THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE

June 28, 2004 ...  No game scheduled ... It started with a shoe box in the middle of the clubhouse, with David Ortiz asking for donations. It peaked yesterday when Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, and Sox owners John Henry, Tom Werner, and team CEO Larry Lucchino announced at Fenway Park that $200,000 has been raised for the Dominican Republic Flood Relief Fund. Henry matched the $100,000 raised by Sox sponsors, fans, and players.  The Sox, who opened a baseball academy in El Toro, D.R., last December, have taken a deep interest in the relief effort.

Curt Schilling had his fourth MRI on his balky right ankle yesterday and team doctor Bill Morgan said the test showed the ankle is stable and Schilling will make his next start this weekend in Atlanta. Manager Terry Francona had suspected the news would be good because "he's really felt better and better the last 10 days."

The rehabbing Bill Mueller and Ellis Burks played for Pawtucket last night in its 13-5 win in Norfolk, Va. Mueller played third went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI, while Burks went 0 for 2 and scored a run as a DH

In the latest All-Star vote totals, Manny Ramirez is still second in the outfield in the AL behind the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero. The Yankees have three infielders in line to start - first baseman Jason Giambi, shortstop Derek Jeter, and third baseman Alex Rodriguez.