THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE

April 27, 2004 ... After rain caused the postponement of tonight's game, the Red Sox are expected to skip Byung Hyun Kim's final rehab start in Portland, Maine, and instead pitch him in the first game of tomorrow's day-night doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

It appears Trot Nixon's long rehabilitation stint is closer to an end.  The Sox right fielder played in an extended spring training game for Single A Fort Myers against the Orioles. He had five plate appearances, starting the game as a designated hitter, and then played three innings in right field (with one putout). He was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat, and then singled to center, grounded into fielder's choice, flied to left, and walked. Meanwhile, Nomar Garciaparra took 10 minutes of ground balls. Garciaparra is scheduled to follow it up today with his normal running program.

Sox groundskeeper Dave Mellor did a fine job re-soding the infield and parts of foul territory around the third base area and patches in right field. Because of the cold temperatures, Mellor, who normally does not re-sod during the season, had to bring in new sod while the Sox were in Toronto. Now he's hoping for a few warmer days. 

Sox pitchers began some hitting practice today. The Sox begin their interleague play until June 15 at Colorado.

Sox DH David Ortiz reiterated his desire to stay in Boston for the long term and said the sides have been talking about a new deal. Ortiz said there was nothing substantial to report, but don't be surprised if Ortiz's deal is done before any of the Big Four - Martinez, Lowe, Jason Varitek, and Garciaparra.