonna go upside his head and ended up getting thrown out.

So when Trot strolled to the plate last night with 2 on and the score tied 6-6, I got a feeling. A feeling that he was going to do something I wasn't going to like, and for the first time I'd actually have to say "Screw you Trot".

Wouldn't you know it, the S.O.B went and blooped a pinch hit single off lefty Javier Lopez (biggest knock on Trot has always been he can't hit lefties: think THAT hit felt good?) to break the tie and put the Indians ahead. Funny thing though: I didn't think screw you, or anything else negative. At that point in the game, I still had hope we were still in it: I was actually sort of happy for the guy.

After bleeding Red Sox red for 13 years and leaving parts of his body scattered all over Fenway Park and doctor offices everywhere, management basically told him his services were no longer required. Can't hit lefties, too injury prone, not worth the money you'll be wanting, etc...

Funny part is the guy who replaced him, JD Drew, could be called injury prone, not worth the money, can't hit lefties, etc... Don't get me wrong: I like JD, and at this point in their careers, JD is without a doubt the better player. He's had a lot of family stuff this season, pressure of a new team and new league, and I fully expect him to bounce back with a big year next season. I just miss Trotter.

So when he came through in his old stomping grounds last night, part of me was happy for the guy. Now, the perfect scenario would have been for us to stop the bleeding there and come back in the bottom and win. Didn't happen, and we head to Cleveland even at 1-1. Still, I think enough of the man to have named one of my children after him: so yeah, I may have smiled last night. Just a bit.

Finally, I think we did a good job picking the name. Little Trot has fallen down the stairs 5 times, fell off the couch and chairs more times than I can count, and has yet to meet a wall, table, or door frame he didn't think his head could take out.

Tough as nails: just like his namesake.