Sharing a few thoughts while trying to talk increasingly panicked members of Red Sox Nation off the ledge:

Take a deep breath. Slowly exhale. Repeat steps one and two as needed. Think nothing but pleasant thoughts, like this one; excluding the six Boston-New York games against each other, the combined record of the Yankees remaining opponents is one game over .500. The Sox remaining opponents are 51-games under the breakeven mark.

Now crawl back in through the window and enjoy the rest of the pennant race, would you!

The best line I’ve read about the Red Sox newest reliever is; “you can’t spell Gagne without the G-A-G.” However, I’m with Terry Francona in believing the same people booing him now will be cheering Eric Gagne come October. I’d be much more worried if he’d come to Boston directly from the National League, but having pitched very successfully in Texas the first four months of the season tells me the Canadian born hurler can handle the American League’s big bats. He just needs to stop throwing seven consecutive fastballs to the Miguel Tejada’s of the world.

A-Rod hits career home run #500. Tom Glavine wins his 300th. Barry Bonds tops Hammerin’ Hank Aaron. But the most fascinating milestone of the month in my book took place last Wednesday when Bobby Cox surpassed John McGraw for most all-time ejections with 132.

No standing ovation from the home crowd. No on-field ceremony. No recorded messages from the deceased McGraw. (Field of Dreams II, anyone?) In fact, Cox didn’t even throw a quality nutty. He was ejected before leaving the dugout by home plate umpire Ted Barrett. How weak! I would have thought a base toss or fake grenade launch toward home plate would be the minimum requirement for such a momentous occasion.

It’s hard to get too excited about the Patriots pre-season contests (see, I didn’t call them exhibition games!), especially since the guy we’re most interested in seeing, Randy Moss, hasn’t played a snap yet. The best vision so far has to be Rodney Harrison running around like the madman we’ve come to expect. I don’t know how much more pounding that body can take, but as long as Harrison is back there terrorizing receivers on crossing routes, I think the Pats secondary can survive Asante Samuel’s absence.

How great does that 2001 draft day trade look for the San Diego Chargers now? Even before Michael Vick’s off-field exploits had him headed for the hoosegow, his on-field struggles and LaDainian Tomlinson’s assault on the record books made the deal a steal of “Parish & McHale for Joe Barry Carroll” proportions.

Trivia question; along with Tim Dwight and a 3rd rounder in that 2001 draft, the Chargers also acquired a 2nd rounder in 2002. Who did they choose with that pick? (answer below)

Programming Note: You might want to break out the old school colors and get to a phone line next Monday night. Rick Harrison, the Lowell Sun’s gridiron guru joins us on SportsTalk Live for our High School Football extravaganza. Coaches from some of the Merrimack Valley’s top teams will also be on the line to discuss their respective squads and the upcoming season. Lowell High head man Al Pare is already on board and the full list will be updated online in the coming days.

As always’ you’re invited to join in with your questions or comments for the hosts and guests. The number to dial in is (978)364-TALK (8255). Showtime is 7-8pm. We suggest you call a few minutes early to get in line and show a little school pride before the season’s opening kickoff!

Trivia Answer: Reche Caldwell