Peter Abraham, a well-respected Yankees scribe, posted this howler on his Lohud blog last night: An open letter to Red Sox’ manager Terry Francona, suggesting the manager of the World Series champions should choose Yankees’ closer Mariano Rivera as the starting pitcher in next Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. No, you are not hallucinating; and yes, Mr. Abraham appears to be sincere. If you needed any additional evidence that the Red Sox own the Yankees’ soul, well, here it is: A Yankees beat writer pleading with the Red Sox to extend an olive branch to the Yankees and their fans.

These are excerpts from Abraham’s column, interspersed with the commentary of a sane person, i.e., me.

An open letter to Terry Francona:

It doesn’t look like the Yankees will be making the playoffs this season, so this could be the last time the grand old stadium is in the national spotlight.

(Apparently he’s forgetting that New York Rangers hockey game.)

Here’s an idea that would make the game even more special: Name Mariano Rivera the starting pitcher for the American League.

Yes, we know, Rivera is a closer. But he also has been the best pitcher in the American League for more than a decade now. Here is an opportunity for his greatness to be recognized at his home ballpark in front of a worldwide audience.

(Peter, Rivera was such a great starting pitcher that he was converted into a reliever.)

Stay with us, Terry. Cliff Lee of the Indians has been terrific this season. But he’s not even the best starter on his own team. Do we really want to see him throw the first pitch of the All-Star Game? Joe Saunders of the Angels has a compelling case. But it would be nice if the starting pitcher was somebody people actually recognized. Justin Duchscherer? John Danks? No and no. Felix Hernandez will get his chance some other time. Even you have to admit that Josh Beckett has stumbled more than you would have liked.

(Stay with us, Peter. Jon Lester tossed a no-hitter earlier this season. He also just pitched a complete game shutout against the Yankees in the grand old stadium. He’s in the Top 10 in the AL in ERA and fourth in innings pitched. Oh, and he plays for the Red Sox, so Francona might actually be interested in making him happy.)

Rivera has a 1.17 ERA and has converted all 23 of his save opportunities this season. Have you seen his stats? He has allowed 22 hits in 38 1/3 innings and struck out 44. He has walked three. Start him, it’s 1-2-3, and you send the offense up to the plate. You’re guaranteed a good start.

(Because Rivera is a proven starter.)

But this goes beyond strategy. For all he has done in baseball, Rivera curiously has been left out at awards time. He has not won the MVP Award or Cy Young Award, and he was the World Series MVP only once in the four times the Yankees have won the title during his tenure.

(Maybe the Yankees should have won more World Series.)

This could be his last chance to get some real recognition.

(Until the next time he coughs up a save to the Red Sox.)

We’re talking about one of the best players in the history of the game, the best relief pitcher ever.

(Yeah, if I were picking an inaugural 5 for Cooperstown, I’d pick Ruth, Wagner, Walter Johnson, Willie Mays and John Wettleland’s old caddy. P.S. He’s not even the best relief pitcher in Yankees history.)

Has any professional athlete ever been better at his job?

(Besides Jordan, Tiger Woods, Jim Brown and Secretariat? Probably not.)

What’s in it for you as manager of the rival Red Sox? Glad you asked. After Rivera starts, you can use your guy Jonathan Papelbon as the closer. Papelbon is happy, Boston is happy and you win the game.

(And then we all go to Sizzler!)

You become the classy Boston manager who recognized the legendary Yankee.

(i.e., the soft-bellied schmuck who tossed a bone to a one-inning mahn-sta.)

The New York fans get to cheer as Rivera warms up to "Enter Sandman," and it’s can’t-miss television for Fox.

(Because people won’t watch unless Rivera is starting.)

There is no downside to this.

(Other than the Red Sox’ manager doing something to relieve the pain and humiliation of being a Yankee rooter these days.)