09:45 AM EDT on Tuesday, July 13, 2004

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

PAWTUCKET -- If it happens to rain either today or tomorrow, the PawSox are prepared to deal with it.

The Pawtucket Red Sox have planned a "baseball paradise" for tonight's Baseball Block Party and WaterFire, though the forecast is calling for rain.Regardless, it won't put a damper on the many displays, concerts and exhibits that are planned.

"We can't control the weather," said PawSox team vice president and general manager Lou Schwechheimer. "We have said from the get-go, Tuesday is rain or shine. We're looking forward to folks coming out, putting on their rain slickers and let's go. This is New England, we can handle this."

PawSox owner Ben Mondor, who has said that this will be his last year with the team, has joked that if it rains, he'll be on the first plane to Canada.

"God, I pray so much," said Mondor. "I've worn out two rosary beads already."

Last night went off with no weather problems, but it began to sprinkle around 9:45.If today's expected inclement weather persists for tomorrow's All-Star game, and it needs to be postponed, it will be rescheduled for Thursday.

In the event of rain tomorrow, tickets are good for the rain date only. If the rain date is postponed or cancelled for any reason, the event ticket (unless complimentary) will serve as a gift certificate equal to the printed value on the face of the ticket.

Last year, the PawSox suffered through 14 regular-season postponements and figured they paid the price for this season. Only one home game has been postponed and the weather for the majority of the season has been perfect.

"Even though there's a game involved, this is more of an event," said Pawtucket and International League All-Star manager Buddy Bailey. "The way everyone here put it together, let's hope it doesn't rain."