Doug Mirabelli must feel like a mistreated little puppy again today, having just been released by the Red Sox. The Sawx have drop-kicked the big catching animal three times now (2004, 2006, 2008), only to rush back to him, scratch behind his ears, and make his tail thump excitedly. Hell, they sent a police escort for him last time. What’s a boy to think?

This year’s girl, Kevin Cash, apparently knows how to make knuckler Tim Wakefield happy and is a much younger model. Also, Jason Varitek is saved from the embarrassment of six passed balls per game, which sounds painful on numerous levels.

So why does Mirabelli put up with the physical and emotional abuse? Why let the Red Sox treat him like Laurence Fishburne’s Ike Turner? What could be in it for him all these years?

What’s that? Seven million dollars in career salary, numerous endorsement offers, and two of these?

Fair enough. Give Kenny Williams a call, Doug; Charlie Haeger might need someone to carry his clubs this season. Also, Kenny won’t ask you to bring your own red paint to the park.