Pep Rally Minus the Pep: Rally Monday 2008 falls far short of 2007 Version

I hope today's somnolent Rally Monday isn't an indication of the post-season to come because, compared to last year, it fizzled big-time. The '07 rally, held in Town Square Plaza, had a lot more music, including the Red Sox' "adopted" band, the awesome Dropkick Murphys, some retro music from Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon and The Cowsills, more Sox players, and what seemed like a LOT more cheering. Ok, so the players had to board buses today to go to the airport, while last year they opened at home. But "Quest," the band playing at today's rally? Nothing to write home about. Couldn't hold a candle to the Dropkicks. And, boy was I bugged to see those annoying rally towels I had always associated with "the other teams". They look like a bunch of white flags being waved in surrender. I was really looking forward to this year's Rally Monday after last year's show of Red Sox pride. '07 was a blast, but '08 was a yawner. The only thing that could somewhat be construed as a highlight were the recycled "Beat LA" signs that have found new meaning. It's hard to live up to the 2007 season and their rally, but could there be a little more excitement than an 8 am algebra class?