Julian Tavarez Has Manny Ramirez on His Chest and David Ortiz on His Feet

There was a time when Julian Tavarez was more notorious in Boston for punching telephones and giving up that home run to Mark Bellhorn in Game One of the 2004 World Series.

But this season, dude's become a posterboy for peace, love and teamwork. To the point that he's actually starting to frighten us. In a good way, of course.

First, there was that bit where the NESN cameras caught him sitting blissfully on the dugout bench while Manny Ramirez stroked his hair. This weekend, he was shuffling around Fenway Park wearing shoes with David Ortiz's face plastered on them. And now, as noted in today's Boston Globe, he's complementing the Ortiz shoes with a Manny shirt.

The other morning in the Red Sox clubhouse, Julian Tavarez was bouncing around in a "Manny Being Manny" T-shirt, the one that lists all of Ramírez's hitting feats. On his feet were a pair of new shower shoes featuring David Ortiz's smiling face on top.

"My best friend," Tavarez said, tugging at the T-shirt, then pointing at his shoes. "And my teammate."

Seriously, does it get any cooler than that? Sure, if he's ever spotted wearing Julio Lugo dress slacks or a Terry Francona dinner jacket, it may be time to up the meds. But for now, with the team winning and so many good vibes in the clubhouse, it makes sense for Sox fans to just sit back and enjoy the ride.