I hope the Red Sox repeat... their 2006 season

You couldn't have been fooled by the title. Certainly, you all remember the way the Red Sox's 2006 season unfolded. The first half was similar to last year and this year, with the very real possibility of another World Series title. But then came the downfall.

Injuries started piling up, some of the bizarre variety. David Ortiz came down with an irregular heartbeat and missed some time. Jon Lester was diagnosed with cancer after complaining of back pain. Josh Beckett was getting rocked in his first season in the AL. Before you knew it, Eric Hinske was a regular in the lineup and Devern Hansack had cracked the starting rotation. While the Yankees were busy with their annual sob story ("oh, we showed SO much character bounding back from a .500 start to reach the playoffs with a $200 million payroll, isn't it just heartwarming?"), the Tigers swept America's hearts with their surprise playoff berth and subsequent run to the World Series. The Red Sox were home for October.

So could that dream become a reality again in 2008? Curt Schilling is out until at least July. Mike Lowell, Sean Casey, and Josh Beckett have already spent time on the disabled list. At times even during a 17-12 start, the Red Sox have, dare I say, looked beatable. Yet we all know that come the second half, they have the almighty powers above on their side, which is the toughest foe of all to beat.

But before this recent high the Sox have gone on, believe it or not (I'm still trying to convince myself, actually) Boston baseball fans suffered a few late-season meltdowns. So I for one will be keep my fingers crossed that history does indeed repeat itself. And that would mean that the word "repeat" does not get uttered once we reach October.