By Marc Thaler
Managing Sports Editor

Managing the Red Sox is the toughest job in Boston – hands down. Nothing compares to the scrutiny that comes with serving as the squad’s skipper.

Baseball, for all the details that deserve attention prior to every pitch, is really pretty simple. The rules are easy to understand. The game’s pace makes it easy to follow.

Individuals who find baseball boring might say it’s the Internet’s version of the dial-up connection.

By contrast, Bill Belichick rarely has decisions questioned by the common man. The head coach’s three Super Bowl wins certainly make it hard for fans to find fault with his logic.

More articles • This is it • Nitwit nation • Closing argument • Patriots 102 • Show me the funny! • Tito has veto power • Impact was (mid) major • Patriots 101 • First-ever 'Noddies' • Pigs are flying • Coming to my senses • Farewell to this King • Preseason pressure • New blood • Beautiful day • Game may spark a Super discussion • Boy, his actions make me wonder • First night • Spill on a slippery slope • Groundhog Day on Yawkey Way • Saving the best for last • This Boss born to coach USA • Pa, it appears, still knows best • Giving thanks, gridiron style • Still not convinced they're Super • A costly lesson in time management • Unchallenged and unimpressive • Final thoughts on the '05 season • Story could have horrific ending • Man behind the Mike • Less than Wild about this finish • That's all, Foulke • Several holes in these Sox • Making a generous Pey-ment

Football, however, is much quicker and quite complex. Those are two reasons folks hesitate to harp on gridiron coaching decisions.

Generally, people don’t think they can coach football better than the man collecting the paycheck.

That’s not the case in baseball.

Well, it’s a good thing Theo Epstein doesn’t invite members of the Nation to interview for Terry Francona’s gig. Traveling that road would be a huge lapse in judgment, with emphasis on huge.

Boston baseball’s equivalent of American Idol comes to mind.

The latest and greatest example deals with the back end of Boston’s bullpen, specifically Jonathan Papelbon and Keith Foulke.

In the first month of the 2006 season, Francona handed the ball to both pitchers in tight situations. The results were extremely positive, particularly with Papelbon as the closer. The fireballer was a perfect 10-for-10 in April save opportunities, a Major League rookie record.

Foulke has been equally impressive in late-game relief appearances.

A greater separation in speed between his batting-practice fastball and changeup allowed Boston’s former closer to experience success for the first time since the ’04 postseason.

As a result, an increasing number of the Nation’s members – managing from the comfort of the couch – suddenly want Foulke to resume his role as stopper.

Place Papelbon in the starting rotation, they say.

Here’s where my Simon Cowell impersonation comes into play.

Anyone who suggests Papelbon appear anywhere but the game’s final frame is 100 percent, certifiably insane.

Jonathan Papelbon, for all his talent and potential to be a dominant starting pitcher, should be the final Sox hurler to take the hill when a win is on the line. At least in ’06, that’s his role. End of discussion.

Let’s remember, there’s no guarantee Foulke will continue to flourish. Furthermore, one month into the season, his bad knees are a concern.

Equally important, Foulke finally appears comfortable on the mound. He’s not responsible for recording the game’s final three outs, but his contribution in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings is considerable.

Yes, Boston’s starting rotation is weaker with David Wells’ body breaking down and Bronson Arroyo no longer in a Sox uniform.

Nonetheless, Boston has the chance to showcase a wildly effective bullpen, with a Bulldog from Mississippi State slamming the door.

Let’s also remember the Yankees won four titles from 1996 to 2000, the last three because Mariano Rivera never gave opponents a chance in the ninth.

According to Joe Torre, having a dominant closer capable of working every night is priceless.

In the opinion of New York’s skipper, it’s more valuable than a pitcher who walks to the mound once every five days.

It pains me to agree with the Pinstripes’ leader. But anyone taking Torre to task can talk to his hand – which has a championship ring fitted for every finger.