Longtime readers of RandBall will recall that we've had an ongoing antagonistic relationship with reader Lizzy that goes back to her days hanging and writing with Sooze over at Babes Love Baseball. Every once in a while, Lizzy will demand that we have a (s)word-fight, and it usually descends into a Minnesota vs. Boston thing pretty quickly. That's what happened this time, which kind of put us at a disadvantage from the start. But we tried. Here we go: RandBall: Frankly, Lizzy, we're a little surprised you picked this stretch of time to engage us in another round of epic (s)word-fighting. Because, while we've become quite accustomed to losing here in Minnesota – seriously, it's been about the worst year ever – your favorite teams seem to be getting re-acquainted with the notion.

Red Sox? Well, we know they've won a few games lately to "improve" to 5-11, but seriously? When national programs start asking questions like "Can the Red Sox rebound?" and "What's wrong with Boston?" less than one-tenth of the way into a baseball season, you know things aren't going well. Frankly, we're not sure why so many people were wildly optimistic about this over-rated bunch in the first place. But we're getting proof this season that just because you majorly overpay for a pitcher (Lackey, Dice-K, ahem) doesn't mean that pitcher will deliver top-of-the-rotation results. You can pay $20 for a burrito from Taco Bell, Lizzy. That doesn't mean it's worth it.

Celtics? Well, we can all have some fun watching the fading bunch at least dispatch the unsavory Knicks, who are copying the Miami Heat plan with lesser players. After that? We're pretty sure this is the end of the road. That's not to say the Celtics are unlikable. They're just old.

Patriots? Well, other than losing to a huge rival in the playoffs and then watching your sensitive QB cry on TV the other day, everything is looking great. You have tons of picks in the upcoming draft, who should be ready to contribute when the NFL resumes in 2013.

Bruins? Yeah, you're back in the series now temporarily with Montreal. But they should follow suit eventually and lose in the playoffs to their biggest rival.

It was a nice run, Lizzy. We'll save you a seat over here in Loserville!

This woman is NOT harmless.

Lizzy: Oh RandBall, I know how much you love playing swords.

If I'm remembering correctly, 2010 was a pretty rough start for my beloved Beantown baseball team. They went 11-12 in the month of April. Yes, they didn't make the playoffs, but they were far from being the Pittsburgh Pirates (sorry, Pirates fans) come the end of the season. The bats will come around. Carl Crawford isn't going to hit .130 for an entire season. Remember David Ortiz's April last year? Everyone comes around eventually. As my boy Dustin "Pedey" Pedroia said the other day, "we're five games out of first place with 150 to go. I think we can do it." Two wins against the Yankees during this abominable start was the best part. Think about that for a second. With a pitching staff that has been throwing more meatballs than little Italy during Feast of San Gennaro and Carl Crawford unable to find the broad side of a barn with the bat, the Sox still managed to take two from the Bombers. Think about THAT when A-Rod takes Pavano behind the shed over and over during the first week of October. So, how's Joe Nathan's return been going?

On to the Celtics. Does Minnesota have a professional basketball team? Last I checked they were just more or less a Boston farm system. Thanks again for Kevin Garnett by the way. Yes, he takes the smack talking to an occasional level of inappropriate that would make the ghost of George Carlin blush, but man that guy can play defense. Even with knees that are held together with double sided tape and super glue, guy can ball. They won't get past whoever they meet in the next round, but few things have been as satisfying over the last couple of years than watching Rajon Rondo mature into one of the best point guards in the game. I miss his headband wearing very much.

I'd rather my team's QB be crying on TV than sending pictures of his mini-me to sideline reporters. But the Patriots will be the second most awesome team playing in Foxboro next year. BECAUSE MY UMASS MINUTEMEN ARE JOINING THE MAC!!!

Hockey. Zzzzzzzzzz. Sorry, I know it's huge in Southern Canada.