It's not often that two guys with multiple rings get handed their walking papers in the same day:

1) The Patriots are prepared to part ways with wide receiver Troy Brown, as the team is not planning to offer its all-time leader in receptions a contract for the 2008 season. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, out of courtesy to Brown, the Patriots recently informed the 15-year veteran, who is a free agent, that he was not in their immediate plans and that if he was interested in returning for a 16th NFL season he was free to field offers from other teams.

2) In a move that was somewhat surprising, the Red Sox parted ways with Doug Mirabelli, putting the veteran backup catcher on unconditional release waivers before Thursday's exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

So which move is more significant? I have no doubt that the release of Mirabelli will get more ink and more air time, because Red Sox news always gets a disproportionate amount of attention in the Boston press. But to fans this isn't even close. The end of the road for Troy Brown is huge news, even if we've seen it coming forever. He holds the franchise record for career catches, postseason catches, postseason receiving yards and punt return yards. His willingness to play two ways saved a Super Bowl season. He made more clutch, game-winning plays than there's space here to list. He turned down more money to stay in Foxboro. He's personified everything that makes life as a Patriots fan worth living.

Mirabelli? He, um... can catch a knuckleball. Most of the time. With all due respect, once they ask Kevin Cash to do the same, how long will it take for him to learn everything there is to know about mastering the art? Two weeks? Frankly Mirabelli's importance to the club has been vastly overstated. He hasn't hit higher than .202 in three seasons, and when Wakefield goes on the DL (which 40+ year old pitchers inevitably do), it renders Mirabelli as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

Vote "1" for "Troy Brown will always be Mr. Patriot" or "10" for "Send the motorcade to bring Doug Mirabelli back."