"A year ago, Ken Williams ­received an ovation when he walked into a restaurant.

"Do you get that a lot?" his girlfriend asked.

Lately, yes, Williams said, but see what happens if things go south.

We all know how that story ended. High-priced players tanked, making Williams look like a reckless spender, and the Sox finished four games below .500.

Williams took his punishment for it at SoxFest on Friday night. He got booed.

"It kind of comes with the territory,'' Williams told a small group of reporters afterward.

The majority of Sox loyalists who paid good money to attend the opening ceremonies applauded Williams, but the boo-birds were heard loud and clear. They had their say and were done. When introduced later, there were only cheers."