pitchers and catchers report

the world begins anew. everyone receives a fresh outlook on life. all the past struggles and triumphs are gone. all the previous heartbreaks and victories fade into history. everyone is equal again. everyone, well almost everyone, has an opportunity to succeed or to fail; past champions become just that. for a few fleeting moments, everyone is on equal ground. there are no winners, no losers, no wait til next years. for a red sox fan, this is the best time of the season. hope reigns king as the prospect of a championship year once again seems a possibility. there is no won-loss record to deter from the goal at hand, the ultimate goal of bringing the world series trophy back to boston. back to the true fans who so desire, yet fear, this success. could this be the year is restated as this could be the year. all bets are off. it does not matter so much what everyone else has done; everyone has to start over. now sure, some are able to outspend others, but, unless we're talking a/b the yankees who can buy their way to a pennant every year, it has to be a magical year blessed with the lack of injuries and filled with comradery and team unity. it offers a chance to have a dream fulfilled. not only can the worst team imagine the impossible, but the fans who so long for, so envision, so deserve a world series championship might actually receive one. it could be a dream come true, a chance to forget the nightmare of '78 or even worse '86. it's a time when realists and even pessimists become hopeful. b/c only in baseball can these 4 words signify such optimism...pitchers and catchers report!