The night could have been perfect. The 2004 World Series rematch. Edgar Renteria returning to the field where his last at bat ended that very World Series. But the only way the night would have turned out perfect is if the skies opened up after Renteria acknowledged his standing “O” and washed the whole ensuing mess away.

Renteria should have worn the number 643 as he bounced into two double-plays, also booting an easy play in the field. Wakefield looked bad, 7 hits and 4 walks in 5 and two-thirds. Varitek looked like a blind man trying to play catcher. Three passed balls, and I know there’s a Queer Eye joke in there but I’m too lazy to find it. Add that to just 4 hits from the offense and it equals a loss.

It was one of those games that felt like it was over before it started. Yet, if you’re like me, you continue to watch, too weak to change the channel, instead hoping for a power outage or temporary blindness. ‘Cause there was nothing good to see in that game. But tonight, we get Jeff Suppan, and that is usually good to heal what ails us. Against the Illinois Rail Splitter no less. I like our chances.

And of course, there is always solace in looking at the standings and seeing the Yankees under .500 after their 8th loss in 9 games. Randy just can’t get it done. And the “patient” NY fans and media aren’t happy.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “For those who like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing they like.”