Ichiro Vs. Dice-K, Round One

Because we grew up in the middle of a cornfield surrounded by nothing but grain silos and chubby cows, the whole Boston Red Sox/New York Yankees madness sometimes escapes us. But even we can't ignore the inherent excitement of a Dice-K vs. Ichiro matchup tonight at Fenway Park.

If we were having any trouble having our interest nerves rankled, here's a DOUBLE HAPPY SMILEY YOW! quote from Ichiro about the matchup that will stir the souls of even the most placid observer.

"I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul," he says. "I plan to face him with the zeal of a challenger."

Outstanding. Totally reminds us of when Manny Ramirez said something similar about facing Mariano Rivera for the first time.

"You know what would be great right now? A sandwich. Sandwiches are awesome."

They are awesome. They really are.

Dice-K Vs. Ichiro: History To Repeat [Seattle Times] Our Flag To April's Breeze Unfurled [Soxaholix]