| Judith A. Culp. 6th June, 2005 - 5:22 pm
 There are many intriguing storylines with the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox returning to Busch Stadium for a three game series beginning tonight.
It was at Busch where the Red Sox broke the stultifying curse of the Babe and won their first title since 1918 in a four game sweep.
In the off season, shortstop Edgar Renteria spurned the offer tendered by the Cardinals to take a more front loaded contract from the Red Sox. St. Louis sports writers are convinced that Cardinal fans will give Renteria a rousing ovation when he is announced for the first time upon his return to the stadium he played in for six seasons. Many fans were disappointed that ER left grousing that the team didn?t want him and failed to make him a priority in the off season ? Cardinal Nation suspected that the shortstop wanted more money and Boston offered it to him, plain and simple.
But it should be noted that his numbers and reputation in the clubhouse prove that he was a great Cardinal. And these fans are the most gracious in all of baseball -- expect thunderous applause for the former Redbird.
Besides, life in Boston has not exactly been charmed for Edgar. He is batting .278 with 4 homers and he has been met with boos from an impatient crowd at Fenway Park. Many in St. Louis wonder if Edgar misses the friendly confines of Busch and the adoration of the Cardinal faithful. And if he did, would he admit it?
This series has many St. Louisans excited about a rematch and hopefully what will be a much more competitive display than the Fall Classic provided in October.
Both teams have undergone significant changes.
Boston lost Pedro Martinez to the Mets, Curt Schilling is on the DL with the ankle, Derek Lowe is now a Dodger and base running expert/game changer Dave Roberts is now with the red hot San Diego Padres.
The Cardinals now have Mark Grudzielanek at second base, David Eckstein at shortstop and added pitcher Mark Mulder. Many believe the 2005 Cardinals are a better team than the one that won over 100 games last season.
This series will bring about many emotions, but last season is long gone. The Cardinals are focusing on locking down the NL Central and the Red Sox need to close the three game lead the Baltimore Orioles currently hold in the AL East. |
