Pedro's back

We spent a lot of time in Boston -- six years, maybe more -- talking about Pedro's shoulder, and they've spent about two years in New York talking about Pedro's toe. So it pleases me to say "Pedro's back," meaning of course the tempermental diva, the son of the Yankees, the under-the-mango-tree sitting headhunter is returning to Boston for the first time since signing with the Mets as a free agent.

He starts tonight at Fenway Park, unless he begs off the game between now and 7:05, an occurence that would surprise, especially given the standing ovation he recieved in the middle of the first inning last night.

You might look at Pedro's numbers with the Mets (22-11, an ERA under 3.00, and more strikeouts than innings pitched) and wish the Sox had offered him that fourth year guaranteed, but you have to remember he's in the junior league now, facing pitchers instead of DHs and getting seven innings out of those 100-pitch efforts that only give you 4.2 against the AL East.

I have no idea what to expect from Petey tonight. He could go 8 IP with 15 Ks, or the Sox could give him the Soler treatment and send him packing early.

I'll split the difference -- 7 IP, 3 ER, and a boatload of Ks. Billy Wagner blows the save.