Boston’s come-from-behind victory over the Indians last night was probably the most satisfying win of the season, due mostly to positive contributions from unexpected quarters. Truthfully, I’d written the game off as a loss once Jon Lester got lifted in the fifth inning, because Westbrook was pitching decently, Betancourt was waiting in the wings, and we needed to hold the Tribe down with Julian Tavarez, who, quite honestly, inspires as much confidence as Hubert H. Humphrey these days.

And so, purely out of spite, Tavarez takes the hill and throws two-plus innings of quality relief, striking out four while allowing two hits, then gives way to Mike Timlin, who deals one inning of unblemished relief, which hasn’t happened in three years (or so it seems). Meanwhile, Betancourt gives up a solo shot to Youk leading off the 8th…and this after striking out Big Papi and Manny with the tying runs on base in the 7th inning. I mean, who saw that tater coming? Moreover, who could have foreseen the 9th-inning implosion by Cleveland closer Joe Borowski? Ya know, other than all of Ohio?

On the face of it, Manny Ramirez hiring Scott Boras is like President Bush hiring a campaign manager. Really, what’s the use? Has all of Major League Baseball (both players and team ownership) decided to get together and drive Boras insane? A-Rod won’t talk to him, Sheffield calls him a bad person, and now Manny wants his representation. But for what exactly? And why now?

The Red Sox hold team options on Manny — $20 million per year in 2009 and 2010 — so he can’t opt out like A-Rod did last year. Meanwhile, Theo Epstein has said the Sox will wait until after the season before making a decision about Manny’s 2009 option. He didn’t, however, say the team would be unwilling to consider a new deal altogether. And really, when it comes down to it, why else would Ramirez need a negotiator like Boras?

The discussion turns to steroids and Andy Pettitte. Mike Timlin praised the Yankee left hander for being truthful. “God asks him in life, as us all, to be honest. He is not trying to tear down Clemens.”

Next up, a feature by Dave Briggs on Jason Varitek.

Signing off until tomorrow.

Wakefield and Timlin just hit the stage. Topic No. 1 is Schilling.

Both pitchers, who are each holding father time at bay, appreciate Schilling’s desire to stay on the field.

A couple of challenges faced show no. 2 1) It’s raining. Not hard by any means, but through out the night we have been anticipating inclement weather. Until now it has held off. 2) The audio that is being fed to the crowd was on delay so Gary and Felger would hear what they said 5 second after they said it. Not an ideal situation to work under and midway through the A block the audio technicians had the problem corrected.

The rain just picked up. It’s really raining hard now. Check that, it’s pouring.