It's Getting Worse!

This was supposed to be the time when the Hose would be getting close to clinching the AL East title! All that added talent, the "best rotation" in the AL; etc., etc, etc. Well, the injury bug hasn't been as bad as last year when it kept the Hose out of the playoffs totally, but it's been bad enough. Bucky's been gone for nearly two months and "may" be ready to throw from a mound by this weekend (but who knows if or when in a game); JB's got a sudden ankle sprain and is day-to-day, but is already missing one start, maybe another. Youk's back out with hip bursitis and may not play before the next homestand, starting next Thursday. And, the W-L record is looking pretty serious. Sox lost to the Rays tonight, their 3d loss in a row and 5th of six games overall. The Rays have quietly crept back into distant contention, but contention nevertheless for the wild card, just 5.5 behind the Sox after tonight's latest Lackey-luster effort. About the only good thing that can be said about the Hose this week is that they are always fighting. However, "always fighting" still doesn't cut it if the result is a large "L". One other good thing: Jake stretched his consecutive game hit streak to 14. Sox ribbie leaders Jake, Papi and Gonzo still have an opportunity to get a trio of century RBI men, but we're down to 18 games. Papi needs eight and Jake needs ten. Gonzo's already there and, entering tonight's game was in second in the league (to go with his league leadership in hits and B.A.).The team still has an outside chance at three 30 homer guys as well, but it's going to be tight.