Feeding the beast without getting bitten. (Closer).

When you go to a big market, a lot changes--the expectations, the pressure and the media scrutiny. If you can't handle the media, Boston and New York are the toughest places to play, followed closely by Philly.

In Boston, there is a distinct line between the media and the players. To be honest, the media here is brutal. They are the most negative spin doctors I've run into. They make big deals out of nothing. One reporter goes in for an interview, and the next thing you know there are 35 around your locker asking the dumbest questions, such as, "Did you mean to give up that homer?" or "After this loss, is your team finished?"

The reporters are the only real contact players have with the fans, and they should realize that these fans hang on every word in the papers. The fans believe everything that is written about their beloved team, and they are fueled by the media.

The media make the players appear to be bigger than life. The media also control the interest in the team. If a story is on the front page, then the fans get fired up and the team is fresh on everybody's mind. All of this creates even more interest, which is great, but the tilt in the media here in Boston is vicious.

In fact, in spring training, there are meetings about how to handle the media in Boston. Reporters here ask the same question six different ways. They figure you're not smart enough to figure out they're asking the same question, and you'll answer it just to get them to leave you alone. They will ask the question like, "Do you think Player A or Player B ...